open the brackets using.present continuous tense you (to read) detective stories now? Helen (not to sleep) at the moment. John (to play ) a football now? I (to have) a breakfast now. they (not to cook ) a cake now

Dear Adrian,

When I received your invitation to your birthday party, my heart swelled with delight. It swelled with longing to go. I yearned to be there for you. Then it shattered into a thousand pieces when I learned that my mom was being sent to hospital. Anyway, I am sorry that I wasn’t able to attend the party.

My mom suffered a heart attack on the day I took preparation to join the party. On that noon, my brother informed me that they were taking mom to the hospital as she had had a stroke. Without delaying a second, I straight went to the hospital where mom was admitted. I was overwhelmed by the situation and I couldn’t make any call to you to explain the situation. You would be glad to know that mom is now completely recovered from the stroke by the grace of god.

I hope you consider my condition and forgive me. But I would like to take you to dinner this Sunday at your favourite restaurant, the River Café. We can have some delicious Italian food. What do you think? Are you still angry at me? Can’t we meet there at 7.00 pm?

I look forward to hearing you soon.

Perhaps even small children know what a Big Ben is. Firstly, it’s the symbol of Great Britain and one of the most beautiful sights of London. Secondly, it’s the largest and the most famous clock in the world. Originally, Big Ben is a tower. It’s one of the highest towers of Westminster Palace. Officially, the clock has started its work on 31 May 1859. According to one of the theories the clock has been named Big Ben after Sir Benjamin Hall, who directed work on the casting of the bell. Another theory claims that it has been named after Benjamin Caunt, who was one of the well-known heavyweight boxers of the 19th century. Surprisingly, the tower of Big Ben used to be a prison where over riotous parliamentarians were kept. Big Ben has become a popular souvenir for tourists. Almost all visitors of London buy a small souvenir in the shape of the world-famous clock. Also Big Ben can be often seen in famous films and ads. Official name of the tower is the “Westminster Palace Clock Tower” or “St. Stephen's Tower”. Big Ben is only the name of the clock itself along with the bell. The history of Big Ben dates back to 1288, when it was built for the first time on Ralph De Hengham’s money. He was the chairman of the Supreme Court of Queen's Bench. However, the contemporary tower of Big Ben was built according to Charles Barry’s project in the 19th century, as the old building was destroyed due to the fire of 1834. Although Big Ben is very popular with spectators, no one is allowed inside of the tower. All the Londoners who live close to Big Ben can hear how the bell strikes thirteen at New Year’s Night.