1. Аудирование: понимание основного содержания прослушанного: все задания

Speaker A. I love going to the theater. It does not really matter for me what play is on; it can be one of Shakespeare’s immortal tragedies or a musical based on a popular book. Although, if I had to choose between the two, I definitely prefer Shakespeare. In my opinion, theater is great because it gives us a chance to connect to the things we love and may even introduce us to new ones. Theatre allows us to be reminded of all the important works that made such a great impact on our lives.

Speaker B. As for me, I am a passionate theatre-goer. I try to go to the theater at least twice a month. Many of my friends say I must be spending my entire budget on these, as they are pretty expensive these days. However, I don’t think that going to the theater costs a fortune these days. You can always find some discounts or pick up a performance by a new theatre company. Anyway, if you compare how much money one can spend going clubbing, a night at the theatre seems less expensive.

Speaker C. If you ask me, well, I enjoy going to the theatre immensely. To my mind, theatre is a very important part of human culture because it gives us such an intimate look into the ways the human mind works. By observing the characters on stage as they struggle with their problems and come out on top, we can learn from those things and try to do better. At least, it is true for me. Every time I have some difficulties, I buy a ticket to the theatre and it helps.

Speaker D. Some of my friends think that a night at the cinema is much more relaxing than going to the theater, but I don’t think it is all about having a rest. Well, sometimes we do need it, but in most cases, if we want to truly evolve as a species, we must challenge ourselves and expand our horizons into different areas. Theatre offers so many different perspectives which can greatly help us with that and change the way we look at things in a more positive light.

Speaker E. In my opinion, people demonstrate their true feelings and emotions very rarely these days. I believe that is a bad thing; sometimes we need a way to express our feelings and emotions, and theater lets us do just that. There is no such thing as being too emotional or too caring when it comes to this type of entertainment. Whether you are sad, happy, or even angry, you are allowed to feel everything that the performers are putting out there, and that is great.

Speaker F. Sometimes we are so consumed by the small things in our own life that we fail to look at the bigger picture, and that is where theater steps in, I guess. Theatre shows us that there are things out there that are much greater than what is happening in our everyday life. It gives us a connection to something outside of ourselves, which also allows us to realize how small and inconsequential some of our worries are in comparison. We should remember that.

Speaker A. If you ask me, well, I love window shopping. My budget is quite limited at the moment, and I cannot always afford to buy what I want. Still, I understand that one day I will graduate and start earning good money. Window shopping keeps me informed about the latest trends, styles and tastes in the market. It enhances and widens my horizon about the products and the market, and I also get to know about the latest offers and deals and things like that.

Speaker B. I go window shopping at least once a month. You have probably already noticed that some people can spend hours in stores looking at shoes, clothes, gadgets and books. Sometimes they’re not even going to buy anything. You see, window shopping is a great way to spend time in a relaxed environment outside your home, and it gives you an excuse to get up, get dressed and spend a few hours socializing. Simply walking in a shopping mall can act as a mood boost.

Speaker C. When I go window shopping, it doesn’t mean that my focus might be only on the latest items to hit the shelves or what’s in and what not. I love window shopping because it provides me with an opportunity to discover new cafes, restaurants or bistros that can become potential hang out spots. Besides, I can look at the latest designs, some interesting decorations, especially during the festive season, or a fascinating exhibit at the mall. It’s great.

Speaker D. I know that some people love window shopping. They think it’s a good way to have some rest without spending any money. However, I cannot agree with these people here. You see, some retailers are really persuasive, which often results in people buying things they were not going to buy and do not really need. This partly occurs due to the addictive nature of window shopping. You go window shopping, and the next thing you understand is you’ve spent your entire budget.

Speaker E. In my opinion, window shopping is great. I can spend a couple of hours in the mall without spending any money. Well, I may occasionally buy something if I really like it, but that is a very rare case. For me, window shopping is a cheap way to pass the time, observing all that different brands have to offer without the pressure of buying anything. There is no rush of time or worry about my budget. I can compare prices and plan my future shopping as well.

Speaker F. I know many people love the traditional formats of window shopping, but I love window shopping online. There are so many online retailers these days. Here I can check out the products online as long as I want to. Thus, I can spend some quality alone time. The obvious benefit of this virtual window shopping is that while going through a certain web page, I can bookmark it and use it later. Besides, I won’t catch any nasty virus in this way. Excellent!

Speaker A. I know many people love Christmas, but my favourite holiday is New Year. For me, it is a very important period when you can give a fresh start to everything in your life. As for me, I always throw away old and unnecessary things on the 31st of December. I know people in many countries do it – the Japanese, for instance, clean their house from top to bottom before New Year comes. It is important to leave the past behind, and getting rid of clutter helps!

Speaker B. As for me, I don’t like New Year much. I think that people are very naïve if they think they can change their lives at a certain midnight. There is no magic about it – just another midnight, that’s it. I find it strange that people make all these New Year resolutions and promise themselves to start going to the gym or eat healthy food or learn Chinese. If you really want to do something, you should just go ahead, why wait for a certain time of the year to do it?

Speaker C. I think there are few holidays and celebrations which have such deep roots as New Year. In some countries the traditions of celebrating New Year are not very old, but most European countries have been celebrating it for a long time indeed. I particularly like the story about how people started decorating fir trees. It’s interesting that they used to be decorated with apples and sweets, but now we have beautiful ornaments made of glass.

Speaker D. I have a pen friend in Russia, and she told me that New Year is the most important celebration in their culture. This is predominantly a family holiday. The whole family gathers together and enjoys good food while catching up on each other’s news. They may play board games or sing songs, or even go for a walk if weather permits. I think it’s a wonderful tradition to spend this night with your nearest and dearest – and being so close to them.

Speaker E. For me, Christmas is a family occasion, whereas New Year is just a time to do crazy things. Last year I went to Lake Baikal and spent New Year with my friends, who are divers. We took a fir tree underwater and put some tinsel on our diving suits. That was amazing! This year I’m going to be in Brazil for New Year. I’m going to dance on a Brazilian beach in a colourful long dress and then throw flower petals into the water. This will be truly unforgettable!

Speaker F. I think it is very important to do everything right when you’re getting ready to celebrate New Year. As for me, I always try to find out exactly what food you need to cook or what colour dress is recommended to wear to celebrate New Year. I think it’s important to clean your house and decorate it and be in a very good mood on the 31st of December! Otherwise, the coming year may not turn out as lucky as you want it to be, and that’s what I’m afraid of.

Speaker A. I’m a student and it’s hard for me to find the time to go to the gym. It’s cheaper to go to the gym in the morning, but I have classes in the morning and evening hours are more expensive. Plus, there are too many people there. So I do sports at home. I bought a couple of DVDs with yoga classes and I think they are good enough. The instructor on the DVDs explains what to do and how to do it and this is important not to get an injury while exercising.

Speaker B. I do think any physical activity must bring you pleasure and satisfaction, otherwise it’s pointless to do any sports. As for me, I don’t enjoy going to the gym because there are too many people there, so I bought a cycling machine and I do cycling training sessions three or four times a week. I love cycling at home. I switch on a video with some beautiful nature on my laptop and watch it while cycling, imagining that’s me in these great places.

Speaker C. If you ask me, I don’t see any point of doing any fitness at home. First of all, there’s no motivation to do sports at home like in the gym. In the gym, there are always people watching you, plus instructors, so you can’t be lazy there. If you don’t like the gym, which is not a rare case, you can still go jogging in the local park or practice Scandinavian walking or whatever, but at home, you don’t have any fresh air and your training sessions are useless.

Speaker D. I think you can easily do fitness at home and it’s a great way to save money. I don’t see any reason to pay money for fitness as long as there are free video fitness classes on YouTube. I don’t think fitness classes are worth the money they charge, actually. I’m pretty much happy working out at home without any investments into it, and I will spend the money which I have saved on a trip to some interesting place or on a new gadget like a laptop.

Speaker E. I guess we can work out at home instead of attending a gym without too many problems, but only if you are determined and organised. There are so many distractions at home. It can be a phone call or somebody’s visit or just anything. At home, there are always so many reasons to relax and just do nothing. You can look around and see that you need to do some housework, for example. That is why I don’t do sports at home. I just can’t.

Speaker F. In my opinion, doing sports at home can be a great way out for those people who don’t like gyms or cannot attend them for some reasons. Sorry to say, for me it’s not possible because I play football. I need a team for a good training session, and I’m sure you understand why having a proper football training session at home is impossible. As for me, I have to go to the sports club.

Speaker A. As for me, I’m 100% a bath person. I don’t even think that a shower helps you save water. In fact, if it takes you long to shower, you may spend even more water, as every minute spent in the shower wastes 10 liters of water. So I don’t think that taking a bath is so much worse. Of course, I take showers too, but I usually do it at school, after PE lessons, or at the gym, or when I travel. When at home, I would certainly prefer a hot bath.

Speaker B. Well, I know you have to think green and live green, and taking baths isn’t supposed to be environmentally friendly, but I just can’t help it. I love taking baths. It really helps me to de-stress. You see, I have dozens of bottles with bath foam, essential oils and salts and things like that. I also have candles in my bathroom and I can switch on some instrumental music. All of these things combined help me to have a perfect rest from anything.

Speaker C. If you ask me, I think a bath is maybe good for some people, but certainly not for me. A lot of my friends are constantly telling me how much taking a bath helps them to relax, but each and every time I try to take a bath, I feel literally bad. My pulse rate jumps up and I might have high blood pressure. My doctor says it’s not a good idea for me to take baths and I have to stick to showers. I don’t mind it really as I have never found baths pleasant.

Speaker D. For me, taking a bath is a rare occasion. I prefer taking showers. I don’t know why, but each time I take a bath, it makes me want to sleep. With a shower, I can bring myself into any state. If it’s hot, I relax, and if it’s cold, I wake up. I like to take turns switching hot and cold water. Doctors say it’s very useful, and I agree. I always look fresh and energetic and healthy, and I feel the same way. So a shower is an important part of my healthy lifestyle.

Speaker E. I can’t say who I am, a shower person or a bath person. You see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both showers and baths. With baths, on the one hand, it’s much more relaxing for your body and mind, but on the other hand, it’s such a waste of water. With showers, you save water, but at the same time, you don’t get the same pleasure as from a bath because it’s just a part of your daily routine. So it depends on the particular situation.

Speaker F. My parents have recently had our bathroom repaired, and we have an amazing shower cabin now. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy it. You can listen to music inside while you’re taking a shower. The water can be pumped from several directions, and you can choose the mode according to your liking. It can even imitate a gentle, tropical rain. With such technologies, taking a shower is fun and healthy, and baths can’t ever beat it.

Speaker A. I’ll probably get a lot of disagreement, but I’ll say that the media pressures us into recycling. While I’m willing to take unwanted clothing and books to the local charity shop, I’m not happy to walk or drive far to take bottles, newspapers, tins, batteries to some collection bank. If there was a collection on my doorstep, I would be happy to comply. But why should we spend time and energy doing it ourselves? I mean, my recycling collection bank is miles away from my home.

Speaker B. There is no excuse for not recycling. If you are in the UK, all you have to do is put the stuff in a black box and put it outside every other week. Even the box is given for free. I enjoy recycling. It’s not really about saving energy, because it does not. But it’s about using things again and again, so they don’t need to be dumped into a landfill, and more trees are not chopped down. Governments also need to make recycling easier.

Speaker C. We also need to make recycling easier. Recycling becomes a good way of life for those who are not too busy. It is what people have done throughout history. There is a saying, waste not, want not. It was only recently that people in developed countries thought they could live without recycling. I believe it’s because buying new things is a lot faster than trying to fix the old ones. When money isn’t an issue, people prefer to stop by the store and pick up what they need.

Speaker D. When I go shopping, I think of carrier bags. Why can’t the shops go back to paper bags like they used to do? Most people don’t reuse their plastic bags. When I take my bottles to a recycling centre, I pollute the air with car exhaust fumes. For these reasons, recycling is not worth it.

Speaker E. I completely agree with recycling. I think society wastes too much at the moment. I think we should recycle more for our descendants so that there will be enough resources for them. Also, we live in a must-have society, which I am also guilty of. For instance, I own more than 700 DVDs. I rarely watch any of them. They take up unnecessary space in my house, and the materials they are made from could have been used for something else.

Speaker F. I think more people would recycle if they could get more money from it. If I was able to take, let’s say, all my cardboard to a waste recycling centre and they refunded me per kilo of cardboard, I would naturally try to save all my boxes and turn them in. Another positive way forward is for supermarkets to sell products by the kilo into customers’ own containers. There’d be no wasted packaging and the products would be cheaper.

Speaker A. I love both giving and getting flowers as a gift. I think flowers create a certain mood. You feel some special atmosphere because they look and smell beautiful. You can also show how you feel about the person who you give flowers to. A bouquet of flowers is also a good gift for any occasion, especially when you don’t know exactly what present may be good for this or that person. I can’t think of a situation in which flowers may be inappropriate.

Speaker B. Of course, I know that a lot of people like it when they get a bouquet of flowers. Still, I don’t understand such people. You see, this bouquet will look fresh and beautiful only for a couple of days and then it’s just thrown away and it seems to me there are better ways of spending your money if you want to show a person how much you care for him or her. Besides, I do think flowers are overpriced these days. They shouldn’t cost so much.

Speaker C. I guess everybody is happy to get a bouquet of flowers, but still I feel very sad when I see them fade and lose their beauty after a couple of days. I hate to throw them away. It feels like such a waste. Still, I want to give and get flowers as a present, and I’ve come up with a perfect solution. Pot plants. They are not that expensive, and they last long, and they make you happy for several years if you are lucky to have green hands. A great idea, really.

Speaker D. I think there are a lot of strange ideas about giving and getting flowers as presents. For example, a lot of people think that only women love flowers and it’s a bad idea to give flowers to a man. I think it’s wrong. Men can love flowers too. They also say that it’s not worth giving kids flowers, but I can’t understand why. My dad always gives my younger sister a bouquet of roses for her birthday. She’s only five years old, but she loves getting flowers.

Speaker E. I love getting flowers as a present. People say that these flowers will soon die, but I don’t agree with them here. First of all, I’m fond of photography. I take many pictures of every bouquet I get, and then choose the best one to add to my collection, so the memories of these bouquets will always stay with me. I also use dying flowers for my other hobbies, like making soap or pictures, so I can’t agree with the idea that giving flowers is wasteful.

Speaker F. I love flowers, but I don’t like to get them on special occasions only. You know, like Valentine’s Day, and everyone is rushing to the shops to buy a bouquet of flowers. Or like when you have a birthday, and at the end of the day there are 10 or even more bouquets of flowers in your house. I like to get flowers unexpectedly, without any obvious or sufficient reason. Just a nice gesture, just a way to show how much you really care for a person.

Speaker A. If you ask me, I think guinea pigs are perfect pets. To begin with, they’re just cute. They do look adorable. I have never met a person who doesn’t find them pretty. Moreover, guinea pigs are very friendly. Normally, they won’t bite you unless you scare or hurt them by accident. Well, sometimes they’ll nibble on your fingers if you have vegetables in your hand, but it’s usually an accident. Finally, they’re pretty easy to take care of. Just remember to have two of them.

Speaker B. In my opinion, guinea pigs are cute, but you should remember that they need a lot of exercise. They need somewhere to walk as an exercise wheel is not suitable for them. As for me, I let mine on the floor in my room when I’m at home and put it in the cage only when I go to school. Their cages must be large enough for them to move about and stay healthy. You know, some vets say you can’t have only one guinea pig. I imagine a cage for two guinea pigs must be huge.

Speaker C. I think guinea pigs are a great choice for you if you want an animal that displays interesting behaviours that are generally easy to interpret. Guinea pigs have a modest but functional vocabulary for interacting with each other and their owners. They are capable of asking for food and attention, letting you know that they want to be put back in their homes, which is very convenient for avoiding minor accidents. I love watching my guinea pig a lot.

Speaker D. I think a guinea pig will suit you if you want an animal with a personality. Every guinea pig I’ve had has had its own preferences, tolerances, and tendencies. Right now, I’m dealing with two extremes. Leroy, who actively begs for food and trades toenail clipping sessions for treats, and Blackie, who almost never lets me pet him, let alone pick him up when he’s not eating. You see, food and treats can motivate even the least sociable guinea pig to sit still for a back scratching.

Speaker E. My younger sister has been asking for a pet for ages and my parents have finally made their minds up to buy a guinea pig. I think it was the right choice for a small kid as guinea pigs are relatively low maintenance. Kids can easily learn their care and feeding routines and do them with minimal supervision. They are relatively quiet, but will squeak with joy when you appear with a treat in hand. They don’t bite, which is also important for my sister.

Speaker F. I used to think that guinea pigs are the cheapest species ever, as you can easily adopt one for free. I couldn’t be more wrong. When I bought a guinea pig, I found out that their huge cages cost a fortune, about fifty dollars, or even more. They need a lot of hay, which is certainly not cheap either. You must also feed them with fresh fruit and veggies on a regular basis, give them some special vitamins and whatnot. Don’t forget the vets. They are rare and charge a lot.

Speaker A. I can’t live without my smartphone, but I know that there are cases where I definitely need to turn it off. I find it horrible when people look at their smartphones while eating out with friends or during family dinners. There is nothing that could be so urgent that would make you ignore your friends or relatives. These moments are a great occasion to have a proper conversation with your nearest and dearest, and I’m sure the updates in your social media can wait.

Speaker B. I think people today do not often pay attention to proper mobile etiquette, and this upsets me. Every time I’m on a bus, I hear many people talking on their phones with their friends or relatives, and forgetting that there are many people around who can overhear their conversations. First of all, that can be dangerous, since some bad people can learn something personal about you. Secondly, you may talk too loudly, and that can irritate other passengers.

Speaker C. We are not allowed to use mobile phones at school, and it drives me mad. I want to keep in touch with my friends and parents at all times. I don’t want to miss any important calls, messages, or news when I’m in school. At the very least, students should be allowed to use their phones during breaks. But no, they think it will distract us from our studies. Mobiles were invented so that people could have them on hand at all times. So, why can’t we have them and use them at school?

Speaker D. Many of my classmates don’t switch off their mobile phones before lessons. It’s so annoying, especially if we are writing a test and I need to concentrate on my tasks. And then someone’s phone starts ringing. Besides, teachers can’t be sure that such students are not using their mobiles for cheating, so it’s simply not fair to others. My parents are of the same opinion. My father hates it when somebody’s phone rings during an important business meeting.

Speaker E. Nowadays, everybody has a mobile phone, and it’s a great way to keep in touch with people. But mobiles have created an impression that anybody can phone anybody anytime about anything. I can’t stand it when people phone me early in the morning or late in the evening just for a chat. I think if someone needs to talk, they can just agree to meet and discuss things face to face. How can we discuss serious matters without seeing the other person’s eyes?

Speaker F. I’ve read on the internet that many road accidents happen because of mobile phones. Some people have a bad habit of talking on the phone while driving, and others do it while walking across the road. And both habits can lead to a disaster. And if you talk on your phone while paying for your shopping, you can make a costly mistake. Besides, mobiles may be unsafe in terms of health, as there are studies which connect mobiles to some illnesses.

Speaker A. I don’t play tennis, but I love watching it. As a fan and spectator, I see lots of pros of tennis compared to other sports. First of all, top-level tennis players are amazing to watch, and most tennis players are pretty easy on the eyes. When they show tennis on TV, the broadcast is always very good quality. Tennis tournaments take less time to watch than football championships, and the tennis rules are easy to understand.

Speaker B. I’ve been playing tennis for some years, and when I have a chance to go and see a tennis match live, I certainly don’t miss it. That’s different with other sports. I mean, I never feel comfortable at a football stadium full of screaming fans. Football fans in particular are notorious for their aggressive behavior and fights. Tennis is a polite sport. It’s generally a very peaceful game and isn’t violent, as some of the other well-known sports are.

Speaker C. I love both playing and watching tennis. It’s a nice game, and no country in the world dominates in tennis. I mean, there are figure skaters and there are Russians. No one is able to compete with Russian figure skaters. But with tennis, successful players are not concentrated in any one part of the world map. People from all continents and most major nations are successful in tennis, which makes this sport truly international.

Speaker D. I’ve been playing tennis since I was about seven, and I’d like to be like my parents, who are in their late 40s and still play tennis very well. My mum says it’s a sport for a lifetime, and you can play at almost any age, from four to 94, as long as you’re mobile. I play doubles because I like having a partner. It’s fun to strategise and I feel I can’t let my partner down, so that keeps me focused. Let’s see if we’ll still be able to play doubles together in 30 years from now.

Speaker E. I don’t look at tennis as an easy-going sport, because frankly it’s not. If it was, then not many people would be into it so much. To me, it’s probably one of the most competitive sports, because there’s the added psychological game that you play against your opponent, and that your opponent plays against you. Tennis is a battle of willpower and minds, which demands a high level of concentration. It’s either you win or you lose, so it’s very intense and certainly not peaceful.

Speaker F. I haven’t played tennis, but I’m thinking of taking it up mainly because of its relatively low costs. I mean, you only need to buy a pair of shoes, a racket, and some balls, and then pay to use a court if you don’t have a private one around. Of course, joining a tennis club or touring adds a lot of expense. But for most of us, regular folks, the costs of tennis are rather low. That’s why I guess tennis is worth a try. And it’s not as dangerous as, say, football.

Speaker A. I’ve been working part-time for two years already. When I got my first salary, I started thinking about saving money. I mean, when you have some money on your hands, it’s so hard to resist the temptation to buy something. I’ve found a great way out. Window shopping. Every time I think I want to buy something, I go window shopping without any money on me. In most cases, it turns out I don’t really need this thing after all. It really helps. 

Speaker B. In my opinion, internet shopping is a great way to save money. First of all, there are so many internet shops which offer what you need so you can easily compare their offers and find a real bargain. Secondly, such shops offer better prices than ordinary retailers in general. So, I order most things on the internet, including books, clothes and shoes, groceries and whatnot. It’s quick, it’s convenient and it’s cheap. What can be better? I like it. 

Speaker C. I know a person who is addicted to shopping. She has some financial problems because of it sometimes. I often tell her that she must control her expenses and plan her budget and stick to the plan. She says she can do it for a month or so, but then she goes on another shopping spree. I think she needs to think about why she does it. There must be some reason for compulsive shopping if she finds it. It will be easier for her to control her behaviour. 

Speaker D. As for me, I have a credit card but I never use it. I think the more we use it, the more we spend. Banks monitor what we buy and how much we spend, and then you come across some targeted advertisements and you buy something you don’t really need. I tried to pay cash because for me cash is real money, and the money on your credit card is kind of virtual money. And maybe it sounds strange, but I think it’s like we don’t have this money in real life. 

Speaker E. I work as a babysitter for my neighbours. Generally, it’s four or five evenings a week because I’m very good with babies. I spend what I earn on clothes and entertainment, but I always put aside exactly 20% of what I have earned. My father taught me this strategy. He says it’s a good way of saving money, and saving money is necessary because anything can happen, and you need to be ready for it. I think I’ll do the same when I work full-time. 

Speaker F. In my opinion, there is no reason to save money. We live only once after all. If I get some money as a present or when I earn some money, I spend it right away. I love going to cafes, and I also love drawing and painting, and this is quite an expensive hobby, so I spend quite a lot of money on buying paper and brushes and paints. Prices go up all the time, so I don’t see any reason why you should spend £10 today on what cost £8 yesterday. 

Speaker A. Holiday or no holiday, if I have a business deal going on, I work. At Christmas, for example, I‘m often quite alone because I’ve got no family or kids. But that doesn’t stop me from enjoying myself. Sometimes, I go to a party with some of my single friends, but even then we usually reserve that for the New Year celebration. So you see, this holiday that seems to be so important for so many people, is really just another day for me.

Speaker B. The night before Christmas, I take a train to the suburbs to visit my parents. It takes an hour to get there by car, but the traffic on Christmas Eve is so bad that it takes hours to drive there. That’s why I take the train. On the morning of the 25th we usually have a leisurely breakfast and open the presents Santa has left for us. Of course, I am all grown up now but believing in Santa is still kind of fun in our family. We like finding small packages in our stockings.

Speaker C. There is really nothing more fun for me than to spend my Christmas holidays with my big family. My six brothers and sisters all sleep in one room the night before Christmas and before bed my dad reads us Christmas poems. Then he leaves, and we make up a strategy to wake up our parents the next morning. We try to be creative because we want them to get up early to open our presents, and they like us to surprise them with a special wake up call.

Speaker D. You know, Christmas is such a lovely family holiday. My children are all gone from home now with families of their own, but on Christmas morning they come to my house for breakfast. I’ve got 26 grandchildren opening presents around my tree. To say the least, my heart is always full on this day because not only do they open the presents I’ve prepared, but they also bring their presents for me. I love their handmade things – they are filled with love.

Speaker E. I am a student and rather far away from home. Unfortunately, Christmas break is not long enough for me to travel to see my family, so I stay at the dormitory. Our college is very nice because it organizes a Christmas party for everyone who finds themselves alone on this day. The college makes a traditional Christmas meal and puts a big tree in the middle of the dining hall. We all bring a present and put it under the tree for someone else to open.

Speaker F. Our family always takes a holiday during Christmas break. We usually go abroad and celebrate this day in a hotel. One time we were in Africa, so on Christmas Eve we went to the beach and had a barbeque. My parents put our presents under the palm tree outside our hotel room, and that’s where we found them the next morning. I remember laughing that Santa went swimming after delivering our presents that year. I won’t forget that holiday.

Speaker A. My mom used to tell me that schools should be schools, and not fashion shows, when I was attending my school. At that time, I had little or no knowledge of what she was actually trying to say. I was usually, like, “what is wrong in wearing my baggy jeans at school?” Like any other teenager, I had this extremely carefree attitude, which made me not the greatest advocate for school uniforms. Now, being a freshman, I understand I was wrong.

Speaker B. I am totally against wearing uniforms at school. Firstly, I think it undermines students’ ability to think creatively, and doesn’t let them express their individuality. Secondly, uniforms are culturally incorrect, especially in countries like the USA, Canada, and the UK, where people from different cultures live…or at least try to live, in harmony. I think kids should not look like clones of one another. And what suits one person will be bad for another.

Speaker C. Our history teacher told us an interesting thing about uniforms the other day. Believe it or not, the debate whether there should be uniform at school, or not, began in the 19th century. I think generally people tend to mess up with traditional things and create something totally new. Yes, this is innovation, I know, but too much of it in everything is wrong. It is the blend of traditional values and innovative techniques that we want.

Speaker D. A lot of my classmates say that wearing a school uniform is boring. Well, I do see that the idea of wearing the same colour and style every day to school actually is boring. But I think there are numerous different ways students can add their personal touch to school uniforms, like a different hairstyle, use of a cool nail polish, or the addition of accessories, such as buttons, socks, scarfs, and the list can just go on. It’s easy, and creative, and cool.

Speaker E. As for me, I love designer clothes, but not the fact that they are pretty expensive. I hate to think of what I am going to wear tomorrow for school, plus girls usually remember what their classmates wear every day, so they always need something new. I belong to a middle class family, so I don’t really want my parents to spend a fortune on my clothes. School uniforms can considerably cut down on the expenses of my family, so I am okay with uniforms.

Speaker F. Our school has recently introduced a uniform, and I honestly like it. It may look dull, but believe me or not, I do find that getting dressed in the morning is fine if you know what you have to wear. This can help me get ready in the morning quickly, and lessen the chances of missing school. I think one of the best things about uniforms is that you don’t have to worry about matching outfits, and what goes with your trousers, or anything.

Speaker A. You see, it has always been my dream to visit Russia. I’m a future artist, and I study at the art school. That’s the reason why I want to go to Russia. The thing is, there are so many Russian painters, both in the past and present, and their pictures are a must-see for anyone who is an aspiring painter. I’d love to see the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Hermitage. Watching the originals of these masterpieces may give me some hints about my future works.

Speaker B. I have planned a trip around Russia — from Vladivostok to Kaliningrad. I know this is such a huge distance to cover, and it’s quite a challenge because of the difference in climate in the regions. I’m gonna pass, and because I don’t know any Russian…well, maybe just a couple words. What I want to see is the Russian nature — the Baikal, or the Urals. I’m just not very much into arts and architecture. In Russia, I hope to take the best landscape photos ever.

Speaker C. When I tell my friends that I’m going to spend my next summer holiday in Russia, they feel very skeptical about that, because they know Russia is such a cold country. I’ve been learning Russian for a while, and though I’m not planning to connect my future career with the language, I’m still very much interested in it. I’ve a pen pal in Russia who is eager to put me up and be my guide for a couple of weeks, so why not?

Speaker D. I regularly visit Russia, because some of my relatives still live there, in really different parts of the country. Of course I’ve been to Moscow and St. Petersburg, and I was impressed by the beauty of these two major cities in Russia. But I love smaller places, like faraway towns, where life is not as busy and hectic as in the capitals. Provincial places in Russia are just charmingly beautiful. Sometimes still with just wooden houses — peaceful and quiet.

Speaker E. I love Russia, and most of all, I love Sochi. This city was chosen as a host city for the Winter Olympics 2014. Not by chance, I must say. It’s stunning in both winter and in summer. I’m a sports man, you see, and I love many kinds of sports — from skiing and snowboarding…to swimming. Sochi is perfect for any of these, and the landscapes are just gorgeous. The hotels are clean and comfortable. So for me, Sochi is a number one destination for active rest.

Speaker F. I’ve never been to Russia, but some of my friends have, and they loved every minute of it. You see, my friends and I lead a green life – we are vegetarians and things like that. In terms of eco-holidays, Russia seems the best choice, as it has such territories as the Baikal, with fresh clean air, where the nature is truly unique. Russia is perfect for hiking and camping. Next year, I’m planning to join my friends in their trip to the Russian Far East.

Speaker A. I know it may sound strange, but I do love cold weather. It makes me feel energized and motivated. It’s probably because the nights get longer, and the increased darkness of the season helps me sleep. You see, in the summertime I find it hard falling asleep because of the longer daytime. Due to the fact I sleep better, I am far more active in the cold season. I even take early morning walks in winter before I go to school. It is a nice start for any day.

Speaker B. There is certainly something special in wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a cold day. You can drink a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows and it feels so pleasant. It creates a great atmosphere of peace and relaxation. Or you can put on multiple layers of clothes and go for a walk outside. This is one of the best sounds in the world, the sound of snow creaking under your boots, and nothing compares to the joy of entering a warm house after the walk.

Speaker C. If you ask me, I just hate cold weather. I love being outdoors, but I’m allergic to cold. And while others enjoy having snowball fights or admire the beauty of the trees covered in snow, I just get itchy and my cheeks get red. Cold days are not for me. Besides, I don’t like to put on many layers of warm clothes. It feels uncomfortable and I get hot very quickly. In fact, I start sweating even before I manage to go outside. Cold days are horrible, that’s it.

Speaker D. I always look forward to cold days. You see, there are so many advantages to winter weather. Firstly, you get long nights, which means your quality of sleep is better. Secondly, frosty days make you feel fresh and alive. They give you so much energy during the day. Thirdly, it’s so beautiful outdoors when the weather is cold, especially if it’s snowing. The last, but not the least, is the fact that it’s much easier to clean the house. There’s practically no dust.

Speaker E. I’m fond of physics, and I think everything in our life can be explained with its help. The other day, our teacher told us why cold weather feels more pleasant than hot weather. Apparently, it’s all about thermodynamics. A too cold situation is much easier to solve than a too hot one. You can always put on warm clothes if you feel cold, but you can’t do the same if it feels too hot. Heat also makes people drowsy and tired, whereas cold does just the opposite.

Speaker F. I love cold weather for many reasons, but there is one thing which makes cold weather a disaster for me. I eat too much on cold days. When it’s hot outside, I eat some fruit and veggies, and maybe a boiled egg. As a result, I lose a lot of weight if there’s a heat wave. On the contrary, I tend to eat much chocolate on cold days. Plus, I want to eat chicken and meat every day, and of course potatoes, lots of fried potatoes. Consequently, I put on weight.

Speaker A. I absolutely love Downton Abbey. I know quite a lot of people who got hooked from episode one. It’s an interesting story, plus it’s well told. I think such a combination will always have viewers no matter where it’s set. The writing, production values, and acting in Downton Abbey are all of a high enough standard to snare viewers and keep them snared. It’s such a pity we don’t have many shows of such a good quality nowadays.

Speaker B. If you ask me, Downton Abbey is a soap opera, but a really good one with great writing, acting, sets, and costumes. Unlike some of the other period dramas from England, this one takes place in the 20th century. It starts with the sinking of the Titanic, which attracts the viewers straightforwardly. No other period drama has achieved that. It touched upon such a fascinating epoch, and you can learn a lot of interesting facts just watching it.

Speaker C. I think one of the major reasons people choose to watch a period drama, like Downton Abbey, is that it provides a window into another time, so that you can escape from your own time and place. Besides, even though our lives look very little like the lives of those who live at Downton, our brains are still making connections, as if these were our friends, or if this was happening to us. We end up treating the heroes as our close friends.

Speaker D. I’ve never got into daytime soaps, but I have got into period dramas, which are basically soap operas too. So, my getting into Downton Abbey was kind of expected, and I waited until I had some time last year to watch the series. I just feel sorry I’ve never known much about the early 1900’s. This is unfortunate, as 1900 to the present is the history of my grandparents and parents. And that history is more likely to affect my life than Greek wars.

Speaker E. I believe the main reason why people love Downton Abbey is the following – yes, it’s a soap opera with all the melodrama and emotionalism one could wish for. But, unlike American soap operas, the characters are motivated by kindness and altruism as often as they are by greed and self-interest, making it even more interesting because you don’t really know what anyone is going to do in a given moment, and that’s much more realistic.

Speaker F. I don’t understand why people say Downton Abbey is a soap opera. It’s so much more than a soap opera, because it depicts everyone around us, and no one in this movie is perfect – no stereotypes. At first, I didn’t like the arrogant Mary at all. But, the more you get to know this character, the more you understand her, and then I almost fell in love with her. Besides, whenever grandmother of Downton opens her mouth, you know you can take notes.

Speaker A. I must say, it is very hard now to choose a good present for your nearest and dearest. If they want or need something, they just buy it themselves. The real nightmare starts before Christmas. Everybody is looking for presents, and there are crowds in every store. Why not just give up exchanging presents on holidays? There is no point buying tons of unnecessary rubbish simply because it’s Christmas. I think all those holidays are too commercialised now.

Speaker B. My parents used to give me some money for any special occasion, like Christmas or my birthday. I was okay about it at first, but then I thought that money was the simplest option, but certainly not the best one. I told my parents about it. What I wanted was their attention, not a generous check. Now they give me certificates. It can be a certificate for an art class or something like that. These certificates leave long-lasting memories which are better than money.

Speaker C. I think people now don’t spend too much time on choosing a present. They either know exactly what their friend or relative wants and order it online or buy a gift certificate. That’s it. The problem is solved. However, I think there is one huge minus about this approach. The main thing is to show how much you love this person. The best way to show it is to make something yourself. If you make jam or bake a cake, it will show you are ready to invest your time and not just money.

Speaker D. We spend too much time online these days and rarely communicate with our nearest and dearest face-to-face. This is why my friends and I give board games as presents to one another. These should be board games meant for at least four people. The simple rule is a guarantee that to use the present our friend will have to invite some friends to their place and they will spend at least an hour or maybe more talking with one another, making jokes, and having fun.

Speaker E. I think now, nobody has a problem of getting a really good present for their family and friends. You see, you can book literally everything on the internet. You don’t need to waste your time going to different shops, looking for the thing you need. It takes just a couple of clicks. One more advantage is being able to compare the prices. I can easily choose the cheapest option on offer. So I don’t understand those people who moan and groan about looking for presents.

Speaker F. My opinion is just the opposite. I think the best present is something that people would never buy themselves. For instance, I would never buy a kitten myself, but I’d be delighted if someone presented one to me. In my opinion, unexpected presents are the best ones, as they make people happy.

Speaker A. In my opinion, taxis are one of the best ways to get around in a city. Not only do they offer you a door-to-door service, but also allow you to avoid traffic congestion and other delays that come with public transportation. Taxi drivers are very knowledgeable about traffic laws, so you reach the destination early. They will often take shortcuts that other vehicles don’t use. They also tend to be more flexible than public transport options with their hours of operation.

Speaker B. When I come to a new place, I never use public transport for some days. I like to go by taxi at the beginning of my trip to some city because taxi drivers are very familiar with the city they drive in. They have knowledge of good places to eat and visit while on vacation that may not be well known by tourists. I always ask taxi drivers to give me some recommendations, and it really helps me to get to know the city inside out. Taxi drivers are better than any guidebook.

Speaker C. Some of my friends prefer to use public transport, saying that it is very expensive to get around using a taxi. However, I cannot agree with them here. When you get a taxi, you get a door-to-door service, which is very convenient. It is worth paying extra for, isn’t it? Besides, if you share a taxi with your relatives or friends, the fare will not be much higher than, say, the bus fare. One more point is that major taxi companies now try to keep the prices down to attract customers.

Speaker D. If you ask me, well, I rarely use taxis because the taxi fares are unreasonably high. I am a student, and I cannot afford to take a taxi even once a week. Of course, when I have a late flight and I cannot use any public transport to get to the airport, I still have to call for a taxi, but otherwise I stick to buses. I understand that taxis are both fast and convenient, but for the time being, I have to use public transport. I do wish taxis were much cheaper than they are now.

Speaker E. I try not to go by taxi if I can help it. Oftentimes, taxi drivers have old car models without air conditioning; in this case, you run the risk of overheating during peak summer heat waves or freezing during winter cold snaps. Moreover, you have no idea how clean the vehicle is, and you risk getting an infection. Besides, many taxi drivers in big cities are immigrants; the language barrier with drivers may increase the cost of your trip and create some inconvenience for you.

Speaker F. Whenever I can, I use a taxi and stay away from any means of public transport. In my opinion, it is dangerous to use public transport in big cities. There are many road accidents connected with public transport, whereas the statistics for taxis is much better. Besides, when you use any kind of public transport, you can catch a virus or just become involved in some conflict because there are many people on buses and in the underground. So, in taxis, you are safer.

Speaker A. I’m going to have my A-levels this year, so life is pretty stressful for me at the moment. When confronted with stress, all I want to do is to get rid of my anxieties, so I often turn to snacks to cope. You see, food is familiar, and it’s a comforting option in uncomfortable situations. I’m now trying to break this unhealthy habit. I leave notes and positive reminders everywhere. They are supposed to encourage me to avoid snacks when I’m tired and stressed out.

Speaker B. Being a teenage girl, I’m often down in the dumps. When I’m feeling down – usually for no reason – I often have a snack. Life doesn’t seem so bad to me after a packet of crisps, you know. Snacks help me distract myself. I know it’s bad as it means I use food as an outlet for my feelings. I should learn to separate them from hunger, otherwise I’ll end up having weight problems. I think I should start a journal to keep track of my feelings, and use that to work through them.

Speaker C. Once I had to spend about a month at home because of a health problem. I remember having nothing interesting to do. I ended up watching TV sitcoms and eating crisps all day long. I know I could’ve chosen a healthier option, but I ate just crisps. When my doctor finally let me go back to school, my clothes didn’t fit me anymore. I should’ve given my brain something else to focus on instead of occupying myself with endless films and unhealthy snacks.

Speaker D. My parents say that I remind them of our dog, Jimmy, at times. You see, he gets a treat every time he behaves well. It’s the same with me – when I finish an important school project or get an excellent mark for an exam, I want to have some crisps or any crunching snack. Of course, my parents are just joking when they compare me with our dog, but to be perfectly frank, I know they are worried that indulging myself with a snack as a treat can lead to poor eating habits.

Speaker E. I don’t think that all snacks are unhealthy. We choose unhealthy foods like crisps only because they’re often simpler and more convenient than more nutritious options. The best thing will be to improve your snack habits by making it easier to eat better. You can always choose fresh vegetable sticks, apples or berries over a packet of crisps. You can also have some peanut butter, Greek yogurt, cheese cubes, or nuts – like almonds, walnuts or cashews.

Speaker F. I know many people think having a snack during the day is an unhealthy habit. However, when done mindfully, snacking can provide you with lots of benefits. It can be the boost you need to power through that work project, or the bite that stops you from giving into more unhealthy cravings. Snacking has been shown to have positive health benefits. It can provide your body with necessary vitamins and minerals, as well as reduce your body cholesterol levels.

Speaker A. If you ask me, I think yoga is the best way to keep your body healthy. I love yoga because it’s not about achieving things. It won’t allow you to lose weight quickly, but it will let your body get rid of many problems as long as you don’t demand too much from yourself. Yoga is not about setting goals and achieving them, and that’s what makes it so great in our modern world, where too much attention is paid to being successful and achieving good results.

Speaker B. I know many people think yoga is free of any pressure and you don’t have to set goals and achieve them while doing it. In my opinion, that’s just wrong. Whenever you start doing something, you should know exactly why you need it and why you are going to do it. Of course, yoga won’t help you lose weight if you have a serious weight problem, but you should still be ambitious and plan to improve your flexibility with certain poses or postures.

Speaker C. I think yoga is great for me because I have created a certain place in my house where I can do it and no one will disturb me there. It is very important because yoga demands full concentration of your body and mind. I have a lot of candles there, as well as a vase with some fresh flowers. I also put on beautiful music, which helps me to meditate. You shouldn’t just take a yoga mat and do it anywhere in the house. Give some proper time to it.

Speaker D. I have always been interested in yoga but I live in a small town where there is no yoga studio to practice it. Still, I have found a way out. I have found a great school of yoga on the internet. The monthly fee is quite cheap, and if you get a subscription for several months, they give you a discount. I have access to hundreds of classes of different levels. Some of them are short, while others can be up to an hour and a half. I can do yoga whenever I want without leaving home.

Speaker E. Sometimes people think that all you need to do yoga is a yoga mat and any loose-fitting clothes you can find in your wardrobe. That’s nothing but a myth. The quality of your mat determines how much pleasure you’ll be able to get from your training sessions. If your mat is bad and uncomfortable, your yoga practice will be a complete nightmare. The same is true about clothes. Besides, there are many other things to make your class better, like boosters and rubber bands.

Speaker F. If you’ve tried yoga once and think it’s not your cup of tea, you should probably give it a second chance. You see, there are many different kinds of yoga, so you are simply bound to find something to your liking. There’s power yoga, which is quite hard to do. But at the same time, there are very relaxing practices which can help you to get rid of stress after a hard working day. You may even try a yoga meditation class. That’s what makes yoga so great, in my opinion.