Exam Card 25

 Reading 

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

QUALITY OF COMMUNICATION

        The Internet nowadays is like a huge city full of many different kinds of places and people. As in a real city, there are certain places which are suitable for youngsters and others which need to be avoided.

      The Internet neither belongs to nor is controlled by any one person, organization or government. It gives all of us the opportunity to create materials for others to see. On the other hand, as in ordinary life, there are those who might use it for illegal purposes. The freedom of the Net offers exciting opportunities for youngsters and, by being aware of the possible dangers and taking steps to avoid them, they can happily explore that online world in safety.

    The Internet has enabled and advanced new forms of human interactions through instant messaging, Internet forums, and social networking. Common sense will certainly help children to use the Internet safely. It is preferable, for example, for parents to get to know who their children are meeting online and make sure they never give out personal information about themselves. Although it is an excellent tool for learning, playing and communicating with others, youngsters should not be allowed to become so involved that they forget other activities important to their development. How often do we hear of youngsters spending all their free time in front of the computer, isolating themselves from other people their age? Computers are admirable tools that improve the quality of life, but when used sensibly. Steve Jobs said: “Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have a faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them”. Obviously, surfing as a family activity is the best solution, so that any problems that are found can be discussed together.

    Parents need to think about safety issues and agree on a set of rules. Just as youngsters are given instructions on road safety, they also need to be instructed on how to travel safely along that superhighway.

2.  The author says that the Internet offers exciting opportunities for youngsters. Find this extract and read it aloud.

3.  What is surfing the Internet compared to?

4.  Why is it important to use the Internet sensibly?

Listening 

II.  Listen to three people speaking about their work-life balance and answer the questions below.

    1.   What does the first speaker complain about?

    2.   How has the life style of the second speaker changed?

    3.   What does the third speaker think about his way of life and the typical Japanese work-life balance?

Speaking

III. Let’s talk about tourism