Exercises. I. Choose the answer that expresses most accurately what is stated in the passage

I. Choose the answer that expresses most accurately what is stated in the passage. Only one answer is correct.

1. It is essential for us to decide weather television is good or bad because:

a. it dominates many people's lives;

b. lots of people watch TV the whole time;

с. TV plays an important part in the lives of many people

2. TV is convenient source of entertainment because:

a. there is no need to arrange for tickets or transport;

b. you can watch plays, shows, etc. staying at home and enjoying the comfort of your living – room;

с. the children are with you and there is no need to find a baby-sitter.

3. TV is comparatively cheap source of entertainment because:

a. you can watch TV for nothing;

b. you pay the price of a TV set and can watch any programme you like;

с watching TV at home is cheaper than going to the theatre, cinema, etc.

4. The idea behind the sentence "Television is not only a convenient source of entertainment, but also a comparatively cheap one" is that:

a. TV, though convenient, is rather expensive;

b. TV is much cheaper than other kinds of entertainment (theatre, cinema, etc.), but not so convenient;

с. TV is favourable to your comfort and at the same time not so expensive as other sources of entertainment.

5. "TV is as good or as bad as we make it" means that:

a. TV is good if it is put to good users;

b. TV is bad if it is put to bad users;

c. TV may be used for both good and bad purposes.

II. Discuss pros and cons of TV nowadays.

III. Translate into English.

1. Телевидение очень важно в жизни людей. Оно не только источник развлечений, но и сравнительно дешёвый способ "попутешествовать" по миру.

2. Телевидение несёт людям информацию о последних событиях, достижениях в науке и политике.

3. Сидя у телевизора, вы можете "посетить" самые отдалённые государства и познакомиться с их традициями и обычаями.

4. Многие говорят, что кроме пользы телевидение может нанести вред и быть даже опасным.

5. "Телеманы" сидят у телевизора целыми днями, ничего не делая. Они прекращают читать, думать и даже общаться с близкими.

6. Доктора считают бесцельное сидение у "ящика" болезнью.

7. Суть в том, чтобы включать телевизор только тогда, когда по телевизору идёт что-нибудь познавательное.

8. Сейчас на современном телевидении очень много насилия.

9. Противники телевидения считают, что этот вид развлечения учит "убивать, стрелять, грабить, отравлять".

10.На самом деле, телевидение настолько хорошо или вредно, насколько мы сами представляем его таковым.

CINEMA

Cinema is the most important part of art, which brings people sorrows and enjoyment, strength and weakness sometimes, makes them happy and confident.

There are many cinema-complexes now. They are equipped with up-to-date going on systems and devices. Moreover, in our cinemas we can see American films more often. When people want to go to the cinema they usually see in the programmer what films are on. Then they phone to their friends and discuss what film to see. Mostly, people prefer future films, but sometimes they see cartoons or popular science ones. To see a good love story, musical or detective film is a very pleasant way of spending free time.

If I want to go to an evening show I must usually book tickets in advance. But for matinee performances I always buy tickets just before the show.

There are many talented actors and actresses in our country. My favourite actor is Oleg Yankovsky. My favourite actress is Natalia Gundareva inspite she is dead now. They have played the leading parts in many films and I always enjoy their superb acting.

In foreign cinematography there are also many outstanding actors. The last film I saw was the screen version of the novel "Gone with the Wind" by M. Mitchel. This film is in colour. It is an old film but still it enjoys great popularity. There are many famous American actors in it with Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable in the leads. I was deeply impressed by their acting and the movie itself. It hasn't lost its visual splendour by the passage of time.

When I go to the cinema a couple of minutes before the movie starts. If there is a long time to wait I can look at the portraits of film stars hanging on the walls of the foyer.

It is a good thing that those who are late are not allowed to enter the hall until the news-reel is over. I have being disturbed when the film is on. Sometimes if I like the movie very much I come to see it for the second time and besides I see many of the movies televized. If a film is screened after a book which I don't remember very well I always reread the book to be able to compare it with the screened version. I know all the famous Russian script-writers, producers and cameramen.

To my mind, cinema is the best way to express yourself, to organize your own life, to find your place in our changeable life.