THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE -FACTS AND MYTHS

Even though you wont find it on a map, the Bermuda Triangle is a very real place. In the past there have been many stories
of disappearing ships, planes and people. Although there is a reasonable explanation for many incidents, some are still a mystery.
The Bermuda Triangle is located off the coast of Florida between Miami, Puerto Rico and the Bermudas. It covers about 500 000
square miles of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also known as the Devils Triangle because Bermuda was once calledIslands of the Devils.
The coasts around the island are surrounded by dangerousreefs that ships ran into throughout the centuries.
Unusual events around the Bermuda Triangle go back to the voyages of Christopher Columbus. He sometimes reported that
compassreadings were wrong. Many journalists have tried to prove that a number accidents and unusual things have happened in the
region. Some cases show that there are no explanations for them.
One of the best-known incidents is the disappearance of Flight 19 during a training exercise of the US Navy. In December, 1945
five American bombers left Fort Lauderdale, Florida on a routine mission. 14 crew members disappeared after
sending several radio messages. When a rescue plane went to search for the Navy bombers it also vanished.
What went wrong during the mission is not fully known. Compasses showed wrong directions and visibility was bad so the flight
leader decided to navigate by landmarks which he saw below. Then there was a sudden storm and radio contact broke
off. Wrecked parts of Flight 19 have never been recovered.
Ships have also disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle. Among them is the Mary Celeste, an American merchant ship, in 1872. The
ship was sailing from New Yorkto Genoa, but was later found off the coast of Africa without any crew members on
board. Although there is no evidence that the Mary Celeste even entered the Bermuda Triangle there are many
who connect its mysterious disappearance with the area.
There are many theories about why so many airplanes and ships have disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle. Some suggest that there
are special magnetic fields thatcause unknown physical forces. Others say that the lost continent of Atlantis sank in the region
causing mysterious events. There is even a theory about unknown chemicals in the waters of the Atlantic.
Some experts, however, point out that the region north of the Caribbean is not as safe as it may seem. It is one of two places on
Earth where the compass points to the geographic North Pole. It is also a region in which the weather is unpredictable and where
storms canemerge quickly. There are strong currents because of shallow places and deep trenches in the ocean. These factors
can confuseeven experienced sailors.
Over 1,000 people were killed in The Bermuda Triangle during the 20th century. Scientists have concluded that this figure is normal
and most disappearances have a logical explanation. The myth of the Bermuda Triangle, however, remains.
Words
accident = a situation in which someone is killed or hurt
although = while
break off = to go lost
Caribbean = area between North, Central and South America
cause = lead to
century = a period of a hundred years
coast = shore; where water meets land
confuse = mix up
connect = link
cover = spread from one place to another
crew = here: people who flew the planes
current = a movement of the water
disappear = to be lost or not possible to find
emerge = come up
even though = while
evidence = proof, facts
experienced = skilled; to have a lot of practice
explanation = the reasons you give for why something happened
force = power
fully = completely
incident = event, something that happened
landmark = something that is easy to see and that you know
located = to be found
logical = reasonable
map = a drawing of an area that shows roads, rivers, mountains etc
merchant ship = ship that has goods on board and brings them to other places
mission = journey, trip
mysterious = unusual, strange
myth = legend
navigate = find the way
point out = mention
prove = to show that something is true
reading = the number that an instrument shows
reasonable = logical
reef = a line of sharp rocks near the surface of the sea
remain = stay
rescue = to save someone from a dangerous situation
routine = everyday
sailor = person who works on a ship
several = many
shallow = not deep
sudden = unexpected, quick
suggest = say, put forward
surround = to be around
throughout = in all of
trench = long narrow hole
unknown = not known
unpredictable = something that you cannot foretell
unusual = not normal
vanish = disappear
visibility = sight; the distance it is possible to see
voyage = sea trip
wreck = to damage something completely
THE SIMPSONS AMERICAN LIFE IN CARTOONS
The Simpsons is an American sitcom that shows middle class lifestyle in cartoonform. The half-hour episodes take place in and
around the fictional town of Springfield and make fun out of American culture and society.
Since the show started in 1989 the Simpsons have been broadcast over 500 times. This makes it the longest running sitcom in
American television history. In 2007 afull-length movie, The Simpsons Movie, made over half a billion dollars.
The Simpsons has won many prizes, concluding the Emmy Awards. In the year 2000 Time magazine named it the best television
series of the century and the cartoon characters of The Simpsons received their own star on Hollywoods Walk of Fame.
The Simpson family consists of 5 main characters. Homer is the rather clumsy, beer-drinking father. He works at a nuclear
powerplant in Springfield and is married to Marge Simpson, a typical American middle class housewife. The couple has three
children. Bart is a ten-year old who constantly gets into trouble. Lisa is a highly intelligent eight-year old who has become a
vegetarian and a Buddhist. Maggie, the familys baby, is often shown with a pacifier. The Simpsons have two pets, a dog
named Santas Little Helper and Snowball, a cat.
Even though the series focuses around animated characters, many human celebrities have starred on The Simpsons in the past, for
example, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Tom Jones or Mel Gibson.
The comedy centers on a few major themes. Homers work in a nuclear power plant opens up the topic of our environment for
discussion. Bart and Lisa are often shown in their school life where educational problems arise. Homer and Marge try to raise their
children as best as they can but, as in many typical families, do not always succeed. The series also makes political comments
andcriticizes how the government and large corporations exploit the normal worker.
The program has been very successful around the world. It is watched by millions of people in over a hundred countries. The
Simpsonshave triggered a merchandising industry revolving around T-shirts, DVDs, video games, a theme park and books.
Words
animated = made to look as if they are moving
billion = a thousand million
broadcast = to send out a radio or television program
cartoon = film with drawings of characters
celebrity = a famous person
century = a hundred years
clumsy = to do something in a very funny way
consist = made up of
constantly = always
corporation = a very big company
criticize = not approve of
Emmy Awards = prize awarded for the best television shows
environment = the world around us
episode = one of a series of programs that is continued every day or every week
even though = while
exploit = to treat someone in an unfair way, or to do something that will give you profits
fictional = not real; it does not exist
focus = center
full-length = the normal length of a movie
government = the people who rule a country
main = important
merchandising = products that are about the topic
nuclear power plant = building that uses produces electricity by splitting atoms
pacifier = a small rubber that a baby puts into its mouth and sucks
raise = educate; to help them grow up
receive = get
revolve = here: to center on
sitcom = situation comedy; a funny television program with the same characters every week
star = to be a part of a film
succeed = to do something and get the best results
successful = popular
theme park = large park that focuses on a certain topic; people go there, enjoy themselves and have fun
trigger = set off, start

THE AMERICAN FLAG
The national flag of the United States has thirteen red and white stripes and a bluerectangle with fifty stars in it in the top left corner.
The stripes represent the 13 American colonies and the stars show the 50 American states.
Until 1912 there had been no common design for the American flag. It has changed many times during its over two hundred year
history. Flag makers around the country arranged the stars in the way they wanted, sometimes in circles, sometimes in rows.
Sometimes text was put into the middle of the blue rectangle
According to the history books the first American flag was made by Betsy Ross who knew George Washington well. One day
Washington showed up in her shop in Philadelphia and showed her the design of the flag. The first unofficial flag, made in 1776 at
the beginning of the War of Independence, showed 13 stripes and the Union Jack in the left corner.
The bombing of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem about the American flag. A few
years later the lyrics were used for the Star Spangled Banner, Americas national anthem.
During the American Civil War the southern states, which broke away from the Union, designed their own flag. It had the same
colors but the stars were arranged in a different pattern.
In 1912 the American president ordered that the American flag was to have the same design all over the country. For over 50 years
the flag has not changed. In 1959 the last major change took place when Alaska and Hawaii become American states, replacing the
48-star flag with the 50-star flag.
The American flag is a common sight around the world, one which everybody recognizes. In the US it is
often displayed in publicbuildings and schools. Often, it serves as a motif on badges, cars or stamps. The flag has become a
powerful symbol of Americanism.
The Stars and Stripes has travelled to many places around the world. In 1909 Robert Peary placed a flag at the North Pole and in
1969 American astronaut Neill Armstrong put an American flag on the moon.
Words
according to = as said by
arrange = put in a certain position
badge = a small piece of plastic or metal which you carry on your shirt or coat; it shows people you have a certain opinion of
something or work for an organization
colony = a country or area of land that is controlled by a bigger, larger and more powerful one
common = often seen ; the same
design = drawing
display = show
inspire = motivate
lyrics = words of a song
national anthem = official song of a country
place = put
poem = piece of writing in which words at the end of a line have the same sound
public = for everybody
recognize = know, be aware of
rectangle = a shape that has four straight sides; two of them are usually longer
replace = in exchange for
row = line
serve = to be used as
Stars and Stripes = the American flag
stripe = band of color
Union Jack = national flag of Great Britain
unofficial = private, not formal
War of Independence = war in which the United States became independent from Great Britain
ROMAN GLADIATOR - A BRAVE FIGHTER IN ANCIENT ROME
A gladiator was a fighter in ancient Rome who entertained spectators in Roman arenas and amphitheatres. He fought against other
gladiators and animals. For more than six centuries gladiatorial fights were a part of Roman life. Thousands ofcitizens went to the
stadiums to see their heroes who often fought until death.

Although they were not regarded as highly as professional soldiers, gladiators were respected in Roman society. They were
often slaves or prisoners who were bought by a manager. He sent them to special gladiator schools where they were trained to fight
in a professional way, much like todays athletes. In these schools gladiators were shown how to use various weapons and, above
all, how to survive. Gladiators were paid if they managed to survive a fight. After five years under their manager they were set free.

Gladiators had to take an oath. They promised to obey their masters and show bravery when fighting in the arena. Everyone
couldvolunteer to become a gladiator. Sometimes free men became gladiators because they wanted to become famous.
The first fights were held in Rome in the third century B.C. A famous Roman citizenorganized the first fights in a cattle market. As
the events became more popular, many people came to see them. Later on the most famous fights were held in theColiseum, which
held thousands of spectators at that time. In 325 A.D. gladiatorial fights were banned by Emperor Constantine I but
they continued into the 5th century.

Gladiators often fought wild animals, like bears, bulls or lions. These animals were brought to Rome from exotic places. The Romans
treated the animals badly and let them starve, so they were very aggressive and hungry before the fight. They were kept
in cages under the arena. In most cases gladiators defeated the animals but sometimes they were killed by the beasts. Fights against
wild animals were similar to bullfights in modern Spain.

Gladiators had different types of weapons to fight. They often wore helmets and used a shield to protect themselves. They fought
withswords, bows and arrows. When a gladiator hurt his opponent the spectators put their thumbs to show that they wanted him to
live and their thumbs down to signalize they wanted the defeated gladiator killed.
Words
above all = most important
although = while
amphitheatre = a large building that looks like a circle or half-circle with rows of seats
ancient = old
athlete = sportsman
B.C. = before Christ
ban = forbid
beast = wild animal
bow and arrow = a weapon used to shoot long thin pieces of wood
bravery = actions that show courage
cage = box
cattle market = place where people bought and sold cows
century = a hundred years
citizen = a person who lives in a country and has rights there
Coliseum = a large stadium in Rome where gladiators fought and thousands of people came to watch
continue = to go on
defeat = to win against
entertain = to perform for people or make them interested in something
exotic = faraway
highly = greatly, very much
manage = to somehow achieve something
master = the person who owns a slave
oath = a formal promise
obey = to do what someone tells you to
opponent = here: the person you fight against
organize = plan, carry out
popular = well liked
prisoner = a person who is locked up because he has done something illegal
regard = look upon as
respect = to think highly of someone
shield = a large piece of metal which soldiers used to protect themselves
signalize = show
similar = like
slave = someone who is owned by another person and has to work for them for no money
society = here: life
soldier = a person who fights for their country in war
spectator = a person who goes to a stadium or area to watch an event
starve = to suffer because you do not get a lot to eat
survive = to live on and not be killed
sword = weapon with a handle and a long blade
thumb = the part of your hand hat is shaped like a thick short finger
various = different kinds
volunteer = someone who does something out of their own free will
weapon = something you use to hurt a person, like a knife or a gun
ARE WE READY FOR E-BOOKS?
In a typical Boston bookshop customers move their way through the corridorsand rooms to browse through thousands of books that
are spread over two floors. Its a lot of paper says one of the shop assistants. She admits that the store could get much smaller if
the digital revolution gets to the bookshelves.
The catchword is e-book , or electronic book - something you read on screeninstead of on paper. You can load books onto small
computers to read while you are on the move .
There are lots of different e-books. Some are really computers and may even bebound in leather to look like a real book.
The RocketBook , for example, is aportable that can display pages. Others are just computer programs which you can use
to display books on your computer or notebook.
Then there are PDAs, or pocket computers, that can be used as an e-book if you have the right software. They are portable and
havewireless connections to libraries or bookstores.
E-books have many advantages :
You can store lots of books on one computer.
You can mark your book with an electronic bookmark .
You can change the size of the type or font
Some e-books have built in dictionaries so you can click on a word and find out what it means.
And of course e-books can also include pictures, sound clips or small videos.

Some people think that e-books will replace printed books in the near future. For dictionaries and encyclopedias this is already true.
Wikipedia, for example, gives you more than a multivolume encyclopaedia can give you.
The e-book industry, however , still faces many problems. There are many different types of formats for e-books, and the book you
may want to read may not be available in a certain format. Publishers develop their own format so that the reader has to download
their books.
Microsoft Reader is one of the e-book formats that allow you to get books from other companies to read on your
machine. Recently Sony has started a worldwidecampaign on the digital book sector. The Sony Reader is a handheld device that has
been on the market for just about a year. It is about the size of a paperbackand can also store PDFs, photos and music. The battery
lasts about 7500 pages before you have to recharge it. It can hold 80 books in its memory . Sonys newinvention weighs about 200
grams , is 2 cm thick and has a 15 cm long screen. It costs about 240 .
Amazon has developed a small device called the Kindle. It can display books, magazines and newspapers . Users can download
thousands of books found in the Amazon store.
Major publishers , like Random House, think that as consumers are doing more work on computers every day, they may also be
reading more books on screen as well. Right now the company offers about 6,000 e-books. They cost about 2 a book which is much
lower than the price of a paperback . The high costs of paper books are caused by printing and distribution .
Words
admit = to say that something is true
advantage = good side of something
available = on hand , exist
bookmark = a place that tells you where you have stopped; you can go there any time you like
bound = covered on the outside with leather
browse = to look at the things in a shop without wanting something to buy
built-in = you cannot take it out
campaign = actions that lead to more people buying the item
catchword = slogan, motto
cause = lead to
claim = say
consumer = a person who buys things
corridor = hall or small places that connect rooms
customer = a person who buys things in a shop
develop = design, create
device = machine
display = show
distribution = to bring books from the publishing plant to book stores around the country
encyclop a edia = many books or a single book that has information on many topics in it
face = here: has
font = set of letters and numbers used for printing books
however = but
include = to have in it
instead of = in somethings place
invention = a new machine or device
library = a place where you can borrow books
load = move from a distant server to your computer
memory = a part of an electronical machine where you can store information
multivolume = more than one part
offer = here: to have for customers to buy
on the move = if you are not at home
pain = the feeling you have when part of your body hurts
paperback = a book that has a soft cover and is cheaper than leather bound books
portable = it does not have a fixed place ; something you can take with you anywhere
publisher = company that prints and sells books
recently = during the last few weeks or months
recharge = to fill with energy again
replace = to use instead of
spread = lay out over
store = save
topic = theme, subject
weigh = how heavy something is
wireless connection = to transmit data without using a wire

CLONING
Cloning occurs when you copy a living creature. Two clones have the same genes, small structures with information in them that
tells them what the body of a living thing should look like and how it should behave. You get the genes from your parents.
Many people think that cloning is only done by scientists in laboratories, but, in fact, cloning also occurs in nature.

Cloning animals
Animals have billions of cells. The nucleus of such a cell has genetic information called DNA. All the nuclei of an animal have the
same information. But each cell only uses a part of this information in order to work properly. The other part of the DNA is not
active. But because a single cell holds all the DNA of an animal, scientists can make physical copies of an animal from only one cell.
They transfer the nucleus of an animals cell into an egg cell of another animal. This egg cell has the same genetic information as
that of the donor animal. The cell then grows into an embryo. Scientists must then activate the DNA that was not active in the parent
cell.Otherwise a full organism would not develop.
Clones do not behave in an identical way this is because they live in different environments. Researchers have found out that
identical twins that carry the same DNA are different because they grow up differently.
History of cloning
Cloning animals started way back in the 1950s when the first frogs were reproduced. In 1996 British scientists cloned the
first mammal, a sheep called Dolly. Since then the cloning of mice, cattle, cats and other mammals has been successful.

Pros and cons of cloning
The cloning of certain animals may bring advantages to humans. The cloning of cattle or sheep can produce animals whose meat
quality is better or which are moreresistant towards illnesses.
Scientists, however, cannot yet create perfect clones. Many of them do not survivethe cloning process and die before they are born.
In the past human embryos have been cloned in order to get stem cells. These are cells that can develop into many different kinds of
other cells. Doctors are able to use stem cells to replace parts of the body that are ill, like skin or other organs.Although this could be
a major breakthrough in medicine many people fear that cloning embryos is murder and must therefore be forbidden. Many
countries have put bans on cloning or other experiments that produce cloned human embryos.
Some scientists still believe that it may be possible to clone a human being from the cells of one adult. For a long time this has been
thought of as science fiction.
Many problems arise when it comes to cloning human beings. What should be the ideal characteristics of reproduced humans:
should they be highly intelligent, strong or creative. Who are the people to decide these questions? Critics of cloning say that
creatures should be born in a natural way. Nobody has the right to play God.

Natural cloning
Clones occur naturally in many cases, for example, when a mother gives birth to two identical twins. They come from the
same fertilizedeggs and are therefore have identical genes. Bacteria and animals with only one cell can also reproduce themselves
in a natural way. Plants can also produce clones. Farmers use breeding techniques to produce certain types of plants.
Reasons for cloning
Cloning is often performed for medical reasons. Experiments are carried out on animals that carry a disease which
causes mutations in their genes. Farm animals are cloned to produce drugs and other substances that are useful in medicine.
Cloning is a way to produce large numbers of genetically engineered animals.

Therapeutic cloning
In therapeutic cloning stem cells are reproduced in order to create new organs and tissue. New, healthy tissue can help a person get a
new heart or a new liver to replace his ill one. Such a method could also create stem cells that you could use
for patients who sufferAlzheimers or Parkinsons disease.
Words
activate = to make something work
advantage = the good side of something
although = while
Alzheimers disease = a disease that affects the brain, especially of older people; it makes it difficult to walk , move or
remember things
bacteria = small living things, some of which can cause an illness
ban = to forbid something
behave = act
billion = a thousand million
birth = to produce a baby from your body
breakthrough = step forward
breeding technique = the method of keeping animals and plants together in order to produce living things that have the same or
different features
cattle = cows kept on farms for their milk or meat
certain = special
characteristic = feature, quality
creature = a living thing
critic = a person who is against an idea
develop = grow
disease = illness
donor = giver
drugs = medicine
embryo = an animal or plant that has not yet been born and has just begun to grow
environment = the world around us
fertilize = to make a new plant or new life grow
forbid = not allow
genetic = about a gene
genetically engineered = to change the structure of an animal or plant so that they are not affected by diseases or harmful
insects
identical = the same
illness = disease
laboratory = place, where scientists carry out experiments
major = big
mammal = animal that drinks milk from its mothers body when it is young
mutation = a change in the genes of an animal, plant or person that makes it different from others
nucleus = center
occur = happen
otherwise = or else, if not
Parkinsons disease = a serious illness in which your muscles become very weak and your arms and legs become shaky
patient = a person who is ill
perform = do
physical = about the body
properly = correctly
pros and cons = good and bad sides
replace = exchange, put in somethings place
reproduce = copy, clone
researcher = a person who studies a topic and tries to find out more about it
resistant = to stand against
science fiction = stories about events in the future that are about things we have not yet developed, like travelling in time etc..
scientist = a person who is trained in science and works in a laboratory
stem cell = a special type of cell in the body that can divide in order to form other types of cells that have a special use
structure = building block
substances = material
successful = here: to work in the right way
suffer = to feel pain
survive = to live on after a dangerous situation
tissue = the material that forms animal or plant cells
transfer = move
twin = one of two children born at the same time to the same mother
useful = helpful
yet = up to now
SMART TVS - TELEVISION AND THE INTERNET
More and more television manufacturers are producing Smart TVs. Althoughthey differ in some ways most of them use the same
technology. Smart TVs can beconnected to the internet using a setup box, a cable or wireless adapter. As more and more
broadcasting companies are showing videos on demand Smart TVs are an investment for the future.
Some decades ago watching television was a completely different experience. If you were lucky you had a handful of channels you
could watch. Depending on your rooftop antenna and the signal you got reception was sometimes bad and during storms the signal
was lost altogether.
In the 1970s cable TV gave viewers a choice of several different programs, not only from the local area. The arrival of video
recorders allowed viewers to record their shows during the nighttime or while they were on holidays. Satellite television in the 80s
and 90s gave people access to hundreds of TV channels from around the world. In the last decade Internet television has been
growing rapidly.
Today Smart TV today offers the user a new way of selecting content from the thousands of entertainment items. Content is often
divided into genres, so you when you choose comedy a Smart TV can offer not only the shows and movies that are currently being
shown on various TV channels but also display comedy clips on YouTube, Vimeo or other video networks. Smart TV gives
its audience abroaderselection of what they want to watch. Internet companies like Amazon, iTunes and Netflix are already offering
thousands of on demand TV shows and pay per view movies that you can download and watch on your TV.

Because of this wide variety of contents it takes a while to find the things you are looking for. Smart TV has the potential
to bookmark content or mark shows as favorites. Such modern TV sets are not only restricted to videos. They allow you
to access your Facebook account or communicate with friends around the world via Skype. Smart TVs can talk or communicate with
other devices, like your mobile phone or desktop computer.
The new generation of television sets, however, still have a long way to go before they are fully accepted by viewers. For one,
the user interface must be made easier. Slow and disrupted internet connections also pose a problem. Nobody wants apps that take
hours to download or experience a pause in the middle of a thriller.
Words
access = here: the right or opportunity to watch something
although = while
app = small program that you can download from the internet
audience = the people who watch TV
bookmark = to save an address so that you can go there later
broader = wider, more
choice = selection
connect = link, hook up to
content = movies, clips etc..
currently = at the moment
decade = ten years
depending = affected by
device = here: gadget, small machine
differ = to be different
display = show
disrupted = interrupted; here: signal that causes problems
experience = event
genre = type
however = but
item = a piece of entertainment , like a series, a movie or a video clip
local = in your neighborhood
manufacturer = producer
on demand = whenever you want to have something
pay per view = you only pay for the programs you watch
pose = create
rapidly = fast
reception = here: the signal you get
restricted = limited
selection = choice
setup box = special box that you need when you want to watch certain things
user interface = how it looks on the screen and the way you work with it
variety = selection
various = different
wireless adapter = object you use to connect a machine to your network without using a cable
GENERATION Y - THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARDS WORK AND LIFE
Generation Y is known as the generation that was born in the 1980s and 1990s,although experts do not agree on when this era
started. The people who make upGeneration Y are often the children of baby boomers and are therefore called echo boomers. Most
of them are in their late teens or twenties and totally different from other generations.
While baby boomers were influenced by the aftermath of World War II, television, rock and roll, the Vietnam War and
the hippie movement, Generation Y has grown up with the internet, globalization, mobile phones and Facebook.
The millennium generation, as it is often called, has grown up with newtechnology and can use it in their jobs much better than the
older generation can. Blackberrys, cell phones, iPods are normal to this generation. They like to communicate via text messaging,
Facebook and other online technology.
The new generation can be described as ambitious and self-confident. Some older people think this even goes as far as
beingarrogant. They have high expectations and seek new challenges and are not afraid to raise questions if something is unclear.
Generation Y youths have a different attitude towards work. It means something different to them than it did to their parents or
grandparents. They do not want to work as hard as their parents but spend their life in a meaningful way. They do not live to work,
they work to live.
Young people expect a different type of workplace than their parents had. They want jobs that are flexible, not always having to work
from 9 to 5. They prefer working from their homes and taking a day or two off to spend with their family when the weather is fine.
A studyhas found out Generation Y wants to spend 30% to 70% of their time at home.
While baby boomers worked hard and grew up with a company and stayed there for the rest for their lives, Generation Y workers do
not want to do the same thing their whole life. They expect to change jobs at least a few times. If you dont like what you do then do
something else.
They are not motivated by the worries that bothered their parents. Many do not think they will have their own house but
will settle for a flat or an apartment, since they do not know if they are going to stay in the same place anyway.
Conflicts at work with this new generation are foreseeable. Some employers are already experiencing trouble and tension between
older works and the millennium generation. Over 70% of the older work force think that the young ones are too self
confident and inexperienced. But they say they are enthusiastic and very motivated about what they do. As many Generation Y
people have paid a lot for higher education they now want to see something in return. They want higher pay for the work they put in
As baby boomers are retiring, companies are seeking to get the best Generation Y workers they can get. Sometimes they must
makeconcessions in order to lure them into a job. Some companies have already adapted to this new generation of laborers.
They offerwork from home, higher salaries, flexible working hours, and family leave to look after the kids
It is also a consumer generation, flooded with advertisement throughout their lives. A group that has never
witnessed recession ormass unemployment is not very conservative when it comes to spending money. They like to eat out, buy the
newest technicalgadgets and travel. Very often they find their bank account overdrawn and in heavy debt.
Words
adapt = get used to
advertisement = a sign , picture or film that tells you to buy a product
aftermath = result, outcome
agree = to have the same opinion on something
although =while
ambitious = hard-working, motivated
arrogant = to behave in a proud way and think you are better than others
attitude = feeling, opinion
baby boom = the time between the end of World War II and the middle of the 1960s when many babies were born
bank account = the agreement you have with a bank which allows you to keep your money there
Blackberry = a very small computer that you can hold in your hand. It is used to store data, send messages, browse the Internet
and communicate with people
bother = upset, worry
challenge = here: a new and difficult job
company = firm
concession = something that you give to someone or allow them to do in order to please them
day off = free
debt = the sum of money that you have to pay back to someone
describe = explain
eat out = go to a restaurant
employer = a person who gives you work
enthusiastic = excited, to show a lot of interest
expectation = hope
experience = have
family leave = the time when you are allowed to stay away from work and be with your family or children
flexible = to be able to change
flood = to be full of
foreseeable = you can say what will happen in the future
gadget = a small tool or machine that does something useful
globalization = different countries, companies and people are connected together and communicate with each other
hippie = a person who does not agree with how most people live; they have long hair and brightly colored clothes and often take
drugs. The hippie movement was very popular during the 1960s.
in return = to get back
inexperienced = to have little knowledge about something and not know how to do it
influence = the power that makes you think or act in a certain way
laborer = worker
lure = here: to get a person to take a job
make up = to be a part of
mass unemployment = when many people in a country are out of work
millennium = a thousand years
offer = give you
overdraw = to take out more money from your bank account than you have
pay = money you get when you work
prefer = like
raise questions = ask
recession = a difficult time that a country has when people are out of work and they do not buy so much
retire = to stop working after you have reached a certain age
salary = the money that you get every month when you work
seek = look for
self-confident = to know what you are able to do and show it
settle = to be satisfied with
study = a piece of work that you do which examines or looks at a certain topic
technology = the designing of new machines and industrial goods
teen = a young person between thirteen and nineteen
tension = conflict, problems
text messaging = to send a text to someone over a mobile phone
work force = the people who work
worry = concern, fear
THE BEATLES - THE "FAB FOUR" FROM LIVERPOOL
The Beatles were one of the most famous rock and pop groups in history. The FabFour, as the Beatles were called, came from
Liverpool, England. Most of the songs were written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. George Harrison played the lead
guitar and Ringo Starr played drums. In the past 50 years the Beatles have sold over a billion records and CDs. They had more
number one hits than any other British pop group.
Towards the end of the 1950s John Lennon formed a group called the Quarrymen. Up to 1960 they changed their names a few
times but finally called themselves the Beatles. In the early phase the Beatles were influenced by American rock and roll musicians
like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley. In 1961 a Liverpool record store owner, Brian Epstein, became their manager. The first hit
single Love Me Do became an immediate success. Teenagers all over England went crazy when they saw and heard the new stars,
not only because of the music but because of theirpersonality and new hairstyle.

The Beatles
John Lennon (top left), Paul McCartney (top right)
George Harrison (bottom left), Ringo Starr (bottom right)
In 1964 the Beatles toured the United States for the first time. A TV appearance in the legendary Ed Sullivan Show, one of the
most popular TV shows at that time, made them stars at once. Thousands of young Americans went to the concerts andmass
panic broke out wherever the Beatles appeared. Beatlemania was born.
In the middle of 1960s the Beatles started changing their music. It became morepoetic, melodic and meaningful. Lennon and
McCartney started to write lyricsabout many of societys problems. The Beatles also started to experiment with electronic music and
other instruments. In 1966 they played their last concert and concentrated on making music in a studio.
Although the second part of the 1960s was very successful and the Beatles released a number of hit singles, including Hey Jude, Let
It Be or Get Back, the members of the band started to quarrel and pursue their own interests. In 1970 they finally broke up after 8
successful years. All of the Beatles started solo careers: John Lennon sang with his wife Yoko Ono, Paul McCartney started a new
group called the Wings. Ringo Starr and George Harrison also began to sing alone.
Fans around the world hoped for a reunion of the Fab Four but when John Lennon was shot to death by a fanatic outside his
apartment in New York in 1980 the world knew that the Beatles would never perform together again. George Harrison was died
of cancer in 2001.
Even though their active career lasted only for a short time the legendary Beatles still live on in the hearts of millions of pop music
fans around the world.
Words
although = while
appearance = here: to be a guest in a show
billion = a thousand million
break up = to stop making music together
cancer = a very serious disease in which cells in your body start to grow in an uncontrolled way
drum = an instrument you must hit with a stick
fab = short word for fabulous
immediate = quick, at once
including = something that is part of a larger group
influence = to affect the way someone develops
lead guitar = the guitar that plays the melody
lyrics = the text of a song
mass panic = many people become hysterical; they cry and scream
melodic = something that sounds good in your ears
owner = someone who possesses or has something
perform = sing
personality = character, qualities that someone has
poetic = full of feeling
popular =liked by many people
pursue = go after, follow
quarrel = argue, fight with words
record = a round piece of plastic with a hole in the middle on which music is stored; people bought music on them before music
was stored on CDs
release = to bring out
reunion = to get together and play again
society = people in general
success = victory, winner
tour = to give concerts in a country or area
towards = near
THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE FAMOUS SUSPENSION BRIDGE THAT
SPANS SAN FRANCISCO BAY
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the largest and most famous suspension bridges in the world. It spans the entrance of San
Francisco Bay connecting Northern California to San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge has become one of the most
famous landmarks in the world
The bridge has vast dimensions. It is 2,700 meters long and consists of over 75,000 tons of steel and 300,000 cubic meters
of concrete. There are two towers on both sides of the bridge that hold up steel cables almost one meter in diameter. These
two support towers span over 1200 meters. The bridge reaches a height of about 260 meters above the surface of the water. A six-
lane road and two sidewalks make the Golden Gate Bridge an important traffic connection between San Francisco and Marin City in
the north. About 100,000 cars cross the bridge every day.
Before the Golden Gate Bridge was built ferries had taken people from one side of San Francisco Bay to the other. The bridge was
planned in 1916 by the Joseph Strauss, an engineer and designer. Construction began in 1933 and it was finished in 1937. The
whole project cost 35 million dollars.
At the time of construction many people did not think that such a bridge could be built. Problems had to be overcome. First, the new
bridge was near the San Andreas Fault, an earthquake line that divides California into two parts. After an earthquake had hit the
region about a hundred kilometers south of San Francisco ,authorities started plans to refit the structures of the bridge to make
itwithstand quakes that may hit the centre of San Francisco.
The Golden Gate Bridge can also be a tragic place. More people commit suicidejumping off the bridge than at any other place in the
world. Over thirty people jump to death every year.
In its 75-year history the bridge has only been closed three times, because of high winds.
Because of its extraordinary design the Golden Gate Bridge soon became one of the worlds most famous landmarks. It
has appearedon countless photos, most impressive when the bridge comes through the rising morning fog. The orange-reddish color
was chosen to protect the bridge from rust and the moisture of San Franciscos fogs.
Words
appear = to be seen
authority =people who are in charge of or controls something
commit suicide = to kill yourself
concrete = material used for building, that is made by mixing sand, stones, cement and water
consist = made up of
construction = building
countless = too many to be counted
diameter = straight line from one side of a circle to another
dimension = size
earthquake = sudden shake of the earths surface that can cause a lot of damage
engineer = someone whose job it is to build roads, houses, bridges etc
entrance = way in, gate
extraordinary = amazing
ferry = a boat or ship that carries people across an area of water
fog = cloudy air near the ground
height = how high something is
landmark = a famous object that everyone knows
lane = a part of a road that is divided by painted lines to keep cars apart
moisture = wetness
overcome = solve
refit = to improve something
rising = move up
rust = reddish-brown material that forms on iron and steel when it gets wet
span = cross
steel = strong metal that can be easily shaped
structures = parts
support = hold up
surface = the top layer of something
suspension bridge = a bridge that has no support under it but hangs from strong steel ropes fixed to towers
tragic = sad
vast = large
withstand = to be strong enough not to collapse

The Great Wall Of China
The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was first built between
220206 BC. In fact, it began as independent walls for different states when it was first
built, and did not become the "Great" wall until the Qin Dynasty. Emperor Qin Shihuang
succeeded in his effort to have the walls joined together to serve as fortification to protect
the northern borders of the Chinese Empire from invasion. Afterwards it was rebuilt and
maintained over the years, between the 5th century BC and the 16th century.
One of the myths associated with the Great Wall of China is that it is the only man-made
structure that can be seen from the moon with the naked eye. The legend originated in
Richard Halliburton's 1938 bookSecond Book of Marvels. However, This myth is simply not true. Richard Halliburton's claim
was contradicted by astronauts Neil Armstrongby and Yang Liwei. A more plausible assumption would be to say that the Great
Wall can be visible from a low orbit of the earth which is not unique in this regard as many other artificial constructions can be
seen from that height.
Source: Wikipedia
Comprehension
1. The Great Wall of China was first built as a single wall.
a. True
b. False
2. The Great Wall of China
a. was built in a single dynasty.
b. was refurbished during its history.
3. The Great Wall was first designed
a. to protect the Empire from invasion.
b. to help trade between different provinces.
4. The wall can be seen from moon with the naked eye.
a. True.
b. False.
Seven ways to protect the environment
We all want to protect our planet, but we're mostly too busy or too lazy to put up big change that would improve our lifestyle
and save the environment.

These are 7 simple habits to implement in your everyday life which will make a difference. There is nothing new here but if
you follow at least some of these tips, you can be proud of yourself participating in the protection of the environment.
1. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs:
It is true that these bulbs are more expensive, but they last much longer and they can save energy and in the long term
your electricity bill would be reduced.
2. Donate:
You have tons of clothes or things you want to get rid of. If they are still usable, give them to someone who needs
them. You may also choose to give them to associations. These associations may sell them and collect a little money.
Not only will you protect the environment, but you will also contribute to a good cause.
3. Turn off your devices:
When you do not use a house device, turn it off. For example, if you don't watch TV, turn it off. Turn off the light
when you leave a room (even if you intend to return.) It's an easy habit to take up which will help you save a lot of
money.
4. Walk or cycle:
Driving is one of the biggest causes of pollution. If you want to use your car, ask yourself the following question: do I
really need my car? Walk or use your bike if the journey is a short one.
5. Detergent:
Follow the recommended dose of detergent to wash your clothes or dishes.
6. leaky faucets:
Watch leaky faucets, which can cause a significant increase in the the water bill. An average of 120 liters of water can
be wasted due to a dripping faucet.
7. Rainwater:
Think of recovering rainwater. This water can be used for different purposes.
This list is far from being exhaustive but in addition to saving the environment, all these tips will help you save money.
Comprehension:
1. Fluorescent light bulbs waste more energy
a. True
b. False
2. Donate means:
a. give.
b. take.
3. The 7 tips suggested
a. to save money.
b. protect the environment.
c. to save money and protect the environment.
http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/reading-7-ways-to-protect-the-environment.php#.U2gUuIF_vPY
Develop your reading skills. Read the following text on pollution and its effect on the environment. Then answer the
comprehension questions

Pollution is the degradation of natural environment by external substances introduced directly or indirectly. Human health,
ecosystem quality and aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity may be affected and altered permanently by pollution.
Pollution occurs when ecosystems can not get rid of substances introduced into the environment. The critical threshold of its
ability to naturally eliminate substances is compromised and the balance of the ecosystem is broken.
The sources of pollution are numerous. The identification of these different pollutants
and their effects on ecosystems is complex. They can come from natural disasters or the
result of human activity, such as oil spills, chemical spills, nuclear accidents ... These can
have terrible consequences on people and the planet where they live: destruction of the
biodiversity, increased mortality of the human and animal species, destruction of natural
habitat, damage caused to the quality of soil, water and air ...
Preventing pollution and protecting the environment necessitate the application of the
principles of sustainable development. we have to consider to satisfy the needs of today
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This means that we should remedy existing
pollution, but also anticipate and prevent future pollution sources in order to protect the environment and public health. Any
environmental damage must be punishable by law, and polluters should pay compensation for the damage caused to the
environment.
Comprehension
1. The damage caused by pollution might be irreversible:
a. True
b. False
2. The ecosystem
a. can always cope with pollutants
b. may not always be able to cope with pollution.
3. Pollution
a. is always caused by humans.
b. may sometimes be caused by natural disasters.
4. An ideal solution to prevent pollution would be to
a. refrain the development of some countries.
b. continue developmental projects.
c . take into consideration the future generations need to live in a healthy environment.
Develop your reading skills. Read the following text.

What to do during summer holiday?
After a whole school year of hard work, you may be wondering what you can do during the summer holiday. Here are some
suggestions.
1. Rest
Don't feel guilty. Take some time to rest. You deserve it after a year of hard work.
2.Movies
See the latest movies or just pick one of the old movies that you have missed. Make it a family movie night every week.
3.Beach or swimming pool
When you're feeling a bit bored, a dip in the water will revitalize your mood. Of course, make sure to protect your skin with a
hat and sunscreen.
4. Learn a skill
You might be interested in learning new skills such as cooking, playing soccer, playing a musical instrument. The summer is a
great time for that.
5. Read
You've got plenty of time to read. Although technology has taken a major part of our lives, there is nothing more entertaining
and informative than reading a book. Choose a topic you are interested in and read about it during the summer holiday.
6. Writing
keep a journal of what you are doing during the holiday. Writing a diary helps you a have a clear view of the events of the day.
You might even give free vent to your artistic side and have a try in writing poems, short essays...
7. Travel
Visit places you have never been to. You don't need to make a long journey to find such places. They may be just near where
you are.
8. Sport
If you are not already practicing a sport, think of taking up jogging, walking, tennis, soccer, or whatever... Make a decision
about it and start exercising in order to be healthier, reduce stress and get ready for a new year of hard work.
http://www.teacherjoe.us/Jokes.html
http://breakingnewsenglish.com/
http://www.english-online.at/government/watergate/watergate-scandal.htm
http://www.elllo.org/
http://storycorps.org/animation/
http://www.uic.edu/depts/tie/coolsites.htm