Jane (1) ... to be a nurse ever since she was a child but her father had told her that nursing was not a suitable profession for her to follow. She decided to talk to her friend, Anne, about what she should do. Jane and Anne (2) ... friends for a long time and lived in the same street. When Jane arrived at Anne's house, Anne (3) ... in the garden reading. Jane explained the situation to her. As she finished speaking, Anne's mother came out of the house and shouted to the girls to come over. "Sorry Jane, but I'm afraid, your father had an accident this morning at work and is in hospital. I (4) ... you over there now.' When they arrived at the hospital Jane (5) ... to see her father sitting up in bed and smiling broadly.

'Father, I was so worried, I thought something dreadful (6) ... .' 'Oh, there's no need to worry. I (7) ... my arm but the nurses here (8) ... such good care of me, they've been wonderful. And Jane, I've been thinking.' Jane Smiled at her friend, and knew that everything was going to be all right.

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.

People (1) ... in the Amazon Basin for 10,000 years when it was "first discovered” by a Spaniard called Don Francisco de Orellana in 1542. He (2) ... for forests of cinnamon and, of course, gold. The Indians promised the Europeans that there was gold because they knew that as long as the Spaniards needed them as guides, the Indians were safe. In fact it was nearly a year before Orellana and his team finally (3) ... the junction of the Napo and Amazon rivers. Originally the new river (4) ... Rio de Orellana after its European discoverer. Although the Spaniards didn't find any gold, they did find the greatest river in the world. However, today we (5) ... the wonderful Amazon rainforests and it (6) ... that the last remaining rainforests could be destroyed in less than 40 years. Moreover, nearly half of the world’s species of plants, animals and microorganisms (7) ... over the next 25 years due to rainforest deforestation.

People (1) ... in the Amazon Basin for 10,000 years when it was "first discovered” by a Spaniard called Don Francisco de Orellana in 1542. He (2) ... for forests of cinnamon and, of course, gold. The Indians promised the Europeans that there was gold because they knew that as long as the Spaniards needed them as guides, the Indians were safe. In fact it was nearly a year before Orellana and his team finally (3) ... the junction of the Napo and Amazon rivers. Originally the new river (4) ... Rio de Orellana after its European discoverer. Although the Spaniards didn't find any gold, they did find the greatest river in the world. However, today we (5) ... the wonderful Amazon rainforests and it (6) ... that the last remaining rainforests could be destroyed in less than 40 years. Moreover, nearly half of the world’s species of plants, animals and microorganisms (7) ... over the next 25 years due to rainforest deforestation.

Tom Hardy is having a house built entirely of glass. Yes, the external and internal walls, the roof, the floor, everything (1) ... of glass. The builders arrive next Monday and they will have finished the construction by the end of August. Until the house is ready, Tom (2) ... in a tent on the site so that he can watch the builders at work.

"In just six months' time I will be living in one of the most futuristic houses in the world," says Tom. "I can hardly wait. People are going to be really amazed, I'm sure of that. Journalists (3) ... round to see me all the time. I have already told them that once the house (4) ..., I'll move in straightaway."

Of course, it's no ordinary glass. It (5) ... if you (6) ... stones at it because it is thick and flexible. What's more, you won't be able to see in because this glass automatically goes dark when night (7) ...  — there is no need for curtains.

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.

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.

A recent survey has been analysing information about the time that people in the UK take off work because of illness. The study was carried (1) ... in 4,300 businesses around the country. The analysts looked (2) ... the number of absences, when they took place and the reasons given (3) ... them. It was found that Manchester was the city where people took most days off- an average of 11 days a year. People were off the least time of all in London (only 7 days (4) ... average). Employers also claimed that many workers chose to be absent when there was something good (5) ... television. (6) ... most employers thought their employees often did not tell (7) ... truth about why they were taking time off. Bosses said that they believed that less than 10% of (8) ... sick notes they received were genuine.

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.

In a month's time I'll be setting (1) ... on the trip of (2) ... lifetime. My plan is to cycle all the way round the world, starting and finishing in my home town of Plymouth. It's taken over two years to prepare for the adventure; planning it, training for it and organising the finance. I've saved up about a quarter of the money I need, and I've managed to raise (3) ... rest by doing up my house and selling it for a lot more than it originally cost me. Understandably, my parents are not very keen on (4) ... idea, and I don't blame them (5) ... wanting to try to discourage me (6) ... going. They still haven't forgiven me for the worry I caused them when I tried, unsuccessfully, to cycle from Norway to South Africa. They've finally accepted, however, that nothing will prevent me (7) ... attempting it, and my mum has said she'll be the first to congratulate me (8) ... my achievement when I get back in two years' time.

It is said that technological development has given people more leisure time than they used to have, and that this frees them up to concentrate (1) ... their interests and hobbies. It seems to me however, that most people spend their free time doing things that do not contribute (2) ... their development. To start with, the most popular free-time activities seem to be ones that people do alone. For instance, most people spend much time (3) ... the internet and, even when they are interacting (4) ... others, t hey are only doing so electronically. In addition (5) ... this, when people go out it is often to visit the shopping centre. At (6) ... same time, there are examples of people making good use of their time. At weekends, there are parks, forests and beaches full of people doing sports or taking walks together. Some people do (7) ... volunteer work for charity organisations. Other people join theatre or singing groups and there are many people who enjoy reading Sadly, however, this reflects (8) ... relatively small part of the overall population.

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.

We had been staying at (1) ... holiday resort on mainland Greece for nearly (2) ... week when we decided to visit one of the nearby islands. First, we booked the trip at our hotel, then we walked down to the harbour and found our boat. The captain welcomed us on board and we sat down near (3) ... front. (4) ... first, the weather was good and the sea was calm. However, after about fifteen minutes, dark clouds filled the sky, and it was clear that a storm was about to start. Ten minutes later, it was pouring (5) ... rain and the sea was extremely rough. It was absolutely terrifying! The captain of the boat explained (6) ... us that he couldn’t approach (7) ... the island  — he was worried that we might hit the rocks if we went too close! All we could do was wait for the storm to pass. All of the passengers were feeling very ill as well as frightened. But finally, the storm passed, the sea became calm once more and we finished our journey. I’ll never forget being (8) ... sea during a storm.

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.

Mount Bulla is one of the most popular winter resorts in Australia. It is about a six or seven-hour drive from the city. The resort itself is on the side of the mountain about one thousand meters up. The drive up is breathtaking. As you go up the winding road, the pine trees surround you and you can smell how fresh and clear (1) ... air is. Snow has fallen and the ground is covered (2) ... a white blanket. The actual resort is made (3) ... of three traditionally-built hotels. The largest of (4) ... three has a disco.

Just above the hotels is the ski-lift which takes you (5) ... the top of the slopes. There are also skiing instructors who teach beginners. Quite often there are special shows put (6) ... by professional skiers, which are fascinating to watch. You must like skiing to enjoy your stay as the resort is (7) ... real paradise (8) ... ski-lovers.

If you happen to be walking in your local park tomorrow and you find a book with a label inside (1) ... Read and Release me," don't just treat it as a (2) ... . You've probably (3) ... across an example of bookcrossing, a book-sharing movement (4) ... in 2001 by American software developer Ron Hornbaker, whose aim is to "make the (5) ... world a library'. Bookcrossers "release' books either by (6) ... them on to friends, or by leaving them in public places for others to (7) ... up, or 'catch', and then read, before they in (8) ... release them back "into the wild". Over half a million people worldwide take (9) ... in bookcrossing, "releasing books in cafés, airports, bus stations, telephone boxes. Often a book is left in a place which is associated with its (10) ... or content: Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express on a train, for example, or an archeology book in a museum.

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.

Young Composers is an online resource for anyone (1) ... in music composition. Amateur musicians can upload music to their network, where their review team helps young people to (2) ... their music abilities. Their composer forum is an active community of professionals, students, and amateurs who can (3) ... questions about the life and career of composing, or (4) ... chat in the 'shoutbox'. YC's main purpose is to (5) ... people to post their music, receive feedback on it and improve as composers. One way to (6) ... from the knowledge on the forum is to (7) ... a contributing member: review others' works and, of course, post your own pieces for feedback and analysis. The best way to (8) ... advantage of the forum is to participate. By reviewing the works of others other members will get to know you and they will see that you are making an (9) ... to give back to their community. It's a great website to learn and help others to (10) ... at the same time.

Stress is important. We all need a certain amount of it in order to (1) ... fulfilling lives. However, if we have too much of it, it can have the opposite (2) ... . It is therefore a good idea to learn a few stress management techniques. Identifying the (3) ... of the problem we have, so that we can (4) ... it more effectively, is one of the first (5) ... towards reducing stress. The second is talking to a person you can trust, who will listen and, if necessary, (6) ... you some positive advice. Not only are smoking and drinking (7) ... to our health, they actually increase stress (8) ... than reduce it. So, next time you want to relax, instead of (9) ... for that glass of wine or a cigarette, have a warm bath or go for a walk. Walking has more than health benefits, it helps you think more clearly too. On the other hand, laughter is one of the best ways to (10) ... yourself feel considerably better.

Му family has lived on the coast of Cornwall in south-west England for generations. My grandfather was a fisherman, taking (1) ... out on the sea every day to (2) ... a living. Once the main local employer, the fishing industry ran into problems and its place has been partly taken by tourism. Although not top of the list for many (3) ... visitors, Cornwall attracts thousands of UK holidaymakers every year. Of course, they bring in money to the area, but they can also cause a lot of (4) ... to the local environment. Many people argue that tourism (5) ... jobs and this is true, up to a point. However, much of the employment lasts only for the main tourist season, not the (6) ... year. For many small communities, a change in population also has a huge impact on their identity. People from outside Cornwall have bought second homes to stay in over the summer. This (7) ... the locals’ quality of life  — our community is (8) ... with tourists in summer, but like a ghost town in winter.

Stress is important. We all need a certain amount of it in order to (1) ... fulfilling lives. However, if we have too much of it, it can have the opposite (2) ... . It is therefore a good idea to learn a few stress management techniques. Identifying the (3) ... of the problem we have, so that we can (4) ... it more effectively, is one of the first (5) ... towards reducing stress. The second is talking to a person you can trust, who will listen and, if necessary, (6) ... you some positive advice. Not only are smoking and drinking (7) ... to our health, they actually increase stress (8) ... than reduce it. So, next time you want to relax, instead of (9) ... for that glass of wine or a cigarette, have a warm bath or go for a walk. Walking has more than health benefits, it helps you think more clearly too. On the other hand, laughter is one of the best ways to (10) ... yourself feel considerably better.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were (1) ... to be one of the Seven Wonders of the (2) ... World. They are believed to have been built by King Nebuchadnezzar in the sixth century BC as a present for his wife, Amytis.

The gardens were constructed in layers. Each layer was a large terrace (3) ... with tropical flowers, plants and The large amount of water which these plants required was pumped from the river Euphrates nearby. It is said that Nebuchadnezzar and his wife would sit in the shade of the gardens and (4) ... down on the city of Babylon below.

The gardens' fame quickly (5) ..., and travellers would come from far and wide to (6) ... them. Even thousands of years ago, people used to go (7) ... Sadly, nothing (8) ... today of the beautiful hanging gardens, and the city of Babylon lies in ruins in what is modern-day Iraq.

Do you ever wish you were more optimistic? Having someone around who always (1) ... the worst isn't really a lot of fun  — we all know someone who sees a single cloud on a sunny day and says, "It (2) ... like rain." But if you catch yourself thinking such things, it's important to do something about it. You can change your view of life, according to psychologists. It only takes a little (3) ..., and you'll find life more rewarding as a result. Optimism, they say, is partly about self-respect and confidence but it's also a more positive way of looking at life and all it has to (4) ... . Optimists are more likely to start new projects and are generally more prepared to (5) ... risks. Upbringing is obviously very important in forming your (6) ... to the world. Some people are brought up to (7) ... too much on others and grow up forever blaming other people when anything (8) ... wrong. Most optimists, on the other hand, have been brought up not to regard failure as the end of the world  — they just (9) ... with their lives.

In an era when family cars are about as (1) ... as fridges, Volkswagen has taken the most (2) ... car of all time, the ‘Beetle’, back to the (3) ... board and given it a (4) ... look.

The Airport Express service has been in full operation for the past three weeks. This train service takes you from the centre of the city to the airport very (1) ... (RAPID) and at a very reasonable price. The carriages are comfortable and (2) ... (SPACE) but food and drink is (3) ... (AVAIL) because the journey is short. There is an on-board television service with informaticm-about flights and airport facilities. In (4) ... (ADD), the train has telephones for passengers to use. Many travellers are already choosing the train in preference to a long and tiring journey by car or taxi.

In 1967, the use of drugs by (1) ... in the Olympics was banned. Before modern drugs became a problem, athletes had tried all sorts of ways to get an (2) ... advantage, including drinking a mixture of alcohol and raw egg before a race, hoping for an improvement in their times. Unfortunately, in 1960, a Danish athlete died after taking drugs and the (3) ... was taken to outlaw certain substances. Today, there are (4) ... chemicals that athletes are not allowed to take during training and officials randomly test athletes for evidence of these drugs.

In an era when family cars are about as (1) ... as fridges, Volkswagen has taken the most (2) ... car of all time, the ‘Beetle’, back to the (3) ... board and given it a (4) ... look.

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.

(1)  ... school, college or university would be as effective without a library. Libraries are essential in these places, as are public libraries in our towns and cities. But we have to accept that times are changing, books are cheaper to buy, people spend less time reading books, and consequently, libraries aren't as busy  (2)  ... they once were. Besides that, the Internet provides us with so  (3)  ... to read, that old books in libraries now have some serious competition. But despite this, I think that we still need libraries, and they must adapt in order  (4)  ... to disappear.

The Ryder Cup is a famous golf tournament and it is now (1) ... of the biggest events in sport. Tickets regularly sell out within hours after going on sale. (2) ... makes it different from other golf tournaments is that it involves teams rather (3) ... individuals, with Europe competing against the USA. (4) ... is no prize money, but emotions run high. The players enjoy experiencing again the original feelings that made them take up the sport in the first place.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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