Mark the statements true (T) or false (F)

1. The speaker became worried when she realized that she could no longer touch the sea floor.

2. The speaker tried to warn her mother that they were too far from the shore.

3. The speaker was a strong swimmer.

4. The men knew the speaker and her mother were in danger when the mother waved for help.

5. There were more people on the beach when they returned to shore than previously.

6. Swimming to the rocks meant swimming further out to sea.

7. The mother guided her daughter towards the rocks.

8. After they reached land, the girl wanted to speak with everyone about her experience.

9. A rip tide is not dangerous.

10. The speaker wanted ice cream to replenish her energy.

Circle the correct item

1. Which of these alternative titles would BEST express the material in the text?

a) "Stranded at Sea"

b) "A Day at the Beach"

c) "Reaching the Rocks"

d) "Saving My Mother's. Life"

2. Why was the mother's call for help ignored?

a) They had drifted too far out to be visible from the shore.

b) Her family was busy playing on the beach.

c) The waves dragged her underwater.

d) Her relatives didn't realize she was waving for help.

3. What was the mother's demeanor?

a) Nonchalant

b) Exasperated

c) Composed

d) Hysterical

4. Why did they swim to the rocks?

a) It was the closest piece of land they could reach before drowning.

b) They could no longer see the shore.

c) Their family was calling to them from the rocks.

d) It wasn't risky to try to reach the rocks.

5. The waves did all of the following EXCEPT …

a) pushed them sideways

b) pushed them towards the rocks

c) pushed them under

d) push them further out to sea

6. Which best describes tins piece?

a) A nostalgic explanation.

b) A suspenseful narrative.

c) An apathetic description.

d) A witty vignette.

7. Why does the author choose the breaststroke?

a) It was the easiest stroke.

b) It was the only stroke she knew

c) To copy her mother.

d) To be able to see the rocks.

8. When the narrator reached land, how did she feel?

a) Shaky and exhausted.

b) Cold and tense.

c) Nauseated and achy.

d) Hungry and energetic.

9. Who came rushing towards them?

a) Women.

b) Children.

c) The author's uncles and several other men.

d) No one.

10. What was the main reason the mother and daughter almost drowned?

a) The daughter was not a strong swimmer.

b) The daughter refused to let go of her mother's neck.

c) They were caught in a rip tide.

d) They were too far away from the shore.
Text № 58
The Beatles became the most popular group in rock music history. The group consisted of four Englishmen: George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. Starr played drums, and the others usually played electric guitar. All of them sang. Lennon and McCartney composed most of the Beatles’ songs, but Harrison and Starr wrote for the group occasionally.

All the Beatles were born in Liverpool. They called themselves the Beatles in 1960. Brian Epstein, who worked in a Liverpool record store, became manager of the Beatles. Under his direction, they gained nationwide fame in 1962 and international fame two years later.

During the early 1960’s, the Beatles’ style was influenced by American rock singers, especially Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley. In 1964, the Beatles toured the United States and created a sensation everywhere they performed. They starred in two popular movies, A Hard Day’s Night (1964) and Help! (1965). A full-length cartoon, Yellow Submarine featured the music and characters of the Beatles.

During the middle and late 1960’s, the Beatles helped to give rock music a new direction. Earlier rock music had been based primarily on a strong beat, but the Beatles’ music contained a new sense of melody. Their chord progressions were also more complex, and the lyrics of their songs were more imaginative and meaningful.

The Beatles began to drift apart in the late 1960’s for a number of artistic, business, and personal reasons. The group broke up in 1970, but by that time their records had outsold those of any other popular music performers in history. After the breakup of the group, all the Beatles performed as soloists or led their own groups.
Mark the statements true (T) or false (F)

1. 
   The Beatles became the most popular group in rock music history.
   
2. 
   J. Lennon played drums.
   
3. 
   All the Beatles were born in London.
   
4. 
   They called themselves the Beatles in 1970.
   
5. 
   Brian Epstein became manager of the Beatles.
   
6. 
   In 1964 the Beatles toured France.
   
7. 
   A full-length cartoon “Yellow Submarine” featured the music and characters of the Beatles.
   
8. 
   The Beatles´ music was based primarily on a strong beat.
   
9. 
   The lyrics of their songs were imaginative and meaningful.
   
10. 
    The group broke up in 1975.
    

1) Beatles became the most popular group …

1. 
   in pop music history
   
2. 
   in classical music history
   
3. 
   in rock music history
   

2. 
   The group consisted of four …
   

1. 
   Englishmen
   
2. 
   French
   
3. 
   Americans
   

2. 
   All of them…
   

1. 
   played guitars
   
2. 
   sang
   
3. 
   composed music
   

2. 
   All the Beatles were born …
   

1. 
   in London
   
2. 
   in Liverpool
   
3. 
   in Boston
   

5. 
   Brian Epstein who worked in a record store, became …
   

1. 
   rock singer of the Beatles
   
2. 
   manager of the Beatles
   
3. 
   art director of the Beatles
   

6. 
   In 1964 the Beatles toured the USA and created … everywhere they performed.
   

1. 
   a miracle
   
2. 
   a surprise
   
3. 
   a sensation
   

6. 
   They starred in two popular …
   

b) plays

8. 
   A full-length cartoon … featured the music and characters of the Beatles.
   

1. 
   ‘Yellow Airliner’
   
2. 
   ‘Yellow Automobile’
   
3. 
   ‘Yellow Submarine’
   

1. 
   1970
   
2. 
   1971
   
3. 
   1974
   

1. 
   as soloists
   
2. 
   as singers
   
3. 
   as music performers
   

Some recent studies indicate that in cases of neuroses and depression, almost any type of therapy is better than none at all. The word placebo is defined as a process or substance, of little or no known worth in itself, which is applied to a problem in order to produce an encouraging or ‘pleasing’ result.

This phenomenon takes place when a patient is exposed to a satisfactory ‘bedside manner’ and/or when medication, manipulation, passing of the hands, prayer or other means is applied to the problem. Such effects may also take place when the patient feels in control of his situation, or when he has surrendered that control to another in whom he has confidence. This is a simple case of what is known as ‘transference’. Encouragement leads to hope, and hope to better self-care and self-interest.

Many types of chronic pain, because of the emotional condition of the sufferer, are associated with the chronic anxiety. An efficient and caring physician, knowledgeable about the placebo effect can largely alleviate that anxiety and thus improve at least the symptoms of certain ailments.

Even American jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes had an opinion on this matter: ‘Healing is a living process, greatly under the influence of mental conditions. It has often been found that the same wound found received in battle will do well in the soldiers that have beaten, that would prove fatal in those who have just been defeated’.

It is well to consider the possibility of this powerful psychological effect when evaluating some claims of ‘miraculous’ healing.

1. 
   Miraculous recoveries are often believed.
   
2. 
   In cases of neuroses and depressions the well-known placebo effect is the best.
   
3. 
   The word placebo means a harmless substance given to a sick person instead of medicine, without telling them it is not real.
   
4. 
   The phenomenon of placebo takes place when a patient is seriously ill.
   
5. 
   Such effects may also take place when the patient feels in control of his situation.
   
6. 
   A complicated case is known as “transference”.
   
7. 
   Many types of chronic pain are associated with the chronic anxiety.
   
8. 
   American doctor Oliver Wendell Holmes said: “Healing is a living process, greatly under the influence of mental conditions”.
   
9. 
   The same wound found received in battle will do well in the soldiers that have beaten.
   
10. 
    We must not consider the possibility of placebo effect.
    

1. 
   Miraculous recoveries, unexplained cessation of pain are often believed to be either due to occult forces or to divine …
   

1. 
   intervention
   
2. 
   providence
   
3. 
   revelation
   

2. 
   Some recent studies … that in cases of neuroses and depression almost any type of therapy is better than none at all.
   

1. 
   prove
   
2. 
   indicate
   
3. 
   signal
   

3. 
   The … placebo is defined as a process or substance, of little or no known worth in itself which is applied to be a problem in order to produce an encouraging or pleasing result.
   

1. 
   term
   
2. 
   word
   
3. 
   expression
   

4. 
   This phenomenon takes place when a … is exposed to a “satisfactory bedside manner”.
   

1. 
   person with some health problems
   
2. 
   patient
   
3. 
   sick man or woman
   

5. 
   Placebo effects may also take place when the patient feels in control of his …
   

1. 
   circumstances
   
2. 
   situation
   
3. 
   position
   

6. 
   … leads to hope and hope to netter self-care and self-interest.
   

1. 
   encouragement
   
2. 
   discouragement
   
3. 
   confidence
   

7. 
   Many types of chronic pain because of the emotional condition of the sufferer are associated with the chronic …
   

1. 
   worry
   
2. 
   anxiety
   
3. 
   concern
   

8. 
   An efficient and caring physician knowledgeable about the placebo effect can largely alleviate that anxiety and thus improve at least the … certain ailments.
   

1. 
   symptoms
   
2. 
   illness
   
3. 
   problem
   

9. 
   Healing is a living process, greatly under the influence of mental …
   

1. 
   situations
   
2. 
   conditions
   
3. 
   state
   

10. 
    It is well to consider the possibility of placebo effect when evaluating some claims of … healing.
    

1. 
   miraculous
   
2. 
   very good
   
3. 
   very lucky
   

It’s a fact that most people don’t like to fight. It is just in human nature to want to avoid a confrontation. However, throughout our lifetime, there will inevitably be situations where we are called upon to defend our opinion on a topic against someone else’s.

The ability to take a stand, and skillfully present your point of view is a fundamental skill that will help you in business, as well as other aspects of life. You may win some arguments, you may lose—more often than not, you will come up with a negotiated agreement. But how you present your case and yourself, regardless of the outcome, will leave a lasting impression of who you are as a person and a leader.

The first thing to remember is to be prepared. If you feel strongly about a topic, know it well. Take special measures to get the relevant facts and find out as much about the topic as you possibly can. Preparation is the only aspect of an argument or negotiation over which you have total control. You can never control what actually happens during an argument, but being prepared can help you stand on firm ground.

In any serious discussion, it is not enough to simply understand your own point of view. It is equally, if not more important, to understand and never underestimate your opponent. It is important to understand that your opponent feels about his opinion as strongly as you feel about yours. Do not put down your opponent’s ideas. Show politely that you understand, but that your opinion is different.

Throughout an argument, it is important to listen. Listening carefully and asking relevant questions, shows that you are truly involved in the discussion and allows you to receive important information that will eventually lead to an outcome. Be sure to listen with an open mind, even if you believe the other side is taking a ridiculous position.

Always keep your emotions under control. When arguments get emotionally heated, both sides tend to lose control and the discussion process breaks down. No matter how intensely you feel about a topic, keep a calm voice. Sometimes it may even help to take a deep breath and count to ten.

Finally, accept the fact that some arguments do not have a clear-cut outcome. Know when enough is enough, and simply agree to disagree.

Remember these simple tips the next time you are confronted with an argument, and you may just come out on top.

Mark the statements true (T) or false (F)

1. 
   All the people don’t like to fight.
   
2. 
   Avoiding a confrontation is considered to be our human nature.
   
3. 
   The word “inevitably” can be replaced by the word “certainly”, according to the reading.
   
4. 
   “To take a stand” means “to defend one’s point of view”.
   
5. 
   The way you argue does not always show you as a person and a leader.
   
6. 
   In some situations you can control what actually happens during an argument.
   
7. 
   It’s unacceptable to underestimate your opponent.
   
8. 
   Discussion ends when emotions begin.
   
9. 
   Sometimes you have to agree to disagree.
   
10. 
    Keeping in mind the following rules will surely make you the winner.
    

1.The reading is primarily about ...

• 
  a) how to stay calm in an argument
  
• 
  b) how to avoid arguments
  
• 
  c) how to argue effectively
  
• 
  d) why people don’t like to argue
  

• 
  a) Be Prepared
  
• 
  b) Know Your Opponent
  
• 
  c) Listen Closely
  
• 
  d) Keep Cool
  

• 
  a) Be Prepared
  
• 
  b) Know Your Opponent
  
• 
  c) Listen Closely
  
• 
  d) Keep Cool
  

• 
  a) Be Prepared
  
• 
  b) Know Your Opponent
  
• 
  c) Listen Closely
  
• 
  d) Keep Cool
  

• 
  a) Your emotions
  
• 
  b) Your opponent
  
• 
  c) Negotiation
  
• 
  d) Preparation
  

• 
  a) Stand on firm ground
  
• 
  b) Put down your opponent’s ideas
  
• 
  c) Avoid becoming emotional
  
• 
  d) Agree to disagree
  

• 
  a) take a deep breath
  
• 
  b) count to ten
  
• 
  c) keep a calm voice
  
• 
  d) feel strongly about your position
  

• 
  a) So you can keep an open mind
  
• 
  b) Because your opponent may say something ridiculous
  
• 
  c) So you don’t lose control of the argument
  
• 
  d) Because you may get some useful information
  

• 
  a) It could help you in business.
  
• 
  b) Others can get a chance to see you as a leader.
  
• 
  c) You can learn to win every negotiation you attempt.
  
• 
  d) It is a fundamental skill that can help you in other parts of your life.
  

• 
  a) serious and practical
  
• 
  b) light and silly
  
• 
  c) informative and humorous
  
• 
  d) entertaining and childish
  

1. 
   At the heart of every situation there is a lesson for you if you care to look for it and to learn it. Do you agree with this statement? Do you remember any kind of the situation? Please analyze it.
   
2. 
   What do you dream about when the Bird of Dreams on silent wings comes to your windowsill in the evenings? Do you dream about future or things from your everyday life?
   
3. 
   Life without labour no glory can gain. How do you understand these words? Give some examples from lives of prominent people or from lives of people you know.
   
4. 
   I love an old city where you see at a glance – glimpses of history, beauty, romance. Are these words about your city/town? Why do you like it? What places do you enjoy visiting in your native city/town?
   
5. 
   Have you already decided what your future job will be? Do you have any plans for your future?
   
6. 
   We need a little more music to help us along. What kind of music do you prefer?
   
7. 
   It is very important to live for people and to make them happy. Do you agree? What are you able to do for people to enrich their life with light and hope?
   
8. 
   We must master many lessons during our life, only it gives us progress and real knowledge. Do you agree with it? How do you learn and master your lessons?
   
9. 
   Love shall be our guide, our sunset lamp, our morning star. How do you understand it? What is love for you? Is it possible to live without love? Why not?
   
10. 
    Time can never change true friendship. We find the greatest thing of all if we can find a friend. Do you have a real friend?
    
11. 
    Changes often force the door of opportunity. Is it easy to adapt yourself to fresh conditions? What helps you to change something in your life?
    
12. 
    There is always some new thing waiting round the corner, some new loneliness to be perceived, some new joy to be experienced. Have you ever experienced the traveler´s joy? Where do you like to travel?
    
13. 
    Show your smiles – the world needs happiness. How can you share your joys with people around you? What interesting ideas can you suggest for free time activities?
    
14. 
    Free to live my life and read, to dream, to swim or walk – this is my holiday. How do you taste the cheer delight of feeling really free during your holidays?
    
15. 
    Life without colour. How dull it would be? How to make it vivid, inspiring and gay? What is your attitude towards art, literature and music?
    
16. 
    Within yourself you have the power to be what you desire. Within your soul you have a certain goal. What kind of person you really wish to be?
    
17. 
    It is certainly true that we cannot do without it – and yet when we´re got it we´re troubled about it. Men risk their lives for this thing we call money. What is tour attitude towards money? What cannot we buy for money?
    
18. 
    Is your home a centre of affection for your friends and family? What do you do to keep your home a happy place and guard it carefully?
    
19. 
    The poet A. Frost wrote: “The books we love grow dearer as the years go rolling on. They are there to comfort us when other joys have gone”. Do you like to read? What kind of books do you prefer?
    
20. 
    Imagine, someone is waiting for a letter from you. It may be your mother, father, the old friend or the new one. What will you write to a person who is hoping for a line from you?
    
21. 
    What do you prefer living in, an old cottage or a in a modern house? What are their advantages and disadvantages?
    
22. 
    Do you agree that charity makes us think of other people and of what they need and it offers us a golden chance to do a kindly deed?
    
23. 
    There is always something to live for if you only look around. An old friend to be visited, a new one to be found. What do you live for?
    
24. 
    Old friends may be dear but you must never turn away from the chance to make new friends. Do you agree with this idea? Is it easy for you to make new friends?
    
25. 
    Life is never hopeless when someone needs you. The world is full of people. What can you do to brighten someone´s day?
    
26. 
    There is no friend like an old friend who has walked life´s road with you – easy to get in with like a worn well fitting shoe. Do you agree with this statement?
    
27. 
    The unexpected pleasure sometimes gives more happiness than those that we have planned for many a day. How do you understand these words? Have you experienced such feelings?
    
28. 
    The time has come to make your own way in the world. What are your plans for the future?
    
29. 
    You´ve never met and yet you´ve come to know each other well. Sometimes it may be that the written word says more than tongue can tell. What do you think about paper friendship?
    
30. 
    In the world all things are changing – changing with the days. Autumn, winter, spring and summer. The rhythm of the seasons and the cycle of the year. What is your favorite season? Maybe we find something pleasant in all it?
    
31. 
    News from home – how much it means to those who in some place are thinking and remembering a room, a voice a smile. What do you recollect when you are far away?
    
32. 
    How do you understand the proverb: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in picture of silver?
    
33. 
    Very often when you are far away from home your thoughts go home. They seek the places and the faces dear to the heart. Thoughts go back. They know the way to the place of heart´s desire. Love leads them home. What are your thoughts about?
    
34. 
    Do you agree that it is more blessed to give than to receive? They say that the joy of giving on the one hand is balanced on the other is by the grace of acceptance.
    
35. 
    Without the warming grace of love our hearts grow hard and chill. The impulses of charity, kindness and goodwill – spring out of the seed of love. So let it be expressed. Charity is love in action, love made manifest. How do you understand these words?
    
36. 
    Life cannot go always as you plan. You have to work hard and do the best you can. What helps you to overcome difficulties?
    
37. 
    Life should be a festival of hope and movement. Every day that passes should be well and truly spent. How do you understand these words?
    
38. 
    Wishes will not bring to you the prizes of success but work and hope will surely get you where you want to be. How do you work to be a success?
    
39. 
    Robert Burns wrote, “It´s the light of happiness when shining in the mind – that makes the day look bright to you and life seem good and kind. It´s the inner sunshine gives your world a smiling face – and helps you see the loveliness behind the commonplace”. How do you understand these words?
    
40. 
    Jewels of wisdom are locked in the books. The riches are hidden there. What kind of books helps you to find treasures of real knowledge?
    
41. 
    Memory casts a golden ray in every secret place of our city. Describe some of your favourite places in your native town.
    
42. 
    “Better country is farther on”. So said the pioneers who beat the trail into the wilds and famed with tears the hostile land. How do you understand these words? What is the best country for you?
    
43. 
    What lessons may somebody learn just by watching you? What kind of things you say and do which may influence someone?
    
44. 
    Other people´s problems, what are they to you? Are you always ready to help somebody?
    
45. 
    On the hills and in the valleys sorrows fade and hopes ascend. All words lead to bright horizons as the company of friends. How do you like to spend your free time with your friends?
    
46. 
    There is a philosophy in flares and forest, field and bird. Why do you love our planet? What must we do to make it better?
    
47. 
    Use your gifts. Do not let them rest. Take the opportunities that come with every day. And you will be what you desire. The kingdom is within. What do you do to follow these ideas?
    
48. 
    No good deed is ever wasted and no kind word said in vain. The good we do to other people life returns to us again. Do you agree with this proverb and it´s explanation?
    
49. 
    Happy thoughts can change our lives. Happy thoughts are magic forces working secretly to establish in our lives health, peace and harmony. What are your happy thoughts about?
    
50. 
    Do you look for the bad or for the good in everything? Do you give your thoughts an upward or a downward swing? How do you live your life?
    
51. 
    If we build high walls around the garden of our lives – no root of love puts forth a bloom. Without the sunshine in our hearts how can the flowers grow? What is friendship for you?
    
52. 
    What plans and goals do you have in your life? Do you have some dreams in your life?
    
53. 
    Time is precious, do not waste it, use it carefully. Think before you filter it away. How can you use these pieces of advice?
    
54. 
    What is the relationship between global warming and food scarcity? What other factors cause severe famine and malnutrition? What is meant by describing the rainforests as the ‘lungs of the planet’?
    
55. 
    What do you think will be the major ecological problems in future and what suggestions do you have for dealing with them?
    
56. 
    Science solves problems and occasionally creates them. What do you consider is the major scientific problem today and how do you think it can be solved?
    
57. 
    How far do you agree that despite man´s attempts to control nature, nature has found very successful ways of controlling the man?
    
58. 
    Do you think that too much effort and money are spent on persuading individuals and governments to conserve wildlife and the natural environment and too little on the needs of deprived people? Justify your opinion.
    
59. 
    Do you think your education has encouraged you to think creatively and originally? Which aspects of your education have been the most creative and stimulating?
    
60. 
    Do you think your education has prepared you sufficiently for adult life? What changes would you have liked to see in the curriculum of your secondary education?
    
61. 
    Teaching machines ranging from hand-help dictionaries to complete classroom systems, to a great extent replace the human teacher. Schools themselves may decline in importance when the home information system supplements or even supersedes traditional method of education. What do you think about it?
    
62. 
    Do you feel that you have been extended enough in your education? If not, in what aspects do you think you could and should have been extended more?
    
63. 
    In what fields have woman generally achieve fame and distinction in the 20^th century? Why these than others? Do you agree that woman are ’more people-oriented than man’?
    
64. 
    What areas of employment have recently ceased to be exclusively male preserves? Is there any good reason why any of them should have always been reserved for men before?
    
65. 
    Should women try to develop the kind of toughness and aggressiveness normally associated with men in order to compete with them in the job market? What is the alternative?
    
66. 
    Are women inclined to think about their appearance significantly more than men? In what ways? Why is an increasing number of women suffering from the slimness diseases?
    
67. 
    Do you think it is better if women stay at home while their children are young? How realistic do you think it is for a woman to attempt to pursue a demanding full-time career while bringing up young children?
    
68. 
    Why do you think people choose the particular newspaper they read? What is your favourite newspaper?
    
69. 
    Do you think Ukrainian television is sufficiently broad and enterprising in its scope? What kinds of programs would you like to see more/less?
    
70. 
    To what extent do you think the Internet and television increase passivity and unsociability? What can be done to prevent it?
    
71. 
    What is the appeal of ‘soap operas’? Do you consider any of them to be successful artistically? Why do you think some people become involved in the lives of “soap operas” characters?
    
72. 
    Why do companies spend so much money on advertising? How do you think people in general are influenced by advertising? Can you think of any ways in which you personally have been influenced by advertising?
    
73. 
    Do Ukrainian newspapers have anything to do with ‘news’? How far do newspapers influence views in society and how far do they merely reflect them? “A good newspaper is a nation talking to it”. What are your views in what constitutes a good newspaper?
    
74. 
    List the most significant scientific discoveries of the century. What makes each of them important?
    
75. 
    Should scientists be expected to take account of the social and moral implications of their research? On the whole, has the development of science been a good thing for the human race or not?
    
76. 
    What do you think about “teenage culture”? Can it be properly called a culture? Give some examples.
    
77. 
    Fashion dictates the way we live. What do you think about modern fashion? Who are your favourite designers?
    
78. 
    Is there a generation gap? What are your relations with parents? Do you understand each other?
    
79. 
    Do you think that marriage will survive as a social institution in the 21^st century? Do you agree that personal happiness is best found in long-term relationships?
    
80. 
    In the early years of the 21^st century there will be an increasing number of old people in Europe. What problems do you think this will cause and how would you tackle them?
    

2. Many different languages are used around the world even within a single country. What foreign languages would you like to learn and why? How can a language help connect people from different parts of the world? How would the world be different if only one language was spoken throughout the world?

3. Every day millions of people visit video-hosting sites such as YouTube. Why have these sites become so popular? Do you or someone you know watch these clips? What kind of clips do you watch and why? What makes such sites different from television? Justify your opinion.

4. School uniforms are mandatory in some schools around the world, although certainly not in every school. If you were the headmaster of a school would you demand your pupils to wear a uniform? Imagine the response of a student who could disagree with you. What would the student say? How would you respond to him/her?

5. Throughout most of the 20^{t h} century, Music and Art were considered as important as Maths and Science. Some people are concerned that nowadays schools are placing less and less emphasis on studying these subjects. Do you think that students should be required to learn Music and Art at school? Why?/Why not? Will our society change if we stop learning them? Justify your opinion.

6. Imagine that one day you will have a career of an actor or an actress. What kind of character would you play? What types of production would you be in? If you could play any character in a theater performance or movie that you have seen, who would it be and why? Do you think you would enjoy this career?

7. Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home country. Why do some students study abroad? Could studying abroad be viewed as a waste of time? How can a student make the most out of his/her time abroad?

8. Having a pet is quite popular nowadays. Why do you think so many people are fond of keeping pets? What kinds of animals are best as pets? Why? Are there any animals that should not be kept as pets?

9. A hero is traditionally a person who, in the face of danger, adversity or weakness, displays courage and the will for self sacrifice for some greater good of humanity. What traits define a hero for you? Does being in the right place at the right time make a hero or are people born that way? Who is your hero/heroine and why do you look up to him/her?

10. The world is becoming increasingly urbanized. Why are more and more people living in cities? In the future, do you think people will live in the countryside? Is living in a city a sustainable lifestyle? Justify your opinion.

11. Websites, magazines, and television shows are free to say almost everything about celebrities and public figures even if it's not true. Is this practice fair? Why is the public so fascinated with the private details of famous people's lives? Would you be willing to trade privacy for fame? Explain your reasons.

12. All schools have rules. What are some of the rules you have at your school? Which rules do you believe are necessary and which do you believe are unfair? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having rules? Have you ever been caught breaking any school rules?

13. Imagine you get to move into your own apartment tomorrow. What five things would you put in your apartment first? Do you think you would keep your apartment clean or messy? Why? Would you invite anyone to live with you or would you stay there alone? Why?

14. Discuss the quote "You never step into the same river twice." How do you interpret this quote? Do you think it is a true statement? Why or why not? How can you relate it to yourself?

16. Parents often tell children, “Mind your manners”. What do you think are examples of good manners/bad manners? Can manners affect your success in life? How? What is the best way to teach manners to children?

17. Do you think a universal language would be useful for modern life? Which language would you suggest as the common one? What are the disadvantages of having a universal language? How do you think knowing more than one language can affect your life?

18. "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail" is a popular saying. Describe a time when you spent a lot of time preparing for a project, job, or performance. How did you prepare? Were you successful because of your preparation? Can people be successful without being prepared?

19. If you could be in any TV show, which would it be? Would you be a new character or an existing one? How would you introduce yourself into the show?

How would your presence affect the plot?

20. Franklin D. Roosevelt declared, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."What do you think of this quotation? What phobias do you have? How do you handle fear?

21. What is the most important quality a friend can have? Why is this quality so important? Do your closest friends have this quality? Do you? What can you do to develop/improve on this quality?

22. Today many students in schools have mobile phones. Many of them don’t always turn their phones off before going to their lessons. Is it necessary for pupils to have mobile phones? Why do you think so? Do mobile phones interrupt teachers and students? Should teachers be able to take phones from students? In which cases should they do it?

23. Robots are no longer a part of the distant future but instead they are slowly being incorporated into daily life. Robots are designed to complete tasks more efficiently than humans. Would you ever purchase a robot? Why?/Why not? What are the advantages and disadvantages of living with robots?

24. Shakespeare wrote, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why or why not? How does this quote apply to your own life?

25. Many families in Ukraine grow their own food, but in many parts of the world people buy the majority of their food from supermarkets. What are the benefits of growing your own food? Why do some people prefer to buy all their food from stores? If you had a garden and could only plant three things, what would they be and why?

26. You have decided to move to a different country and will take one person with you. Where will you go? Why have you chosen that place? Who will you take with you? Why have you decided to take that very person? What will you miss about Ukraine?

27. Imagine that you are given the opportunity to turn time back. What time in your life would you want to re-experience? Is there anything you would change in your past? How do you think your present life would be affected by your journey to the past?

28. Many young people nowadays use social networks like Vkontakte and Facebook to stay in touch with friends and family. However, many critics fear that these sites cost us too much in terms of privacy and can have a negative impact on users. What are the advantages of using social networking websites? What are the possible disadvantages of using such sites? How can people reduce the risk they put themselves in when using sites like Facebook and Vkontakte?

29. Choosing a career path can be a difficult decision. What should be one's motivation in choosing a career path? When you have a family to support, is it fair to choose a job that gives you personal satisfaction even if the salary is lower than other available jobs? How can people balance their professional and personal lives?

30. Global warming is receiving more attention as a concern and problem throughout the world. Do you think global warming is an important environmental issue? Why? What are three sources of global warming, and how does each contribute to the problem? What are three solutions to stopping, or at least slowing the effects of global warming?

31. You have got an amazing chance to meet with a celebrity (living or dead) for one hour. Who would you meet and why? What questions would you ask this person? What would you like to tell him/her?

32. What is your favourite subject? Why?  How will this subject help you in the future? Would you recommend this subject to someone else? How do teachers make lessons interesting for you? What role do you play in your own education?

33. Some argue that 'street smarts' are more important than 'book smarts'. What are the most important lessons you've learned outside your school? Do the lessons we need in life come mostly from school, or not? What does it mean to have a 'full' education?

34. If you could learn any language besides Ukrainian, Russian, or English, what would it be? What are your reasons? What opportunities would it create for you?

What unique hurdles would you have to overcome?

35. In the United States, it's common for private schools to accept only boys or only girls. What do you think are the positive aspects of single-sex education? What are the negative aspects? Would you like to attend an all-girls or all-boys school? Why or why not?

36. Supermarkets are becoming more widespread and popular in the modern world, while traditional markets (bazaars) are becoming less common. Where do you or your family do most food shopping? What advantages and disadvantages do you see with modern supermarkets? Do you think that traditional markets will disappear? Why or why not?

37. Extreme sports such as skydiving, mountain climbing, and bungee jumping are very popular, but also very dangerous. What is so appealing about these sports that people will risk their lives to do them? Is there an extreme sport you want to try and one you don’t? Which one and why? What would be your family’s reaction to your doing an extreme sport?

38. "Travelling is no longer necessary because modern technology has made it possible to learn about the rest of the world from computers and televisions." Do you agree with this statement? Why do people like traveling? Do you think foreigners could really understand Ukrainian life and culture without visiting Ukraine? Justify your opinion.

39. Fantasy books such as the Harry Potter and Twilight series have been very popular for some years now. Why do people like fantasy books? Are they targeted to one age group? In your opinion, what is the most interesting genre of books? Explain what makes it more interesting to you than the others. If you could bring a character from a fantasy book to life, who would it be and why?

40. People are often interested in foreign people and cultures. Which foreign culture do you find most intriguing? Which tradition from that culture would you like to experience? How has the classical understanding of that culture evolved overtime? What are the advantages and disadvantages of accepting foreign traditions into your own culture?

41. Napoleon Bonaparte once wrote, "The word impossible is not in my dictionary." Talk about a time when you achieved something that you initially thought impossible. Why is it important to have confidence in your abilities? Should you follow your dreams no matter what? Is it better to set easier, realistic goals, or to aim for the 'impossible'?

42. Journalism is a vital and challenging profession. Why is journalism important?

If you were a journalist, what kinds of news stories would you enjoy reporting about? Who would be the first person you would interview and why?

43. Tattoos and body piercings are becoming more and more popular. Many people with tattoos and piercings believe that such body art helps them express their inner personalities. What are some arguments against tattoos and body piercings? Do you like tattoos and body piercings? Why or why not? If you had to choose one body art to express your personality, what would it be and why?

44. Choose a favourite holiday. Explain why you like this holiday so much. Tell a story from your life that illustrates what this holiday means to you. Explain how your family traditions are typical for Ukraine.

45. If you were seated on a plane, and the person next to you was terrified of flying, what would you tell him or her to help calm that person down? Do you have a phobia? What and how do you deal with it? What method of transportation is the scariest/safest? Why? What are some advantages and disadvantages of travelling by plane?

46. Many people look back on their childhood fondly and remember a favourite toy. What was your favorite childhood toy and why? What are the characteristics of a good toy? How do the toys of today differ from the toys in the past?

47. Imagine you have become stranded on a desert island. How could you spend your time without a computer, a phone or television? What do you know about survival skills like planting food, building houses, or making clothes? If you could choose two people to be stranded with you, who would they be and why?

48. Imagine that the fountain of youth has been discovered, giving eternal life to those who drink from it. If you could choose one notable living person to live forever, who would it be? Why would you choose this person? How would his/her eternal presence influence the future?

49. With all the pressures of the modern world, time is an important factor in our lives today. How does time impact your life? Do you have enough time to do all the things you'd like to do? How do you prioritize your time to accomplish the things that are most important to you? Do you follow a strict schedule and calendar, or do you "take life as it comes"? What are the advantages and disadvantages of your approach?

50. "If you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything at all." How do you feel about this American saying? Do you keep quiet when you want to criticize someone or do you say what is on your mind? In which kinds of situations is it more tactful to keep your criticism to yourself and when is it more important to contradict someone?

51. Scientist Charles Babbage proposed the idea of the computer in the 19^{t h} century, but no one imagined how much the device would change our lives. How do you think technology will change in the next 100 years? What technologies would you like to see that do not yet exist? What are some ways technology can negatively impact our lives?

52. Every culture has different traditions and patterns for naming people. For example, most Ukrainians have very traditional names, but in America, people sometimes have unconventional names. Some celebrities even give their children strange names like "Apple" or "Moon Unit". Why did your parents choose your name? Should people be able to choose their own names? If so, how old should someone be before changing his/her name? If you could change your name, what would it be and why?

53. Throughout the world, visiting zoos is a popular way to have fun and observe animals, but have you ever wondered what it would be like to be the animal on the other side of the fence? Imagine you are an animal living in a zoo. What are the benefits and disadvantages of living in a zoo? Which animal would you be and what would your daily life be like? If you had a choice, would you live in a zoo or in the wild?

54. Imagine that you are a newspaper reporter. You have the opportunity to interview any person in the world. Who would you choose to interview? How has this person influenced people's lives? What three questions would you ask first?

55. People today may think that humankind has seen everything. Yet there are still a lot of unknown things about the ocean and outer space. Do you think it is more important to devote resources to exploring the ocean or outer space? How would we benefit from exploring this realm? What do you hope we will discover in the next ten years?

56. "Don't judge a book by its cover" is a popular English idiom. How do you interpret this phrase? Describe a time when you misjudged someone or something based on appearances. What value do you think our culture places on appearances, and is it appropriate? Justify your opinion.

57. In recent years natural disasters have devastated several countries and thousands of lives. From the tsunami in Southeast Asia to Hurricane Katrina and the earthquakes in China and Haiti, countries have been caught off guard by the amount of damage and the work required so that to recover from such disasters.

How can countries better prepare for large natural disasters? Pick a natural disaster and discuss what makes it so dangerous. After a disaster strikes, what can a government do to ensure the safety of survivors and a speedy recovery?

58. You want to cook something special for your parents. What would you choose to cook and why? Is it your favourite dish? What are its ingredients? What equipment and utensils do you need to cook it? What can make this dish especially tasty?

59. A person you know is planning to visit your town or city. During what season would you recommend him or her to visit it and why? What do you think this person would like and dislike about spending time in your town or city? Why? What areas of interest would you show her or him first?

60. Lately there has been a lot of discussion about environmental problems and how they are harmful to both society and the health of our planet. Do you agree that we live on a 'sick' planet? What environmental problems affect your community and what is being done to alleviate them? Do you think pollution is a just price to pay for better standards of living?

61. Some people believe that violent films and video games make our society more violent. Do you think there is a connection between violence in the media and violence in real life? Should there be greater restrictions on portraying violence in films and games? Do you enjoy watching films or playing video games that have violent content?

62. Imagine that you are given enough money to start your own business. What type of business would you choose to open and how would you call it? What would you need to open your own business in terms of space, employees, and supplies? How would you advertise your new business?

63. Globalization describes the process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures connect through communication, transportation, and trade. This process has sped up greatly over the last two decades. What advances in communication have caused globalization to speed up? What roles have travels played in the globalization of world economies? How can globalization positively affect different countries? How can it negatively affect them?

64. Imagine you have the power to see the future. What advantages and disadvantages accompany this gift? What responsibilities come with this gift?

Would you make the knowledge of your ability public? Why or why not?

65. How important is it for young people to have good role models? Who do you think is a good role model for young people in your country? Why? What characteristics define a good role model for you?

66. Solving mysteries and riddles is characteristic of human nature. Why do you think people find it attractive? Give examples to justify your opinion.

67. How important is art and culture to the development of young people? Talk about different ways in which people of your age can expand their horizons through art and culture.

68. It is said that “forbidden fruit is always more attractive”. What do you understand by the saying? Justify your opinion.

69. “Home is where your heart is.” What do you understand by this statement? What sorts of things make a place “home”?

70. “Young people today have more career options than their parents.” How far do you agree with this statement? Talk about a variety of professions that young people find attractive nowadays.

71. Traditional TV, radio and newspapers will soon become a thing of the past. How far do you agree with this statement? What are modern versions of the traditional media?

72. Many books that have been on bestseller lists in recent years have been on secrets and mysteries. What are the reasons of people’s interest in such topics? Give examples to justify your opinion.

73. “It is impossible to learn a foreign language without understanding the culture of the countries in which it is spoken.” Do you agree with this statement? Justify your opinion.

74. Without risk your life would be very boring. How far do you agree with this statement? Give examples of the situations in which people like taking risks.

75. Instead of giving us more free time, modern technology takes it away from us. Give examples of how modern inventions contribute to our lack of time.

76. “Our intelligence helps us achieve amazing things.” What is your opinion of this statement? Give examples supporting your point of view.

77. “If we all spoke the same language, there would be fewer conflicts and wars.” Do you agree with this statement? In your opinion, will English be more widely spoken in the future? Why (not)? Can you think of any aspects of life where English is or will be the only language used?

78. “Education is a matter between the person and the world of knowledge; school or college has little to do with it.” Do you agree with the statement? Do you think learning will ever take place without teachers, classrooms, schools in general?

79. “A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” How far do you agree with this statement? What do you miss most about your home when you are away? If you could change three things about your home, what would they be?

80. Stereotypes are generalized descriptions that are true about all members of a certain group. Are stereotypes good or bad? Provide examples. How do they arise and where do they come from? How can they influence people?