TEST 21

Describe your first day at school as a child

That morning my mother woke me up earlier than usual. She

urged me to get dressed and take breakfast quickly then tenderly

took me to school. On the way to school I met other children of

my age accompanied by their parents to school.

The nearer I came to the school gate, the more nervous I

became. Suddenly a strange feeling of fear and worry seized my

heart when I saw the majestic elementary school in front of me

and I felt like crying when my mother said good bye to me and

put some coins into my pocket. Never before had I been forced to

separate from my beloved mother! But when I saw old pupils

laughing and talking merrily I regained my composure.

After the droll of a drum, we were instructed to stand in line to

salute the colours and then go into our classes. A young and

mild-looking teacher greeted us at the door. And in a gentle

voice, he taught us the first lesson that we never forget!

TEST 22

Your favourite hobby

My hobby is reading books. I inherited a valuable collection of

books from my deceased father and up till now my cultural

treasures have been preserved carefully.

Reading books broadens my mind improves my knowledge. They

help me distinguish the bad from the good and prevent me from

doing wrong.

Reading books brings me minutes of happiness and pleasures. I

have found a source of consolation and encouragement in books

when I am in despair. They're my true companions indeed. How

relieved and comforted I feel when I can find in good books good

teachers and friends!

Instead of indulging myself in futile entertainments, I often

absorbed in reading interesting books which always have

miracles to soothe my sorrows and hardships and reveal to me

strange and new horizons.

TEST 23

Which season of the year do you like best? Why?

I was born in Northern Vietnam, where there are four clear

seasons: Spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season has

its own charms and attractions. For example, spring is the season

which offers beautiful flowers and warm weather; summer is the

season of nice holidays when we can enjoy lots of outdoor

activities such as picnicking, camping, swimming, fishing etc...

Autumn is so beautiful with its ideal weather while winter can

give us such delight as gathering by a fire to chat or tell each

other funny stories. As far as I am concerned, I like autumn best

because of the following reasons:

During autumn, which lasts more or less from late July to early

October, it is sunny most of the time. The Autumnal sun is often

splendid, dying nature yellow. The weather is also ideal because

it is not too cold or too hot. Then the coldish northwesterly wind,

which blows gently, thrills everyone with the breath of autumn.

The leaves of the trees turning yellow or red put a gorgeous coat

of colours on nature. Autumn is such a wonderful season that

many poems and songs have been composed to sing the praises

of the season. Autumn is also a season which reminds me of my

first day at school, when my mother took me by the hand and led

me to school for the first time.

Last but not least, autumn is the time when I can enjoy my

favourite fruit and dish which are the Japanese persimmons and

the green rice flakes. These are found only in autumn.

TEST 24

Smoking damages our health

(Smoking is harmful to our health)

Over the last thirty years, thanks to the efforts of various

branches of science and technology, research has proved that

smoking damages health and shortens man's life-span.

According to a diagram released by the World's Health

Organization (WHO), the number of people who die of diseases

connected to smoking is increasing more and more. The more

science and technology learn, the more damage caused by

smoking is discovered. Therefore, it seems that we can never put

a final stop to the list of harm caused by smoking.

First of all, smoking brings about the decline of our memory

because each cigarette we smoke destroys 15,000 cerebral cells.

Smoking is considered the number one cause of cardiovascular

trouble, pneumonia, lung cancer etc... The main offending agents

are carbon monoxide and nicotine in the smoke. These cancers -

causing agents are also the ones which cause pharyngeal cancer.

The toxic effects of smoke make the smoker's voice hoarse.

Additionally, the visible effect is that the tobacco or opium tar

sticks to the teeth, and causes them to become dark or dirty-

yellow, diminishing our good looks and charm.

In conclusion, I would like to quote our well-known scholar "Le

Quy Don" as saying some hundred years ago that smoking was

like taking a toxic drug, the smoke of which wasted our health

and diminished our life-span; yet, few people heeded his sage

advice.

TEST 25

Describe your best friend and tell why you like him/her

Of all my friends, Thanh Hoa is my best friend since we enjoy

each other's company so much that we'll miss each other greatly

if we don't meet at least once a week. Thanh Hoa is twenty-two

years old but everyone thinks she looks much younger. She's not

so pretty but she's charming. She has a fair complexion that

makes her look very healthy; here eyes are clear and expressive.

She is a very reliable, mature girl with a great sense of humour.

She is very "down-to-earth" and is often shy. She has been with

me in both good and bad times to either rejoice over something

with me or to comfort me. She has a strong personality with

crystal clear view of "right and wrong". She's an honest, a loyal

and a warm humanitarian. Some people wonder how we can

become such good friends because she is so quiet and I'm very

energetic and outgoing. I think (that) the idiom "opposites

attract" is the answer.

TEST 26

Why is it necessary to learn English?

English is the international language of business. In order to

discuss our country's products and services with other people as

well as to entice investment from foreign lands, we must do so in

English. To communicate our thoughts and ideas to other

cultures, the best tool is English. Communication is our link to the

outside world and, in turn, our chance at economic growth. Most

leading countries in the world either speak English or have

English as their second language. There are the countries that

have the resources, technology and knowledge to help us grow.

We are also invited to learn so much from English speakers. We

can experience the foods of Ireland, the natural resources of

Canada, the monuments of the U.S., the desert 'areas of Australia

or the best fishing ports in New Zealand, just by talking with,

these citizens. We, in turn, can also express our feelings and

interests about Vietnam. The sharing of this kind of information is

a bridge to long term friendships with people from all over the

world.

TEST 27

The benefits of sports and physical exercises

Nobody can deny the benefits of sports and physical exercises.

In fact, such sports as: swimming, jogging, jumping, playing

tennis, football, basket - ball, volley - ball, skating, skiing etc

bring us a well - proportioned body.

When we practise a certain sport, our muscles are developed;

blood circulates easily in blood vessels therefore we'll have a

good appetite and a sound sleep

As for me, my favourite sport is jogging in the morning and

playing tennis in the afternoon. By practicing these sports

regularly I always feel fit and never get sick.

Health is much more precious than money. We can't lead a happy

life if we are continually tortured by diseases.

Try to keep a clear mind in a healthy body and get accustomed to

regular practice of certain sports, we'll feel life worth living.

TEST 28

Describe the countryside in the morning

As usual, when the first cock crows break the complete silence of

the country, every activity of a new day begins: The villagers

start getting up; buffalo tenders are calling each other to drive

their cattle to the fields.

Smoke from the cottages is rising and spreading in the fresh air,

mingling with the veil of morning mist. A few hours later, in the

west, a bright, fresh and newly-bathed sun is looming gradually

from the hedge of green bamboos. The dew drops on the grass

and golden rice ears by the roadside are as resplendent as

precious stones. Suddenly a lark flies up and sings gaily, followed

by thousands of his companions. A fresh breeze comes on, the

yellow rice fields begin to move and the pure air is redolent of

soft fragrance. The scenery becomes livelier as groups of farmers

are rushing, to their fields talking and laughing merrily, ready to

resume work of a new day.

TEST 29

Why are good books considered good teachers and

friends?

When I read a book, I am swept away into my own little world

discovering new things and imagining places only I can see. It is a

private dialogue between the author and me. There is no one to

criticize or question me. I can read the book at my own speed

and savour it every moment. Books offer us the world. We can

learn about history, geography, famous and interesting people

and different countries. It is the cheapest form of travel that I

know! I love to read a variety of authors and learn about new

ideas and ways of expression. I also try to read a variety of

books, from romance to biographies and everything in between. I

especially like adventure stories because it is in here that I can

really put my imagination to work! There is such a vast amount of

information available in books. From the early ages to our recent

years we can continue to learn about a variety of topics and

interests. School textbooks offer us the basics for learning how to

learn-from math to science, from language to arts. Recently, my

father and brother were interested in building a new table and

chairs for our family's dinning room. Neither one of them is a

carpenter. So how did they do it, your might ask? They bought a

book that showed them how! A good book truly merits respect

whether it is a "how-to" book, a good novel or a school textbook.

TEST 30

You tell a foreigner about Vietnam, your beloved

homeland

Vietnam is a long, narrow strip of land in the shape of a letter "S".

We, Vietnamese, compare our country to the shape of a dragon

with the long narrow regions of the Centre forming the slender

body, and the regions of the North forming the head, mane and

front legs. Vietnam has a total territory of 332.000 square

kilometers, and a coastline which meanders along the immense

Pacific Ocean.

Being of a peace-loving nature the Vietnamese people

nevertheless know how to react vigorously against adversities to

defend their homeland. Fiercely protective of their independence

and sovereignty for 2.000 years, they are also welcoming

foreigners who come as their guests.

Most visitors who come to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the

sublime beauty of the country's natural setting. The Red River

Delta in the North, the Mekong River Delta in the South and

almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of green rice fields

(paddy-fields) tended from draw to dusk by peasants in conical

hats. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the

energetic and purposeful performance in revitalizing the

Vietnamese economy by the Vietnamese. They will have their

senses thrilled by all the sights, tastes and smells of a society

born of over a century between an ancient civilization and the

ways of the West.

Despite the ravages of war in the past, the Vietnamese people

are now determined to rebuild their homeland, making it many

times as rich and magnificent as it used to be following Uncle

Ho's teaching.

TEST 41Do you like to live in an old house or in a modern flat?I live in an old house, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I wouldn't want to live in a modern flat at all. Let me tell you why.Our old houses are very solidly built and will weather big storms. The walls are thicker than those of a modern flat, and this keeps out the summer heat. Also, our roof is tiled, and I like to climb up inside the house and listen to the sound of the rain beating on the outside.Also, old houses seem friendlier than new ones. The sharp edges are worn smooth, making everything more comfortable to me. Old houses are bigger too, with extra rooms for everything, and this makes our houses more fun to play in.Then, too, our old houses often have a nice big yard around it, and that makes a good place to play in, and also a place to keep my pet dog. If I lived in a flat, I couldn't have a pet. So now you can see why I am so happy to live in a big, old house.

TEST 42Suppose you are living away from home in a foreign land.Write a short letter to your parents, telling them about your feelings and impressions.Dear Mom and Dad,By this time I am well-adjusted to living away from home. Living in another country is the only way to become acquainted with what the people are really like, it is only by becoming very good friends with some of the American students here at school that I have gained lots of insights into their way of life.Even though the countryside looks very different here and the weather changes to great extremes, from winter cold and snow to summer sun and heat, I find that people are the same everywhere. Everyone has friends. Everyone is concerned about living in peace with his fellowmen, but sometimes this is hard to see clearly. All men have love for their country and a need to do satisfying work. And everyone needs to have a home of his own and to raise his own family.I am learning a lot by being here for so long. I am learning about life through living here, and not just from studying at the university.However, studying is what I must do right now. So until I write again, I remain your loving son.

TEST 43Relate a sad happening in your life.I have lost several valuable things during my life and have been unhappy but I have never felt as sorrowful as I have of late-after learning that I had just lost a dear friend (whom) I had known for so many years.One morning when I was studying my lesson, I received a telegram. I opened it and read the sad news-my friend had been killed in a car accident. I was shocked and could not believe the words in the message. Just last week we saw each other at a party and chatted happily about everything. Could it be that we would never meet again? I took the telegram, read it over and over again, hoping that I had misread it or that it had been an error.But the more I read, the more my doubts were dispelled. It must be true. I was so sad that I couldn't do anything. Suddenly tears dimmed my eyes. I remembered studying with him and the good times we had gone swimming together. Then, I recalled his sincerity and faithfulness. We seemed to understand and relate with each other almost as if we had been identical twins. I felt very close to him. I also knew how deeply I would miss him, realizing acutely that a good friend is a precious treasure. It is painful to think that I have lost one person who understood, comforted and brought so much joy to my life. I know I will always remember him but hope that time will help (to) lighten my grief and loss.

TEST 44What benefits can traveling (travelling) bring to you?To supplement what we learn from books and teachers, schools usually organize trips for students. Many students considered the planned trips as social outings designed for pleasure only. They don't realize all the knowledge and benefits they can derive from travel.In reality these trips can bring about so many physical, social and mental benefits. Let's describe these benefits in details.In some of our travels we have an opportunity to live amongst nature, to inhale clean air and fresh breeze. We also have opportunities to take long walks, to run, to jump and climb freely so that we can develop physically healthy bodies. On such trips our appetite improves and we sleep soundly.In addition, we gain a lot of social and mental benefits from our trips. Travels and outings provide students with opportunities to be joyful and friendly, and so escape from everyday routines. They give us a chanc9e to become better -acquainted and socialize with others. From these contacts, we learn how to relate to people, exchange ideas and gain friends. Our trips provide us with association with nature, give us time to relax, meditate and to enjoy games out-of-doors

(outdoors). Living with others in groups helps us (to) form good habits such as sharing consideration for others, resourcefulness and friendliness. Moreover, travels and outings will help to develop our knowledge and supplement what we learn from books and teachers. The lessons on Geography, History and Science will be more meaningful to us, enriched through true-to-life observations and experiences. Through travels we can also learn about our beautiful country, the historical relics, the places of interest, the rich resources of our country, the progress that has taken place and the improvements that need to be made. As a result, we turn to know and love our country more.In conclusion, trips are usually beneficial to us. However, to gain the most from our outings we should learn to observe carefully and put in practice rules of good social behavior. We should also learn how to enjoy nature and respect its numerous beautiful offerings. If we keep in mind and practice (practise) all of the points involved in travelling successfully, we can benefit greatly from these experiences.

TEST 45Write a letter to a foreign friend of your introducing him (or her) one aspect of the Vietnamese culture.Dear John,I am very happy as I write this letter to you today because this is a happy time of the year in Vietnam. It is the time of Tet, our New Year.Later I will write to tell you about some other aspects of our Vietnamese culture, but now let me just tell you about this special holiday, Tet."Tet" is the start of our lunar year. It does not fall on the same date as your New Year - January 1", but we usually celebrate it somewhere from January 15th to February 28th. At this time of the year, the shops are busy, especially those in the Central Market where gaily-wrapped sweets and other goodies fill the shelves. Many people come to buy and the shops are very crowded.Everyone likes to wear new clothes to start the New Year. Then too, gifts must be bought for all relatives, especially for grandparents. Some streets are lined with pretty flowers and big watermelons are for on sale along others. From what I have read and heard, it is similar to your Christmas."Tet" is a favorite holiday of most Vietnamese people. The culture and traditions of "Tet" have been passed on to us for so many generations. Before and during "Tet" we observe these customs and traditions.In my next letter I will tell you more about some of the special customs we observe during this time.May I close by wishing you "Cung Chuc Tan Xuan", our words for "Happy New

Year".Your friend,

[b]TEST 46You have just arrived to visit a foreign country. Write to your parents announcing that you have arrived safely and ask them to send something to you.[/b]Dear Mother and Father,This letter is to let you know that I have arrived safely in Singapore. My first impressions are that Singapore is a beautiful country and that I am going to enjoy my stay here very much.Everything is so clean and beautiful and very well-organized. The airport is very large and modern and I could see that they have just completed the modernization. The people working there were friendly, courteous and very helpful. They made me feel very welcome to their city. The taxi from the airport downtown was readily available and very inexpensive.My hotel is a new modern one with every convenience. The tourist bulletin that I found in my room suggests to me so many different things that I might like to see and do, so I am sure that I will be busy every minute.Unfortunately, I forgot the shopping list that I had made out before I came here. As you know, many of my friends asked me to buy something for them. I can not possibly remember everything, so would you please send the list to me.I miss both of you and wish that you were here with me. Don't worry about me because this is a very secure and safe place. I will write again in a few days.Your loving son,

TEST 47Relate an accident you've witnessedLast week my next-door neighbor was cooking dinner when there was a telephone call. She rushed out of the kitchen to answer the telephone but forgot to turn off the -gas-stove. The telephone conversation lasted for quite a long time.When she finished the conversation and got back to the kitchen, she found the gas-stove was on fire. Frightened out of her wits, she threw water over the fire. However, the fire did not die out but got bigger and bigger instead, causing her to burn herself. She then shouted for help. Her husband, who was busy making furniture outside in the yard, burst into the kitchen, and placed a large wet piece of

cloth over the fire. The fire immediately went out. He then put a bandage over his wife's burns.We should be very careful while cooking and should learn how to deal with fire.

TEST 48Tell about your indoor hobby and why you enjoy itExperience has taught me a valuable lesson, which is that I should have an indoor hobby to occupy myself in my spare-time; otherwise I might spend my leisure-time on entertaining games which are either mindless or wasteful. After careful consideration I decided to start stamp collection since I regard postage stamps as objects of interest and value. For stamps to be accepted for use as postage, stamps undergo screening steps, and only those stamps which excelled the others in meanings, in artistic skills, and aesthetic designs will be selected. So a stamp is really a cultural trait of the country which issues it.What could be more interesting than having in my hand such a masterpiece?Stamps teach lessons on geography and history. I, of course, will have to look up from dictionaries or other books to discover more about the origin of stamps. This will broaden my geographical and historical knowledge more and more.Then, too, collecting stamps is quite a relaxing activity. I can well imagine how a new beautiful stamp, whether, it is a domestic or overseas one, could make, me happy watching it for hours on end. So my hobby can help me relax.All in all, stamp collecting further stimulates my creative and intellectual growth, which makes me never feel guilty about wasting time.

TEST 49In not more than 100 words write a letter of three paragraphs inviting a friend to spend a weekend with your family at your home in the countryDear Phu,I'm writing you this letter to invite you to spend some days with my family in the country.Your final term examinations have just been over and you must have studied hard. To get rid of the stress from school activities, come to my country to relax for some days. My family and I have made some arrangements for your arrival.

Now it's the harvest time in my country. We'll have a lot of interesting things to do if you like the farm work. In the morning we'll take part in the harvest. In the afternoon we'll take a swim in the river or go fishing on nearby ponds. Hurry up Phu, lots of nice surprise are waiting for you!Cordially yours,Trung Tran Vi§t Trung

TEST 50Describe a day spent by the river or by the sea.Summer comes together with its extreme heat and nobody can resist the temptation to spend their holiday at the seaside.Last week, in order to escape from the suffocating atmosphere of a crowded city, my friends and I decided to go to Vung Tau beach. When we got to the seaside, the beach had already been crammed with holiday makers. They were either sunbathing on the beach or swimming in the river. After walking along the beach for a short time, we all took off our clothes and put on our swimming costumes. We dived into the water and let ourselves drift along on the waves.Swimming brought us a good appetite. We enjoyed some sea foods and then took a quick nap after lunch.In the afternoon we strolled along the beach, inhaling in rapture the fresh sea air and took lots of photographs.A holiday at the seaside helped us get rid of all worries and trouble and gave us health and enthusiasm to resume work again.

TEST 31I like to go shopping at a supermarket. Why?I like to go shopping at a supermarket because of the following reasons:The supermarket is large, comfortable and conveniently-located. It takes me only a few minutes to walk there from my house. I usually don't have much time for shopping, so I have to buy things according to a plan, or from a shopping list. At this supermarket I can buy exactly what I need very quickly because everything is placed on open shelves. All I have to do is (to) choose whatever I want and take it to the check-out counter.Apart from that, I don't have to bargain over prices before buying, yet. I'm never afraid of being overcharged for anything. Goods are sold at fixed prices and the supermarket guarantees the things we buy. Should the items become faulty, the supermarket will either have them replaced or repaired for free.

TEST 32The birthday present you bought for your motherI always have a difficult time choosing original birthday presents. My imagination never seems to go beyond ties, handkerchiefs or pairs of socks. But strangely enough, it didn't take me long to decide on my mother's birthday present. For the first time in my life I had a good idea - I would buy her a gas stove which I thought would make her happy.As a housekeeper of a large family, my mother had to toil hard over her bulk of housework. Among her household tasks was the cooking, which took a lot of her time. The cooking was done by means of burning firewood or compressed coal, which usually emitted a lot of smoke. This was affecting my mother's health. With a gas stove she could save a lot of her time as well as her health.Since I bought her this gas-stove, my mother has had some free time to relax and her health has improved a lot. I felt very happy that the birthday present I bought for my mother was of great service to her.

TEST 33Describe New Year celebrations in your countryEvery year towards the middle of the twelfth lunar month everybody is eager to welcome New Year.They all have their houses whitewashed and decorated beautifully. They buy new clothes for their children and get everything ready for Tet.On the thirtieth night of the twelfth lunar month when the clock strikes 12, the New Year actually takes place of the old one. All houses are well-lighted and they're busy making offerings to their ancestors. Children, in their new clothes, wish longevity to their grandparents, parents and are looking forward to receiving some money put in small red envelopes.On New Year’s Days, the Vietnamese usually eat square and cylindrical glutinous rice cakes and water-melons or crack water-melon seeds and enjoy some special foods. On these days they often pay visit to each other and wish each other a Happy New Year. During New year's Days they avoid talking nonsense and often go to churches, pagodas and temples to pray for a lucky and Prosperous New year.Vietnamese Tet lasts about a fortnight after that they're ready to resume work as usual.

TEST 34Describe the advantages of living in the country and the disadvantages of living in the city.Although I've spent most of my life in the city, I always prefer to live in the country rather than in the city.First, living in the country we can enjoy fresh and pure air all year round whereas the city atmosphere is seriously polluted.Second, we can live a safe and peace full life in the country while townsfolk are often obsessed with sudden deaths caused by careless drivers and fool hardy motorcyclists.Third, nothing can be compared with beautiful sceneries at dusk and at dawn in the country side. They help us relax wonderfully after a hard day's work while the debaucheries in prostitute houses in beer shops and dancing-halls are ruining townspeople's body and soul.Four, nowadays, with the extensive electricity network, country life isn't less comfortable and civilized than town life.In a word, we can enjoy the clean atmosphere, the closeness to nature and the gentle pace of living in the country whereas the city life with its evil influences spoils and poisons townsfolk's minds.

TEST 35Describe your English teacherMy English teacher is Miss Loan. She's of medium height, about twenty five of age. She's fairly pretty with her oval-shaped face, straight nose, large forehead and bright eyes. Though young and attractive in appearance she's dignified and virtuous.She's known to be a teacher of considerable ability. Her method of teaching differs somewhat with that of our former teacher. Instead of explaining fully every new lesson beforehand she just gives us assignments and let us work out ourselves. Thus her methods of teaching correspond to all of us and help us become active in our English learning.When teaching, she particularly pays close attention to English accent and pronunciation. She often makes us pronounce an English word several times until it's pronounced correctly and accurately. She always encourages us in our English study and thanks to her devotion to teaching us, we have been making a rapid progress.Everyone in our class is now talking about our new English teacher who deserves our love and respect.

TEST 36Describe the career you have chosen, and the reasons for your choiceThe choice of a career is of the utmost importance. It determines one's whole life. As for me, after careful consideration, I want to become a construction engineer.In our country, after long years of atrocious war, many houses, villages, bridges and roads were destroyed by bombing They all need to be repaired or rebuilt. After graduation, I'll contribute my part to the reconstruction of my war torn country into one of the most modern and powerful countries in the world.How happy I feel when I am able to turn slum areas into blocks of high buildings, to bring happiness and joys to my poor compatriots!How proud and delighted I am to build high-ways, bridges and factories for my city dwellers by the sweat of my brow'

[b]TEST 37Describe your native village and state your reasons why you love it[/b]Although my village is small, it's very beautiful and lovely.My village is divided into 4 hamlets which are directed and supervised by heads of hamlet who are m charge of and responsible for the activities of their hamlet.In the middle of the village stands an ancient pagoda where the villagers gather to make offerings to the God of Agriculture on the 15th day of the first lunar month. On the left flows peacefully a blue and clear river where I used to take a swim on hot days when I was young.Almost the houses in my village are built on high ground to avail floods in the rainy season. The villagers live chiefly on agriculture. All year round they cling to their soil, thinking of the best ways to force their soil to produce more food and vegetables to their families. They get rich owing to their creative work and industriousness. The harvest time is the merriest and busiest season of the year.How I love my native village! It's in this nice and lovely place that I was born and have grown up and spent wonderful days of my childhood. It's the cradle, the paradise of my whole life!

TEST 38Write about a holiday you took. Give details.My friend and I recently went on a four-day holiday to Nha Trang. It was wonderful to escape the air and noise of Ho Chi Minh City.We took the night train and we were gently lulled to sleep by the sound of the train and the pleasant night air. We arrived in Nha Trang early the next morning and checked into the Grand Hotel which is very near to the beach, restaurants and nightlife. The hotel offered all kinds of accommodation-from first class to economy. The staff was friendly and extremely helpful to us. They recommended a few tours which we took and we were not disappointed with. On the beach we ate fresh seafood such as boiled crabs, grilled lobsters and sanguine oysters. Nha Trang was clean and quiet, making our holiday very peaceful, restful and unforgettable.

TEST 39Tell about the pollution in our city and how to solve itThe pollution of air, water and land in our city with such pollutants as smoke, industrial and household waste is getting worse and worse. It has reached intolerable levels. The-amount of carbon monoxide (CO) of the air now far exceeds the accepted limit. As a result of this, the health of every citizen here is being jeopardized alarmingly.To solve the problem of pollution I think the government should relocate the factories outside the city limits and penalize people for littering, especially for relieving themselves in the streets. I also think there should be stronger controls on vehicles emitting pollutants. Apart from these measures, the government should establish more factories to recycle garbage, which is probably the best way of disposing of household waste. Then the masses should be mobilized to tidy up their houses and the streets where they live, to grow trees and plants into forests to preserve their environment. Only then can the pollution be diminished.

TEST 40How do you spend an evening when it rains?Evening is the time when I've finished a day of hard work and deserve a good rest.

I usually go out either to see a film or visit my friends to discuss current events and inquire about each other's school work.However, I'd rather not go out but stay (at) home when it rains. When at home, the first thing I'd like to do is to put everything in my study room in order. Then I invite my next-door neighbour to come over with his chessboard for a couple of chess games. This helps settle me down until dinner time. Sometimes I want to be alone in my room to read funny stories, listen to good music or simply to the sound of the rain beating on the outside. Once in a while my grandfather will contribute his share to these indoor activities of mine by telling me and my younger brothers and sisters stories about well-known characters in our national history. We all like to hear about these famous people's good works in literature, good deeds in cultural and social activities, and especially feats of war.In spite of all the things I try to do to while away my time when it's impossible for me to go out in the evening because of the rain. I always find it dull. So I think I should embark on an indoor hobby to occupy myself on such evening as these.