In a profession where black women are still in the minority, Alek Wek (1) ... the title 'super-model'. Her life, however, hasn’t been easy. Alek was born into a poor family in Sudan in 1977, the seventh of nine children. In 1983, civil war broke out. In the end, Alek's family decided to move to Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, where unfortunately Alek’s father died. In 1991, Alek and her younger sister moved to the UK. Their older sister (2) ... to Britain three years earlier. They (3) ... refugee status in Britain. Wek (4) ... a course in fashion and business when she was discovered by a scout from the Models One agency in London. The discovery (5) ... her available for the music video “Golden Eye” by Tina Turner, which eventually became the starter of her professional career. Since then Wek has been a top model for over 15 years. However, these days she (6) ... more and more time working with charities which help Africa. Since 2002, Wek has been an advisor to the US Committee for Refugees. In the 1990s, Alek Wek changed the stereotype of how a model should look. Now she (7) ... the stereotype of how a model should behave.

Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its many attractions include the Children's Railway, which is different from other railways because this train line (1) ... by youngsters aged 10 to 14. It (2) ... passengers through the beautiful forest parks of the Buda Hills ever since it (3) ... up in 1948.

Today, the railway (4) ... approximately 300,000 people a year on the 11-kilometre journey through the hills. Only young people who (5) ... successfully a special four-month training course are allowed to work there. The railway operates daily, and the young workers have to take one day off school every two weeks to participate. As long as their schoolwork (6) ... , their involvement is encouraged. Similar railways have been set up in other parts of the world, including Russia and Bulgaria, but the Budapest Children's Railway remains one of the largest and most popular trains of its kind that (7) ... passengers.

No one knows who invented maps, or when or even where. The oldest known examples date back over 4,000 years, but the idea may be far older. It is not surprising that maps (1) ... many travellers to great achievements. It is almost impossible to look at a map without wondering what (2) ... in the place on it. Countless explorers have been inspired by maps to test the truth of what the maps describe and explore their frontiers. However, the lack of accurate maps almost (3) ... to a mutiny (мятеж) aboard Columbus‟s ship in 1492. More recently there was a near disaster during the Apollo space mission. The astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin came frightfully close to crashing into a huge crater that lunar cartographers (4) ... to mark. Even now, cartographers (5) ... the world. Some jungle-covered areas of South and Central America haven‟t yet been mapped in full detail. We (6) ... better maps of other planets than we do of our own. Many years (7) ... before we have an atlas of the Earth as good as the one we have for the Moon.

The American bald eagle (1) ... off the endangered register in the next two years. More than 1,130 animals and plants (2) ... by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as endangered or threatened, making it illegal to kill or harm them. Until now, few species had been removed from the register and when they were it was usually because they (3) ... extinct. As America's national bird, the bald eagle has been protected in various ways since 1940. The eagle, that is not really bald but looks it because of the white feathers on its head, (4) ... only in North America. It (5) ... the centre of attention in the argument about the best way to protect endangered species. Most environmentalists agree that if the use of pesticides isn't reduced, it (6) ... the reproductive system of rare species. But fortunately, there are now more than 5,000 nesting pairs of the bald eagle in the continental US and the numbers (7) ... at 10 per cent a year.

When student Sheridan Gregorio (1) ... at Fortaleza airport in Brazil, he (2) ... to fly home to Holland. He had had a great vacation, but unfortunately he (3) ... all his money. All he had was his airline ticket back to Amsterdam. But when he checked in, the airline employees at the airport said, "You have to pay airport tax before you (4) ... the country." Even though Sheridan explained that he was completely broke, he (5) ... to fly, so he missed his flight home. His ticket was nonrefundable, so now he needed to buy a new ticket and pay the airport tax. Since he (6) ... no money, Sheridan's only option was to sleep in the airport and work in restaurants in exchange for food and some money. He (7) ... for five months, before he (8) ... enough money for the airport tax, and the Brazilian police persuaded the airline to let him use his old ticket to go home. Sheridan finally arrived home safe and sound last week.

As she rang the doorbell, Susan felt a mixture of fear and excitement. She (1) ... for this moment for a longtime yet she doubted if it was the right decision to go there and to ring the doorbell. She hoped no one (2) ... to open the door. Susan was only four when she (3) ... her father for the last time. Her mother (4) ... about him and about the reason why he had left them. Susan had seen a few pictures of her father but she had never known what to feel towards him. Susan didn't know what to expect from this meeting. She (5) ... her father for more than twenty years. She (6) ... she should leave when the door opened. Susan couldn't say anything but there was no need. A few seconds later thcy (7) ... in each other's arms and they stayed there for several long minutes.

The American bald eagle (1) ... off the endangered register in the next two years. More than 1,130 animals and plants (2) ... by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as endangered or threatened, making it illegal to kill or harm them. Until now, few species had been removed from the register and when they were it was usually because they (3) ... extinct. As America's national bird, the bald eagle has been protected in various ways since 1940. The eagle, that is not really bald but looks it because of the white feathers on its head, (4) ... only in North America. It (5) ... the centre of attention in the argument about the best way to protect endangered species. Most environmentalists agree that if the use of pesticides isn't reduced, it (6) ... the reproductive system of rare species. But fortunately, there are now more than 5,000 nesting pairs of the bald eagle in the continental US and the numbers (7) ... at 10 per cent a year.

When student Sheridan Gregorio (1) ... at Fortaleza airport in Brazil, he (2) ... to fly home to Holland. He had had a great vacation, but unfortunately he (3) ... all his money. All he had was his airline ticket back to Amsterdam. But when he checked in, the airline employees at the airport said, "You have to pay airport tax before you (4) ... the country." Even though Sheridan explained that he was completely broke, he (5) ... to fly, so he missed his flight home. His ticket was nonrefundable, so now he needed to buy a new ticket and pay the airport tax. Since he (6) ... no money, Sheridan's only option was to sleep in the airport and work in restaurants in exchange for food and some money. He (7) ... for five months, before he (8) ... enough money for the airport tax, and the Brazilian police persuaded the airline to let him use his old ticket to go home. Sheridan finally arrived home safe and sound last week.

Nobody wants to deal with a medical emergency when they are on (1) ... holiday. (2) ... practice you may not have any choice in (3) ... matter, and it is best to be as well prepared as possible. If you are travelling independently that means taking a medical kit (ап­теч­ка). The whole idea of the kit is that you can carry it around (4) ... you, therefore it needs to be both light and compact. You can buy a pre-packed kit which includes the main things essential (5) ... all minor inconveniences. Cuts, stings can be sorted (6) ... easily by using the things in the kit. It's also important to buy and read a good basic first aid book, which will help you to know what to do (7) ... any possible emergencies. Finally, keep your first aid kit in a pocket or towards the top of your bag in case you need to find it in (8) ... hurry.

In 1995 I went (1) ... a trip which was (2) ... absolute disaster. I was going to Berlin on business when, by accident, I got (3) ... the wrong train. We were on the way to Brussels before realised my mistake. When I got to Brussels I had more problems because all my money was in German Marks and I didn't have my credit card with me. By chance I found (4) ... helpful policeman who was soon (5) ... the phone to my company. Thanks (6) ... his help I was able to arrange (7) ... . Some money to be sent to a nearby bank. I spent that night in a hotel and paid my bill in (8) ... cash before leaving. In the end I got to Berlin twenty-four hours later than I had expected. Everyone thought my trip was a big joke.

The Scout Movement has a rich and exciting history which has led (1) ... it becoming the leading global youth movement of today. There are more than 40 million Scouts in over 200 countries and territories today. Scouting as (2) ... movement began with 20 boys and an experimental camp in 1907. It was held on Brownsea Island, near Poole in Dorset, England. (3) ... camp was (4) ... great success and proved (5) ... its organiser, Robert Baden- Powell, that his training and methods appealed (6) ... young people and really worked. In 1908, he published the first Scouting for Boys, a book issued in fortnightly (вы­хо­дя­щий каж­дые две не­де­ли) parts at four pence each. The book was immediately sold out. Baden-Powell’s only intention was to provide existing youth organisations (7) ... a new method of training boys. (8) ... his surprise, youngsters started to organise themselves into what was destined to become the world’s largest voluntary youth movement.

(1) Nowadays ... ease with which we can wash our clothes is taken for granted. All we have to do is pop our laundry into the washing machine, put in some washing powder, make sure the settings are correct and switch on. However, this basic appliance has only become ... common feature of most households since the 1950s.

(2) The first mechanical washing machines were in ... use as far back as the 1700s, but it wasn't until the early 1900s that they were taken seriously and developed. Eventually the washing machine became ... status symbol because it was well outside the price range of the average family.

(3) As soon as the washing machine became affordable, Monday, or “wash day", changed completely.... tiring job of washing clothes by ... hand disappeared forever and was transformed into the simple task it is today.

(1) Have you noticed that some people lead busy social lives with lots of friends, while others are content with just a few close social ties? Personally, I have ... wide circle of friends and am all in ... favour of this, as it has a number of advantages.

(2) First of all, it can give you ... chance to broaden your experience and knowledge. You will enrich your social awareness. As ... result, you become more socially adapted to various situations.

(3) Second, you are rarely left without a friend. People in Western society, in ... particular, frequently move ... home for various reasons, leaving their friends behind. However, someone with a large number of friends is less affected by this.

(4) Instead of losing their one close friend in a move, they will lose one of many, who will still be around for them. In ... conclusion, having a large number of friends is more desirable than just having a few. To my way of ... thinking, it develops us socially as well as bringing more practical benefits.

The explosive growth of the Internet over the past decade has been accompanied by a rise (1) ... new ways of interacting and communicating in cyberspace. First came emails and then chat rooms. Now, growing in (2) ... popularity (3) ... an incredible rate, is something known as blogging. For those who have never heard of it, a blog, which is short (4) ... web log, is a kind of journal or diary that people write to "post' online. (5) ... beauty of blogging is that anyone can put a blog on (6) ... web and write about any topic under the sun. Some of the most interesting blogs can be found on Internet newspaper sites where readers post their comments (7) ... articles in the news. One surprising development of blogging is that they are now often used as a source of news themselves. It is not uncommon (8) ... journalists to use information that they have found on blog sites to write their articles.

Have you ever wondered why humans cry? Most mammals produce tears to clean (1) ... eyes, but humans are unique  — perhaps (2) ... the exception (3) ... gorillas and elephants that produce tears in response (4) ... emotional stimuli. We might feel like crying when we hear (5) ... sad news, or even cry (6) ... happiness. Scientists are unsure (7) ... any benefits of crying. Though some people say that (8) ... good cry may help them get over difficult emotional situations.

When the Moscow State Circus goes on its annual (1) ... of Europe, the younger members of the circus are still expected to (2) ... with their education. The circus usually stops for a few days in each town, so how do the young performers manage? One twelve-year-old gets up very early to practise her act before going to school. "It's exhausting (3) ... but I like the circus life," she says. "The worst part is when I (4) ... new friends and have to leave them, although I try to keep in (5) ... with them." The person who (6) ... the circus (7) ... sure that all the children get a proper education. When the circus arrives in Britain, he (8) ... the traveller education service and gives them the details of all the children and when they will be in certain towns and cities. "It's a fantastic system, he says. "I receive a (9) ... when we (10) ... the next town telling us where to meet. We are then accompanied to the school and introduced to the head teacher."

Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez (1) ... into the competitive world of modelling at the age of 14. Advertisers (2) ... notice, but she was not easily (3) ... from getting her education. She accepted modelling projects but made (4) ... these were only at weekends. With a discipline that would make any parent proud, this hard-working student (5) ... high school and then (6) ... a university degree in philosophy. After graduating, Tweetie went job-hunting, but modelling projects continued to come her way, until her days were ail (7) ... up. It was only after (8) ... a competition that she decided to (9) ... up modelling as a profession. Yet at the height of her popularity, she turned her back on the glamour of the fashion world because she was finding modelling less and less (10) ... . She said it was beginning to feel more like work than enjoyment.

Imagine you are walking to school listening to music on your MP3 player. All of a (1) ... it stops working and you (2) ... that the batteries have (3) ... out. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could simply recharge the batteries wherever you are? This might be possible in a few years' time as scientists are now working on a bag that makes electricity. They say that all someone needs to do is (4) ... the bag on their back and start walking. The movement of the body makes electricity in a special part of the bag. This new invention (5) ... like a brilliant idea, doesn't it? Scientists developed the "electric backpack" in order to help soldiers, who often carry around with them torches (фо­на­ри), radios and other equipment.

All these things run on batteries and at the moment, the soldiers (6) ... on these batteries to supply the (7) ... this equipment needs. With the "electric backpack", the soldiers won't need to carry extra batteries around with them. Rescue workers and mountain climbers will also find the bag useful, as will students who don't want their MP3 players to stop working by (8) ... on their way to school.

When I first arrived here to (1) ... up my new job, I stayed in a hotel, but I soon started looking for a permanent (2) ..., a place to call my own. The first flat I (3) ... across was cold and uninviting. The flat (4) ... out onto a factory, so the view was not exactly inspiring. Then I had a look at a small flat in a modern apartment block. It had a parking (5) ... and was fully furnished, but the rent was far too high for me. I didn't want to end up in a tiny place, so I answered an ad for house-sharing. The house was in a quiet neighbourhood, and as soon as I saw it I (6) ... in love with it. The room to (7) ... had a big window. Although it (8) ... sharing the kitchen and the living room, I did have my own bathroom, really just a shower and washbasin. There was, however, quite a lot of storage space.

One thing I have never understood is the desire to live in the country. People (1) ... life in the city with crime and noise and they have the impression that life in the country must be safer and quieter. On the (2) ..., country life has just as many hazards (опас­но­сти) as the big city. I have a friend who lives next to a farm and he (3) ... that it's noisier living there than it ever was in London. The birds and animals start (4) ... a noise first thing in the morning, quickly followed by the farm machinery. And as for crime, my friend's car has been (5) ... four times in four years. People who think the country is the safest place to be can't be right!

The other myth is that the countryside is a friendly place. Whenever I (6) ... time in the country, I'm surprised by how busy people are. They never seem to speak to each other for more than a minute or two. On my (7) ... back from work, I often (8) ... across three or four neighbours and we have a long chat. It's that connection with other people that I would (9) ... most if I lived in the country.

Imagine you are walking to school listening to music on your MP3 player. All of a (1) ... it stops working and you (2) ... that the batteries have (3) ... out. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could simply recharge the batteries wherever you are? This might be possible in a few years' time as scientists are now working on a bag that makes electricity. They say that all someone needs to do is (4) ... the bag on their back and start walking. The movement of the body makes electricity in a special part of the bag. This new invention (5) ... like a brilliant idea, doesn't it? Scientists developed the "electric backpack" in order to help soldiers, who often carry around with them torches (фо­на­ри), radios and other equipment.

All these things run on batteries and at the moment, the soldiers (6) ... on these batteries to supply the (7) ... this equipment needs. With the "electric backpack", the soldiers won't need to carry extra batteries around with them. Rescue workers and mountain climbers will also find the bag useful, as will students who don't want their MP3 players to stop working by (8) ... on their way to school.

Hollywood is associated with fame, fortune and glamour. Every year, thousands of young people (1) ... up there, hoping that a producer will spot them and think they have that special something that audiences want to see. Unfortunately, most of them are (2) ... on a journey that leads to disappointment. Take a (3) ... round Los Angeles and ask any waiter or waitress and they will tell you that they are only working there for the time being, until they get their break in films. A combination of failure and economic problems usually means that they eventually (4) ... up their minds to leave and return to the small town they came from, without having made their fortune.

Before you come to the (5) ... that a life in film is for you, ask yourself carefully if you are ready for that change of direction. You'll have to travel and live for a long time at your own (6) ..., working in jobs that provide you with a low (7) ..., with only the occasional glimpse of a star to (8) ... you where you want to be.

Napoleon III of France was (1) ... for the invention of the butter substitute known as margarine. He was looking for a cheap (2) ... to butter for the poorer people of society, and for his army and navy. So he (3) ... up a prize competition to see who would (4) ... up with the best solution.

There was only one entry into this competition, from a man called Meges-Mouries. He had (5) ... over two years experimenting, and finally found an acceptable butter substitute made from milk and various animal fats. Meges-Mouries' invention was awarded the prize.

Margarine soon went into mass production and was exported all over the world. In Britain it was called 'Butterine', until protests from farmers (6) ... to that name being made illegal. Farmers in America were not happy about the new arrival on the market either. They (7) ... to the yellow colouring, saying that it made it resemble butter so closely that it could deceive consumers. In effect, Napoleon III's competition is still going on. The ultimate (8) ... of every margarine manufacturer is to produce a product that is (9) ... to distinguish from butter. And they keep trying.

Las Vegas is known as the marriage capital of the world. The process of obtaining a marriage licence can be completed within minutes in Las Vegas while it often takes several weeks and involves lots of paperwork in other parts of the world. It is also (1) ... cheap at just $60. There are a lot of (2) ... to choose from. The competition between different venues keeps the prices relatively low and (3) ... . This has made Las Vegas a popular destination among couples wanting to get married. The fact that it is (4) ... to plan in advance means there are plenty of spontaneous weddings in Las Vegas each year of couples on holiday.

Computers are incredibly useful in many ways. I used to have no idea about them  — I was really (1) ... at anything technical and felt very (2) ... whenever people asked me to do anything on the computer. When I first started using them, I made a lot of mistakes and would feel very embarrassed when people referred to the latest technological (3) ... and I didn’t know what they were talking about. But now I know enough not to feel (4) ... ignorant when my friends discuss the latest gadgets.

The best way to keep well is to avoid (1) ... foods and habits. It is also helpful to take plenty of exercise, and we should give (2) ... to people of all ages to do this, particularly the very young. If we can educate people at an early age to keep fit and to look after themselves carefully, then the (3) ... of their having problems in later life will be (4) ... reduced.

When I was a teenager, I used to play the flute in my school orchestra. (1) ..., in much of the music that we played, the sound of the flute was needed only occasionally, which, of course, upset me. Therefore, I spent a lot of my time during the performance counting the beats. Those minutes spent reciting "one, two, three, four" while the rest of the orchestra played seemed (2) ... . But they planted in my young brain the idea that there must be a (3) ... between music and number. For me, out of the (4) ... of orchestra practice, a new passion for mathematics was born.

Henry Adams is probably the luckiest person I know. I normally envy very few of my friends' jobs because I'm happy with what I do, but Henry Adams is one of those rare people (1) ... job I would like to have myself. Henry had always been (2) ... in animals. That's why he studied to be a vet. He looked after domestic animals in London. But the job didn't live up to his expectations. So he (3) ... it up and found a better one in a game reserve in Africa. Now he is responsible for the well-being of species that are in danger of extinction.

Henry Adams is probably the luckiest person I know. I normally envy very few of my friends' jobs because I'm happy with what I do, but Henry Adams is one of those rare people (1) ... job I would like to have myself. Henry had always been (2) ... in animals. That's why he studied to be a vet. He looked after domestic animals in London. But the job didn't live up to his expectations. So he (3) ... it up and found a better one in a game reserve in Africa. Now he is responsible for the well-being of species that are in danger of extinction.

1.  I have visited many countries, but it was Brazil that impressed me rather more than any other.

2.  Having graduated from university with a degree in biology, I would wanted to travel and see

3.  either wild animals and plants in their natural habitat. People who had visited Brazil described

4.  how much beautiful it was and I discovered that what they had told me was true. First of all,

5.  approximately a quarter of the world’s plant species they are found in the Amazon basin, so no

6.  other matter where you go, you see the most beautiful plants, including orchids. Whatever part of

7.  Brazil you go to it, you won’t be disappointed. However, I believe the southern states can be the most

8.  magical and it is because I very love flowers that I enjoyed myself so much. Having lost my camera, I

9.  wasn’t been able to take photos, but I saw a lot of the local fauna and flora. It was a wonderful experience

10.  and, taking into my consideration the amount of time I had at my disposal, I managed to see a lot.

Have you ever started a new hobby, but given up after oily a couple of weeks? Or started a course and stopped after the first few lessons? Most of us have tried to learn something new, but very (1) ... of us ever really get any good at it  — (2) ... is just too difficult to continue doing something new. But now there is some good news: did you know (3) ... if you can keep up your new hobby for just 30 days, you have a better chance of succeeding? And you may learn something new about yourself as (4) ... .

1.  I have visited many countries, but it was Brazil that impressed me rather more than any other.

2.  Having graduated from university with a degree in biology, I would wanted to travel and see

3.  either wild animals and plants in their natural habitat. People who had visited Brazil described

4.  how much beautiful it was and I discovered that what they had told me was true. First of all,

5.  approximately a quarter of the world’s plant species they are found in the Amazon basin, so no

6.  other matter where you go, you see the most beautiful plants, including orchids. Whatever part of

7.  Brazil you go to it, you won’t be disappointed. However, I believe the southern states can be the most

8.  magical and it is because I very love flowers that I enjoyed myself so much. Having lost my camera, I

9.  wasn’t been able to take photos, but I saw a lot of the local fauna and flora. It was a wonderful experience

10.  and, taking into my consideration the amount of time I had at my disposal, I managed to see a lot.

1.  I have visited many countries, but it was Brazil that impressed me rather more than any other.

2.  Having graduated from university with a degree in biology, I would wanted to travel and see

3.  either wild animals and plants in their natural habitat. People who had visited Brazil described

4.  how much beautiful it was and I discovered that what they had told me was true. First of all,

5.  approximately a quarter of the world’s plant species they are found in the Amazon basin, so no

6.  other matter where you go, you see the most beautiful plants, including orchids. Whatever part of

7.  Brazil you go to it, you won’t be disappointed. However, I believe the southern states can be the most

8.  magical and it is because I very love flowers that I enjoyed myself so much. Having lost my camera, I

9.  wasn’t been able to take photos, but I saw a lot of the local fauna and flora. It was a wonderful experience

10.  and, taking into my consideration the amount of time I had at my disposal, I managed to see a lot.

1.  I have visited many countries, but it was Brazil that impressed me rather more than any other.

2.  Having graduated from university with a degree in biology, I would wanted to travel and see

3.  either wild animals and plants in their natural habitat. People who had visited Brazil described

4.  how much beautiful it was and I discovered that what they had told me was true. First of all,

5.  approximately a quarter of the world’s plant species they are found in the Amazon basin, so no

6.  other matter where you go, you see the most beautiful plants, including orchids. Whatever part of

7.  Brazil you go to it, you won’t be disappointed. However, I believe the southern states can be the most

8.  magical and it is because I very love flowers that I enjoyed myself so much. Having lost my camera, I

9.  wasn’t been able to take photos, but I saw a lot of the local fauna and flora. It was a wonderful experience

10.  and, taking into my consideration the amount of time I had at my disposal, I managed to see a lot.

1.  TV documentary maker and environmental Campaigner Sir David Attenborough has perhaps done it

2.  more rather than any other British person to educate the public about the natural world. Fascinated

3.  by animals since its childhood, he did a degree in Natural Sciences at Cambridge University, and

4.  a few years quite later became a trainee producer at the BBC. In the 1950s, he was one of the

5.  first people to film animals in their own habitats for television, and far quickly got a lot of positive

6.  attention because of the quality of his programmes. To being reward Attenborough for his excellence,

7.  the BBC offered him a job such as the head of one of its TV channels, but he wasn’t interested.

8.  In 1972, he returned to programme-making, and travelled the world as well his projects became

9.  even more ambitious. A number of newly discovered both plant, insect and bird species have been

10.  named in his own honour. He’s thought to be one of the most well-travelled people on the planet.