Father of the CD” Dies

The pioneer of the compact disc (CD) Norio Ohga has died aged 81 of multiple organ failure in the Japanese capital Tokyo. Mr Ohga was president and chairman of Sony between 1982 and 1995. He is credited with pioneering the use of the CD. Sony sold the world's first CD in 1982. Mr Ohga was responsible for its size. He recommended a disc should be 12 cm in diameter because it contained enough space to store Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which is 75 minutes long. The size of CDs has remained unchanged since and became the format for DVDs. CD sales in Japan overtook record sales within five years of their introduction. Ohga was an avid music enthusiast and studied to become an opera singer in his youth.

Sony's current chairman, Sir Howard Stringer, paid tribute to Mr Ohga’s leadership and vision. He said the former chairman transformed Sony from a company that sold radios and electronics into a global entertainment giant. Ohga rose through the Sony ranks at a speed highly unusual for a Japanese company and was an executive by his 30s. Ohga moved Sony into new directions, making them an international player. He was key in the purchase of Hollywood studio Colombia Pictures and the record company CBS. He also oversaw the launch of Sony’s highly successful PlayStation game console. Mr Stringer said: “By redefining Sony as a company encompassing both hardware and software, Ohga-san succeeded where other Japanese companies failed.”
(25th April, 2011)

Question 1 (2 points) Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text.

a. The pioneer of the CD died from cancer in Tokyo
b.The former Sony chairman once trained to be an opera singer.
c. Mr Ohga bought a Hollywood movie studio and record company.
d. He had very little part to play in the launch of the Sony PlayStation.

Question 2 (2 points) Answer the following questions in your own words.
a. Why do CDs are the size they are?
b. What contributions did Mr. Ohga do to Sony?

Question 3 (1.5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a. innovation (par.1) b. fan (par.1) c. to include (par.2)

Question 4 ( 1.5 points) Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a. CD sales in Japan overtook record sales within five years of their introduction.
Record sales ………………………………………………
b. The size of CDs has remained unchanged since 1982
The size of CDs hasn't ……………………………………..
c. : “By redefining Sony as a company encompassing both hardware and software, Ohga-san succeeded where other Japanese companies failed.”
Mr. Stringer said that …………………………………...

Question 5 (3 points)
Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic:
How many different ways are there to keep your music? What’s your favourite?

Father of the CD” Dies

The pioneer of the compact disc (CD) Norio Ohga has died aged 81 of multiple organ failure in the Japanese capital Tokyo. Mr Ohga was president and chairman of Sony between 1982 and 1995. He is credited with pioneering the use of the CD. Sony sold the world's first CD in 1982. Mr Ohga was responsible for its size. He recommended a disc should be 12 cm in diameter because it contained enough space to store Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which is 75 minutes long. The size of CDs has remained unchanged since and became the format for DVDs. CD sales in Japan overtook record sales within five years of their introduction. Ohga was an avid music enthusiast and studied to become an opera singer in his youth.

Sony's current chairman, Sir Howard Stringer, paid tribute to Mr Ohga’s leadership and vision. He said the former chairman transformed Sony from a company that sold radios and electronics into a global entertainment giant. Ohga rose through the Sony ranks at a speed highly unusual for a Japanese company and was an executive by his 30s. Ohga moved Sony into new directions, making them an international player. He was key in the purchase of Hollywood studio Colombia Pictures and the record company CBS. He also oversaw the launch of Sony’s highly successful PlayStation game console. Mr Stringer said: “By redefining Sony as a company encompassing both hardware and software, Ohga-san succeeded where other Japanese companies failed.”
(25th April, 2011)

Question 1 (2 points) Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text.

a. The pioneer of the CD died from cancer in Tokyo
b.The former Sony chairman once trained to be an opera singer.
c. Mr Ohga bought a Hollywood movie studio and record company.
d. He had very little part to play in the launch of the Sony PlayStation.

Question 2 (2 points) Answer the following questions in your own words.
a. Why do CDs are the size they are?
b. What contributions did Mr. Ohga do to Sony?

Question 3 (1.5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a. innovation (par.1) b. fan (par.1) c. to include (par.2)

Question 4 ( 1.5 points) Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a. CD sales in Japan overtook record sales within five years of their introduction.
Record sales ………………………………………………
b. The size of CDs has remained unchanged since 1982
The size of CDs hasn't ……………………………………..
c. : “By redefining Sony as a company encompassing both hardware and software, Ohga-san succeeded where other Japanese companies failed.”
Mr. Stringer said that …………………………………...

Question 5 (3 points)
Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic:
How many different ways are there to keep your music? What’s your favourite?

X Factor: Simon quits as UK judge

Simon Cowell won't be returning as a weekly judge on the new series of The X Factor. There have been loads of rumours about his role because he's busy launching the show in America.
ITV said it's looking at ways for Simon to appear later on in the series - and we're told he will continue to have an "enormous presence" backstage. "We have known for some time that Simon's on-screen presence would be less this year," an ITV spokesman said. "That is something we are completely comfortable with."
There's no word yet on the other judges Dannii Minogue, Louis Walsh, and Cheryl Cole - who has been rumoured to be in the running for a job on The X Factor USA.
Meanwhile, Britain's Got Talent kicked off on Saturday without Simon Cowell on the panel.
The ratings were down compared to the first episode of previous series, but Simon's due to return as a judge for the live shows.

Match the words below to their definitions

enormous / episode / in the running / kicked off / presence / role / rumours / series

number of related events or things, one following another
position or purpose that someone or something has
pieces of news that might be true or invented
very large
when someone is involved in something
having a reasonable chance of winning
started
one of the single parts into which a story is divided, especially when it is broadcast on the television or radio

True or false?

1. ITV is concerned that Cowell is not returning.
2. There is going to be series of The X Factor in America.
3. Cowell’s departure from The X Factor came as a surprise.
4. None of the other judges have confirmed that they are returning.
5. Cowell was a judge on Britain’s Got Talent in the past.
6. Cheryl Cole may get a job on television in the USA.
7. Simon Cowell will not have anything more to do with The X Factor.
8. The X Factor appears on ITV.

What is the missing word?

1. He's busy __________ the show in America.
2. That is something we are completely __________ with.
3. Britain's Got Talent kicked off on Saturday without Simon Cowell on the ____________ .
4. The __________ were down compared to the first episode of previous series.




KEY

Vocabulary
series number of related events or things, one following another
role position or purpose that someone or something has
rumours pieces of news that might be true or invented
enormous very large
presence when someone is involved in something
in the running having a reasonable chance of winning
kicked off started
episode one of the single parts into which a story is divided, especially when it is broadcast on the television or radio

True or false?

1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. False
8. True

What is the missing word?

1. He's busy launching the show in America.
2. That is something we are completely comfortable with.
3. Britain's Got Talent kicked off on Saturday without Simon Cowell on the panel.
4. The ratings were down compared to the first episode of previous series.

X Factor: Simon quits as UK judge

Simon Cowell won't be returning as a weekly judge on the new series of The X Factor. There have been loads of rumours about his role because he's busy launching the show in America.
ITV said it's looking at ways for Simon to appear later on in the series - and we're told he will continue to have an "enormous presence" backstage. "We have known for some time that Simon's on-screen presence would be less this year," an ITV spokesman said. "That is something we are completely comfortable with."
There's no word yet on the other judges Dannii Minogue, Louis Walsh, and Cheryl Cole - who has been rumoured to be in the running for a job on The X Factor USA.
Meanwhile, Britain's Got Talent kicked off on Saturday without Simon Cowell on the panel.
The ratings were down compared to the first episode of previous series, but Simon's due to return as a judge for the live shows.

Match the words below to their definitions

enormous / episode / in the running / kicked off / presence / role / rumours / series

number of related events or things, one following another
position or purpose that someone or something has
pieces of news that might be true or invented
very large
when someone is involved in something
having a reasonable chance of winning
started
one of the single parts into which a story is divided, especially when it is broadcast on the television or radio

True or false?

1. ITV is concerned that Cowell is not returning.
2. There is going to be series of The X Factor in America.
3. Cowell’s departure from The X Factor came as a surprise.
4. None of the other judges have confirmed that they are returning.
5. Cowell was a judge on Britain’s Got Talent in the past.
6. Cheryl Cole may get a job on television in the USA.
7. Simon Cowell will not have anything more to do with The X Factor.
8. The X Factor appears on ITV.

What is the missing word?

1. He's busy __________ the show in America.
2. That is something we are completely __________ with.
3. Britain's Got Talent kicked off on Saturday without Simon Cowell on the ____________ .
4. The __________ were down compared to the first episode of previous series.




KEY

Vocabulary
series number of related events or things, one following another
role position or purpose that someone or something has
rumours pieces of news that might be true or invented
enormous very large
presence when someone is involved in something
in the running having a reasonable chance of winning
kicked off started
episode one of the single parts into which a story is divided, especially when it is broadcast on the television or radio

True or false?

1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. False
8. True

What is the missing word?

1. He's busy launching the show in America.
2. That is something we are completely comfortable with.
3. Britain's Got Talent kicked off on Saturday without Simon Cowell on the panel.
4. The ratings were down compared to the first episode of previous series.

50 years since first man in space

Celebrations have been taking place in Russia to mark 50 years since the first man in space.

Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made history on 12 April 1961, when he went where no man had gone before. A rocket blasted Gagarin into space, where he stayed for 108 minutes before returning safely to Earth - a hero.

To mark the anniversary, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev held a video link-up with the International Space Station and an award ceremony.

Space race
At the time, it was a major victory for the Soviet Union in their space race against America. Before Gagarin's 1961 flight, no one knew whether humans could survive in space. Some people said the force of the take-off would crush his body. Others thought that being weightless would send him mad. He was fine.

Man on the moon
But the US hit back a few years later when Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon, in 1969.

Nowadays, the Russians and Americans are no longer rivals and work together in space discovery.


Match the words below to their definitions

award / celebration / ceremony / mark / rivals / survive / victory

special, enjoyable event about something important
commemorate
formal act done on an important occasion
when you win something
continue to exist after being in a difficult situation
people competing against each other
prize given to someone for achieving something

True or False?

1. Dmitry Medvedev gave an award to Gagarin.
2. There were concerns that humans would die in space.
3. Weightlessness made Gagarin temporarily insane.
4. Gagarin was physically unaffected by his time in space.
5. Russians and Americans still compete in space.
6. Neil Armstrong landed on the moon after Gagarin did.
7. Gagarin stayed in space for over two hours.

What is the missing word?

1. A rocket __________ Gagarin into space.
2. Some people said the force of the take-off would _________ his body.
3. __________ , the Russians and Americans are no longer rivals.
4. Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made __________ on 12 April 1961.

KEY

Vocabulary

celebration special, enjoyable event about something important
mark commemorate
ceremony formal act done on an important occasion
victory when you win something
survive continue to exist after being in a difficult situation
rivals people competing against each other
award prize given to someone for achieving something

True or false?

1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
6. False
7. False

What is the missing word?

1. blasted
2. crush
3. Nowadays
4. history

50 years since first man in space

Celebrations have been taking place in Russia to mark 50 years since the first man in space.

Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made history on 12 April 1961, when he went where no man had gone before. A rocket blasted Gagarin into space, where he stayed for 108 minutes before returning safely to Earth - a hero.

To mark the anniversary, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev held a video link-up with the International Space Station and an award ceremony.

Space race
At the time, it was a major victory for the Soviet Union in their space race against America. Before Gagarin's 1961 flight, no one knew whether humans could survive in space. Some people said the force of the take-off would crush his body. Others thought that being weightless would send him mad. He was fine.

Man on the moon
But the US hit back a few years later when Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon, in 1969.

Nowadays, the Russians and Americans are no longer rivals and work together in space discovery.


Match the words below to their definitions

award / celebration / ceremony / mark / rivals / survive / victory

special, enjoyable event about something important
commemorate
formal act done on an important occasion
when you win something
continue to exist after being in a difficult situation
people competing against each other
prize given to someone for achieving something

True or False?

1. Dmitry Medvedev gave an award to Gagarin.
2. There were concerns that humans would die in space.
3. Weightlessness made Gagarin temporarily insane.
4. Gagarin was physically unaffected by his time in space.
5. Russians and Americans still compete in space.
6. Neil Armstrong landed on the moon after Gagarin did.
7. Gagarin stayed in space for over two hours.

What is the missing word?

1. A rocket __________ Gagarin into space.
2. Some people said the force of the take-off would _________ his body.
3. __________ , the Russians and Americans are no longer rivals.
4. Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made __________ on 12 April 1961.

KEY

Vocabulary

celebration special, enjoyable event about something important
mark commemorate
ceremony formal act done on an important occasion
victory when you win something
survive continue to exist after being in a difficult situation
rivals people competing against each other
award prize given to someone for achieving something

True or false?

1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
6. False
7. False

What is the missing word?

1. blasted
2. crush
3. Nowadays
4. history

Every citizen to have personal webpage

Everyone in the country is to be given a personalised webpage for accessing Government services within a year as part of a plan to save billions of pounds, Gordon Brown is to announce.

The Prime Minister has previously hailed the potential for the internet to slash costs by reducing paper forms, face-to-face contact with officials, postage, phone calls and building costs. He is now set to use a speech on Monday to unveil plans to give every voter a unique identifier allowing them to apply for school places, book GP appointments, claim benefits, get a new passport, pay council tax or register a car.

Within another three years, the secure site would include an interactive service allowing people to ask medical advice of their doctor or consult their children's teachers.

The move could see the closure of job centres and offices dealing with tax, vehicle licensing, passports and housing benefit within 10 years as services are offered through a single digital ''gateway''.

But the proposals came under fire from union leaders who complained that thousands of public sector workers would be made jobless and pointed to the Government's poor record of handling personal data. Questions have also been raised about the impact on some older people unable to use the internet.

Among the Prime Minister's advisers on the drive to put services online is World Wide Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee. ''I don't want to go to a government office. It should all be online. That saves time for people and it saves money for the Government - the processing of a piece of paper and mailing it back costs many times more than it costs to process something electronically,'' he told the newspaper.

Question 1 (2 points)

Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) People will need a different username and password for each online service.
b) This is the first time that the Prime Minister has talked about the benefits of
online bureaucracy.
c) With the new service, it will be possible to arrange to see a doctor.
d) Some senior citizens might have problems using this service.

Question 2 (2 points)

Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) What will users of the online government service be able to do in 3 years’
time?
b) What complaints have trade union leaders made?

Question 3 (1.5 points)

Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a) to announce, reveal (Paragraph 2)
b unemployed (Paragraph 5)
c) history (Paragraph 5)

Question 4 (1.5 points)

Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a) Processing paper documents is much more expensive than processing documents electronically.
Processing documents electronically is far …………
b) The changes in the way official documents are handled could see the closure of job centres and offices.
Job centres and offices may close ….
c) The plan could save the government billions of pounds.
If the plan goes ahead, billions ………..

Question 5(3 points)
Write a short essay (120 to 150 words) on the following topic:
• Does the Internet make everybody’s life easier?

Every citizen to have personal webpage

Everyone in the country is to be given a personalised webpage for accessing Government services within a year as part of a plan to save billions of pounds, Gordon Brown is to announce.

The Prime Minister has previously hailed the potential for the internet to slash costs by reducing paper forms, face-to-face contact with officials, postage, phone calls and building costs. He is now set to use a speech on Monday to unveil plans to give every voter a unique identifier allowing them to apply for school places, book GP appointments, claim benefits, get a new passport, pay council tax or register a car.

Within another three years, the secure site would include an interactive service allowing people to ask medical advice of their doctor or consult their children's teachers.

The move could see the closure of job centres and offices dealing with tax, vehicle licensing, passports and housing benefit within 10 years as services are offered through a single digital ''gateway''.

But the proposals came under fire from union leaders who complained that thousands of public sector workers would be made jobless and pointed to the Government's poor record of handling personal data. Questions have also been raised about the impact on some older people unable to use the internet.

Among the Prime Minister's advisers on the drive to put services online is World Wide Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee. ''I don't want to go to a government office. It should all be online. That saves time for people and it saves money for the Government - the processing of a piece of paper and mailing it back costs many times more than it costs to process something electronically,'' he told the newspaper.

Question 1 (2 points)

Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) People will need a different username and password for each online service.
b) This is the first time that the Prime Minister has talked about the benefits of
online bureaucracy.
c) With the new service, it will be possible to arrange to see a doctor.
d) Some senior citizens might have problems using this service.

Question 2 (2 points)

Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) What will users of the online government service be able to do in 3 years’
time?
b) What complaints have trade union leaders made?

Question 3 (1.5 points)

Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a) to announce, reveal (Paragraph 2)
b unemployed (Paragraph 5)
c) history (Paragraph 5)

Question 4 (1.5 points)

Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a) Processing paper documents is much more expensive than processing documents electronically.
Processing documents electronically is far …………
b) The changes in the way official documents are handled could see the closure of job centres and offices.
Job centres and offices may close ….
c) The plan could save the government billions of pounds.
If the plan goes ahead, billions ………..

Question 5(3 points)
Write a short essay (120 to 150 words) on the following topic:
• Does the Internet make everybody’s life easier?

Famous People and websites

The following people are all famous (and usually rich!) because they started different websites.


a) Pierre Omidyar
b) Jimmy Wales
c) Mark Zuckerberg
d) Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, Jawed Karim
e) Larry Page, Sergey Brin
f) Zaryn Dentzel
g) Biz Stone, Evan Williams
h) David Filo and Jerry Yang
i) Chris DeWolfe, Tom Anderson


1 Match the website to the people who founded them:

1 Facebook
2 Google
3 You Tube
4 Twitter
5 Tuenti
6 Myspace
7 Wikipedia
8 Ebay
9 Yahoo

2 Which year was each site started in?

1994
1995
1998
2001
2003
2004
2004
2005
2006


3 Which of the above websites are:

a) social networking sites: ……………………………. , ……………………………. , ……………………………. , …………………………….
b) auction and shopping site …………………………….
c) collaborative reference site …………………………….
d) search engines and email account providers ……………………………. , …………………………….
e) video-sharing website …………………………….


Key
1 and 2

a) Pierre Omidyar ebay 1995
b) Jimmy Wales Wikipedia 2001
c) Mark Zuckerberg Facebook 2004
d) Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, Jawed Karim Youtube 2005
e) Larry Page, Sergey Brin Google 1998
f) Zaryn Dentzel Tuenti 2004
g) Biz Stone, Evan Williams Twitter 2006
h) David Filo and Jerry Yang Yahoo 1994
i) Chris DeWolfe, Tom Anderson Myspace 2003

3
a) social networking sites: Facebook, Tuenti, Twitter, Myspace
b) auction and shopping site ebay
c) collaborative reference site wikipedia
d) search engines and email account providers google, yahoo
e) video-sharing website youtube

What do the following people and companies have in common?

Michael Jackson
Barack Obama
Lady Gaga
Starbucks
Dr House
Coca Cola
Cristiano Ronaldo
YouTube

(Answer: They are all in the top 30 Facebook Fan pages.)

http://www.famecount.com/
This website gives a nice graphic portrayal of the most pop. Films, companies, etc.

This is the Spanish ranking
http://www.famecount.com/facebook-rank/Spain

Appeal for the Digital Death campaign
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWd22s

Famous People and websites

The following people are all famous (and usually rich!) because they started different websites.


a) Pierre Omidyar
b) Jimmy Wales
c) Mark Zuckerberg
d) Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, Jawed Karim
e) Larry Page, Sergey Brin
f) Zaryn Dentzel
g) Biz Stone, Evan Williams
h) David Filo and Jerry Yang
i) Chris DeWolfe, Tom Anderson


1 Match the website to the people who founded them:

1 Facebook
2 Google
3 You Tube
4 Twitter
5 Tuenti
6 Myspace
7 Wikipedia
8 Ebay
9 Yahoo

2 Which year was each site started in?

1994
1995
1998
2001
2003
2004
2004
2005
2006


3 Which of the above websites are:

a) social networking sites: ……………………………. , ……………………………. , ……………………………. , …………………………….
b) auction and shopping site …………………………….
c) collaborative reference site …………………………….
d) search engines and email account providers ……………………………. , …………………………….
e) video-sharing website …………………………….


Key
1 and 2

a) Pierre Omidyar ebay 1995
b) Jimmy Wales Wikipedia 2001
c) Mark Zuckerberg Facebook 2004
d) Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, Jawed Karim Youtube 2005
e) Larry Page, Sergey Brin Google 1998
f) Zaryn Dentzel Tuenti 2004
g) Biz Stone, Evan Williams Twitter 2006
h) David Filo and Jerry Yang Yahoo 1994
i) Chris DeWolfe, Tom Anderson Myspace 2003

3
a) social networking sites: Facebook, Tuenti, Twitter, Myspace
b) auction and shopping site ebay
c) collaborative reference site wikipedia
d) search engines and email account providers google, yahoo
e) video-sharing website youtube

What do the following people and companies have in common?

Michael Jackson
Barack Obama
Lady Gaga
Starbucks
Dr House
Coca Cola
Cristiano Ronaldo
YouTube

(Answer: They are all in the top 30 Facebook Fan pages.)

http://www.famecount.com/
This website gives a nice graphic portrayal of the most pop. Films, companies, etc.

This is the Spanish ranking
http://www.famecount.com/facebook-rank/Spain

Appeal for the Digital Death campaign
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWd22s

Grandmother passes driving test at 960th attempt

A South Korean grandmother has become a national celebrity by passing her driving test at the 960th attempt. Cha Sa-soon, 69, whose surname Cha coincidentally means "vehicle" in Korean, is currently appearing in a prime-time advertisement for Hyundai, Korea's largest carmaker. Now Mrs Cha, who lives in Jeonju, 130 miles (210km) south of Seoul, must pass the practical test to get on the road.

After four years of trying, 68-year-old Cha Sa-soon finally managed to secure the 60 out of 100 points needed to pass the test. The grandmother has spent more than 5m won ($4,200, £2,600) on application fees for the test. She wanted a licence so that she could use a vehicle to sell vegetables and other goods, the newspaper the Korea Times said.

According to the Korean Driver's Licence Agency, the 50-minute written test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions on road regulations and car maintenance. And her determination to pass the test has made her well-known at the Jeonju centre. "She is really famous here. Not only agency employees but even some test-takers know her. Her challenging spirit is really amazing," one official was quoted as saying.

Speaking in February - after her 775th failure - Mrs Cha said: "I believe you can achieve your goal if you persistently pursue it." "So don't give up your dream, like me. Be strong and do your best."

Question 1 (2 points) Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

a) Cha Sa-soon stars in a Korean car advert.
b) Cha Sa-soon can now legally drive a car in Korea.
c) Cha Sa-soon wants to work for the Korea Times.
d) The written driving test in Korea includes questions about looking after your car

Question 2 (2 points) Answer the following questions in your own words.

a) How much time and money has Cha Sa-soon spent on passing this test?
b) What advice does Cha Sa-soon give?

Question 3 (1.5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.

a) obtain (Paragraph 2)
b) things to sell(Paragraph 2)
c) incredible (Paragraph 3)

Question 4 (1.5 points) Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.

a) Hyundai have made an advertisement for a car and Cha Sa-soon appears in it.
Cha Sa-soon appears in ……………………………………………………...……………………………….
b) Not only agency employees but even some test-takers know Cha Sa-soon.
Cha Sa-soon is ……………… but also also ………………………………………………..
c) If you persistently pursue your dream, you can achieve your goal.
Cha Sa-soon said that ............................................................................................................................

Question 5 (5 points)
Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:

" People like Cha sa-soon are a model and an inspiration for us all" Do you agree?

Grandmother passes driving test at 960th attempt

A South Korean grandmother has become a national celebrity by passing her driving test at the 960th attempt. Cha Sa-soon, 69, whose surname Cha coincidentally means "vehicle" in Korean, is currently appearing in a prime-time advertisement for Hyundai, Korea's largest carmaker. Now Mrs Cha, who lives in Jeonju, 130 miles (210km) south of Seoul, must pass the practical test to get on the road.

After four years of trying, 68-year-old Cha Sa-soon finally managed to secure the 60 out of 100 points needed to pass the test. The grandmother has spent more than 5m won ($4,200, £2,600) on application fees for the test. She wanted a licence so that she could use a vehicle to sell vegetables and other goods, the newspaper the Korea Times said.

According to the Korean Driver's Licence Agency, the 50-minute written test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions on road regulations and car maintenance. And her determination to pass the test has made her well-known at the Jeonju centre. "She is really famous here. Not only agency employees but even some test-takers know her. Her challenging spirit is really amazing," one official was quoted as saying.

Speaking in February - after her 775th failure - Mrs Cha said: "I believe you can achieve your goal if you persistently pursue it." "So don't give up your dream, like me. Be strong and do your best."

Question 1 (2 points) Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

a) Cha Sa-soon stars in a Korean car advert.
b) Cha Sa-soon can now legally drive a car in Korea.
c) Cha Sa-soon wants to work for the Korea Times.
d) The written driving test in Korea includes questions about looking after your car

Question 2 (2 points) Answer the following questions in your own words.

a) How much time and money has Cha Sa-soon spent on passing this test?
b) What advice does Cha Sa-soon give?

Question 3 (1.5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.

a) obtain (Paragraph 2)
b) things to sell(Paragraph 2)
c) incredible (Paragraph 3)

Question 4 (1.5 points) Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.

a) Hyundai have made an advertisement for a car and Cha Sa-soon appears in it.
Cha Sa-soon appears in ……………………………………………………...……………………………….
b) Not only agency employees but even some test-takers know Cha Sa-soon.
Cha Sa-soon is ……………… but also also ………………………………………………..
c) If you persistently pursue your dream, you can achieve your goal.
Cha Sa-soon said that ............................................................................................................................

Question 5 (5 points)
Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:

" People like Cha sa-soon are a model and an inspiration for us all" Do you agree?

New Yorkers told to 'pull their pants up'

A "Stop the Sag!" billboard is seen on the side of a building in Brooklyn

Eric Adams, a state senator from Brooklyn, is behind the $2,000 'Stop The Sag' advertising campaign showing two men in jeans that hang low enough to display their underwear.
Mr Adams is calling for the end of the trend that has become popular in men's fashion. In an online message posted on YouTube, he said: "You can raise your level of respect if you raise your pants", while pleading to young people not to "surrender control over your own image". The politician, a retired police captain, is the latest to speak out on the trend. He follows Larry Platt, an American Idol performer who became an internet sensation earlier this year with his song "Pants on the Ground". Even Barack Obama has previously said: "Some people might not want to see your underwear. I'm one of them."
The campaign in New York follows a similar one in Dallas, where officials embarked on a 'Pull Your Pants Up' campaign in 2007. Mr Adams said he had had enough after watching a train passenger who wore a particularly low-slung pair of trousers. "Everyone on the train was looking at him and shaking their heads," he said. "And no one said anything to correct it."
The low-slung trousers trend is adapted from the unbelted and sometimes oversized look of prison uniforms, according to Mark-Evan Blackman of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. The style has spread from inner cities to suburban shopping centres and school classrooms.


Question 1 (2 points)
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) Eric Adams has used various means of advertising to get his message across.
b) Mr. Adams used to be a policeman.
c) Mr. Adams appeared on a TV show called American Idol.
d) This is not the first time that this kind of clothing has been criticized.

Question 2 (2 points)
Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) Why did Mr Adams decide to start this campaign?
b) How did this fashion start?

Question 3 (1.5 points)
Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a) show (Paragraph 1)
b give up (Paragraph 2)
c) start (Paragraph 3)

Question 4 (1.5 points)
Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a) Mr Adams wrote: “You can raise your level of respect if you raise your pants.”
Mr Adams wrote that …
b) Everyone on the train was looking at the passenger but no one told him to pull up his trousers.
The passenger ………………..
c) Officials in Dallas embarked on a “Pull up Your Pants” campaign in 2007. That’s why there is one in New York.
If officials in Dallas hadn’t …………..

Question 5 (3 points)
Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
“Everyone should have the right to dress the way they want.” Do you agree?

New Yorkers told to 'pull their pants up'

A "Stop the Sag!" billboard is seen on the side of a building in Brooklyn

Eric Adams, a state senator from Brooklyn, is behind the $2,000 'Stop The Sag' advertising campaign showing two men in jeans that hang low enough to display their underwear.
Mr Adams is calling for the end of the trend that has become popular in men's fashion. In an online message posted on YouTube, he said: "You can raise your level of respect if you raise your pants", while pleading to young people not to "surrender control over your own image". The politician, a retired police captain, is the latest to speak out on the trend. He follows Larry Platt, an American Idol performer who became an internet sensation earlier this year with his song "Pants on the Ground". Even Barack Obama has previously said: "Some people might not want to see your underwear. I'm one of them."
The campaign in New York follows a similar one in Dallas, where officials embarked on a 'Pull Your Pants Up' campaign in 2007. Mr Adams said he had had enough after watching a train passenger who wore a particularly low-slung pair of trousers. "Everyone on the train was looking at him and shaking their heads," he said. "And no one said anything to correct it."
The low-slung trousers trend is adapted from the unbelted and sometimes oversized look of prison uniforms, according to Mark-Evan Blackman of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. The style has spread from inner cities to suburban shopping centres and school classrooms.


Question 1 (2 points)
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) Eric Adams has used various means of advertising to get his message across.
b) Mr. Adams used to be a policeman.
c) Mr. Adams appeared on a TV show called American Idol.
d) This is not the first time that this kind of clothing has been criticized.

Question 2 (2 points)
Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) Why did Mr Adams decide to start this campaign?
b) How did this fashion start?

Question 3 (1.5 points)
Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a) show (Paragraph 1)
b give up (Paragraph 2)
c) start (Paragraph 3)

Question 4 (1.5 points)
Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a) Mr Adams wrote: “You can raise your level of respect if you raise your pants.”
Mr Adams wrote that …
b) Everyone on the train was looking at the passenger but no one told him to pull up his trousers.
The passenger ………………..
c) Officials in Dallas embarked on a “Pull up Your Pants” campaign in 2007. That’s why there is one in New York.
If officials in Dallas hadn’t …………..

Question 5 (3 points)
Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
“Everyone should have the right to dress the way they want.” Do you agree?

A Facial Expression Is Worth a Thousand Words

A Facial Expression Is Worth a Thousand Words

People exchange information, not only with words, but also using their face and body. A facial expression can state a lot. A nod indicates understanding, a frown may say: "Please explain that again!"
Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics discovered that we are able to classify an expression much better when it moves naturally rather than when it is "frozen" in a photograph. We need to see the expression moving for at least 100 milliseconds. If the video sequence is shorter, our brain is less capable of interpreting the facial motion. Some expressions rely on changes in head orientation, for example, a nod or a shake of the head, others depend on the complex deformation of facial parts, such as wrinkling our nose to signalize disgust or a frown.
The scientists showed participants pictures of humans with various different expressions. Among them were simple, emotional expressions, such as "happy" and "sad," but also more complex ones such as agreement, confusion, or surprise. In order to investigate whether these expressions are recognized more easily in motion or in static pictures, a short video sequence was shown to the participants. The frame used in the static conditions was the last frame of each dynamic sequence. The participants were asked to identify the expressions based on the sequence or single frame.
In further experiments, the video sequences were converted to a series of photographs. In order to figure the degree to which facial expression recognition relies on natural movement, the frames were presented as a movie, but in a random order. Comparisons of the performance in this scrambled condition to the original video sequence shows that the recognition rates were still higher in the original than in the scrambled version.
Dr. Christian Wallraven, co-author of the study, stated: "Our results also have implications for the area of computer animation, since its goal is to create facial animations that are able to communicate realistically and believably", says the physicist and perception scientist.

Question 1 (2 points)
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) People need to see facial expressions in action for 100 milliseconds or more to be sure of what they mean.
b) Participants in the study were shown a variety of positive and negative expressions.
c) The people who saw photos saw the first picture from the video sequence.
d) Changing the order of the different stages of the expression does not affect people’s ability to understand them.

Question 2 (2 points)
Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) What different emotions were participants asked to recognise?
b) How will the results of the research help the computer animation industry?

Question 3 (1.5 points)
Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a) indicate (paragraph 2)
b) extent (paragraph 4 )
c) objective (paragraph 5 )

Question 4 (1.5 points)
Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a) We are able to classify an expression much better when it moves naturally than when we only see a photograph.
If we only see a photograph,
b) The scientists showed participants pictures of humans with various different expressions.
Participants
c) Dr Wallraven stated “Our results also have implications for the area of computer animation, since its goal is to create facial animations that are able to communicate realistically.”
Dr Wallraven stated that

Question 5 (5 points)
Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
Not everyone shows their feelings in the same way. Do you agree?

Self-Access Group. CEP Santander

A Facial Expression Is Worth a Thousand Words

A Facial Expression Is Worth a Thousand Words

People exchange information, not only with words, but also using their face and body. A facial expression can state a lot. A nod indicates understanding, a frown may say: "Please explain that again!"
Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics discovered that we are able to classify an expression much better when it moves naturally rather than when it is "frozen" in a photograph. We need to see the expression moving for at least 100 milliseconds. If the video sequence is shorter, our brain is less capable of interpreting the facial motion. Some expressions rely on changes in head orientation, for example, a nod or a shake of the head, others depend on the complex deformation of facial parts, such as wrinkling our nose to signalize disgust or a frown.
The scientists showed participants pictures of humans with various different expressions. Among them were simple, emotional expressions, such as "happy" and "sad," but also more complex ones such as agreement, confusion, or surprise. In order to investigate whether these expressions are recognized more easily in motion or in static pictures, a short video sequence was shown to the participants. The frame used in the static conditions was the last frame of each dynamic sequence. The participants were asked to identify the expressions based on the sequence or single frame.
In further experiments, the video sequences were converted to a series of photographs. In order to figure the degree to which facial expression recognition relies on natural movement, the frames were presented as a movie, but in a random order. Comparisons of the performance in this scrambled condition to the original video sequence shows that the recognition rates were still higher in the original than in the scrambled version.
Dr. Christian Wallraven, co-author of the study, stated: "Our results also have implications for the area of computer animation, since its goal is to create facial animations that are able to communicate realistically and believably", says the physicist and perception scientist.

Question 1 (2 points)
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) People need to see facial expressions in action for 100 milliseconds or more to be sure of what they mean.
b) Participants in the study were shown a variety of positive and negative expressions.
c) The people who saw photos saw the first picture from the video sequence.
d) Changing the order of the different stages of the expression does not affect people’s ability to understand them.

Question 2 (2 points)
Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) What different emotions were participants asked to recognise?
b) How will the results of the research help the computer animation industry?

Question 3 (1.5 points)
Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a) indicate (paragraph 2)
b) extent (paragraph 4 )
c) objective (paragraph 5 )

Question 4 (1.5 points)
Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a) We are able to classify an expression much better when it moves naturally than when we only see a photograph.
If we only see a photograph,
b) The scientists showed participants pictures of humans with various different expressions.
Participants
c) Dr Wallraven stated “Our results also have implications for the area of computer animation, since its goal is to create facial animations that are able to communicate realistically.”
Dr Wallraven stated that

Question 5 (5 points)
Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
Not everyone shows their feelings in the same way. Do you agree?

Self-Access Group. CEP Santander

Agatha Christie’s grey cells mystery

Agatha Christie’s grey cells mystery

The mystery behind Agatha Christie’s enduring popularity may have been solved by three leading universities collaborating on a study of more than 80 of her crime novels.
Despite her worldwide sales of two billion, critics such as the crime writer P D James pan her writing style and “cardboard cut-out” characters. But the study by neuro-linguists at the universities of London, Birmingham and Warwick shows that she peppered her prose with phrases that act as a trigger to raise levels of serotonin and endorphins, the chemical messengers in the brain that induce pleasure and satisfaction.
“Christie’s language patterns stimulate higher than usual activity in the brain,” said Dr Roland Kapferer. “The release of these neurological opiates makes Christie’s writing literally unputdownable.”
The study — The Agatha Project — involved loading Christie’s novels onto a computer and analysing her words, phrases and sentences.
One finding was that she used a very limited vocabulary. “It means that readers aren’t distracted and so they concentrate more on the clues and the plots,” said Dr. Danielsson.
Despite the grisly theme of her novels, researchers say that much of her vocabulary is pleasing and gentle.
Favourite words or phrases, repeatedly used, help to stimulate the pleasure-inducing side of the brain. They include she, yes, girl, kind, smiled and suddenly. Common phrases include “can you keep an eye on this”, “more or less”, “a day or two” and “something like that”.
However, Mathew Prichard, Christie’s grandson, was sceptical of the research. “It’s not really a mystery. She was simply a writer of great plots,” he said.

Glossary:
Unputdownable:so interesting or exciting that you do not want to stop reading it.
from The Sunday Times December 18, 2005

Question 1 Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text:
a) Critics dislike only the way Agatha Christie wrote.
b) The less variety of vocabulary, the more you focus on the story.
c) Her vocabulary has nothing to do with the kind of plots she wrote.
d) Agatha Christie’s family agrees with the result of the study.

Question 2 Answer these questions in your own words:
a) What is the main conclusion of the study?
b) How does the repetition of words and phrases affect us as readers?

Question 3 Find a word or phrase in the text that means the same as:
a) Main par 1. b) something that produces an immediate result par 2. c) series of related events par. 5

Question 4 Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning
a) The mystery of her enduring popularity may have been solved by three leading universities.
Three...
b) Despite the grisly theme of her novels, researchers say that much of her vocabulary is pleasing and gentle.
Although...
c) “It means that readers aren’t distracted and so they concentrate more on the clues and the plots,” said Dr. Danielsson.
Dr. Danielson said that it...

Question 5 Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
 What do you prefer a good book or a good movie?


Self-Access Group. CEP Santander

Agatha Christie’s grey cells mystery

Agatha Christie’s grey cells mystery

The mystery behind Agatha Christie’s enduring popularity may have been solved by three leading universities collaborating on a study of more than 80 of her crime novels.
Despite her worldwide sales of two billion, critics such as the crime writer P D James pan her writing style and “cardboard cut-out” characters. But the study by neuro-linguists at the universities of London, Birmingham and Warwick shows that she peppered her prose with phrases that act as a trigger to raise levels of serotonin and endorphins, the chemical messengers in the brain that induce pleasure and satisfaction.
“Christie’s language patterns stimulate higher than usual activity in the brain,” said Dr Roland Kapferer. “The release of these neurological opiates makes Christie’s writing literally unputdownable.”
The study — The Agatha Project — involved loading Christie’s novels onto a computer and analysing her words, phrases and sentences.
One finding was that she used a very limited vocabulary. “It means that readers aren’t distracted and so they concentrate more on the clues and the plots,” said Dr. Danielsson.
Despite the grisly theme of her novels, researchers say that much of her vocabulary is pleasing and gentle.
Favourite words or phrases, repeatedly used, help to stimulate the pleasure-inducing side of the brain. They include she, yes, girl, kind, smiled and suddenly. Common phrases include “can you keep an eye on this”, “more or less”, “a day or two” and “something like that”.
However, Mathew Prichard, Christie’s grandson, was sceptical of the research. “It’s not really a mystery. She was simply a writer of great plots,” he said.

Glossary:
Unputdownable:so interesting or exciting that you do not want to stop reading it.
from The Sunday Times December 18, 2005

Question 1 Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text:
a) Critics dislike only the way Agatha Christie wrote.
b) The less variety of vocabulary, the more you focus on the story.
c) Her vocabulary has nothing to do with the kind of plots she wrote.
d) Agatha Christie’s family agrees with the result of the study.

Question 2 Answer these questions in your own words:
a) What is the main conclusion of the study?
b) How does the repetition of words and phrases affect us as readers?

Question 3 Find a word or phrase in the text that means the same as:
a) Main par 1. b) something that produces an immediate result par 2. c) series of related events par. 5

Question 4 Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning
a) The mystery of her enduring popularity may have been solved by three leading universities.
Three...
b) Despite the grisly theme of her novels, researchers say that much of her vocabulary is pleasing and gentle.
Although...
c) “It means that readers aren’t distracted and so they concentrate more on the clues and the plots,” said Dr. Danielsson.
Dr. Danielson said that it...

Question 5 Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
 What do you prefer a good book or a good movie?


Self-Access Group. CEP Santander