12. Чтение: понимание основного содержания текста: все задания

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What nature-friendly ideas started a new branch in the tourism business?
2. What means of transport is the most popular with tourists?
3. Why can tourism be dangerous to nature?
4. What are the reasons that make people go on a trip?
5. What kind of tourism is getting popular with elderly people?
6. Why does travelling make people smarter?
7. What are the ways to save money while travelling?

A. Tourism has become a popular activity. Indeed, nowadays people travel more, and further, than they used to. The main reasons for tourism are: recreation, leisure and business. When travelling for recreation, people want to escape their stressful daily routine and to relax. Beach holidays are an example of such tourism. Business trips involve going to a distant place in order to settle business issues.
B. Whether on a business trip or on a honeymoon, people want to explore the place they are in. They go on excursions, try new activities like diving or mountain climbing and learn about the historical background of the place and its cultural peculiarities. Sometimes they find out amazing facts about people and places and about themselves too! In fact, when people travel, they broaden their horizons.
C. A new branch of tourism is ecotourism. It involves visiting relatively untouched places in remote areas. Ecotourism is often misinterpreted as any form of tourism involving wildlife – but it’s completely different from jungle tourism or safari. Eco-tourists are against disturbing the environment; even taking photos is not recommended. Take only memories and leave only footprints is a very popular slogan for them.
D. By educational tourism, most people mean different versions of Learn and Travel Programmes for students. But it’s not only for the young and brave. Lots of training and educational programmes for adults are offered in different corners of the world. Retired people participate in these programmes too. They gladly enroll on overseas courses ranging from gardening and design to computer skills and programming.
E. If possible, consider means of transport other than the plane. Rapidly increasing numbers of flights have put the environment in danger. Planes pollute the air, which results in global warming. In fact, tourism is not harmless fun as many may think: new airports and tourist infrastructure, pollution and crowds of noisy tourists make wild animals migrate, which may decrease their population or even make them extinct.
F. With all its benefits, travelling is still a very expensive activity and may not fit every budget. To reduce the costs, avoid travelling in high season when flight tickets and hotels are overpriced. Remember that, along with expensive destinations, there are less prestigious but even more interesting places. When planning a trip, find out about low-cost airlines, discounts and special offers.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What is the capital of the Falkland Islands?
2. Where can you learn about the islands’ history?
3. What is the emblem of the Falkland Islands?
4. What do the local people do for a living?
5. What energy resources are used on the islands?
6. What is the educational policy of the Falkland Islands?
7. What was the result of the conflict between Argentina and the UK?

A. The Falkland Islands are located about 250 miles off the coast of South America. They are a British overseas territory. About 3,000 people live on the islands. Like most isolated communities around the world, they are always pleased to welcome tourists. The people of the Falkland Islands mostly work in sheep farming and fishing.
B. Everything outside Stanley, known locally as Camp, is home to numerous farms and settlements spread across the islands. In fact,over three quarters of the population live in Stanley. Although one of the smallest capitals in the world, Stanley provides a variety of supermarkets, excellent restaurants and hotels, a swimming pool, gym and golf course.
C. Open whenever tour ships are in the port, the Falkland Islands Museum contains artifacts from everyday life, natural history samples and a fine collection relating to the islands’ shipwrecks. Outdoor exhibition sites include the Reclus Hut, originally made in Stanley, then shipped to Antarctica and set up there in 1956. Forty years later the famous house was brought back.
D. There are only about 380 children of school age living on the islands. For them, there is a primary and a secondary school in Stanley and three small settlement schools on large farms. Other rural pupils are taught by ‘travelling’ teachers. Schooling is free and compulsory for children between five and sixteen years of age. The government pays for older students to attend colleges, usually in the UK.
E. The Falkland Islands government is taking advantage of cheap wind power. Since 1996, the government has been investing in the development of alternative sources of energy and can already enjoy the results. The Islands have experimented with other forms of energy, including hydro-electric and solar power. However, these forms cannot match the effectiveness of wind power yet.
F. The Falklands War was fought in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom. It started with the Argentine invasion and occupation of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. The war lasted 74 days and ended with an Argentine defeat. However, Argentina still has not fully given up its claim to the territory of the islands.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. Young people of which country are the fastest at texting?
2. Who made the first mobile call and why?
3. Are the rules of using phones in school always followed by students?
4. Which mobile phone has no other advantages but glamour?
5. Why can a mobile phone be dangerous for children?
6. What are the safety tips for using mobile phones?
7. How can a mobile phone message save your life?

A. The first call from a mobile phone was made in 1973. Motorola engineer Martin Cooper made the call from the pavement of Sixth Avenue in New York to show off to his competitor – engineer Joel Angel. He said, “I’m ringing you just to see if my call sounds good at your end.” With the first mobile phones, only voice calls were available and there was no texting facility.
B. Recently the most expensive phone in the world was presented. It is the iPhone 5 with a case made of 24 carat gold with 600 diamonds! The home button of the smartphone is made of a rare black diamond and the company logo is covered with small diamonds. The cost of this device is about $15 million. The technical characteristics of the iPhone 5 are no different from the regular models.
C. Mobile phones are permitted at school in the UK, but students are not allowed to use them in class. Teachers can take away phones if these rules are broken. School students can use their phones at breaktime and at lunchtime. However, some teachers in British schools complain that students don’t always follow the rules and that lessons are disrupted by people texting, receiving calls, looking at social networking sites, watching videos and even making videos in class.
D. The mobile phone is a way to warn people about disasters. Some countries have worked out the following system: phone companies automatically notify their population in advance about emergencies and disasters. Such warnings are very efficient and free of charge. Japan and Finland were among the first countries that understood the necessity of this system.
E. Parents want their kids to be safe. Are children safer with a mobile phone or without? Many parents want their children to have a phone so that they can be in contact at any time or in any place. On the other hand, for lots of parents a phone is a source of possible danger. Parents worry that their child may meet the wrong kind of ‘friends’ on social networking sites or that they might receive cruel messages from school bullies.
F. The idea of sending short text messages originated in 1984. It was later brought to life by a group of engineers from different companies. Writing text messages became extremely popular in Asian countries, especially in Korea. Korean teenagers are certainly text message fans. They send over 200,000 text messages a year – that’s more than sixty texts per day. This hobby must have made their fingers really fast.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. Which place in London keeps a message for future generations?
2. Which place in London is good to watch sports and buy related goods?
3. How long does it take to raise the famous bridge for a ship?
4. How does a fairytale character help real people of London?
5. Which London bridge got a nickname after its reconstruction?
6. What is the most visited tourist attraction in London?
7. What were the false buildings in London made for?

A. Tower Bridge, which is over a hundred years old, has become a symbol of London. It is the only bridge on the Thames that can be raised and lowered to allow ships to pass. Nowadays it takes only 90 seconds for the heavy drawbridges to be pulled up with electric motors. It is considered that watching the Tower Bridge opening brings good luck.
B. Waterloo Bridge is a foot traffic bridge crossing the River Thames in London. It was opened in 1817, on the second anniversary of the famous battle. A century later, in the early 1940s, the famous Bridge needed to be rebuilt. It was during World War II, and most men were away fighting. So the bridge was rebuilt mainly by women. The new Waterloo Bridge was opened in 1945 and got a second name, the ‘Ladies Bridge’.
C. Wembley Stadium is a football stadium located in Wembley Park, London. The stadium is home not only to football. It also hosts concerts, rugby games and American football games. There is Wembley Market not far from the stadium. Unlike many London street markets, this one is situated in an open space. A visit here is a good option for football fans to find club T-shirts, boots or accessories.
D. 23 and 24 Leinster Gardens in Paddington (just opposite Hyde Park) are fake houses built to hide the Tube line running underneath. The windows are painted on, there are no letter boxes, and behind the facade there is a railway. The first London underground trains were steam trains so they needed ventilation. Underground lines were planned with tunnels and open-air sections so the trains could let out their steam and smoke, and that is what the house facades are hiding.
E. Great Ormond Street Hospital, which is situated at Russell Square, London, owns the copyright to Peter Pan, a story written by J.M. Barrie. The author had no children himself and gifted the rights to his famous literary pieces to the hospital in 1929. The hospital receives royalties from all films, cartoons and performances of Peter Pan. All the money is used to run the hospital.
F. Cleopatra’s Needle was brought to London in 1819 from Alexandria, the royal city of Cleopatra. Underneath Cleopatra’s Needle there’s a time capsule from 1778. It keeps information about 18th century life. It contains copies of the Bible in several languages, a portrait of Queen Victoria, a set of British coins, cigars, a razor, a map of London, copies of 10 daily newspapers and pictures of the 12 best-looking English women of the day.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What else had to be done to start operating the Channel Tunnel?
2. Why didn’t the British support the first project of the Channel Tunnel?
3. How many tunnels does the project actually contain?
4. What are the safety tips while travelling through the Channel Tunnel?
5. What are the possible ways for a passenger to travel through the Channel tunnel?
6. Why is the Channel Tunnel considered to be a great engineering achievement?
7. What was the most difficult task in constructing the Channel Tunnel?

A. The Channel Tunnel (or Chunnel) is a long tunnel between England and France under the English Channel. The section under the sea is 38km long and the entire length is 50.5km. At its lowest point it is 75 metres deep. The Channel Tunnel is the longest undersea tunnel in the world. The tunnel was recognised as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Modern World’ by the American Society of Engineers.
B. For centuries, crossing the English Channel via boat had been considered a miserable task. The windy weather and choppy water made travellers seasick. So, in 1802, French engineer Albert Favier was the first person whoproposed to dig a tunnel under the water of the channel. Favier’s plan was adopted by French leader Napoleon Bonaparte. But the British rejected the plan. They feared that Napoleon wanted to build the tunnel in order to invade England.
C. At the end of the 20th century the idea was revived. The digging of the Channel Tunnel began simultaneously from the British and the French coasts. The greatest challenge was making sure that both the British side of the tunnel and the French side actually met up in the middle. Special lasers and surveying equipment were used. On December 1, 1990, the meeting of the two sides was officially celebrated. For the first time in history, Great Britain and France were connected.
D. Although the meeting of the two sides of the service tunnel was a cause for great celebration, it certainly wasn’t the end of the Channel Tunnel building project. Crossover tunnels, land tunnels from the coast to the terminals, electrical systems, fireproof doors, the ventilation system and train tracks all had to be added. Also, large train terminals had to be built at Folkestone in Great Britain and Coquelles in France.
E. It took 13,000 engineers and technicians to construct the Channel Tunnel. In fact, there are two running tunnels, one each way. Additionally, there is a smaller service tunnel with a crossover in the middle, so in case there’s an emergency, the trains can actually change to either side. It is wrong to call it a tunnel as there are actually three tunnels. The tunnels are about 50 meters below the seabed.
F. If you want to use the tunnel, you have got a choice. You can either go on a passenger train, the Eurostar, which departs from London, Paris and Brussels city centres. Or you can go on the drive-on service, called the Eurotunnel Shuttle, starting close to the tunnel entrance where you drive your car or truck onto special rail cars.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. Why was Vladivostok called so?
2. Who founded the city of Vladivostok?
3. Why has the city quickly become important?
4. What is the climate of the city area?
5. How is it possible to travel to the city?
6. What are the city sights one should visit?
7. What makes Vladivostok buildings unique?

A. Vladivostok is located at the same latitude as Russian subtropical sea resort Sochi, but its average annual temperature is nearly 10 degrees lower because of the Siberian Anticyclone. It brings cold winds from Yakutia for much of the winter season. Thus, the winter in Vladivostok is typical of Manchuria – it is cold, clear, and very windy. The snow is rare and, in some years, may not fall at all. The summer is more comfortable, warm, wet, and partly cloudy.
B. The first thing that will catch the eye of every tourist right from the platform of the railway station is a unique building of the terminal of the Trans-Siberian Railway. It was built more than a century ago. The sea terminal, located nearby, is also a must-see while going on a tour of Vladivostok. Like other port cities, Vladivostok celebrates the Russian fleet with a number of museums. No doubt, the legendary S-56 submarine which played a great role in the Great Patriotic War is worth visiting.
C. The most important city in the Russian Far East, Vladivostok is known as the town of sailors. It was founded about 160 years ago as a small military port. Despite being one of the youngest Russian cities, Vladivostok managed to find its way to the list of the best Russian cities to visit. Its name came from the combination of two words, vladet (meaning “to own”) and vostok (meaning “east”), helping anyone who wants to find Vladivostok on a map.
D. The Trans-Siberian Railway was built to connect Asian and European Russia. The final stop on the way, or the first if passengers are travelling west, is in Vladivostok. The city’s strategic location and port led to the fact that Vladivostok has eventually become a large and busy centre in North-East Asia. After its foundation in 1860 as a military post, Vladivostok soon became the centre of international commerce and development.
E. Despite the fact that Vladivostok has always been a Russian city, elements of the Chinese and Japanese architecture borrowed from the city’s nearest neighbours can be seen even during a simple walk down the city streets. At the same time, the architecture of Vladivostok leaves no doubt that this is a Russian city. So, this unique place combines a lot of different features.
F. As a rule, people prefer to spend a couple of days exploring Vladivostok within their long tour to the Far East, instead of considering the city as an independent holiday destination. They may fly to Vladivostok or go by rail choosing the famous Trans-Siberian express which is very popular with tourists. The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway route in the world. So, going by train to Vladivostok can easily become a journey of a lifetime.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What made Veliky Novgorod one of the main cities of the past?
2. What is known about the ancient history of Veliky Novgorod?
3. Who founded the old city of Veliky Novgorod?
4. What makes Veliky Novgorod a popular tourist destination?
5. What are the most interesting sights to visit in Veliky Novgorod?
6. How is it possible to get to Veliky Novgorod?
7. What souvenirs can be brought from the city?

A. Veliky Novgorod is a nice city, perfectly located not far from Saint Petersburg and Moscow. Being one of the oldest cities in Russia, it attracts hundreds of visitors. Veliky Novgorod is often called an open-air museum of the ancient Rus. Many outstanding monuments of medieval architecture situated not only in the city centre but also in some outlying areas have been preserved. In 1992 Veliky Novgorod was given the status of the World Heritage Site of UNESCO.
B. Veliky Novgorod was founded in the 9-10 centuries. Being the best-fortified city of the ancient Rus, it has seen a lot of great events during its 11-century history. Novgorod was a political centre of large territories stretching up from Baltic lands to the Urals. For a long time, Novgorod was the largest centre of culture in Russia, where old chronicles and books were created. Moreover, the city stood on the famous trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks.
C. Veliky Novgorod was first mentioned in the year 862 in the famous historic document “The Tale of Bygone Years”. The Russian primary chronicle gives a detailed account of the early history of the eastern Slavs. It tells the story of Rurik, the Viking chieftain, who was invited to the city as a new leader. It was an important event in the history of the country as Rurik became the founder of the whole dynasty of the ancient Rus, staying in power up to the 17th century.
D. Many great monuments of medieval architecture and painting have been well kept in the city. The Novgorod Kremlin dates back to the 11th century. The Kremlin territory houses one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches, St. Sophia Cathedral, as well as the regional library and the Philharmonic building. The open-air Vitoslavlitsy museum of wooden architecture presents some excellent examples of wooden structures from different parts of the city.
E. Novgorod craftsmen have always been famous for their birchbark crafts. Tourists can find various cute items to bring back home. They are jewellery boxes, hairpins and hairbands, plates and cups. For fun, one can also buy bast shoes – traditional footwear of Russian peasants also made of birchbark. Along with birchbark items, one will always find wooden carved figures in shops. They will become a perfect gift or a home decoration for oneself.
F. The most convenient way of travelling to Veliky Novgorod is to go by train. The fastest route is now offered by the Lastochka train departing from Saint Petersburg twice a day. Travel time is less than 3 hours, which is much faster than travelling by train from Moscow, which will take the whole night. Bus trips are available as well. Getting to Veliky Novgorod by car is also quite a fast and convenient way for those who choose privacy and comfort.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What is the history of the Altai region?
2. What is special about the geography of Altai?
3. What places of interest are the best to visit in Altai?
4. Why is Altai popular with visitors of all ages and interests?
5. What activities does the region offer for nature lovers?
6. What time is the best for travelling to Altai?
7. How is it possible to travel in the Altai region?

A. The Altai region is all about nature. The natural beauty of Altai attracts crowds of tourists as there is hardly a similar place in Russia where pure lakes, comfortable climatic conditions, great scenery, and the variety of animals and plants are gathered in one place. The region has one of the richest varieties of touristic purposes. Families with children, active tourists, people searching for a quiet atmosphere – everyone will find an activity to their liking.
B. The Altai Mountains are located in the very heart of Russia. They are near the Russian border with Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China. They are often called “Russian Tibet,” “Siberian Switzerland,” and even “New Zealand” thanks to their beauty and strength. The highest point of the Altai Mountains, and of the Siberian Region as well, is Belukha Mountain. It is 4,509 metres high and is completely covered with snow, from its peak to its bottom.
C. The best way to get to the Altai region is by plane. There are direct flights from Moscow to the most well-known Altai cities Barnaul and Gorno-Altaysk. Then, travellers might go by train, by car, or by bus to any resort and place they like. Car transfers are often included in many touristic programmes to make them available for most tourists. But there are hiking routes that ask for a lot of walking to get to one’s destination.
D. The Altai Mountains are really very old. However, the first mention of the region dates back to the 17th century. It was the time when the Cossacks from the nearby city of Kuznetsk, which later became a part of Novokuznetsk, arrived at Lake Teletskoye. Later, when the Biyskaya fortress, which is now the city of Biysk, was built, the fast development of the Altai territory, and more of its northwestern part, began.
E. Decisions on when to go to Altai should be made depending on what one wants to do there. The Altai’s climate is known to be quite harsh. This region is famous for long frosty winters, and hot but short summers. The peak tourist season generally reaches its height during the summer. There is a wide range of summer activities, from climbing and rafting to sailing and fishing. The winter season is the perfect option for skating and mountain skiing.
F. A visit to Altai can become a breath of fresh air for those living in large cities. Many people come to the region for a passive relaxation, such as spa. They come to places of natural beauty just to admire, for example maralnik, which is a kind of rhododendron, producing flowers in spring. These are typical things to do for ecotourists. They are often attracted by collecting healing herbs, riding a horse, and participating in local festivals.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What is the history of Yekaterinburg?
2. What are the main facts about the city today?
3. What sights make the city attractive for tourists?
4. What sights in the city are popular with sports fans?
5. What place in the city is historically connected with the last royal family?
6. How is it possible to get to Yekaterinburg?
7. What are the weather conditions in Yekaterinburg?

A. Yekaterinburg is located at the crossroads of two continents – Europe and Asia. It is the capital of the Sverdlovsk region and the administrative centre of the Ural district. Yekaterinburg covers the area of more than 400,00 square kilometres. It is the fourth largest city in Russia with a population of over 1.5 million people. Yekaterinburg is often called the third capital of Russia, as it is ranked third by the size of its economy, transportation, and tourism.
B. Yekaterinburg is far away from the Atlantic and close to Siberia. So the climate there is continental. The Ural Mountains block air from the west, from the European part of Russia. As a result, the Central Urals are open to cold arctic air. The winters are cold and long, and the summers are quite warm in Yekaterinburg. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature reaches -16°C. The warmest month is July with the average temperature of 18°C.
C. Yekaterinburg was founded in 1723 under Peter the Great as the largest metallurgical plant in Russia of those times. It was named after Empress Catherine I, the wife of Peter the Great. Yekaterinburg became a key city in Siberia which has rich resources. It served as an important connection between Europe and Asia. For three centuries, Yekaterinburg has been steadily developing as a centre of the mining industry of the Urals and Siberia.
D. Nowadays, Yekaterinburg is not only one of the biggest industrial centres in Russia but a very beautiful city. It has a lot of monuments of historical and cultural value. Dozens of museums, several theatres, many modern cinemas, stadiums, and colleges make Yekaterinburg a unique city where the past and the present live side by side. There are a lot of interesting places to visit, such as the Cathedral on the Blood, Opera House, and Europe-Asia border obelisk.
E. The Cathedral on the Blood is an important place for Russian people and a historic site located in Yekaterinburg. It stands on the spot of the former Ipatiev House where the members of the Romanov Tsar family were killed in July 1918. The Cathedral was built in 2003. And soon it became one of the main city sights. It attracts thousands of pilgrims from Russia and worldwide. In front of the church, there is a monument to the Romanov family.
F. Resting in the Ural region, Yekaterinburg is a great city where East meets West. It is a major transport hub in Siberia. It is at the centre of a multi-modal transport network with road, rail and air communications connecting the city with the rest of the country and other countries. Yekaterinburg airport is the principal gateway to the city, the Urals and Siberia at large. The airport serves a wide range of domestic and international lines handling over 7 million passengers per year.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What is the favourite sports entertainment on Thanksgiving Day in the USA?
2. What happens to the turkeys which are chosen by the President?
3. Why was it decided to celebrate Thanksgiving at the end of November?
4. How can people make the house ready for the autumn holiday?
5. Why did the turkey become the main dish for the Thanksgiving dinner?
6. What is the day after Thanksgiving known for?
7. Why is Thanksgiving celebrated on different dates in different countries?

A. The people of Canada celebrate Thanksgiving Day on the second Monday of October every year. It is celebrated to thank God for the past harvest and pray for the coming year. The United States, however, celebrates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year. The reason behind the difference is geographical: autumn starts earlier in Canada than in the USA.
B. Thanksgiving is the right time to decorate homes. You can add some autumn-colored pillows to the sofa, light a candle and arrange some yellow or orange flowers in a vase. Special message boards have become very popular recently. As guests arrive for Thanksgiving, let them write what they are thankful for on a paper leaf and pin it up on the board. Paper leaves can be cut from scrapbooks and painted in autumn colours.
C. Lots of Americans cannot imagine Thanksgiving afternoon without watching TV. This tradition began in 1934. The reason was a great match between two football teams – the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. That game turned out to be really exciting. Since that time, matches have been held every year (except the years of World War II) on Thanksgiving Day and have become very popular.
D. Once, President Truman chose a turkey on Thanksgiving Day and sent it back to the farm. That happened in 1947. Since that time it has become a tradition. Nowadays the President selects two turkeys and frees them in front of a large crowd. Then the turkeys are sent to a farm house to let them live in peace.
E. Some people use Thanksgiving Day and the day after to visit their families or friends. Others use this day to go shopping. The Americans call the day after Thanksgiving ‘Black Friday’. It first got its name in 1960 in Philadelphia. Many people visited the city for shopping. It was overcrowded and the local people considered it a bad black day. Nowadays ‘Black Friday’ means the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.
F. In 1863 Sara Hale, an editor and writer, wrote a letter to President Lincoln and advised him to proclaim a national day of Thanksgiving. She selected the last Thursday in November because, as she said, the harvests were finished, the elections were over and people were back from their summer vacations. She even suggested a list of dishes for the traditional holiday menu. President Lincoln liked her idea and declared a national holiday, Thanksgiving Day.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. Why do street artists create their works?
2. Why are serious companies getting interested in street art?
3. Where are the international street art exhibitions held?
4. What does the term street art include?
5. Which of the famous street artists managed to keep his/her real name a secret?
6. What is the most innovative technique in street art?
7. Why don’t street artists sign their works with their real names?

A. Street art can be described as art that is developed in public spaces and, above all, in the street. Typically, street art is used to separate public-space artwork from illegal graffiti and vandalism. It can mean a lot of different things including graffiti, poster art, wall paintings and just about any artwork that is displayed in public places.
B. The start of street art is closely connected to graffiti, which appeared in New York in the 1970s. For the following ten years, street art grew more and more popular and was soon joined by new forms including street installations, street sculptures and 3D pavement illusions. Kurt Wenner was the person who developed 3D pavement illusion as an absolutely new form of street art and inspired a future generation of street artists.
C. Street artists are often associated with opposition. Their artwork is considered a crime and vandalism and the artists may be arrested for damaging property, so the artists prefer to use nicknames and create their drawings mostly at night. They are not looking for fame, especially in countries where graffiti is still illegal.
D. Banksy is probably the most well-known English street artist who has already become a legendary figure. His works are exhibited in galleries across the world. An American magazine even named him among the top most influential people in the world. However, it’s still true that no one knows who the person really is. He is the only one whose photo has never been made or published.
E. The motivations and ideas that inspire street artists are as different as the artists themselves. Some street artists, by creating certain works, want to draw attention to social and political problems. For other artists, street art is just a form of self-expression. And there are those who enjoy the danger and risks which are connected with working illegally in some city areas.
F. Traditional graffiti has recently been used as a successful method for advertising. Lots of companies agree that traditional advertising on city streets is too boring and common, so many people simply ignore it. However, graffiti adverts catch your attention, creating a memorable image. Big companies find this quite useful and try to include more elements of graffiti in their advertising campaigns.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What goods were made from the plant, the symbol of Scotland?
2. What is the national sporting event of the country?
3. What endangered plants grow in the Scottish Highlands?
4. What plant brings luck and success?
5. What is the stereotype of Scotland like?
6. Why is Scotland an attractive place for those who love sports?
7. What is the modern profile of Scotland like?

A. Thanks to television and films, Scotland is often seen by the rest of the world as a magical country, a land of misty mountains and the home of a lake creature called Nessie. This is the image most people have in mind. The truth, however, is completely different from the way the world thinks of Scotland. You may be surprised to find out that most Scots live in the lowlands and don’t believe in Nessie.
B. Scotland is much more than green hills and picturesque valleys. It’s dynamic and cosmopolitan, with a colourful history of invention and innovation. It’s the home of big businesses and a centre of new medical and scientific development. Each year, it hosts the world’s biggest contemporary arts festivals.
C. Scottish heather, a small bush with flowers, is the floral symbol of the country. The colour of the flowers usually varies from purple to lilac, but they can also be white. In the past, the Scots believed that they would never be captured by enemies and would win victories if they wore white heather. Today, when getting married, girls add white heather to bouquets to bring fortune to their family.
D. Heather has grown in Scotland as far back as its history goes. It is an essential thing for any household. Famous heather honey is rich in minerals, and was traditionally used in medicinal drinks. Traditionally dried heather was used to make perfumes, and the tough stems were used to make ropes. On many of the northern Scottish islands, heather was used in the construction of houses.
E. Scotland is an excellent destination for open-air activities all year round. Its lakes and coastline are ideal for boating and rowing and have some of the best sea-kayaking in the world. The rivers are perfect for fishing and the mountains are wonderful for hill climbing and skiing. Scotland is also good for walkers. You can enjoy easy family walks or more difficult mountain hikes.
F. The history of Scotland is rich in armed conflicts. The Scots have always valued physical power and the skills needed for battle and survival. That’s why the Highland Games were very popular. They date back to long before Scotland’s written history. The Games are still held today and include the athletic competitions in their original form as well as dancing contests. Traditional bagpipe music accompanies all the events.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What old Irish traditions are still followed?
2. What vegetables are exported from Ireland to other countries?
3. What vegetable is very popular in Irish cuisine?
4. Why were Irish people afraid of wearing green in old times?
5. What made the Irish town popular?
6. What is wrong with the stereotype of an Irish person?
7. How can you keep the talisman effective?

A. When you think of the Irish, you often picture a red-haired person dressed all in green. However, it’s just a popular myth. It’s customary in Ireland to wear green clothes only on St. Patrick’s Day. Lots of people are tricked by this cliché. In fact, originally, the colour associated with Saint Patrick was not green but blue.
B. In Ireland, the colour green was long considered to bring bad fortune. The reason is that, in Irish folklore, green is the favourite color of the Good People (the proper name for fairies). Myths run that they are likely to steal people, especially children, who wear too much of the colour. In the past, a girl would never wear anything green on her wedding day.
C. Christmas is a very important celebration in Ireland. People try to keep the old Irish customs. After dinner on Christmas Eve, it is still common for families to leave milk and bread on the table as a sign of friendliness and kindness. Another custom is to leave the door unlocked. A lit candle is left in a window during the night. It represents help for any traveller who is passing by.
D. Irish people enjoy good and substantial food. The basis for many traditional Irish dishes is potatoes which are eaten boiled, mashed, fried and baked. Potatoes are mixed with cabbage or green onions to make traditional Irish dishes. They are also made into potato cakes and used in soups or stews. It’s common to find potatoes cooked in two different ways on the same dinner plate.
E. In Ireland it is believed that shamrock brings good fortune to everyone. It helps in different situations and saves its owner from bad luck. There are certain conditions to be met so that its power remains strong: the owner of the shamrock must keep it away from the public eye and never give it to anyone else.
F. Ireland is known as the native land of limericks – short humorous poems that have five lines. They make people laugh and are easy to remember! Lots of poets and writers were fond of limericks. The word limerick probably comes from the Irish town of Limerick. The short poem has made the town known all over the world.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What is known about the early years of Sochi?
2. Why is Sochi an attractive place for year-round tourism?
3. What makes Sochi a good place to improve health?
4. What are the most popular natural attractions in Sochi?
5. Where is it better to stay in Sochi to improve health?
6. What sports and cultural events have been held in Sochi?
7. What conditions are created in the city for sports?

A. Sochi is Russia’s subtropical resort city that stretches along the beautiful coast of the Black Sea. With a permanent population of about 500,000 people, it holds the record of the largest resort city in Russia. Its numerous beaches make the city popular in summer. Skiing in the nearby mountains makes it an ideal place for winter holidays too. The city is set in the Krasnodar Krai, which stretches 145 km along the Black Sea, making it the second longest city after Mexico City.
B. The resort city of Sochi has a long history that dates back to Ancient Greek and Roman times. The first Russian settlement on the site was called Fort Alexander. It was founded in 1838 at the Sochi River’s mouth. In fact, Sochi is a relatively new name for the city, as the Russian settlement was first called so only in 1896. The name could be a variation of the term “sshatche” which was used by the local people to mean “place by the sea.”
C. From the very beginning, Sochi has served as a resort area. The discovery of the natural mineral springs there contributed greatly to its fast development as the most popular health resort in Russia. The local mineral springs have a healing effect. A legend says that a local girl bravely wandered into the underworld and brought back its healing waters to the surface as a gift from the spirits below. What is more, the air quality in Sochi is excellent.
D. Sochi is proud of its Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve. It includes a lot of beautiful natural sights. The Agura and Orekhovskaya waterfalls are perhaps the most well-known places to visit. Sochi has a wonderful collection of parks, including a botanical garden with rare and exotic types of tropical and subtropical plants. There you can see amazing rhododendrons, evergreen magnolias with beautiful fragrant flowers, junipers, acacias and massive plane trees.
E. In addition to being famous as a resort city, Sochi is known for its sports facilities. For example, its tennis schools have trained many of the world-famous athletes. With so much local attention to health and exercise, Sochi was the obvious choice to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. The recently constructed Coastal Cluster and the Mountain Cluster in Krasnaya Polyana are still widely used for indoor ice events and for downhill and skiing sports.
F. Sochi has long been enjoying the status of the most popular and fashionable spot in Russia. The Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix was held there for a number of years. In addition, Sochi was one of the host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. New Wave, an international contest for young performers of popular music, moved to Sochi in 2015 and has been regularly held there since that time. The largest and brightest summer and winter resort of Russia offers its visitors all kinds of events.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What should the main New Year tree of the country look like?
2. What is one of the legends of the Christmas tree?
3. What are the advantages of artificial Christmas trees?
4. What rules did people follow in the past when decorating the Christmas tree?
5. Who changed the date of New Yearʼs Day in his country?
6. How did the technological progress change Christmas decorations?
7. How did the tradition of decorating the tree with coloured glass balls start?

A. Why do people decorate Christmas trees at home? There are several stories about the start of the tradition. One of them is about Martin Luther, the founder of the protestant faith. While he was walking through a forest on a Christmas Eve, he looked up and was impressed by the beauty of the stars that were shining through the tree branches. He cut down a small tree and took it home. There, he decorated the tree with candles as a present for his family.
B. The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree comes from Germany. Until the 17th century, people decorated their Christmas tree in a certain order. Firstly, a star was fixed on the top. Then people hung apples on lower branches of the tree. Finally, they placed biscuits, gingerbread and sweets underneath. The Christmas tree in the fairy tale Nutcracker was decorated in exactly this way.
C. The Christmas tree tradition came to Russia with Peter the Great in the 18th century. He enjoyed the celebration tradition in Germany and issued a law according to which all families had to decorate their houses with pine tree branches. It also announced that people should have fun on that day. Peter the Great also decided to move New Year’s celebration from 1st September to 1st January.
D. The most popular Christmas decoration was invented by a German glass-blower. He made a ball and decorated it with angel figures and snowflakes. The man gave it as a gift to his daughter. The girl decided to put the ball on the Christmas tree. It was so beautiful that the glass-blower made many more decorated balls and sold them. Now people all over the world choose to decorate their Christmas trees in this way.
E. In the 18th century, people started decorating Christmas trees with candles. Later, with the discovery of electricity, electric lights were put on Christmas trees. It was Edward Johnson, an assistant of Thomas Edison, who first used electric lights for Christmas tree decoration. People liked his idea. However, it took several years before the electric lights became available to the general public.
F. Nowadays, Christmas trees are found everywhere – in houses, on the streets and squares. Most of them are artificial trees. However, in the centre of Moscow, in the Kremlin, you can always see a natural Christmas tree. The most important tree of the country is carefully chosen in the forest – it should be tall and beautiful. Professional designers decorate it to create an unforgettable fairytale tree for thousands of children and their parents.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. Where is the Republic of Karelia situated?
2. What is the capital city of Karelia famous for?
3. What are the main events in the history of the region?
4. What is the season to go to Karelia?
5. What natural sights of Karelia are worth visiting?
6. Why is the island of Kizhi in Karelia so popular?
7. What place in Karelia is perfect for an active day off?

A. Sincerely loved by Russians, Karelia shines differently with every new season. It is a perfect all-year-round destination for holidays. In summer this is a top place in the European part of the country for enjoying outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking, and much more! And during wintertime, many travellers on their way to the northern city of Murmansk make a stop in Karelia for a few days to admire the amazing local nature.
B. The Republic of Karelia is the treasure of Russia that is just waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by a thick forest, Karelia is located in the north-west of Russia close to Finland. Karelia can be easily reached from Moscow or St. Petersburg by train or car. So, if a tourist does not want to travel too far, the Republic of Karelia is a great holiday destination to choose. The region offers a unique chance to see the beautiful nature of Russia.
C. About a third of Karelia’s territory is occupied with amazing lakes. That is why Karelia is sometimes called “the country of lakes.” One of the two largest lakes, Lake Onega, is especially famous for its wonderful island of Kizhi. Moreover, one of the highest waterfalls in Europe, the beautiful Kivach waterfall, is also located in this “country of lakes.” This fantastic waterfall is situated on the Suna River, and it is 11 metres high.
D. During the Karelian journey, one should visit the Island of Kizhi to explore traditional Russian wooden architecture, ethnographic museums, and centuries-old history. This open-air museum is an important part of many cruises as it has some of the best examples of wooden architecture. The island is home to the oldest wooden church in the country, dating back to the 14th century. Kizhi churches have been kept in their original form and were built without nails.
E. The heart of the region is the city of Petrozavodsk. Set on the shores of Lake Onega, the Karelian main city was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great and played an important role in the military history of Russia. Some of its most popular attractions include the Round Square, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the statue of Peter the Great, and the National Museum of the Republic of Karelia, where one can learn about the history of this region.
F. Ruskeala Mountain Park is a modern and comfortable place with such facilities as parking, cafs, and playgrounds for children. One can follow hiking trails, take pictures of nature from the viewpoints, learn the history of marble mining in this area, ride a zip-line and take an underground trip. But the centre of Ruskeala is its famous marble canyon. It is a former quarry flooded by water where marble was dug for use as building material flooded by water.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What is the most unusual way to get to church on Christmas night?
2. Who can bring Christmas presents instead of Santa?
3. Why is the first guest on Christmas Day so important?
4. What creature helped to decorate a Christmas tree?
5. What transport does Santa use in warm countries?
6. How do people celebrate Christmas in hot climate?
7. Why is Christmas celebrated on another date in this country?

A. For people who live in the northern hemisphere, the thought of celebrating Christmas with great heat and bright sun seems strange and exotic. But in Australia, where the holiday falls in summer, it’s completely normal. Though most of the traditions of celebrating Christmas in Australia are the same as in European countries, there is still a little variation. On Christmas Day, most Australians have the holiday midday dinner outside. The dinner is often followed by some backyard cricket or a swim in the pool.
B. In Italy, children do not ask Santa Claus for presents. In their country an ugly, yet kind old witch named Befana performs Santa’s duties. The witch flies around the world on her broomstick and enters the houses down the chimney. She delivers toys, clothing and candy to well-behaved children and puts coal – or dark candy – in bad kids’ socks.
C. An ancient legend tells us about children from a poor family. Unfortunately, their parents could not afford any Christmas decorations and the kids were upset. However, on Christmas morning when the children woke up, they saw that spiders had spun webs of shiny silk around the tree’s branches. The sun turned each thread into silver and gold. Even nowadays in Europe people decorate their trees with spider webs to welcome good luck.
D. Different celebrations take place over Christmas in Scotland. One of the most important traditions is called First-Footing. Once midnight strikes, all eyes await the arrival of the year’s first visitor. The person who crosses the home’s threshold first is said to bring good fortune for the year ahead. Top of the lucky list: a male, dark-haired visitor. Women or blonde men are believed to be unlucky.
E. According to tradition, on Christmas Eve some Russian people don’t eat anything until the first star has appeared in the sky. In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on the 7th of January, not on the 25th of December like in most other countries. The different date of the holiday is because the Orthodox Church uses the old ‘Julian’ calendar for religious celebration days.
F. Like in most countries the locals of Venezuela, especially in their capital city, Caracas, go to church on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus. However, in Caracas, people of all ages don’t just walk to church, they usually roller skate to church. The streets of Caracas are closed to vehicles up to 8am on Christmas Day to make way for their citizens who use roller skates to travel to and from church.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. What makes Moscow very popular among tourists?
2. What is the best season for tourists to visit Moscow?
3. What are good and bad things about the city transport?
4. What is special about the Moscow underground?
5. What theatres should be visited in Moscow?
6. What is Moscow’s most famous shopping mall?
7. What are the presents to be brought from Moscow?

A. The peak of the Moscow travel season is May through September. However, tourists may prefer to travel to Moscow during the low travel season. The snowy winter months offer just as many entertainment options as one can find during summer. Tourists can celebrate New Year’s Eve or see Russia’s biggest ice rink on Red Square, or visit one of the local winter markets. Any Moscow tour has plenty of memorable experiences the whole year round.
B. As one of the largest cities in the world, Moscow comes with its share of traffic problems. It seems that all of the world’s most expensive black cars are here, and there are a lot of traffic jams. Still, while the traffic situation leaves much to be desired, the Moscow underground is superb. The advanced Metro system carries up to 9 million passengers a day on weekdays, and its trains run every few minutes. It is a convenient way of travelling around.
C. When people travel to Moscow, they want to see the red-bricked walls of the Kremlin, take a picture in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral, and visit the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre. All of these places are located within a very small area around Red Square. So seeing them on a walking sightseeing tour of Moscow is convenient and allows visitors to avoid traffic jams. The concentration of Moscow main sights makes this city a world-class tourist destination.
D. Set in the heart of Moscow the State Department Store known as GUM produces a great impression on visitors. It was built between 1890 and 1893 to replace the old trading rows of 1825. The building stretches along Red Square’s eastern side. The entire structure is a beautiful testament to Russian architecture with its mix of medieval and modern features. The glass roof allows natural light to flood into this three-story palace.
E. The Moscow Metro has been a much-needed mass transit project. But it is not just a series of trains and tunnels. The Moscow Metro is like a whole underground city that holds the world’s largest collection of Soviet Art. The first stations were opened on May 15, 1935. They were described as one of the greatest architectural projects of that time. The original 13 stations, along with many others that were built later, feature unique works of art.
F. The most exciting part of any journey is the memories people create while discovering new places. And souvenirs are among the most popular options to save the happiest moments not only in one’s heart but in the form of something more material. Apart from classic T-shirts and fridge magnets with local attractions, many other things can bring to mind the best moments of Moscow trip. The gifts range from Matryoshka dolls to the Tretyakov Gallery photo album.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. Why did a prehistoric reptile get a girl’s name?
2. Where is the Isle of Wight?
3. What is the origin of the island’s name?
4. What animal is prohibited on the Isle of Wight?
5. What is the emblem of the Isle of Wight?
6. What do tourists take from the Isle of Wight as a memory?
7. What is special about the language spoken on the island?

A. The Isle of Wight is considered to be the largest island of England. The island measures about 380 square km, of which about half is an area of outstanding natural beauty. About 140,000 people live on the island and several million people visit it each year. This paradise is located in the English Channel which separates the continent and Great Britain.
B. The accent of the Isle of Wight is similar to the traditional dialect of southern England. While speaking, the natives of the island drop some consonants and put an emphasis on longer vowels. The Isle of Wight has its own local and regional words. Some of their words (e.g. grockle – visitor, tourist and nipper – a younger male person) are used in the neighbouring areas of the mainland too.
C. There are many red squirrels which are the only squirrel native to the British Isles. However, there are few of them left on the mainland now. Red squirrels are being replaced by American grey squirrels. The grey squirrels carry the deadly parapox virus, which is fatal to the reds. The strait between the island and the mainland provides a barrier to grey squirrels. It is illegal to bring a grey squirrel onto the island, with a penalty of two-year’s imprisonment.
D. The Isle of Wight is not large, but it has lots of sights to see. One of the most well-known places is Alum Bay which is famous for the sand on its beach. The sand is of different colours – from red to purple, from brown to white. Tourists usually buy a glass paperweight with stripes of coloured sand, and take it back home as a souvenir.
E. The Isle of Wight has recently been declared the Dinosaur capital of the UK! Bones of more than 25 different species were found on the small island, including the largest British dinosaur. In 2009, five-year-old Daisy Morris discovered the remains of an undiscovered species on the beach, which has been named after her – the Vectidraco (Dragon of the Wight) Daisymorrisae.
F. The correct spelling of the island’s name is Wight not White. Wight is an old English word to describe a creature or living being. The experts do not have a common opinion on why the island was called that. The only thing that can be said for sure is that the name has nothing to do with the colour.

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1–7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа. В ответ запишите последовательность цифр.

1. Which object made the company famous?
2. Why are some sets of LEGO twice as big?
3. Where does the name LEGO come from?
4. Why is LEGO considered to be an educational toy?
5. Who are the owners of LEGO?
6. Why do adults enjoy LEGO toys?
7. What can make some LEGO-toy customers unhappy?

A. The company that makes the famous little plastic bricks known as LEGO started as a small shop in the town of Billund in Denmark. At first the shop sold wooden toys and other things. Soon the business became known as LEGO. It came from the Danish words ‘LEg GOdt’, meaning ‘play well’. Later, it was realized that the original meaning in Latin was ‘I put together’.
B. The LEGO Group was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Cristiansen. The company has come a long way from a small carpenter’s workshop to a modern, global corporation, the world’s third-largest producer of toys. Lego has passed from father to son and is now owned by a grandchild of the founder. As a child, he often came up with the ideas for new models and Lego sets.
C. The brick, the main component of all Lego sets, appeared in its present form in 1958 and since then has remained compatible with previous editions. This little piece of plastic offers unlimited building possibilities. It lets children experiment and try out their creative ideas. The LEGO company owes its success to the traditional Lego brick. The company has been awarded ‘Toy of the Century’ twice.
D. Last year Charlotte Benjamin wrote a letter to the Lego Company in which she complained that, during a visit to the toy store, she noticed that ‘there are lots of Lego boy people and barely any Lego girls.’ She felt sad that, in Lego, girl figures mostly sat at home, went shopping and had no job. At the same time boy figures went on adventures, worked, saved people and ‘even swam with sharks’.
E. The LEGO Group produces thousands of sets with a variety of themes. In 1969 the company introduced Lego Duplo, designed for children who are 1 to 5 years old. Duplo bricks are twice the length, height and width of traditional Lego bricks. It makes them easier to handle and less likely to be swallowed by younger children. Duplo sets now include farm, zoo, town, castle and pirate sets.
F. Lego Games are a great way of having fun together with family and friends. These sets excite imagination and improve creativity because the child needs to put a game together before he or she can play it. They also develop hand and eye coordination, teach children to follow directions with logic and find scientific and technological solutions. In a fun way, these games promote basic ideas of Maths, Geometry and Engineering.