B. Reading Comprehension

XI. Read Text A.

Text A. Statistical Methods

All progressive knowledge in the modern world tends to precision. Precision is obtained with the help of numbers. Consequently, the science which deals with numbers has a very vital role to play in the development of our civilization. This science is statistics.

The word «statistics» is used in two senses. One, when used in the plural, refers to a series of connected figures, and the other, when used in the singular, relates to that branch of applied mathematics which deals with the collection, classification and use of quantitative data.

Quite a large number of definitions have been given to statistics as a science. Different writers place emphasis on different aspects of the subject-matter of this science. One main reason for this disagreement has been the constant development of the scope of this science.

The collected statistical material, which is influenced by numerous causes, has to be rendered easily intelligible, if it is to be used as a basis for judgement or action. In exact sciences like physics and chemistry the experimenter tries to disentangle complex causes by taking into account only the one with which he is concerned and keeping others aside. He can control the conditions in his laboratory. But in other sciences this is not possible. The experimental method fails. Conditions are not within the control of the observer. He has to take the data as they occur. We have to make use of some other methods for achieving their end. These are the methods of statistics. In order to get a clear picture out of the confusing mass of data, the latter have to be systematically collected, classified, tabulated, summarized, compared and presented. These are called «statistical methods». They constitute definite rules of procedure in handling groups of data. A proper study of these principles forms the subject-matter of the «science of statistics».

XII. Find the passages in the text where the following ideas are expressed:

1. Different writers give different definitions to statistics as a science.

2. Statistics is a science which play a very vital role in our civilization.

3. Two senses of the word «statistic».

4. The passage explains what statistical methods are. Mass data have to be systematically collected, classified, tabulated, summarized, compared and presented.

XIII. Read Тext B and choose the sentence which best expresses the main idea of the text.

Text B. English

English is a wide-spread language. It is the mother tongue of hundreds of millions of people. English is spoken throughout the continent of North America (the USA and Canada), in the British Isles, South Africa, Australia and New Zeland. For a long time English had been the language of colonization in Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania where it was introduced as the only means of communication. For many centuries the colonies had been under British rule. At present many countries declared themselves republics, some of them became independent and encourage the use of local languages.

Though some efforts are made to gradually substitute English for the native tongues, English is still widely used as the official language and the international language of commerce.

English is one of the five working languages used in the United Nations Organization.

1. English is spoken in Asia and Africa.

2. At present many countries declared themselves republics, some of them became independent.

3. English is a wide-spread language in the world and is used as the official language and the international language of commerce.