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.

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.

Joanne Rowling became famous almost overnight. She is the author of a highly successful series of books for young people, Joanne (1) ... of being a writer for as long as she can remember. In fact, she (2) ... up stories and characters ever since she was a schoolgirl. When she was still quite young, the family moved to a town called Chepstow. A family who lived nearby were called Potter, and she used their name for the hero of her books. She and her sister, Di, attended a state school in the town. Joanne's talent for telling stories (3) ... her a popular figure in the School. During breaks between lessons, she (4) ... by a crowd of friends, anxious to hear the latest story she (5) ... .

When she left school, Joanne succeeded in getting a place at university. After graduating, she married a journalist but, sadly, the couple soon (6) ... up and she moved to Edinburgh. She had no income and couldn't even afford a plastic folder to send her new book to potential publishers. However one wonderful day a publisher (7) ... 'yes'. It was the greatest day of her life.

Alex Morton is a talented writer who (1) ... a very interesting life. He was born in 1945 in Manchester, and he was the youngest of six children. From the moment he could read, he was never without a book in his hands. He was a very keen reader throughout his schooldays, and he soon showed his talent for writing, too. After he left school he went to Manchester University. By the time he got his BA, he (2) ... a number of short stories, and his first novel (3) ... . Over the next few years he (4) ... non-stop and each of his books was more successful than the last. Despite being so busy with his work, Alex still found time for romance. He met Fiona Jones while he was at university and they (5) ... in 1971. They have two children. He has always been a devoted husband and father. Alex Morton (6) ... over twenty books so far and his name has been on the best seller list more times than he can remember. However, the peak of his career was when he (7) ... the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1995. Since then, Alex has continued to write and many of his books have been made into films.

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.

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.

While travelling (1) ... a train, I've often been drawn into conversation by strangers who sat next (2) ... me. And I have found that an exchange of ideas may sometimes turn (3) ... to be educational as well as stimulating. You may begin with a casual mention of today's sunshine or yesterday's thunderstorm, and end up (4) ... a discussion about geography, meteorology, floods, and the mysterious ways of God. Several of my casual conversations with strangers have enriched my own mind (5) ... fresh knowledge and new words. One day (6) ... blind young man was sitting beside me. He was travelling from Chicago, to study singing in New York. As (7) ... result of our conversation during that trip, I learned about South American, African and Oriental music, as well as about the latest methods of education for (8) ... blind. I have been able to use much of this information in some of my articles and books.

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.

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.

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!

These days the media is full (1) ... stories of celebrities’ private lives: their relationships, problems with weight and so on. In fact, (2) ... public seems to have (3) ... never-ending appetite for this type of gossip. It could be argued that celebrities invite publicity, for instance (4) ... giving interviews or welcoming the media into their homes. However, there are several reasons why celebrities deserve a certain level of privacy. Firstly, while some people actively seek (5) ... fame, others do not. Secondly, reporters are more interested in selling a sensational story than in investigating something (6) ... genuine importance. Lastly, the unwelcome attentions of reporters and photographers can put celebrities under great stress. Just think of Michael Jackson or Princess Diana. (7) ... balance, I believe that celebrities have the right (8) ... the same kind of privacy as anyone else.

David de Rothschild is known (1) ... his efforts to make the earth a better place for those who inhabit it. Recently, David has become involved (2) ... a project which he believes will help save oceans. In the middle of (3) ... Pacific Ocean there is (4) ... vast pile of rubbish, which floats on the water and causes terrible damage (5) ... the environment. This region is filled (6) ... plastic waste. David came up with an ideal way to use this waste and help preserve our oceans at the same time. He is having a specially designed boat built out of 12,500 empty plastic bottles. David plans to sail (7) ... boat from San Francisco to Sydney, Australia. He is enthusiastic (8) ... the journey regardless of the difficulties it may involve. David hopes that the adventure will encourage people not to ignore environmental problems.

Humans have much (1) ... common with other life forms on Earth. Since the very first life forms appeared, all living things have been desperately struggling to survive the changing conditions of our planet. This has meant adapting (2) ... new situations and, in many cases, has led (3) ... either evolution or extinction. We are not alone (4) ... making (5) ... use of the world around us. Where we do differ (6) ... other life forms, however, is in our ability to record, and learn from, our collective history. In this, it appears that we are unique. We are increasingly becoming a species with detailed knowledge about our past. The more we learn, the better are our chances of (7) ... survival in the future. It must also be recognised, however, that we are (8) ... only species on Earth which has managed to create the means to destroy the planet we live on.

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.

According to the United Nations' population figures, the world's population will be (1) ... for 8.9 billion by the year 2050, (2) ... to 6.7 billion in 2009. This figure (3) ... into account that each woman on the planet will give birth to two children. Eight billion, nine hundred million people may sound like an astronomical figure, yet statistics (4) ... that, throughout the world, the number of children being born is (5) ... . The explanation (6) ... for this is the fact that women have become better educated and would rather (7) ... a career than enjoy motherhood. Therefore, they (8) ... bringing up many children and being out of work for long periods of time. All the same, the world's population will continue to increase in spite of the ageing population. This will happen because of an overall rise in life expectancy, especially in the developed countries. The main (9) ... for this is that many diseases which were fatal in the past, can be (10) ... nowadays.

Can people (1) ... change? If you (2) ... the Internet, you'll find huge numbers of websites that offer encouraging plans for personal change. The problem is that most of these sites are operated by someone who's selling something, whether it's a self-help book or a series of audio CDs (3) ... at making you the best you can be. What's more difficult to find are accurate statistics on personal change. However, there are plenty of statistics on getting rid of a habit, but they only (4) ... that a set of individuals could make that one change. Experts say that for a person to change his or her habits, many things need to line up. The person must have a (5) ... to change, and he or she must set up organised systems to (6) ... this change. Generally, it's believed that people have more success when one major change is tackled at a time. It also (7) ... if you write your plan out and (8) ... it with someone. Most professionals say that it (9) ... 21 to 30 days to make or (10) ... a habit.

According to the United Nations' population figures, the world's population will be (1) ... for 8.9 billion by the year 2050, (2) ... to 6.7 billion in 2009. This figure (3) ... into account that each woman on the planet will give birth to two children. Eight billion, nine hundred million people may sound like an astronomical figure, yet statistics (4) ... that, throughout the world, the number of children being born is (5) ... . The explanation (6) ... for this is the fact that women have become better educated and would rather (7) ... a career than enjoy motherhood. Therefore, they (8) ... bringing up many children and being out of work for long periods of time. All the same, the world's population will continue to increase in spite of the ageing population. This will happen because of an overall rise in life expectancy, especially in the developed countries. The main (9) ... for this is that many diseases which were fatal in the past, can be (10) ... nowadays.

According to the United Nations' population figures, the world's population will be (1) ... for 8.9 billion by the year 2050, (2) ... to 6.7 billion in 2009. This figure (3) ... into account that each woman on the planet will give birth to two children. Eight billion, nine hundred million people may sound like an astronomical figure, yet statistics (4) ... that, throughout the world, the number of children being born is (5) ... . The explanation (6) ... for this is the fact that women have become better educated and would rather (7) ... a career than enjoy motherhood. Therefore, they (8) ... bringing up many children and being out of work for long periods of time. All the same, the world's population will continue to increase in spite of the ageing population. This will happen because of an overall rise in life expectancy, especially in the developed countries. The main (9) ... for this is that many diseases which were fatal in the past, can be (10) ... nowadays.

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

Can people (1) ... change? If you (2) ... the Internet, you'll find huge numbers of websites that offer encouraging plans for personal change. The problem is that most of these sites are operated by someone who's selling something, whether it's a self-help book or a series of audio CDs (3) ... at making you the best you can be. What's more difficult to find are accurate statistics on personal change. However, there are plenty of statistics on getting rid of a habit, but they only (4) ... that a set of individuals could make that one change. Experts say that for a person to change his or her habits, many things need to line up. The person must have a (5) ... to change, and he or she must set up organised systems to (6) ... this change. Generally, it's believed that people have more success when one major change is tackled at a time. It also (7) ... if you write your plan out and (8) ... it with someone. Most professionals say that it (9) ... 21 to 30 days to make or (10) ... a habit.

According to the United Nations' population figures, the world's population will be (1) ... for 8.9 billion by the year 2050, (2) ... to 6.7 billion in 2009. This figure (3) ... into account that each woman on the planet will give birth to two children. Eight billion, nine hundred million people may sound like an astronomical figure, yet statistics (4) ... that, throughout the world, the number of children being born is (5) ... . The explanation (6) ... for this is the fact that women have become better educated and would rather (7) ... a career than enjoy motherhood. Therefore, they (8) ... bringing up many children and being out of work for long periods of time. All the same, the world's population will continue to increase in spite of the ageing population. This will happen because of an overall rise in life expectancy, especially in the developed countries. The main (9) ... for this is that many diseases which were fatal in the past, can be (10) ... nowadays.

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

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. 'Art for art's sake,' is a translation of a French quotation which expresses a philosophy about what art should be. What is meant by the phrase is that a true piece of art should be able to stand alone, to do nothing more than to please the eye. Bryant Holsenbeck, an artist from North Carolina, USA, takes the idea behind the quote a step further: while she does create art of great beauty, she also creates art that carries a valuable message.

§ 2. Through her work, Holsenbeck aims to show how wasteful people have become in today's society. She has been involved in many art projects, widely diverse in both theme and scope. Whatever her subject, all of Holsenbeck's art has one thing in common; it is all constructed from 'stuff that people simply throw away because they had thought it was rubbish.

§ 3. Holsenbeck's main philosophy is that nothing is really 'just trash'. She believes that the fact that American

landfill sites (му­сор­ная свал­ка) are so full of recyclable items says allot about American culture. She has said that, 'Americans create more garbage, perhead, than any other culture, yet we are blind to our waste.' Holsenbeck has made it her calling to 'make the blind see' and she does this through her art. By working within communities, she feels that she can open the eyes of people. She can also show them that the throw-away culture in which we live needs to change and if it doesn't, the world will soon find itself in a terrible situation indeed. Holsenbeck feels that when a person gets involved in her communal art projects, they become more aware of the fact that what they throw away has an impact on the environment. With Holsenbeck's designs, this impact is a positive one because from the garbage come works of great beauty.

§ 4. One of Holsenbeck's recent projects was a vast labyrinth created from old unwanted shoes. The labyrinth was a group effort and Holsenbeck had the children of the community where it was constructed write their concerns about the planet, and life in general, on the individual shoes. Once the labyrinth was completed, an open invitation was extended to community members of all ages to walkthrough the labyrinth, read the children's messages, and learn what it is that threatens today's world.

§5. Holsenbeck's work has been recognised across the US. Wherever she goes, and whatever she does, her message remains the same, 'My installations are both meditations and questions. Where does all this 'stuff' come from? Where does it go? What do we do with it? Why is it here? Let's hope people start getting Holsenbeck's message.

§ 1. High up in the mountains of southeast Asia, you can find the Akha hill tribes living in their traditional villages and farming the land.

§ 2. The history of the Akha people goes back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. They originally came from Tibet and have maintained the physical characteristics of that region, being fairly short and dark in complexion. Today, they live in small villages in the mountainous parts of China, Laos and northern Thailand. The Akha people are rich in culture, history and tradition. But they are also among the world's poorest people. Akha women remain remarkably strong and cheerful in the face of such a hard life. Akha men are brave and strong.

§ 3. The Akha have their own way of measuring time where one week lasts 12 days. Each village has its own leader or headman, and under his guidance people follow a code of behaviour known as the Akha Way. Thanks to the Akha Way, each person in these small communities knows their role in society. The men provide for their families by farming crops. They are also talented craftsmen. The women do spinning and weaving and make their own clothes. They wear colourfully decorated black shirts and skirts, and thick black leggings. Their headdresses are especially distinctive. As for the children, even though many of them don't attend school, they all know the names of every plant and animal in the forest. There is no written Akha language but the oral tradition is very rich.

§ 4. Akha villages all look quite similar. The bamboo houses with their thatched roofs stand on stilts (сваи) on the hillsides. Every village has two wooden frames that look like a doorway at its entrance and exit. These structures have spiritual significance and are called the 'spirit gates'. Artists cover the frames with carvings of both evil and smiling faces. This is to invite good spirits to enter the village and keep bad spirits out. Each summer the men build a swing in a public open space. Here the young children gather to play, but not just as a playground game  — it is part of the yearly ceremony to honour dead ancestors.

§ 5. Sadly, the Akha Way is slowly disappearing from many villages. A growing number of tourists are visiting them and introducing a taste of Western culture. The women and girls only dress traditionally when there are tourists around in the hope they will buy souvenirs. Some Akha have even decided to take things a step further: they are leaving their villages to seek their fortunes in the big cities.

§ 1. Minutes before the start of a British Grand Prix in August, the drivers' faces are grave with concentration. Fans are screaming. Squeezed into his driving seat, Nelson Jones is pulling on a pair of tight black gloves. No question where he's expecting to finish: "First," he says. At the start signal, with a burst of engine noise, the drivers move quickly to the first turn.

§ 2. It all sounds a lot like a Formula One car race, but there's a difference  — Nelson is thirteen years old, and he's racing in a go-kart. What could be seen as child's play is in fact the first step for young talent to move into professional race cars, because it introduces them to the essential basics such as finding the racing line, concentration and how to compete on the track. That track record makes karting a must for youngsters keen to make racing their life's ambition.

§ 3. Nelson Jones has actually been racing since he was eight years old. "When my son Nelson showed us how gifted he was with racing, even at an incredibly young age, I knew we had to do something," Nelson's father says. "Racing can be really dangerous and it gets expensive, but when I had the opportunity to buy him his first official kart, I rushed to do it."

§ 4. After taking part in three or four local races in Britain, in which he won first place, Nelson decided that he would go for it and have a crack at his first international Grand Prix in Germany, which he won as well. Nelson now travels all over Britain and Europe to take part in races. The interest he showed in racing was not via the usual exposure to video games. "We lived near a small karting racetrack and I became fascinated  — I couldn't stop talking about it. One day, as we were driving past, I made my father stop the car so I could have a better look at the karts flying by. I saw so many people, including kids my own age, and I took a liking to it straight away.'

§ 5. Nelson eventually got his chance to try it out. The family hired an instructor for amateurs to teach Nelson, who took him as far as the age of twelve. The instructor then informed Nelson's father it was time to look for someone more qualified. Perhaps it is Nelson's good fortune in having always been expertly advised that has made him so relaxed about facing the pressures of an international racing circuit. But what is it like to be so young with a schedule fully booked with races, and all eyes watching him, expecting victory after victory? It's good for me, as I know what I need to be doing. The public's expectations help me focus and concentrate so I can race at my highest level.'

§ 1. Though he is, in many ways, unremarkable and we have never met before, and he hasn't given me any particular clues to help me pick him out, it's not hard to spot Steve Sires in the lobby of his hotel, simply because he's the only man here who looks exactly like Bill Gates, the computer millionaire and head of Microsoft. "I figured you'd recognise me," he says, rising from his chair to shake my hand, in his Bill Gates glasses, with his Bill Gates hair, Smiling his Bill Gates smile. Steve Sires is a civil engineering consultant who runs his own business and, twice a month or so, gets paid to jet across the continent and look like Bill Gates. He's hired for business functions mostly - product launches, industry seminars and conferences. He isn't the only professional Bill Gates lookalike in the world, but he is, by most accounts, the best.

§ 2. We walk over to a business-district restaurant. I'd made a reservation for two, under 'Gates'. I'm worried this might annoy Sires, but he just laughs and admits that it's something he's never tried himself. The hostess doesn't even blink when I drop the name. As she leads us to our table I imagine a few glances sent our way, but they're likely just that, my imagination. Sires assures me that he causes much more talk back in Seattle, where the real Gates is occasionally known to walk among the masses. "People have reported spotting Bill at Burger King or eating popcorn at a movie, Sires says. "I wonder how many times people see me and think "Why in the world would Bill Gates be shopping in a cheap supermarket?"'

§ 3. When Sires moved to the Seattle area he had no idea why people kept stopping him on the street or asking him for stockmarket tips in the checkout line. "I didn't know who this Gates guy was," he says. "Turns out I lived 20 minutes from his house.' Sires initially ignored the much-remarked-on resemblance. Then, his wife cut out a newspaper ad placed by a local agent who handles lookalikes. She'd called the agent. He got me a job at the grand opening of a performing arts centre. I did it for free. But my picture was picked up by Associated Press." Soon, Sires was travelling to events, his appearance fee running to several thousand dollars.

§ 4. So Steve Sires is famous. Actually, what he has is better than fame  — it's celebrity, without any of the complications of actually being Bill Gates. "I've got a great deal," he admits. "I get a little attention. It's fun to get a little attention. But at the end of the day, I can always go home to my real life."

§ 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. Imagine an entire town made up of spectacular buildings of multi-coloured ice. A town devoted to pleasure where you can ride in a horse-drawn carriage, go down ice slides (горки) and watch swimming events by an icy river. It sounds like a setting for a work of children's fiction, but this magical scene appears every January on an island just outside the Chinese city of Harbin.

§ 2. Winter in Harbin would be very boring indeed without its annual month-long Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Harbin has average temperatures of −16 °C at the time of the festival. So what better way to brighten up winter than with a colourful winter wonderland that recreates some of the world's most impressive architectural landmarks? It's possible to reproduce them using blocks of ice at Harbin because its winters, though freezing cold, are dry. There is a tradition of ice sculpture in the region that goes back hundreds of years and began with ice lantern (фо­нарь) artworks lit by candles.

§ 3. People who have been to the festival say the sculptures are most impressive at night, when they are lit by floodlights or from inside by clever use of LED (све­то­ди­од­ный) bulbs that change colour periodically. You can also appreciate the amazing detail of the snow sculptures better when there's no sunshine. If you want to see as many sculptures as possible, you should plan your trip for a few weeks into the festival. That's because by then the international snow-sculpting competition that is held during every festival is over and you can admire the creations in all their beauty.

§ 4. If you are more interested in physical activities than art, you'll still find plenty to amuse you at the festival. The event is well-known for the long snow slides that are incorporated into the designs of the ice buildings.

§ 5. Perhaps the most extreme event at the festival is the river swimming. Even setting up the event is a challenge. The organisers have to remove enough ice from the surface of the River Songhua to make a pool for the friendly competitions. The brave participants jump into the water wearing nothing but swimming costumes and caps, surrounded by spectators in winter hats, coats and gloves! Although the festival has become well-known enough to attract visitors from outside China, it's rare to see a non-local swimmer in the competitions. In northern China, however, there is a strong tradition of winter outdoor swimming, especially among the middle-aged and the elderly.

1. Spellometric Language Schools

The Spellometric Organisation has been running courses in Britain for the last 25 years and now has five schools in the south and south-west of England. The schools use a well-practised and proven teaching technique which recognises that spelling and numerical skills are the basis of all languages and so should form a central part of all lessons. The schools cater mainly for students aged twelve to eighteen years. Lessons take place in the mornings, starting at 8:00am and finishing at 1:00 pm. The school arranges accommodation for students with local families.

2. Gattegno School of English

Situated in Central London, the internationally renowned Gattegno school opened in 1967 and uses Gattegno's "silent way" methodology to teach students. Teaching throughout the year, the school also organises summer courses with students attending from all over the world. Students must be over the age of eighteen and the maximum class size in this school is six.

3. Lancing English Association

The Lancing English Association runs two summer schools, one in Bath, and one in Bristol, mostly attended by young students from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Teachers use the audio-lingual method. The maximum class size is ten. The school day starts at 9:00am and finishes at 1:00 pm. In the afternoons and evenings students take part in a varied activity programme which includes cricket, football and horse-riding. Students can also enjoy the schools' indoor swimming pools. School trips to London and other tourist destinations take place at weekends. Courses last from two to eight weeks and are residential, with students staying in accommodation on the school site.

4. Pangloss School of English

The Pangloss School specialises in intensive English courses for students who wish to improve their English rapidly in the space of a few weeks. The school day lasts from 10:00am to 8:00pm, with intensive instruction in all aspects of the English language, from grammar structures to vocabulary. The course is particularly appropriate for students about to study at English Universities or business people looking for more specialised language skills. The maximum class size is five students. The school is situated in the Cambridgeshire countryside, just outside Cambridge itself.

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.

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.

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. Paula West: Seville, Spain

For our first ever visit to Andalucia we based ourselves in the splendid Parador de Carmona, a former 14th century Arabic fortress, which has been converted into a hotel and restaurant. The small town of Carmona is just a half-hour bus ride from Seville, Spain's fourth largest city and the capital of Andalucia. We spent the morning climbing La Giralda tower before stopping for lunch. The temperatures at midday are very high in Seville, so we cooled down with gazpacho, the delicious cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

2. Jo Smith: Dubai

Dubai has clearly grown in popularity as a holiday destination since my first visit five years ago. The number of hotels has risen and there are now far more activities on offer to tourists. On my recent holiday there in April, I avoided the water-skiing, windsurfing and horse-riding, and chose instead to visit the oasis town of Dhaid. Being early spring, it was pleasantly warm with daytime temperatures in the low 30s, dropping to a cool 15 °C at night. Dubai has always been a marvellous place to shop, with a wide range of souvenirs on offer in the Bedouin markets. I resisted the temptation, however, promising myself I would buy something on my next visit.

3. Katie Smart: Marrakech, Morocco

I never tire of going to Marrakech, and the market, or 'souk', in the old town is always first on my itinerary. It has a wonderful selection of rugs, jewellery, pottery and leather bags, and I normally come home with enough items to fill a suitcase  — and my last visit there was no exception. But I am particularly attracted by the tremendous warmth and good humour of the inhabitants of Marrakech, who are delighted to be able to offer their hospitality and welcome foreign visitors to their city.

4. Fiona Miller: Lake Garda, Italy

My husband and I chose Lake Garda as our honeymoon destination and fell in love with its magnificent mountain setting and pretty lakeside villages. Based in the medieval town of Garda, we took advantage of the numerous outings organised by our tour operator to the many other resorts on the shores of the lake: Desenzano, with its 16th century cathedral; Malcesine, with its impressive castle built on a huge rock; and Limone, with its distinctive lemon groves and charming beach. We were so taken with the beauty of the area that we barely noticed the light showers which accompanied us on all our trips.

1. Camping Safari

This safari in the Masai Mara Game Reserve offers comfortable accommodation in tents which are fully equipped with beds, sheets, blankets and mosquito nets. Each day there is a drive through the reserve. Back at the camp in the evening you will enjoy a meal cooked over a traditional wood fire. Optional activities include guided nature walks and a visit to Lake Bogoria, which is generally covered with huge flocks of flamingos. However, there are other attractions at the lake, such as the magnificent hotsprings.

2. Family Safari

This safari has been created with families particularly in mind. Guests will stay at the comfortable, family-friendly Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi, which boasts one of the best swimming pools in Kenya. Don't miss a visit to the Giraffe Centre, a self-guided forest hike followed by an up-close encounter with tame giraffes. But this is not just a city holiday. There are morning and evening game drives against the magnificent backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, all suitable for small children as there are always plenty of big wild animals to see, including elephants, leopards and the now rare Serval cat. The hotel also offers an evening babysitting service.

3. Cultural Safari

All visitors spend their first night at a small lodge situated in a lush wooded area close to the Masai Mara. Game Reserve in Kenya. Thereafter, you will stay in several locations, including in a tribal bush village where you will have the wonderful opportunity to learn about the Masai culture and traditions and purchase some of their unique handicrafts. A short drive from the village will also take you to meet nomadic hunters or 'bushmen' from the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. This safari experience also includes several game drives through the reserve, where you may be lucky enough to have the chance to photograph the spectacular annual migration of one million wildebeest (ан­ти­ло­па гну) across the plains.

4. Chimpanzee Safari

At the beginning of this tour, visitors are treated to an overnight stay in a cottage built in the colonial style of a hundred years ago and overlooking Lake Tanganyika, estimated to be the second largest freshwater lake in the world. Then, three days are spent tracking chimps in the forest, which is a truly unforgettable experience. Photography is permitted but care should be taken not to upset or frighten the animals. During this part of the tour, accommodation is in luxury tents. The safari ends with a climb to the majestic Kakombe Waterfalls.

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.

The number one gadget for most teenagers today is the mobile phone. They seem to get enormous (1) ... from comparing new models which (2) ... them to send text messages at the speed of life. But most teachers are totally intolerable of mobile phone use in the classroom. Text messaging is completely banned and mobiles should be (3) ... switched off. This approach gets across the message that students need to concentrate. However, it shows that many schools misunderstand the full capability of the mobile phone. After all, a mobile phone is just like a mini computer, with full access to the web. There are many (4) ... ways in which mobiles can be used for learning.

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.

Cigarette advertising is a popular topic for discussion, as an increasing number of people believe that it should be banned (за­пре­ще­но). I support this view for a (1) ... of reasons. In the first place, cigarette advertising should be stopped because an (2) ..., harmful product is being promoted. Another major reason for banning cigarette advertising is the fact that it targets young people. They become attracted to the glamorous (3) ... of smoking, which leads to them taking up the habit. The average teenager does not consider the harmful effects of smoking or the fact that Smoking is (4) ... .

Madame Tussaud's is London's (1) ... visited tourist attraction, with over two and a half million visitors a year. There are as (2) ... as 400 models on display. Each one is worth over £20,000, that's (3) ... security is very strict there.

Many young people dream about a career in modelling. However, few of them realise exactly what it is like to be a professional model. It is (1) ... all glamour and riches. Only a (2) ... hopeful youngsters actually make it as professionals. (3) ... can be very hurtful to be told that you don't have (4) ... is needed.

The next time someone asks (1) ... my hobbies are, I'll turn the question round and ask them to (2) ... me about their hobbies. I doubt that they have any. I don't think we should deny it (3) ... longer: the hobby is dead. Ask any teenager or adult about how they spend their spare time and they'll respond with a list of activities rather than mention collecting something.