Americans often express a great love of informality when using nicknames. These are shortened forms of their given name at birth and reflect the casual relationships which exist among friends and co-workers. Family names are hardly ever used in daily situations and the use of one’s father’s name is saved only for rare and formal occasions. In many traditional cultures the use of the family name is seen as a sign of respect. For Americans, however, it’s the nickname which creates an immediate intimacy between two people upon which to build a relationship. This love for nicknames can create a sense of closeness between people who are otherwise not related. Even the presidents of the United States have borne nicknames. Abraham Lincoln was known as ``Honest Abe``, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was simply called FDR, Eisenhower was referred to informally as Ike, President Ronald Reagan was affectionately called ``The Gripper``, and John F. Kennedy was known as Jack or JFK.

Not every nickname, however, is a compliment and some can be downright rude and insulting. If someone should demonstrate a certain negative characteristic, a label will soon be attached to describe that person in a non-flattering way. Likewise a person’s dominant physical traits may lead to nicknames that are not necessarily to one’s liking or choice.

1. Why do Americans use nicknames when addressing one another?

A. Nicknames are easier to remember.

B. Americans are formal people.

C. Nicknames help to create a casual atmosphere.

D. Nicknames are never to be used in daily life.

2. When do Americans prefer to use their family names?

A. when they are working C. while in formal situations

B. when writing a business letter D. when they are in trouble

II. Read the text and decide if the statements are true or false.

Dolphins are very popular animals – they are considered to be intelligent and friendly and they seem to play and smile all the time. There are almost 40 species of dolphins and watching them in their natural environment is an unforgettable experience.

However, the future of these marine mammals is in danger. Amongst the many threats to dolphins are environmental pollution, noise pollution, habitat destruction and industrial fishing: many dolphins die as by catch in fishing nets or cannot find enough food due to overfishing.

To protect dolphins from extinction, the United Nations declared 2007 the Year of the Dolphin. With this campaign, the United Nations wanted to make people aware of the many threats dolphins face.

Patron of the Year of the Dolphin was Prince Albert II of Monaco. He said, ``The Year of the Dolphin gives me the opportunity to renew my firm commitment towards protecting marine biodiversity. With this strong initiative we can make a difference to save these fascinating marine mammals from the brink of extinction``.

1. Dolphins are very clever and friendly animals.

2. There are more than 40 species of dolphins.

3. Dolphins have already become extinct.

4. Environmental pollution, noise pollution, habitat destruction and industrial fishing threaten dolphins.

5. Dolphins can get enough food in the sea.

6. The United Nations declared 2007 the Year of the Dolphins.

7. The aim of the campaign was to make people aware of the many threats dolphins faced.

8. Patron of the Year of the Dolphin was Prince Charles.

III. Read the text below. Complete the sentences (1-6) in your own words.

In the 21st century, our need for energy is greater than it has ever been. Fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas were formed of years ago, and when power station burn them to create electricity, they release harmful gases into the atmosphere. There may be enough coal to last for a few hundred years, but known oil and gas reserves will run out in less than 50 years – and then what will we do?

Many scientists suggest turning to renewable energy, which means sources of energy that will never run out. It can be produced using the wind, the sun, waves or hot springs. The wind can turn large turbines to produce electricity, while energy from the sun can be collected in panels and stored in batteries. The movement of the sea can also be changed into electrical energy by using wave machines and, in parts of the world where there is volcanic activity, hot springs can produce geothermal energy. Unlike nuclear power, these are safe sources of energy that don’t pollute the environment.

Our dependence on fossils fuels will come to end soon. Let’s hope that by the time all the reserves are gone, there will be enough alternative of efficient energy available. In the meantime, why don’t we try to reduce the amount of energy that we use?

1. Burning fossils fuels releases...

2. Known oil and gas reserves will disappear in...

3. Renewable energy sources never...

4. The sun’s energy can...
5. Hot springs can...

6. We should try...​