Завдання для олімпіади з англійської мови

Read the article and match paragraphs 1–5 with the correct headings. There is one extra heading you do not need to use.

Video Games: More Than Just Fun

According to the article, decide if the statements below are true (T), false (F), or not stated (NS).

Video Games: More Than Just Fun

Contrary to the long-held negative stereotype, video gaming is increasingly being recognized as a positive activity. While it’s a common free-time activity enjoyed by many, it’s often unfairly stigmatized. This is particularly confusing when we consider other forms of gaming, like board games, card games, or even mobile puzzles, which are widely accepted as fun and harmless. A recent study in Japan offers compelling evidence that video gaming can positively impact mental health. The survey, which involved nearly 100,000 Japanese residents, found that increased console gaming was associated with improved well-being. The study also focused on a unique situation during the COVID-19 pandemic, when console demand increased, and manufacturers began to organise lotteries to distribute limited supplies. This natural experiment allowed researchers to examine the impact of gaming on individuals who were particularly eager to play. The study revealed surprising differences in the impact of various gaming consoles on mental well-being. While PlayStation 5 ownership was linked to greater benefits for men, Nintendo Switch seemed to have a more balanced impact across genders. Additionally, the effects varied based on factors like household composition, age, and gaming experience. These findings raise questions about the specific characteristics of different consoles and their potential influence on mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique context for the study, as people sought comfort and distraction in gaming during challenging times. While this may have intensified the positive effects of gaming, it also raises concerns about the potential for excessive gaming to have negative consequences. As the pandemic fades, it remains to be seen whether the benefits of gaming will persist.

1. The text suggests that video gaming is often viewed less positively than other types of games.            [True, False, Not Stated]

2. The study discovered that all video games are equally beneficial for mental health.            [True, False, Not Stated]

3. The researchers found out that gaming is more beneficial for younger people than older people.            [True, False, Not Stated]

4. The article says that the positive effects of gaming will definitely continue after the pandemic.            [True, False, Not Stated]

5. The text suggests that gaming might become an important tool for improving social interaction in the future.            [True, False, Not Stated]

Важливо розрізняти F та NS:

• False (F) — інформація суперечить тексту.

• Not Stated (NS) — у тексті немає достатньої інформації, щоб підтвердити або спростувати твердження.

Read the text below and choose the correct option.

“The Day After Tomorrow” – Could it Happen?

In 2004, the film The Day After Tomorrow depicted one of the imagined consequences of human impact on nature. In the film, climate change happens rapidly, causing drastic changes worldwide. Huge storms, floods, tsunamis and blizzards cover cities, and that’s only the beginning. While the movie is fiction, the problem it talks about is real. It is called global warming, which is already changing our planet. An American scientist named James Hansen spoke about this in 1988. He informed the U.S. Congress that if we don't change what we're doing, the Earth's climate will become very dangerous. Global warming means that the Earth is getting hotter and hotter. Scientists believe that the reason is that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) trap heat from the sun. They come from factories, cars, and power plants when people burn fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and gas to make electricity, drive cars, heat their houses and provide factories with energy. Another reason is deforestation. When people cut down trees, there are fewer forests to clean the air. The bad news is that scientists have already noticed the effects of global warming today. Ice caps are melting and sea levels are rising. There are more heatwaves, floods, and wildfires. You might have noticed those changes too. When was the last time you enjoyed a long, snowy winter? And still, 30 years ago, students used to go skiing in PE classes. And those changes are a lot worse for living things. Many species of animals are losing their homes because climate change is happening too fast. If you search for "polar bears" or "orangutans" online, you'll see what's happening to them. People in different parts of the world are also experiencing problems with food, water, and health. If we don't take action, the ice caps will keep melting, and the sea levels will keep rising. This could increase the risk of stronger storms and more frequent floods in coastal areas. At the same time, some places may see a decrease in rainfall, making it hard to grow food. This could lead to famine and the end of our way of life. The good news is that there are solutions. We can use clean energy from the sun, wind, and water (hydro energy) instead of fossil fuels. Planting more trees and protecting forests can help lower the amount of CO₂ in the air. We can also change our habits by using bikes or public transportation, following the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), and eating less meat. Every small thing we do can make a big difference. The world does not have to resemble the one depicted in The Day After Tomorrow. If we act together, we can make the Earth a safer and better place to live.

What did James Hansen warn about in 1988?