READING
Read the text
MODERN TECHNOLOGY
A. Modern technology is changing the way we live our lives. Clever gadgets make everyday activities easier and enable people to use their time effectively. But what impact will this change have in the future and is it really a positive thing? People are busier than ever before.
B. Technological advances (0) mean that things are often possible with the touch of a button. A hundred years ago, however, things were very different. Everyday jobs, like doing the laundry, would take a whole day, and the telephone was a new invention! Nowadays, almost every household has a washing machine and a dishwasher, and there are more than 70 million mobile phones in use in the United Kingdom alone.
C. Research shows that around 28% of children in the UK are obese. Some people are concerned that this is because young people (1) spend too much time online and not enough time socialising with their friends and playing outside. In the past, nearly all children walked to school because their parents didn’t have a car. They didn’t have all the luxuries that many children have now, so they used their imaginations and played outdoors in the fresh air.
D. Years ago, when people wanted to stay in touch with their friends and family, they wrote letters. These days, however, E-mail communication and social networking sites, such as Facebook, allow (2) instant, free international communication.
E. There are many benefits of using technology but we need to be responsible in the choices we make. Modern equipment is often very expensive and does not (3) last a long time. It is important to consider how much we really need these things and the impact they have on our health, the environment and society.

Task. Read the text and say if the sentences are True or False:
1. Clever gargets make everyday activities easier.
2. People have more free time than ever before.
3. Things are often possible with the touch of a button.
4. There are less than 70 million mobile phones in use in the United Kingdom alone.
5. Around 28% of children in the UK are obese.
6. Young people spend too much time socializing with their friends.
7. Modern equipment is often very expensive.

Card 1 - «Travel and Tourism»
1. Which countries would you like to visit? Why?
2. How can you experience culture when visiting a place?
3. Do you think you can truly understand a place and its people by visiting the tourist attractions? Why? / Why not?
4. Will it be possible to travel to other planets in the future?
Task. Choose a topic and write on it about 150-200 words using the plan:
Introduction * Introduce the subject of the essay
* State your opinion (if required)
What are you going to discuss?
Main part (2-3 paragraphs) Present your ideas (suggestions, solutions, etc.) or your point of view What ideas/points are you going to discuss?
What suggestions are you going to make?

Conclusion * Conclude by summarising your points
* Close with a general comment for the future
What is your overall opinion of the topic?