FAMILY DOCTORS

Few other professionals are so directly and continually available to their clients as family doctors are to their patients. Your doctor is responsible for providing whatever care you may need, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Unlike the hospital service, there is no waiting list for the treatment your doctor provides. Doctor's working hours are flexible and fit to suit your needs. The great majority of consultations take place within a day of the patient seeking help. In an emergency, patients are seen without delay in the surgery or at home, and arrangements are made either for another doctor in the practice or an approved and qualified substitute to deal with any emergencies which might arise.How can you help your doctor save time and find a fast diagnosis? It will help if you can explain your problem straight away, with no useless detail. Be direct: With so many people consulting every day, it would be remarkable if every consultation went smoothly. If you have a misunderstanding with your doctor, do talk it over quietly, all patients are nervous and frightened, but remember, like you, your doctor is only human and he needs your help and patience to reach a perfect communication.

1. Add True or False, quoting the relevant information from the text to justify your answer. (2 p.)1. Family doctors are very close to their patients.2. Patients have to make an appointment in advance to see the doctor.

2. Answer the following questions according to the information given in the text. Use your own words. (2 p.)1. What are the differences between the service given by a family doctor and a hospital?2. How can you help improve the communication with your doctor?

3. Find in the text words or phrases which mean the same as the following (1 p.)a) Serious attention (=…………………………………..)b) To be the right shape and size for somebody (=………………………)c) Operating after a lapse of time (=………………………………………..)d) Alarmed or afraid (=………………………….)

4. Complete the following sentences. Both sentences should have the same meaning (2 p.)

1. "Call me if you feel more pain or the breathing gets more difficult, and during the next days sleep as many hours as you can."The doctor told his patient…2. How can you help your doctor save time? How…3. John felt sick and drowsy. He hadn't received a good treatment. If…4. Although there are many patients, consultations go rather well.Despite…

5. Write a composition with the following title (100 -120 words): (3 p.)

“What advantages do you see in working as a doctor?”

POTENTIAL DANGERS OF ROCK MUSIC

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I am not by nature an unreasonable person, but two vivid and shocking personal experiences of rock music over the past two weeks have persuaded me that it has become a duty to point out its potential dangers. My first experience was the realisation that if I speak to my teenage son when he is listening to rock music through headphones, he replies in an unnaturally loud voice, as if there was something wrong with his hearing. The second occurred when I went with him to a ‘concert’ and saw for myself what these affairs are like. I noticed a collective madness, a mass hysteria, brought about by the noise level. I also observed that everyone gave up his/her individuality. By the end I was in the middle of a faceless crowd who clapped and jumped like demented monkeys. It was the most degrading human spectacle I have ever had the misfortune to witness. In short, those shouting marionettes on the stage turn the audience into zombies, but anyone present with any common sense after seeing the process has to ask, ‘’And those marionettes…who pulls their strings?’

1. Add True or False, quoting the relevant information from the text. (2 p.)1. I have t o point out that rock music may be dangerous.

2. The collective madness is due to the fact that the music is played very loudly.

2. Read the text and, according to it, answer the questions. Use your own words. (2 p.)1. What made the author think that the spectacle seen was “degrading”?

2. How do you know that the author thinks the singers on the stage are manipulated?

3. Find in the text words or phrases which mean the same as the following (1 p.)a) What one is obliged to do by morality, law, a trade, a calling,conscience,etc

(=…………………………………..)b) Not quiet or soft; easily heard (=……………………………..)c) Events, situations (=………………………………………..)d) Large number of people together, but without order or organization (=………………………….)

4. Complete the following sentences. Both sentences should have the same meaning (2 p.)1. It’ll be necessary for him to give up smoking soon.He...

2. She wrote me a letter to tell me she never wanted to see me again.I...

3. “I never want to go there again” he said to his brother.He told...

4. He’s so boring that people fall asleep while he’s talking.He’s such...

5. Write about the following topic, between 100-120 words (3 p.) Music, groups or singers are really essential for the youth. Do you agree? Why?

THE HIGH PRICE OF LOW-COST AIRLINES

No plans yet for the weekend? Berlin-Madrid for 19 euros! Low-cost airlines are conquering the European travel market with competitive prices, and the aeroplane is fast becoming an everyday means of transport. But this has dramatic consequences for the environment as no other form of transport has

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such a damaging ecological effect as the aeroplane. The recent growth in air travel is above all due to the success of budget airlines. At first sight, they do not seem to have a worse ecological effect than conventional airlines, thanks to near-full capacity usage. The root of the problem lies in the acquisition of a new, wider type of customer through aggressive prices. A two-day shopping trip to London or a relaxing weekend in Majorca would remain a luxury that few could afford without these carriers. So, for the moment, it is still the traveller’s individual responsibility to resist frequent flying. Those who cannot, or will not, stop flying have the possibility to compensate for the negative effects of travelling by donating money to climate protection projects. It is obvious that such voluntary initiatives will only be supported by a minority of environmentally conscious European citizens and can represent no real or credible alternative to a political solution. The coming months will show if EU states take the Kyoto protocol seriously and put a stop to cheap flights which are so costly to the environment. 

1. Add True or False, quoting the relevant information from the text. (2 p.)a. Many people can now afford short pleasure trips thanks to low-cost airlines.b. EU states have already decided to put a limit on low-cost flights

2. Read the text and, according to it, answer the questions. Use your own words. (2 p.)a. Why are low-cost airlines so dangerous for the environment?b.Can travellers radically solve the environmental problem? Why?

3. Find in the text words or phrases which mean the same as the following (1 p.)a. Having a harmful effect on somethingb. Increase in developmentc. Financial plan which an institution or government hasd. People who live in a particular country or state

4. Complete the following sentences. Both sentences should have the same meaning (2 p.)a. Flight attendants never gave me instructions Instructions…b. The airline ticket was so expensive that we couldn’t pay itIt was…c. In my opinion, you ought to rely on low-cost airlinesIf…d.Travelling by air has increased its prices. They are having fewer passengersSince…

5. Write about the following topic, between 100-120 words (3 p.)Attracting more tourists is essential for the Spanish economy. Discuss.

THE MONA LISA AT THE PRADO

A contemporaneous copy of the world’s most famous painting has been discovered by conservators at the Prado in Madrid, allowing us to see the Mona Lisa as she would probably have looked at the time.In art historical terms, the discovery is remarkable. The Prado painting had long been thought to be one of dozens of surviving replicas of Leonardo’s masterpiece, made in the 16 th and 17th centuries. But recent conservation reveals that the work was inf fact painted by a pupil working alongside Leonardo. The original painting hangs behind glass and with enormous security at the Louvre, a gallery

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it is unlikely to ever leave. There is also no prospect of it being cleaned in the near future, meaning crowds view a work that, although undeniably beautiful, has several layers of old, cracked varnish. This newly discovered work – found under black overpaint – allows the viewer to see a much fresher version of the captivating young woman, thought to be the wife ot the Florentine cloth merchant Francesco del Giocondo. Details of the discovery were revealed at a recent Leonardo symposium of experts at the National Gallery in London, which is how the story emerged, a spokeswoman said. She added that there was more conservation work needed and that the painting would not be revealed in its full glory for around three weeks. The Prado has yet to finish conservation work on the whole painting.

1. Add True or False, quoting the relevant information from the text to justify your answer. (2 points)a) This represents the discovery of one of several copies made by Leonardo in the Renaissance.b) The original Gioconda needs no restoration.

2. Answer the following questions according to the information given in the text. “Use your own words”. (2 points)a) What did the restoration process involve?b) When was the news made public?

3. Find words of phrases in the text which mean the same as the following: (1 point)a) Existing or happening at the same time.b) An exact copy.c) Not expected to happen, improbable.d) Fascinating, charming.

4. Complete the following sentences.The meaning should be the same as that of the first sentence.(2 points) a) My brother goes to Paris more often than I do. I don’t (...)b) The painting must be restored or it will be ruined in the short run. Unless (...)c) The exhibition brought together around one hundred paintings by Sorolla. Around (...)d) It’s a pity that they do not organize temporary exhibitions in collaboration with other museums. I wish (...)

5. Write a composition with the following title (80-120 words): (3 points)Try to persuade a friend to come and visit a museum you are interested in. Give reasons to convince him/her.

HI TECH GADGETS – MAKING OUR LIVES

Wonderful steps have been made by science and because of this, today’s market is filled with its result – hi tech gadgets.Some of the most popular ones are varying models of mobile phones, GPS systems for cars, iPODS and MP3 players, devices for games, laptops as well as the latest models of television.

The top benefit that these gadgets have given us is that they have made our everyday lives so much easier. Furthermore, these gadgets are presently becoming the main source of recreation and entertainment, especially to the younger generation. Each of these products has become such a craze among youngsters that the result has been a boom in the market.

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With the arrival of the internet, there’s no lack of websites giving access to information about any gadget that one wants.They are created for particular purposes and for specific types of people.However, when deciding to shop for these gadgets, you must be very careful. It is always a good idea to seek assistance from a person who has thorough knowledge about the newest technological devices before you purchase one. Its trendy style and outer appearance are not the only things that count. You have to see to it that the device you’re buying is of top quality, durable and of course, should be original. The risk of being cheated is always present, especially if you’re not buying from an authorized dealer or store, so be alert.

1. Add True or False, quoting the relevant information from the text to justify your answer. (2 points)a) When it comes to buying one, it is most important that the gadget is fashionable.b) Buying one of these gadgets is always safe nowadays.

2. Answer the following questions according to the information given in the text. “Use your own words”. (2 points)a) What is the main appeal of these devices for teenagers?b) What does the writer recommend you should do before buying one of these gadgets?

3. Find words of phrases in the text which mean the same as the following:(1 point)a) Personal computer for mobile use.b) The object of an enthusiastic interest.c) Something that follows the latest tendencies of fashion.d) To be tricked or deceived.

4. Complete the following sentences.The meaning should be the same as that of the first sentence. (2 points) a) That mobile phone had an incredible camera. However, I didn’t buy it. Although (...)b) These new generation devices have a greater number of pixels and that is why they have better screen resolution. As (...) c) Be alert when you buy one of these hi-tech devices. He advised (...)d) You didn’t search online for what you needed and you did not get it. If you (...)

5. Write a composition with the following title (80-120 words): (3 points) Someone gives you the gadget of your dreams as a present. Imagine how different your life is going to be from now on.

COMING DOWN TO EARTH

A hot shower and a new wife helped two astronauts come down to earth Thursday after six months in orbit.Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko and U.S. astronaut Edward Lu landed in Kazakhstan after an unproblematic flight from the International Space Station. The crew, accompanied by Spaniard Pedro Duque, who was on a one week mission, arrived as planned.Lu said the exciting life on the 16-nation orbital platform had amply compensated for not enjoying common comforts. "It's a small price to pay not to be able to eat your favorite food or take a shower if you have the opportunity to live and work in space," he told a news conference. "But that being said, that first hot shower felt really good."Having married his fiancée Ekaterina Dmitriev in August via a satellite video link from space, Malenchenko went straight into married life enthusiastically. "Life continues on earth and we've got lots of plans," he said.

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The astronauts said they had been able to keep in touch with their families from the station via e-mail and video telephone. "I missed my family and fiancée, but we had very good communications on board and we were able to talk," said Lu. "I didn't feel very much separated from my loved ones on the ground."

1. Add True or False, quoting the relevant information from the text to justify your answer. (2 points)

a) Pedro Duque was in orbit for six months.b) The orbital platform was exclusively a Russian and American enterprise.

2. Answer the following questions according to the information given in the text. “Use your own words”. (2 points)a) How different was daily life on board the Space Station?b) How did the astronauts manage not to miss their families very much?

3. Find words of phrases in the text which mean the same as the following:(1 point)a) Chanceb) Feel homesickc) A group of people with special technical skills who work together d) Girlfriend

4. Complete the following sentences.The meaning should be the same as that of the first sentence. (2 points) a)The astronauts are giving the journalists a lot of informationThe journalists……b) "Life continues on earth and we've got lots of plans," he said.He told the reporters….c) “I felt very much separated from my loved relatives”I wish…..d)Having married his girlfriend via satellite was excitingIt was………

5. Write a composition with the following title (80-120 words): (3 points) : Are dangerous professions attractive for young people today? Why?

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