English 9. Term 1 Reading Comprehension

Read and complete the text with the words below.

communicate web computers technologies smartphones Internet

THE INFORMATION AGE

We are lucky to live at the age of fast development of communication              (1). The development of the          (2) has made global communication cheap and available to everyone. It has influenced the very way we             (3) daily. It has also given us possibilities for buying things using our personal           (4); besides we can talk, hear and see dear people over     (5) cameras. In fact, the growth of technology has made             (6) become almost a part of us providing speed, quality, and effectiveness in a device small enough to carry it in the pocket.

Read the text. Mark the following statements as TRUE or FALSE.

The term «normcore» refers to a modern fashion trend. It's often called «anti-fashion» because the key feature of this style is dressing simple or even dull, for example, white sneakers, zip-up sweatshirts and black trousers.

The same styles both for men and women and dark colours are very popular.

The key is to look comfortable and effortless. The icons of the movement are celebrities such as Jerry Seinfeld and Steve Jobs.

1) The text describes a new music trend.       [TRUE, FALSE]

2) The normcore style is marked by bright clothes.       [TRUE, FALSE]

3) If you are a normcore, your outfit is rather traditional and normal-looking.       [TRUE, FALSE]

4) Some famous people choose to follow the normcore trend.       [TRUE, FALSE]

Read the texts and answer the questions.

Amy, Manchester: «I had my first job at the age of 12 delivering the weekly free paper. By the time I was 13 I had been working Sunday evenings washing up in a café and continued to have part-time jobs in cafés and restaurants until I left school. My parents gave me very little pocket money so I quickly learnt that if I wanted money I had to work for it. When my own children reach 13, they will also be expected to work — if not in a job outside of the home, then at least doing work around the house or for my husband's business to earn any «pocket money». It teaches children an important lesson about the value of work and money which is just as important for their education as academic study».

Neil, York: «I am 18 now and I have been working since I turned 13. It felt fantastic to have money that was mine by my own efforts, and I was able to learn the value of money, and good financial practices early on. I have had 5 jobs since I was 13, I have been able to develop a range of skills and I do not regret entering work at such an early age. The only problem I really had was combining work and study, as it was, at times, difficult to balance work hours with school and college lessons, but work also gave me motivation for my studies and provided practical experience to apply to what I learnt».

1. Who doesn't regret he/she had to start working experience at an early age?      [Amy, Neil, both]

2. Who has been employed since 12?      [Amy, Neil, both]

3. Who got very little pocket money from his/her parents?      [Amy, Neil, both]

4. Who thinks that work was useful for studies?      [Amy, Neil, both]

5. Who felt it difficult to find a balance between work and studies?      [Amy, Neil, both]

Read the text. Mark the following statements as TRUE or FALSE.

London is one of the most exciting and multicultural cities in Europe. So, when you arrive in London, be prepared for variety in everything including how young people look.

As Danielle, 16, says: «We don't want to look boring or basic. What's basic? When you think you're original, but you're not. Being cool is all about being yourself. It doesn't matter what people think about you».

However, teen outfits are as different as people themselves. Some teens wear T-shirts with jeans; trousers, blue or black, are quite common and the look is finished off with ac-cessories. Accessories are essential because they can take an outfit from day to night and add variety to your wardrobe.

Another choice is the «rocker» look. You start with a T-shirt of your favourite band and tight jeans or a long skirt. On top of this you can wear a denim jacket. Jewellery tends to be large and metallic, and to add colour, wear a scarf.

Scarves are important, which makes sense since the winters there tend to be a bit chilly!

If neither of these is for you, why not go «sporty»? T-shirts are usually of bright colours. Wear long shorts, short jeans or a denim skirt. And on your feet? Beach sandals, of course! If you prefer something more feminine, there's the «girly» look. Skirts are long, to the floor. Wear a top with butterflies or flowers printed on it!

Finally, how about the «Tom Boy» look? Wear flared jeans and a T-shirt with a logo. Don't forget your waistcoat, of course!

Follow the fashion tips above, and you won't feel out of place. However, it's important to remember to wear clothes and choose a look that you feel comfortable with. Don't just be one of the crowd — be yourself!

1) The text tells about a fashion show.       [TRUE, FALSE]

2) Danielle doesn't want to look ordinary.       [TRUE, FALSE]

3) Trousers are usually preferred in white or grey colour.       [TRUE, FALSE]

4) Jewellery for the «rocker» look should be large and golden.       [TRUE, FALSE]

5) Fashionable sports clothes are usually of very bright colours.       [TRUE, FALSE]

6) The «Tom Boy» look means that you are wearing a top with butterflies or flowers printed on it.       [TRUE, FALSE]