Monarch without a kingdom I. This November a hundred million butterflies will drop from the sky over Mexico, like

autumn leaves. But for how long? Genetically modified maize could mean extinction for this

beautiful butterfly. Rafael Ruiz reports.

II. In November, millions of Monarchs fall like bright, golden rain onto the forests in the

mountains of central Mexico. In the silence of these mountains you can hear a strange flapping

of wings, as the Monarchs arrive at their destinations. 1)

III. Before reaching their journey’s end they have faced strong winds, rain and snowstorms

and they do not all manage to reach their destination. When the winters are really bad, perhaps

70 per cent of them will not survive. Their long journey to Mexico is thought to be one of the

most amazing events in the whole of the American continent. When they get there they will stay

until the beginning of April, when their internal calendar tells them that it is time to go back.

2).

IV. These delicate creatures now face danger of another kind – from scientific progress.

3) . Laboratory experiments have shown that half of the

butterflies which feed on the leaves of genetically modified maize die within 48 hours. Not all

experts agree that this variety of maize is responsible for the threat to the Monarchs. In spite of

these doubts, the European Union has refused to approve new crops of genetically modified

maize until further investigations have been carried out.

A. In the US, millions of farms grow genetically modified maize which is pure poison for

the butterfly.

B. In the mountains, which reach a height of 3,000 metres, the butterflies are safe.

C. According to the investigations of the European Union, the Monarch butterfly may

disappear in several decades.

D. The long journey, with all its dangers, begins again.

3​

My Favourite Season Is Summer Моё любимое время года — лето

There are four seasons in a year: winter, spring, summer and autumn. All seasons are good in their own way. Winter, for example, is full of celebrations, presents and snow. Spring is the time of nature awakening and flower blooming. Autumn can be rainy and yet beautiful, full of multi-coloured leaves. В году есть четыре времени года: зима, весна, лето и осень. Все времена года по-своему хороши. Зима, например, полна праздников, подарков и снега. Весна – это время пробуждения природы и цветения цветов. Осень может быть дождливой, но всё, же красивой и полной разноцветных листьев.

However, my favourite season is summer. I choose summer not only because my birthday is in June, but also because it’s the time of holidays. Summer is the season when the sun shines brightly, the sky is rarely cloudy and the water in the sea becomes warm enough to swim. Even if it becomes too hot, you can always go for a walk in the shady woods. Однако моё любимое время года – это лето. Я выбираю лето, не только потому, что мой день рождения в июне, но и потому что это время каникул. Лето, это сезон, когда солнце ярко светит, небо редко хмурится, и вода в море становится достаточно тёплой, чтобы плавать. Даже если становится слишком жарко, всегда можно пойти на прогулку в тенистый лес.

I also like summer because there are many berries, fruit and vegetables, not to mention numerous flowers on the fields. Among them roses, dandelions, daisies, and other flowers. Sometimes the air in summer becomes stuffy, but occasional thunderstorms bring relief. After the thunderstorms the air becomes remarkably fresh and very often we can see the rainbow in the sky. Ещё я люблю лето из-за того, что появляется много ягод, фруктов и овощей, не говоря уже о многочисленных цветах на полях. Среди них, розы, одуванчики, ромашки и другие цветы. Иногда воздух становится душным, но случайные грозы приносят облегчение. После грозы воздух становится значительно свежее, и очень часто можно увидеть радугу в небе.

Summer is also the time when I and my family go on holiday to the seaside. It’s a wonderful time, when we can have a rest from the intense academic year and relax. I think all children love summer because of long school holidays and I’m no exception. I also enjoy my free time, playing with my friends, watching TV, and doing other fun activities. Nevertheless, I don’t forget to do some useful reading from time to time. Лето, это также сезон, когда мы с родителями уезжаем в отпуск на берег моря. Это замечательное время, когда можно отдохнуть от напряженного учебного года и расслабиться. Я думаю, что все дети любят лето из-за долгих школьных каникул, и я не исключение. Я также наслаждаюсь своим свободным временем, играю с друзьями, смотрю телевизор, и занимаюсь другими беззаботными делами. Несмотря на это, я не забываю читать полезные книжки, время от времени.

1. They haven't done anything. Have they done anything?
2. He hasn't given them any money. Has he given them any money?
3. You haven't brought anything for us. Have you brought anything for us?
4. I haven't taken any English books from you. Have I taken any English books from you?
5. She wasn't reading anything. Was she reading anything?
6. He hasn't written a letter to anybody. Has he written a letter to anybody?
7. Nobody by the name of Petrov lives on the third floor. Does anybody by the name of Petrov live on the third floor?
8. They don't have any English books. Do they have any English books?
9. There aren't any tall trees in front of their house. Are there any tall trees in front of their house?
10. Peter doesn't have anything in his box. Does Peter have anything in his box?
11. There aren't any parks in his town. Are there any parks in his town?
12. There aren't any good bookshops in our district. Are there any good bookshops in our district?