Once Birmingham and Sheffield, two of the largest towns in England, began to quarrel. The quarrel started as each of them claimed to be able to produce the most skillful piece of work.A special jury was chosen to decide which city would show the greatest skill. The day arrived. A steel spider with long thin legs was produced by representatives of Sheffield. The spider was made by the best workers. It was as small as a pea. It ran about on the table as if it were alive. A wonderful mechanism had been put in that little body. Everybody was sure that the first place would be given to Sheffield.

Then a sewing needle was laid on the table by representatives of Birmingham. A smile appeared on the lips of the jury when the needle was noticed.Then the top of the needle was screwed off and 4 needles were drawn out, one from another.

The first needle, as it was, had been the case of the four other needles. The needles were handed over to each member and examined with great interest.
In whose favour did the jury decide?

Write the correct words into each sentence.

1. Once Birmingham and Sheffield, two of the largest towns in England, began to
.

2. A wonderful mechanism had been
.

3. The first needle, as it was, had been the case of the four
.

                                        A letter.

Dear friend,

Thank you for your recent letter! It was great to hear from you so soon!

In your letter you asked me, how I spent my winter holidays. I would say that it was wonderful!

On vacation our family celebrated the New Year's Day. We decorated the Christmas tree and gave each other a lot of gifts. And we were at the New Year's show, there was Santa Claus and Snow Maiden. The performance was really interesting!

On holidays the weather was clear and frosty, so my friends and me often played outside, sledded and made snowmen.

You can't imagine, on holidays I went to the skating rink a few times and there I was able to skate well (but I have never skated before!). And then my parents decided to enroll me in figure skating classes! I'm so glad! We have very good and kind coach and a lot of friends at the classes.

Maybe you will go with me to the circle. I'm sure you will like it too! What do you think? And how did you spend your winter holidays? What did you do then?

Write me back soon!

Best wishes,

Olga

                                         Перевод.

Дорогой друг,

за твое последнее письмо! Было очень приятно получить его так скоро!

В своем письме ты спросил меня, как я провела свои зимние каникулы. Я бы сказала, что прекрасно!

На каникулах наша семья праздновала Новый год. Мы украсили елку и дарили друг другу очень много подарков. Также мы были на новогоднем спектакле, там был Дед Мороз и Снегурочка. Представление было очень интересным!

На каникулах погода была ясной и морозной, и поэтому мы с друзьями часто играли на улице, катались на санках с горки и лепили снеговиков.

Ты не представляешь, на каникулах я несколько раз ходила на каток, и там я быстро научилась хорошо кататься (причем я никогда раньше не каталась на коньках!). Тогда мои родители решили записать меня на занятия по фигурному катанию! Я так рада! У нас очень хороший и добрый тренер и много друзей на кружке.

Может, ты будешь вместе со мной ходить на занятия? Я уверена, тебе понравится! Как ты думаешь? А как ты провел зимние каникулы? Что ты тогда делал?

Напиши мне в ближайшее время!

С лучшими пожеланиями,

Ольга

1) Did your friend play basketball last summer?
Will your friend play basketball next summer?
2) Did your best friend swim a lot last summer?
Will your best friend swim a lot next summer?
3) Did your  friend lie ine the sun last summer?
Will your  friend lie in the sun next summer?
4) Did your best friend travel last summer?
Will your best friend travel next summer?
5) Did your friends go to the country last summer?
Will your friends go to the country next summer?
6) Did your best friend ride his bike last summer?
Will your best friend ride his bike next summer?
7) Did your friends go roller-skating last summer?
Will your friends go roller-skating next summer?