Exam Card 24

 Reading 

 1. Read the article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

WE ARE YOUNGER THAN WE EVER WERE

        If you belong to the older generation, Elderhostel is a good place to live.

    Elderhostel, founded in 1975, is the world’s largest educational and travel organisation for older adults. Its aim is to excite people’s minds and enrich people’s lives promoting and encouraging different activities among the older generation. There are no examinations or marks. All that you need, in order to enroll on a programme, is enquiring mind¹ and an adventurous spirit. Also, of course, you need to believe that learning and discovery continue all your life. There are expert instructors and experienced group leaders for field trips and cultural excursions.

       Elderhostel offers a large number of programmes in a huge variety of areas. Amongst other things, it provides simple, on­line information on activities and services. First of all, there are traditional programmes. Here, people study ancient history, literature, and art, and can learn about different cultures, modern people and issues.

       Also, Elderhostel believes that physical activity helps people to keep a positive self­image and contributes to the sense of well­being both mental and physical. Many programmes have keep­fit equipment and a large number of social and cultural events take place there, as well as sporting activities. Regular physical activity can prevent many common illnesses, such as high blood pressure and asthma and it helps people who already have such illnesses. Alongside the usual sports like swimming, hockey and cricket, bowling and tennis, you will find “Dog Clubs” and “Flying Clubs”. Then there is a group of adventure programmes involving activities like hiking, kayaking², biking and studying whales.

     There are also programmes which give people the chance to help communities in different ways, such as protecting endangered species, tutoring school children and building affordable housing.

     Finally, there are programmes which take place aboard a boat, anywhere from Antarctic to the Mississippi River.

       The word ‘old’ has a very different and very positive meaning in Elderhostel!

¹ enquiring mind [ɪnˈkwaəɪrɪŋ maɪnd] пытливый, проницательный ум

² a kayak [ˈkaɪæk] каяк (эскимосская лодка)

2.  What kind of organisation is Elderhostel? Read aloud the extract which says about it.

3.  What activities does Elderhostel offer?

4.  Why does the word ‘old’ have a positive meaning in Elderhostel?

Listening

II.  Listen to the three people speaking about how they met their partners and answer the questions below.

    1.   Why was the first speaker surprised?

    2.   When did the second speaker ask the girl out?

    3.   Why did the third speaker think that the girl was awful when they first met?

Speaking

III. Let’s talk about education