Before I went for my interview for the job with Cramer and Blake Services, I (1) ... to a few people and found out some information about the company. This strategy worked very effectively as it gave the impression that I was keen and responsible and I (2) ... the job on the spot. I was absolutely delighted at first, but soon I discovered that my new boss, Tom, worked very hard, spending all his time in the office. He expected the same level of commitment from his employees. He said each time, "If you (3) ... overtime, you will let the team down." I (4) ... up with the situation for a couple of months without complaining, before finally I had to confront Tom. I wasn't prepared to work so hard for such a low salary. Tom said that I had great potential and (5) ... to the top if I made an effort. However, he totally refused to reduce my workload and so in the end I decided to hand in my resignation. Just a week later I got another job. Now I (6) ... twice as much as my old boss, and my job is twice as interesting. I (7) ... to the top yet, but I am well on the way!

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.

Have you ever visited the doctor with an earache or a sore throat? Chances are, you (1) ... antibiotics to treat the problem. Alexander Fleming (2) ... across the first antibiotic, penicillin, by accident in 1928. The medicine was then developed and became widely available in the 1940s. It (3) ... against anything from blood poisoning to tonsillitis. In fact, since then, antibiotics (4) ... so easy to obtain that they are being overused. They are really for treating serious bacterial infections. Some people believe that antibiotics can be used to cure the common cold or flu but, as these are both viruses, antibiotics (5) ... no effect on them whatsoever. The overuse of antibiotics (6) ... infections known as superbugs to develop. These superbugs are too tough {устой­чи­вый) for antibiotics to fight and may be a big problem for future generations. So what can we do? Well, only take antibiotics when necessary and, if your doctor (7) ... them to you, be sure to follow the instructions and finish the course.

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.

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 idea of World Music Day or Fête de la Musique (1) ... in France in the 1980s but (2) ... across the globe. Today the event (3) ... on 21st June in over 120 countries. An American musician, Joel Cohen, who (4) ... for a French radio station, first came up with the idea for a music festival that everyone could enjoy and take part in. He suggested an all-night music festival to celebrate the summer solstice (the longest day). The French minister for culture liked the idea and it first (5) ... reality in June 1982. The main idea behind the festival is that music is a great way to bring people together regardless of their nationality, ethnic and cultural background. The day (6) ... individual musicians but also orchestras, cultural organisations, and schools. The best thing about the festival is that musicians (7) ... to perform outside the usual music venues and concert halls. And every kind of music is on offer.

Dear Peter,

Well, here we are at last! We had been looking forward to coming back for ages and we finally (1) ... safe and sound last week. Since then we (2) ... several times to organize the flat and find schools for the children. We've had to borrow some furniture from friends and relatives as the flat we (3) ... turned out to be unfurnished Sally says that it is all our own fault. We should have checked the details more carefully! I thought it (4) ... good value for money! It was difficult to make the decision to come home as we (5) ... abroad for so long. I think we are going to find it strange to settle down here again. I haven't started looking for a job yet as I (6) ... busy. I (7) ... you a call to arrange a night when you can come to dinner and we can discuss old times! Looking forward to seeing you again.

Best wishes, Stephen

Recently, more and more students have started to take up (1) ... full-time paid work while they are still studying. This means that some of them end up actually leaving their degree courses because they see the advantages of having (2) ... stable income and feel that this is more useful than getting a degree. Earning a reasonable wage means that they are able to begin to pay (3) ... the debts they have run (4) ... while they were at college or university. Why do they have these debts? Sometimes it is because they are not good (5) ... managing their money and overspend (6) ... entertainment and clothes. Sometimes it is not their fault. Banks are keen to offer students credit cards and it is very easy to build up a big overdraft. And it is almost impossible (7) ... students to cover all the costs of (8) ... accommodation and other necessary expenses.

I was brought (1) ... in a house on a main road of the city centre and I've always dreamt of living by (2) ... sea. So when the chance came for us to buy a house on (3) ... coast, I was the one telling my mum and dad to do it, but what (4) ... nightmare it turned (5) ... to be! We didn't know anyone, the roof let (6) ... water, we were cold most of the year, and in the summer we couldn't move because of the tourists

Within a year, we were moving again. We looked at houses in a village near here but it was too quiet. We ended (7) ... buying a house (8) ... the outskirts of the city where I was born, and we love it! Not all dreams are what you think they are!

I was brought (1) ... in a house on a main road of the city centre and I've always dreamt of living by (2) ... sea. So when the chance came for us to buy a house on (3) ... coast, I was the one telling my mum and dad to do it, but what (4) ... nightmare it turned (5) ... to be! We didn't know anyone, the roof let (6) ... water, we were cold most of the year, and in the summer we couldn't move because of the tourists

Within a year, we were moving again. We looked at houses in a village near here but it was too quiet. We ended (7) ... buying a house (8) ... the outskirts of the city where I was born, and we love it! Not all dreams are what you think they are!

How much sleep do we really need? This can vary quite a lot between individuals. However, it is widely believed that between
6—8 hours is healthy. What is particularly important is that this sleep happens (1) ... the right time; that it fits in with our body's natural rhythm. If you suffer (2) ... sleepiness during (3) ... day then you are probably not getting enough sleep when you most need it. Typical symptoms of a lack of sleep are (4) ... low concentration, poor memory and feeling irritable. Getting the right amount of sleep is not only important (5) ... terms of being able to function properly on a day to day basis but it also has (6) ... impact on your overall health. Research suggests that people who sleep between 6 to 7 hours per night are likely to live longer than those who sleep less than 6 or more than 8 hours per night. One reason (7) ... this is because of the effect sleep has (8) ... our immune system.

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.

I was brought (1) ... in a house on a main road of the city centre and I've always dreamt of living by (2) ... sea. So when the chance came for us to buy a house on (3) ... coast, I was the one telling my mum and dad to do it, but what (4) ... nightmare it turned (5) ... to be! We didn't know anyone, the roof let (6) ... water, we were cold most of the year, and in the summer we couldn't move because of the tourists

Within a year, we were moving again. We looked at houses in a village near here but it was too quiet. We ended (7) ... buying a house (8) ... the outskirts of the city where I was born, and we love it! Not all dreams are what you think they are!

Spare time activities basically fall (1) ... two categories: traditional and modern. Traditional activities include pastimes such as collecting and reading while modern activities involve playing computer games and watching television.

Children often become interested in collecting when they come (2) ... something their parents or grandparents have collected. Although they are keen on collecting when they first start, they very often become fed up with it as soon as they reach (3) ... their late teens.

Nowadays there are many modern activities which are based on modern technology and it is not unusual to find a teenager's bedroom full of computer games. Surfing (4) ... Internet is always popular (5) ... both teenagers and adults. Another pastime which teenagers have (6) ... common with adults is sitting in front of (7) ... television. It is interesting to note that none of these activities involve having (8) ... discussion about important issues - something which was popular in the past.

Personal space is the term that refers (1) ... the distance we like to keep between ourselves and other people. When someone we do not know well gets too close we usually begin to feel uncomfortable. Living in cities has made people develop new skills for dealing (2) ... situations where they are very close to strangers. Most people (3) ... crowded trains try not to look at strangers, they avoid (4) ... skin contact, and we apologise (5) ... people if our hands touch by (6) ... mistake. People use newspapers as (7) ... barrier between themselves and other people and if they still do not have a newspaper, they stare (8) ... the distance, making sure they are not looking into anyone‟s eyes.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (1) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (2) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (3) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (4) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (5) ... is that it is (6) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (7) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (8) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (9) ... out to be a matter of (10) ... rather than necessity.

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."

Roger Press, 40, has (1) ... his career. After spending five years as a concert pianist he has gone into business, recently (2) ... up his own company. „I have always thought that it‟s important to be commercial, to participate and compete in the modern world. So although moving on was a difficult decision, having (3) ... it I felt relieved in many ways. When I(4) ... up my performing career, people around me were more sad and disappointed than I was. But I felt free and at last I knew I was getting serious about life. After getting a qualification in business administration I (5) ... the recording company EMI and started producing programmes about famous artists. A year ago I left EMI and formed a new company, New Media Systems, which (6) ... in multimedia programmes. Now that I run my own business I am in control of my life and I can feel (7) ... of my achievements. Although the stress is high and I work (8) … hours, the stress (9) ... in piano playing was much worse. It (10) ... physical, emotional and mental skills. I prefer the pressures I live with now.'

Roger Press, 40, has (1) ... his career. After spending five years as a concert pianist he has gone into business, recently (2) ... up his own company. „I have always thought that it‟s important to be commercial, to participate and compete in the modern world. So although moving on was a difficult decision, having (3) ... it I felt relieved in many ways. When I(4) ... up my performing career, people around me were more sad and disappointed than I was. But I felt free and at last I knew I was getting serious about life. After getting a qualification in business administration I (5) ... the recording company EMI and started producing programmes about famous artists. A year ago I left EMI and formed a new company, New Media Systems, which (6) ... in multimedia programmes. Now that I run my own business I am in control of my life and I can feel (7) ... of my achievements. Although the stress is high and I work (8) … hours, the stress (9) ... in piano playing was much worse. It (10) ... physical, emotional and mental skills. I prefer the pressures I live with now.'

One of the most difficult but rewarding pastimes is mountain climbing. The modern climber must (1) ... many different skills. Rock climbing (2) ... a combination of gymnastic ability, imagination and observation, but perhaps the most necessary skill is being able to (3) ... out how much weight a particular rock will support. Mountaineers climb in groups of three or four, each climber at a distance of approximately six meters from the next. Usually one person climbs while the other climbers (4) ... hold of the rope. There is no (5) ... that the most experienced climber goes first. He shows the other climbers which (6) ... to go, making the rope secure so that it is (7) ... for the others to follow. With much mountain climbing, snow skills (8) ... a very important part. The number of dangers (9) ... by climbers is almost endless. And the (10) ... of oxygen at high altitudes makes life even more difficult fot mountaineers.

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.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (1) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (2) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (3) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (4) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (5) ... is that it is (6) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (7) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (8) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (9) ... out to be a matter of (10) ... rather than necessity.

Not many creatures can (1) ... alive in the freezing cold of the far north. However, there are a number of creatures which (2) ... to survive in places where the temperatures can fall as (3) ... as minus 28 degrees. One of the most remarkable of these creatures is the Alaskan wood frog. When it gets (4) ... cold in the winter months, up to two thirds of the water in the frog’s body actually freezes. But once the days begin to (5) ... slightly warmer in spring, the frogs thaw out (от­та­и­вать) again. Scientists have long been trying to discover the process that makes this rebirth (воз­рож­де­ние) (6) ... and now they have discovered how it is done. The frogs produce a chemical in their body that (7) ... the antifreeze that people use to (8) ... their cars from freezing. This chemical in the frog’s body (9) ... in a very similar way in (10) ... to protect its most important organs.

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.

A soda drink with a turkey and gravy flavour that is (1) ... as undrinkable by its manufacturers is selling extraordinarily well. Unexpectedly large quantities of bottles have been sold in the United States where they are preparing to (2) ... Thanksgiving later this week. A company in Seattle which (3) ... in unusual flavours put 6,000 bottles on (4) ... last week at 99 cents each. They sold out within hours. Yesterday bidding (став­ки) on the eBay online auction site (5) ... more than 60 dollars a bottle. The nastiness of Turkey and Gravy Soda appears to be its biggest selling point. It (6) ... the perfect joke gift to take home to Mum or a younger brother or sister. At Thanksgiving families traditionally (7) ... a long weekend together. One newspaper reporter who (8) ... the drink said that, at first sip, it tasted of sweet caramel and savoury butter and it got worse from there. Curiously, the drink is (9) ... for vegetarians. Peter Van Stolk who (10) ... the company which makes the drink called his product 'gross'.

Everyone, whatever their age, can share in the joy and fulfillment of learning, as June Weatherall found out.

§ 1. When I first retired, I thought I'd love spending more time on the gardening, needlework, and other creative activities I'd found so relaxing after my demanding job. But it didn't turn out that way. I found that I didn't want, or need, that kind of relaxation anymore, I wanted to stimulate my mind instead.

§ 2. So, with a couple of friends, I went along to an art appreciation evening class at our local regional college. It was wonderful, but only lasted a year. At the end, I asked my tutor, "What next?' He suggested I attend his history of art access course. "Whatever's that?' I asked. The college had an open evening coming up, so I went along to find out. A full-time access course takes one year and gives you access to university if, like me, you left school without any qualifications, and it's free if you do it full-time. I only wanted to do the art history bit.

§ 3. Lyn, who organises the courses for the college, was enthusiastic. "Why don't you do the whole course? You could start in the spring term with art history, do another module in the summer, then go full-time in the autumn and do all the subjects." It sounded wonderful, but wasn't I a bit old, at 63, to start being a student? A definite 'no'. One of the students that year was 82. That decided it. It must be worth having a go.

§ 4. The art history part of the course, which I've just completed, was stimulating. The tutors are enthusiasts and infect us all with their enjoyment of the subjects they teach. "Lively' would be the word to describe the classes. My fellow students, who are also doing subjects like psychology, maths, biology, etc., are good company. They're mainly people in their thirties with children, taking a second bite at the educational cherry.

§ 5. We have homework and have to do an essay each term for each subject, and sit exams. For art history, we had to produce a journal about all the painters we'd learnt about  — which was fun, but rather time-consuming. Occasionally, I envy the more typical mature students, who just do courses for fun and don't have to do exams or essays, but really I'm a very happy lady. There are drawbacks, however. The main one is you have to make a commitment. During term time, you can't just drop everything and go out for the day if the sun shines  — one of the supposed joys of retirement.

§ 6. Will I go on to university if I'm successful? I'll see how next year goes. Meanwhile, exercising my brain cells is working well for me. I feel alive. The garden's getting a bit out of control, but that's the least of my worries!

1.  Watching wooden dolls come to life may not be one of the most popular forms of entertainment today, but with over twenty years’ experience, talented puppeteer (ку­коль­ник) Peter Roberts has earned himself the title ‘master puppeteer’ due to his extraordinary ability to transform puppets into believable, almost living characters. “People are quite often surprised to hear what I do for a living and have little appreciation of puppetry as a form of entertainment. But puppet theatre has been popular in many cultures and may have been the very first kind of theatre,” he explains.

2.  As Roberts writes his own scripts and musical scores, his shows are highly original. “A puppet show can involve anything from clowning to storytelling,” he explains. Equally varied is the audience he performs for. Roberts believes that this form of entertainment crosses international boundaries and can be appreciated by people of all ages and cultures.

3.  Roberts’ fascination for puppets started when he received some beautiful glove puppets one Christmas. He started putting on shows with these for family and friends and then moved on to handmade Chinese string puppets. Learning mostly from books and personal experience, he continued with his ‘hobby’ while studying for a degree in architecture. “By the time I left university,” he explains, “I was already spending most of my free time carving puppets and putting on shows in the community, so I hardly noticed the transition from student to full-time professional puppeteer. I realised I had long since abandoned all thoughts of pursuing any other career!”

4.  The puppets are designed specifically for each show, which is extremely time-consuming. Each one is out of English limewood and then painted. Some of his ‘characters’ appear in exhibitions; others are used for puppeteering workshops. Anyone interested in puppetry can be trained to assist, and not just with the actual puppet making. Puppet theatre companies in the UK are usually small, but each one still needs writers, performers, musicians and even sound and lighting engineers.

5.  When most people hear the word ‘puppetry’, they more than likely think of a way of keeping children entertained at birthday parties. However, Roberts is keen to point out that puppet theatre can often be used as an effective educational tool. “Through the mouths of pup sets come serious messages sometimes,” he says.

§ 1. There are many different theories about dreams; however, the science of dreams is not exact. In ancient times, people believed that when we dreamt we entered another world which was real. As science and medicine became more advanced, different theories started to come out. Some scientists believe that dreams are just verbal, visual and emotional stimuli with no apparent meaning. However, others believe that dreams are important for our mental well-being. The leading psychiatrist, Carl Jung thought that analysing our dreams provides us with a way to think more deeply about our lives and solve problems.

§ 2. For centuries, people have believed that dreams have a deeper meaning. For example, many of us dream that we are falling and suddenly we wake up. Experts say this dream means we are feeling anxious and insecure or we feel we have failed in achieving a goal. Another popular dream is that of being chased; this means we are trying to escape our problems. Also, dreams about losing our teeth are believed to show that we are worried about our physical appearance.

§ 3. There has been a lot of research done into controlling dreams and this has led to the term lucid (осо­знан­ный) dreaming. Lucid dreaming happens when you are aware that you are dreaming and are able to control what happens in your dream. This is an amazing skill but it is also extremely difficult to do and not many people are able to learn it. Lucid dreaming can be a way to experience the strange world of your dreams but it is also believed to help personal development and improve your problem solving skills.

§ 4. Some people are able to see future events through their dreams. There is the case of the man who dreamt that he took his son on a camping trip and his son died near a lake. Some time after he had had the dream, the man and his son were invited on a camping trip. Then, at a certain time during the trip, the man remembered his dream and noticed that everything was the same as in his dream; the boy was standing near a lake looking down at pebbles. The man quickly grabbed his son and took him to safety.

§ 5. There is still a lot of research taking place into dreams, and it will be some time before we are able to really understand the strange dream world that we enter every night. Dreams allow us to experience things that would not be possible in real life, and by analysing our dreams we can learn more about ourselves.

§ 1. 'Hollywood' is a household name. This small district is the centre of the American film industry and the source of over 2.6 billion yearly cinema ticket sales. Most of the films we watch come straight out of Hollywood. But have you ever heard of 'Bollywood'? It is the name given to the Hindi language film industry based in Mumbai, India. Contrary to popular belief, it far outperforms Hollywood. Last year alone, over 1000 films were produced and 4 billion cinema tickets were sold, showing that Indian cinema is far more powerful than people think.

§ 2. Many likely Bollywood fans are often concerned that they will not be able to understand the language used in the films. But there is no need to worry. Although the scripts have historically been written in Hindi, more and more films use the English language, showing India's respect for the languages that make up its culture. You will also find that most films come with English language subtitles.

§ 3. So what do you get out of a Bollywood film? It is difficult to define a film as belonging to a certain category, because there is no such thing as a typical Bollywood film. The plots can focus on the drama of a love triangle, but they can also be packed with laugh-out-loud comedy or edge-of-your-seat action. The only guarantee is that a Bollywood film won't end without several catchy song and dance routines.

§ 4. Many Bollywood films are over three hours long. Some people might think that this is too long, but there is a good explanation. The film companies say the aim is to give you, the audience, your 'money's worth'. If you are going to spend good money on a ticket, the film should be really exciting.

§ 5. There is no shortage of aspiring young actors and actresses hoping to get a role in the next blockbuster. Big shot movie producers and casting agents are always looking out for new talent. India has its own Brad Pitts and Angelina Jolies  — spectacular actors who ensure you have a truly enjoyable viewing experience!

§ 6. Shilpa Shetty is the perfect example of a Bollywood megastar. A picture of beauty and raw acting talent, she has achieved success beyond the borders of India, most notably in the UK following her appearance on the 'Celebrity Big Brother' TV series. Since then she has turned down roles in several British TV shows. Instead, she has returned to Mumbai and continues to shoot films in the land that made her a star.

§ 7. Once you get into Bollywood, you'll never want to stop watching.

§ 1. If you walk into any bookstore there is an entire shelf dedicated to books about people who decide to change their lives by relocating to another country. I used to laugh at those kinds of books and wonder why anyone would put themselves through the discomfort of going to live in a foreign country  — all in search of a simple lifel

§ 2. One day, instead of walking straight past this section, I selected a book to read on the train. It was about an accountant who realised one day how boring her life was, so she bought a ticket to Italy. After reading the book, the idea of moving abroad had lodged (за­се­ла) itself in my mind and was turning into a magnificent possibility.

§ 3. I resigned from the hospital where I worked, sold my apartment and moved to the region of Umbria in Italy. Once there, I rented an apartment and hired a little motorbike. I loved sampling the local cuisine and I signed up for a short cooking course. A very charming local man called Francesco ran the course. Each lesson not only did we learn how to prepare an authentic Umbrian dish, we were also rolling around the floor in fits of laughter, since Francesco was a natural storyteller and we enjoyed his talent for imitating people.

§ 4. I also took a three-month Italian language course. It is fair to say that my attempts at cooking were more successful than my attempts to acquire a new language. I tried hard, however, and after a few weeks of lessons I actually had a short conversation with a local  — OK, I only asked for directions to the train station. In my mind, though, this was a triumph of communication and I was satisfied with my modest progress.

§ 5. It was at one of these language classes that I heard a fellow student, John, mention that his neighbour, Sandro, was moving to Rome and selling his farmhouse very cheap. John said he wished he had the money to purchase it himself, as the property was sure to be snapped up soon. I couldn't believe that it cost less than half the amount that I had sold my tiny apartment for. Would I dare to copy the writers of all those books? I had to go and have a look, of course. The farmhouse was located on the top of a hill, and although it was very run-down, it possessed charm. I bought it straight away.

§ 6. The project wasn't without its difficulties, though. The farmhouse was collapsing in several places. My first priority, therefore, was to hire some local workers to add supports to the building. I also strengthened the foundations, installed a new kitchen and renovated the rest of the property. In the end, all the cost and effort were worthwhile, because I felt I belonged here as much as I did anywhere in the world, and I was determined to make it my home. I must say I sometimes look at my collection of books on Italy and think I'd like to have a goal writing one myself I'd like to share my experience and let other dreamers out there know that the difficulty is worth it. I didn't quite find the simple life, but I did find what the Italians call the sweet life  — la dolce vita.

1.  Watching wooden dolls come to life may not be one of the most popular forms of entertainment today, but with over twenty years’ experience, talented puppeteer (ку­коль­ник) Peter Roberts has earned himself the title ‘master puppeteer’ due to his extraordinary ability to transform puppets into believable, almost living characters. “People are quite often surprised to hear what I do for a living and have little appreciation of puppetry as a form of entertainment. But puppet theatre has been popular in many cultures and may have been the very first kind of theatre,” he explains.

2.  As Roberts writes his own scripts and musical scores, his shows are highly original. “A puppet show can involve anything from clowning to storytelling,” he explains. Equally varied is the audience he performs for. Roberts believes that this form of entertainment crosses international boundaries and can be appreciated by people of all ages and cultures.

3.  Roberts’ fascination for puppets started when he received some beautiful glove puppets one Christmas. He started putting on shows with these for family and friends and then moved on to handmade Chinese string puppets. Learning mostly from books and personal experience, he continued with his ‘hobby’ while studying for a degree in architecture. “By the time I left university,” he explains, “I was already spending most of my free time carving puppets and putting on shows in the community, so I hardly noticed the transition from student to full-time professional puppeteer. I realised I had long since abandoned all thoughts of pursuing any other career!”

4.  The puppets are designed specifically for each show, which is extremely time-consuming. Each one is out of English limewood and then painted. Some of his ‘characters’ appear in exhibitions; others are used for puppeteering workshops. Anyone interested in puppetry can be trained to assist, and not just with the actual puppet making. Puppet theatre companies in the UK are usually small, but each one still needs writers, performers, musicians and even sound and lighting engineers.

5.  When most people hear the word ‘puppetry’, they more than likely think of a way of keeping children entertained at birthday parties. However, Roberts is keen to point out that puppet theatre can often be used as an effective educational tool. “Through the mouths of pup sets come serious messages sometimes,” he says.

§ 1. While having lunch in an expensive restaurant, I tasted the wine I had ordered. I thought it might be spoiled, so I called the wine waiter. He was most unpleasant at the mere suggestion that something might be wrong. Unwillingly he tasted the wine  — and immediately apologized and brought another bottle. That's what I call power!' said my guest, but it helped that I knew I was right. As the customer, you have considerable rights.

§ 2. If a restaurant fails to provide a table you have booked, they will have broken their contract with you and you can politely threaten to take them to court for the cost of a spoiled evening. They will then usually find you a table. On the other hand, if you let them down, they can take you to court for lost business. In one case, a company booked a table for one o'clock for five people at a popular restaurant, then called to cancel at 1.35 p.m. on the day, saying their client did not want to eat. When the company refused to pay up, the restaurant owner took them to court and won: the judge decided that, since it was too late to re-book the table, the company should pay for the loss of profit on the meal.

§ 3. The menu is a vital legal document. The price should be included, together with the tax (налог), and the restaurant can be fined for not displaying it outside or immediately inside the door, so that customers know in advance what they are committing themselves to. It is illegal for any establishment to give a false description of their food. Everything must be what it claims to be: fresh fruit salad must consist only of fresh, not tinned, fruit; Welsh lamb must be an animal born or raised in Wales.

§ 4. You cannot rely on getting bread and butter free. A restaurant is allowed to make a cover charge  — which relates to linen, tableware, salt and pepper, Sauces and items like bread or olives  — provided it appears on the menu by the door.

§ 5. If the food is not cooked to your satisfaction, you can insist on the restaurant taking it back and supplying what you ordered. If it gives you food poisoning, the restaurant is obliged to pay for the suffering and inconvenience provided you have been to your doctor. If the food is not up to a reasonable standard for the money, you can either send it back or pay less than the bill demands. If you do not pay the full price, give your name, address and proof of identity so that you cannot be arrested for leaving without paying.

Wayback in 1828, the world's first modern police force was created by Sir Robert Peel. The Metropolitan Police Force of London made its home at the famous Scotland Yard and quickly became the model for police forces around the world. But it would be another decade before the Detective Branch of Scotland Yard was set up. This branch later became the Criminal Investigation Department (commonly known as C.I.D) and to this day remains the main police department in Britain responsible for major crime investigation.

Becoming a plain clothes detective in the C.I.D is no easy task. Firstly, a police officer needs to have served for at least two years as a uniformed officer. (1)___ Once this period has been completed the officer can then apply to go to a detective training school. However, there's no guarantee they will be accepted.

In order to become a detective, an officer needs to possess a wide range of skills and qualities, the most obvious being complete honesty and good character. They also need to be highly observant and to have good judgement. (2)___ An officer with all these skills could more than likely find themselves being accepted to train as a detective. Most of these "detectives-to-be' discover that the really hard work begins once they get to the training school. (3)___ For instance, they will have to learn about psychology, which will come in handy when they are questioning suspects and witnesses. Perhaps the most difficult subjects though deal with learning all about the modem scientific methods now used in crime detection.

Once our future Sherlocks have completed their initial training, they begin life as detective constables and start working on unsolved crime cases in the C.I.D. Most of the work they do is not nearly as glamorous as it seems on TV and in novels. (4)___ Not exactly exciting, but essential duties all the same.

Apart from having to do painstaking investigative work, detectives also have a lot of paperwork to deal with. (5)___ Every detail of a crime and its investigation must be recorded. Most detectives find the amount of clerical work they have to do the most frustrating part of their job.

Nonetheless, it can be a very rewarding job; a detective gets great satisfaction knowing they have solved a major crime. However, a detective's job is still not over after a suspect has been arrested and charged. (6)___ Only when the offender is actually behind bars is the detective's goal achieved. Then there's always the next case to tackle, of course.

Nero, the handsome seven-year-old African lion, can obviously sense, early though it still is, that this is not going to be just another day. (1)_____

The courtyard outside is noisy with people carrying bottles, syringes, drugs, drips and bandages and in half an hour a mini operating theatre is set up right on Nero's doorstep. (2)_____

'The nerve in the tooth is now totally dead,' explains veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has worked on animals' teeth for 14 years. (3)_____

Peter and his assistant Samantha divide their time between working with humans (Mondays to Thursdays) and treating animals (Fridays). Under the name Zoodent International, Peter, 47, performs more dental work on animals than any other practice in the world

When you first meet Beatrice Smythe, you are struck by her wonderful smile and her well-toned muscles.

'Performing on stage is one of the most exciting experiences possible. All the nerves and fright you feel in the wings just melt away when you face the audience. Although you are aware of a sea of faces watching you, this is not what you concentrate on. (1)___ If you focus on this, then your dancing will look natural and unforced.'

So how did Beatrice get started? 'I began taking ballet lessons in a local school when I was six. My teachers felt I had talent but after 11 years of ballet, I realised I wanted to do something different. (2)___ That was it! I had never seen dancing like this before and immediately decided it was for me. The following year I was offered a place at a London contemporary dance school where I completed a three-year course.'

Today Beatrice is a permanent member of the Charmed Circle Dance Company. But was it a difficult transition from studies to career? 'I was warned that the competition would be fierce. (3)___ Applying for even the smallest part meant auditioning with dozens of others. Finally, I was lucky enough to be offered a trial period of one year with Charmed Circle, even though it meant working without pay. It was an extremely difficult period, as you can imagine.'

'I could have been tempted to join other dance companies on a temporary basis doing one-off paid performances. But this would have meant missing out on the chance to become part of the regular line-up of what is now one of Britain's leading contemporary dance companies.' (4) ___ But Beatrice's ultimate ambition is to make it to America, where the ideas behind contemporary dance were first pioneered and developed.

When asked about what it takes to become a dancer, Beatrice didn't hesitate. 'You have to love what you're doing, you have to keep pushing yourself to the limit and you have to be slightly mad, tool (5) ___ Most dancers will tell you how physically painful daily training can be. You also have to be extremely self-motivated'

So what does Beatrice particularly enjoy about contemporary dance?"Well, for one thing, contemporary movements are so different from those in other types of dance. In ballet, for example, the movements are strictly structured and you have to stick to them. In contemporary dance, however, the movements are more expressive and each have individual meanings in themselves. (6) ___ This makes them very moving experiences both to perform and to watch.'

1. Claire Lippold, 23, works for the Bat Conservation Trust

I did a degree in biology, and studied bats as part of my thesis. When I saw the ad for this job, I thought it would be perfect for me. We get about ten thousand calls a year, many from people worried that if they have bats in their attics they can't have any building work done. They need the right advice, because the law protects bats. We're contracted by an organisation called Natural England to arrange a service whereby anybody with bats on their property can have a specialist volunteer come out and give information and advice about the creatures they're living with. Generally, once they have the information, they're happy.

2. Anthea McNufty, 26, works for NHS Direct, the phone-in helpline operated by the National Health Service

Having worked in nurse training for a while, I found I missed the patient contact I'd enjoyed doing nursing itself. When I saw this job, I thought of it as a way of getting some of that contact back - without the cleaning up! I remember the dread of what the calls might be about on my first day, but they give you so much training before you're let loose that you can handle it. It was a bit difficult not having the physical clues I'd have been able to pick up on the wards. But you very quickly get used to working with the computer, it makes you feel safe.

3. Agnes Thomson, 60, works for a major broadcasting company

Yesterday, I got lots of calls relating to weekly programmes, though there was quite a contrast: the radio show for the blind, 'In Touch", and "Watchdog' on TV. The 'In Touch' callers had heard of some new equipment and wanted further details. Watchdog is a consumer programme and people generally call me because they have a problem with a product from a company we've covered on the show. Quite often people phone to complain spontaneously, and when we call them again within ten days with a response, which we promise to do in some cases, they've forgotten what made them cross.

4. Caroline Hickman, 34, works for a company with a wide range of household products

I really get a lot out of the work. We have such a wide range of products - from beauty and haircare through to nappies (nenehuku) and household cleaners - that no two calls are ever the same. With laundry products, for example, we get lots of Specific queries - people want to know what to use with certain types of material. We can't always go into details of all the settings of different brands of machine, though. We also get a lot of calls about skincare from people who want to know about specific ingredients in our products. You also get fascinating insight into the country's lifestyles. For instance, we tend to get lots of calls about cleaning products on a Monday, presumably because people buy them over the weekend, then, towards Friday we'll get haircare and beauty because they're planning a night out.

1. School student Carla Ruiz lives in a hot country and has become very aware of the need to save water. 'Spring and autumn used to be quite wet, but these days it hardly rains at all,' she says. 'Nearly all the rivers have dried up, destroying all the wildlife in and around them, and no matter what we do they'll never be the same again. At least, though, we can use water more sensibly. That's why at home I recently decided to do simple things like making sure there are no dripping taps, or taps left on while I'm brushing my teeth or washing food. Within a few days I was regularly doing these things without even thinking, I know they made a difference because the water bills went down quite a bit. My parents noticed that so they started doing the same.'

2. Trainee manager, Vincent Owen, is doing his bit to save the planet by using less electricity around the home. 'I was talking to this guy at work and he told me that we waste a huge amount of energy every year by leaving things like the TV, DVD and computer on standby all the time, so nowadays I try to remember  — not always successfullyto switch them off at night. Incidentally, I've now got solar panels on the roof so that all the hot water is powered by the sun. That was a big investment, and it ended up well over budget, but I'm sure it'll pay for itself in the end.'

3. While Lin Chen is on a gap year, she is travelling round Europe with friends. 'We had intended to fly everywhere, she says, 'but when we worked out just how much extra pollution that would cause, we decided to do it by train instead. It was cheaper, too.' They began their tour in Greece: 'We all felt the obvious place to start was where European civilization began, so our first rail journey began in Athens. We travelled to Patras on the west coast, taking the ferry across to Bari in southern Italy. From there we took the overnight train to Paris, and a few days later we went on the Eurostar to London. We saw far more of the countryside than we would have done by plane.'

4. Tanya Petrova works in a restaurant with an extensive menu, but at home she will only eat local or seasonal food: 'I strongly believe that transporting food thousands of kilometers, or storing it under refrigeration for months on end, ultimately has a highly negative impact on the environment. I always try to buy food that is produced locally, and I have a special calendar to show me which kinds of food are in season so that I know what I'm buying is really fresh. Apart from the environmental considerations, I'm convinced the food I eat, which has far fewer chemicals in it, helps me avoid the kind of illnesses that seem to be so common these days.'

'Working with animals is much more difficult than with humans,' he says, as Samantha lays out the rows of dental instruments. 'With an animal, I have to make an on-the-spot diagnosis and work very quickly.' (1)_____

Peter now moves close to the bars of Nero‟s cage and expertly directs a tiny, plastic blowpipe dart, containing a high dose of anaesthetic, into the lion‟s thigh (бедро). (2)_____

It takes six men to lift and move the 180 kilogram animal 2 metres from his cage door to the hay mattress that will serve as an operating table.

(3)_____ . Peter discovers a tooth that needs filling and he sets about doing that first. 'This is the same stuff as we use for human teeth,' he says, packing the medicine into the cavity. 'There‟s just more of it.' The dental work now over, Peter removes a gas canister from the lion‟s mouth. Without the supply of gas, Nero will start coming round fairly quickly, so the keepers move fast to pull him back to his cage. As Peter packs up, the lion stirs. The great yellow eyes are beginning to lose their drugged and sleepy look. 'Don't be fooled,' says Peter, 'He might appear sleepy but he could react very quickly now if he wanted to ...'

We have been trying to organise a hobbies and crafts fair (яр­мар­ка) in my school for the last two weeks. The number of interesting activities is (1) ... but so many students are just too (2) ... to the needs of others. It makes me wonder if all teens are always so difficult to deal with. One problem concerns (3) ... as we need a number of volunteers to help us arrange the (4) ... in such a way that won’t make anyone feel left out. Some students have been making good progress in setting up a number of detached displays which give an excellent view of the variety of activities on offer.

When you have accepted our offer of (1) ... you will be given a uniform which you have to wear while on duty. Our uniform has been designed after detailed (2) ... with members of staff and reflects the quality and style of our business. It helps to form the customers' first impression of us. Please note that male staff are not permitted to wear jewellery of any kind and female staff must not wear rings or earrings which are (3) ... in shape or design. Wristwatches must be (4) ... in size and appearance.

Summer is in the air and it's only natural for people to feel good and (1) ... about going on holiday. Everyone needs to relax and get away, so they try to use their (2) ... leave in the best possible way. Needless to say, getting away and escaping from your routine reduces stress. Any (3) ... will tell you of the benefits a holiday offers. So, even if you have to (4) ... your belt in order to afford a holiday, do it. In the end, it's worth it!

Thomas Edison knew his new invention, the lightbulb, would be revolutionary, but it's (1) ... that he realised quite how much the introduction of (2) ... would affect the kitchen. The modern kitchen is overflowing with electrical appliances. For a busy parent whose kids are hungry, the simplest (3) ... these days is to take some frozen food out of the freezer and pop it in the microwave. It's been particularly (4) ... for women - no longer do they have to stay all day chained to the cooker and the kitchen sink.

The most common materials which are recycled are paper and glass. Some plastics, metals and textiles can be recycled as (1) ... . In theory recycling seems obvious: however, in practice it is not always cost-effective. Often the cost of collection and transportation is greater (2) ... the cost of the energy saved. It also means that (3) ... are fewer jobs available in industries (4) ... as mining, as demand for raw materials is lower.

Until recently, teenagers have been hooked on television. But no more today. (1) ... to the latest statistics, teenagers have gone off television. Given the choice between TV and the Internet, (2) ... becomes clear (3) ... most teens prefer. The Internet meets their interactive, social needs that TV doesn't. As websites (4) ... as MySpace have appeared, teenagers are too eager to spend hours a day online and are becoming "keyboard potatoes".

Language experts have found that children can learn two languages at the (1) ... time and that they can't really tell the (2) ... between them. They can easily switch from (3) ... language to the other once they have learnt when and with whom they should use each language.