Examiner:      Good morning!  Take a seat, please.

                   How are you feeling at the moment?

                   How did you feel this morning when you woke up?

                   What will you miss most now that you’re leaving school?

                   Would you stay one more year?  Why (not)?

Now I’m going to ask you a few questions.  If you can’t understand me, I can repeat the question once.  Let’s get started.

A

Is being a soldier compulsory in your country? 

It isn’t compulsory but it was used to be.  Earlier most men joined the armed forces for 1 or 2 years after their 18th birthday.  Now nobody has to do this and those who want to become a soldier have to pass exams.  Their salary is high and they get other bonuses too.

Why does your country have an army? 

Probably it’s the usual thing in every country, I mean, almost every country has an army.  We don’t have a huge army but maybe it would be enough if we had to defend our country.  I hope there will be no war here so we won’t have the opportunity to use it.

How can countries prevent conflicts when other nations are not trying to bring peace?

Well it’s a really difficult question.  I think nobody knows the answer to this because we still have wars in the world.  In my opinion they could ask the United Nations for help, after all, this organization was created with this end in view.

If you were the partner of a soldier who had just been sent to fight in a war, what would you include in his luggage? 

I would definitely include a picture of us in his luggage.  I think family background is really important and a photo could give him strength in the hard times.  What else? Mmmm I would pack tinned food, clothes, soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, a razor, a comb, a mobile phone maybe, although I don’t think he could use it, and I think money.  I hope I won’t be in this situation, this would be very difficult.

Would you fight for another country other than your own? 

Well, if I lived in that country and I loved it just as my own, then my answer would be yes, I think.  As I see it, the main point is how much you love that country, and I can imagine loving another country more than your mother country.

I see.  Now let’s move on to the next topic, which is dangers in your home.

B

What do you need to do if you cut your finger preparing a food?

If this happens you need to clean the cut and after that you should put on a bandage to it.  But the treatment depends on how serious the injury is.  If your finger is still bleeding in spite of the fact that it was bandaged up, maybe it’s better if you call the ambulance.

What is the most dangerous thing in your home for a child?  How can it be made less dangerous?

I think the most dangerous thing in my home is the kitchen, because there are lots of dangerous things there, for instance lots of knives, forks, or sharp things, which can injure children.  So we must to separate the kitchen from the other part of the house, and make sure children don’t spend time there unattended.

What could you say to someone who is frightened when there’s a power cut?

Well, it really depends on how serious the situation is.  But I guess it is always possible to find some candles and make some light with that.  S I think I would say something like:  Don’t worry!  Don’t be afraid!  Everything’s going to be fine etc… I don’t know that what else I could say…

What dangers can be found in the kitchen that can cause accidents?

Well, there are many dangerous objects in the kitchen like knives, the oven, the microwave or the blender.  You can cut your hand, set fire to something or just blow up something like food or a machine.  Once I arrived home and I saw my mother and my sister were cleaning the kitchen, because everything was black.  After that they told me what had happened before: my sister had left the oil on the fire and the kitchen burnt down.

What are some essential things you would need in your house in order to be prepared for a disaster?

Well, it is a good question, let me think.  The first I thing is a fire extinguisher.  If I make a mistake in the kitchen, than a first aid box with all the necessary things, then candles to have something to light with instead of lamps...  What else?  A mobile phone so that you can call for help...  and of course chocolate. I think these are a must.

Well, I see.  Now, let’s change the topic.  We’re going to talk about children.

C

What are the positive or negative things about being a child?

Well, I always say that I don’t want to grow up, because I love being a child.  If you’re a child then you can do more things than an adult.  You don’t have too much responsibility, you have more free time, you have more opportunities to have fun (in some ways), so you can enjoy your life more.  However, there are some disadvantages too.  For example: when someone doesn’t let you do something because they say “No, you’re too young for that!” – well, that can be really annoying.

What makes a family, genetics or environment? Why?

I think both of these things have an effect on a person.  But my opinion is that the environment can form one’s personality better.  For example if a nice, affectionate and helpful family adopt a child, who was born in a poor and chaotic family, then they can bring up the child as an honest person.  However, they should adopt the child very early, because if the child live too ling under the effect a bad environment, you won’t be able to change the influence of that.

What are some of the reasons people choose to adopt?

In my opinion, the main reason why people choose to adopt is that they can’t have children of their own, maybe because of some disease.  So they decide to go to an orphanage and adopt children, or at least I think that’s how it works.  But I have also heard about

In an overpopulated world, should people be free to have as many children as they want?

I think nobody has the right to determine how many children a family can have.  But if a country is overpopulated, maybe the parliament shouldn't give any support to those families who have more than 3 children.  And then the parents will think it over whether to have more children in the circumstances they are in.  Therefore, I think just rich families will have as many children they want.

Would you want to adopt a boy or a girl? Why?

There is no easy way to answer this question.  If I was to become a mother, I would prefer a girl, because a girl is more sensitive and shows her feelings, but on the other hand a boy is more independent and curious.  If I had the chance, at first I would say I want a boy, but after that definitely a girl.

Thank you, that’s the end of the first part of the test.

TASK 2

Now look at this situation.  You can study the sheet for half a minute.  When you are ready, start a conversation with me.  I am your father.

Your father has been offered a job in another town.  If he accepts the job, you will have to move there and change schools, which you don’t want to do.  Discuss this with your father.  Consider the following:

Ø                               you’d lose your friends

Ø                               you have one year left at school

Ø                               your mother would need to find a job

Ø                               you love this place

-         Dad, why do you want to change your job?

-         Because my salary will be much higher there.

-         Yeah, I understand that, but I’ll lose all my friends.  You know I’ve only one more year at school.  Can’t you just wait one more year?  It has always been difficult for me to make new friends and if I move to another town I won’t be able to keep in touch with my friends from this school.

-         Oh, come on.  You’ll love that place, and you can always chat with your friends on the Internet or skype them.

-         And what about mum?  If we move away, she’ll have to find a new job.  You know she loves her job and she has just been promoted.  And I think we have enough money, you don’t need to earn more.

-         I talked this through with your mum and she has agreed.

-         And is it nice there?  You know we always said it’s best to live somewhere with lots of green space, and not among skyscrapers with no forests or parks.

-         I’m sorry honey, but we will have to move to New York.  We can’t help it.

-         Oh, okay then.  ­Can I get a webcam?

-         Of course you can!

Thank you, that’s the end of the second part of the test.

TASK 3

In the last part of the test, you will compare and contrast some pictures.  Now you have half a minute to look at these pictures and the prompts below them.  When you are ready, you will have three minutes to talk.

The pictures below show a pet and its owner dressed in rather unusual ways.  Compare and contrast them, including the following points:

Ø       things you can express with the way you dress

Ø       the importance of following trends

Ø       reasons for and against putting clothes on animals

Ø       your impressions about the owner based on the pictures

I think the way you dress says a lot about your personality.  Let’s take the example of the woman in the second picture.  She’s wearing all sorts of bright colours, yellow high-heels, pink tights and there is some yellow and some pink in her dress, too.  She gives the impression of being cheerful and optimistic maybe.

If you want to follow trends, it will take some time and some money, and I guess not everyone wants to put so much effort into what they wear.  Also, some people simply hate shopping, so they are probably quite happy with the clothes they have and wear them as long as possible.

I really don’t like the first picture, the one about the dog. I think it is cruel to dress your dog up like that, I mean it has no way of telling you that it doesn’t like what you’re doing.  The dog in the picture must be a very peaceful dog, because it didn’t really seems to be bothered by the fact that it’s wearing this tight sweater.

But I would never do something like this to my dog, I think it is humiliating.  I mean your dog is your best friend, and you wouldn’t normally make fun of your best friend simply for the sake of a good picture or to make some other friends laugh.  So I’m not sure the cheerful lady is a good dog owner, and maybe she should have something like a fish, which needs less care.

Thank you, that’s the end of your test.

 source:

https://eduline.hu/erettsegi_felveteli/2009/4/6/20090406_angol_erettsegi_tetel_10

Examiner:      Good morning!  Take a seat, please.

                   How are you feeling at the moment?

                   How did you feel this morning when you woke up?

                   What will you miss most now that you’re leaving school?

                   Would you stay one more year?  Why (not)?

Now I’m going to ask you a few questions.  If you can’t understand me, I can repeat the question once.  Let’s get started.

A

What situations need volunteer workers?

In my opinion, when there has been a big disaster somewhere, like an earthquake or the eruption of a volcano, then people have to help.  We must send medical aid, food, clothes, and volunteer workers who help the people.  This is a very important thing, because if we were in their situation, we would be happy if they helped us.

Can a volunteer be treated the same as paid staff?

I think volunteers can be treated the same as a paid staff, that is, they should work as hard as paid staff.  I think we need volunteers because sometimes a company does not have enough employees to complete all the tasks it has but cannot afford to hire more staff.  It is also good for the people who do it because everybody should start work somewhere and volunteering is a good way to start it.

Can you list some reasons why people volunteer?

Sure, firstly, people would like to live in a better world and they try to help in achieving this somehow.  Secondly, they feel better doing it, because they do something for the world and that’s good.  Lastly, people try to persuade others to volunteer and try to lead an exemplary life.  I reckon that everybody should do something on a voluntary basis to experience what it feels like.

What are some problems people might have after a disaster and how can volunteers help overcome these?

There are basically only problems after a disaster.  The first questions are where the survivors will live, what they will eat and drink, and what they will wear.  Volunteers can help in building new houses and distributing aid, food and clothes.  If these problems can be solved it is really important that the survivors get psychological help too.  I think the hardest thing is to lose somebody you love and then having to come to terms with that.  And volunteers can help here, too.

Have you ever done any voluntary work?

At my high school we had to do ten hours of voluntary work per term in the first two years.  I think it was a good thing, we got a taste of what it feels like to help someone without expecting anything in return.  We went to a shelter for dogs and took the dogs for a walk, gave a concert in an old people’s home, played with kids in a children’s hospital, that sort of thing.  I really enjoyed it.

I see.  Now let’s move on to the next topic, which is conflicts.

B

Is conflict always negative?

No, definitely not always.  A conflict could be good, it may sound funny but it can be useful.  I mean if there is a conflict, that means we start to talk about the problem, and that’s always good.  We either find a solution and live happily ever after, or if we can’t find a solution we realise that maybe we should not meet anymore.

How can conflicts be resolved?

It depends on the situation but there are some common tips and ideas which could be good for almost every situation.  Firstly, everyone has to listen to the other person’s opinions, you have to consider that too, because it’s important.  Then if the two parties who are having a conflict cannot agree in any way, then they should ask a third person to help them decide who is right, someone to mediate between them.  I don’t think that simply ignoring a conflict and making that topic taboo works.

Does there have to be a winner and a loser of a conflict?

Well, not necessarily.  If the two parties can reach a compromise, then no one wins, but it’s good for everyone.  I think it’s more problematic when there is just one solution. In this case somebody has to win. I’m not really good at this game, so if I have a conflict with somebody, I usually tell him/her my opinion and listen to his/her ideas too and if I can’t see a solution, I won’t start an argument, I’ll just leave or let him/her win.

Who do you have the most conflicts with in your family?

My mum, definitely.  We never really have a conversation without arguing a little bit.  I mean I love her to bits, we just seem to have this thing going on between us, that we are unable to agree on anything.  I think my dad and my sister find this quite amusing, actually.  Sometimes it is funny, but not always.

Have you ever had a conflict with one of your teachers?

Oh yes, it happens every now and then.  It’s natural I guess, unless you are one of those people who never say anything in class.  I haven’t had a serious conflict with anyone, but once or twice my parents had to make a call and I think my form teacher had to intervene a couple times too.  But that’s fine, because school should prepare you for life, shouldn’t it?

Well, I see.  Now, let’s change the topic.  We’re going to talk about creativity.

C

Is creativity a good thing? Why or why not?

As I see it, people who are creative are very lucky, so I think yes, it is a fantastic thing.  If you are creative, then for example you can make great presents for Christmas or for birthdays etc, or you can decorate the place where you live.  Creativity can make your life more colourful and I think it makes everyone pleased when they can say, “Yes, I made that.”

Is taking a risk part of creativity?

It’s a hard question.  I’ve never thought about that.  I think I’m a creative person, or at least I can be creative sometimes.  It depends on the situation, the circumstances and the task ahead.  But to answer your question, I think there’s no connection between creativity and the willingness to take risks.  Therefore taking a risk is not part of creativity.

What are some creative ways to entertain children?

Lovely question.  Usually it depends on the child.  I think the most creative way to entertain a child is if we play something with them.  Some parents just let the child watch TV or play computer games, but in the long run that won’t do any good for the child.  Parents should spend quality time with their children, for instance making up a story together or building a   big castle, things like that.

         Can creativity be a problem at school?

I think so, because creativity also means not doing what everyone else does, so not following the rules but doing things your own way, and some teachers might have a problem with that.  But luckily we have had some teachers who really appreciated creative people in the class and didn’t think that these students were trying to be disruptive by being different.

         Who is the most creative person you know?

My boyfriend.  He is very smart and very funny, both of which I think are crucial for creativity.  Usually I can’t wait for my birthday or Christmas, because I know he will come up with something very original.  Last Christmas, for instance, he wrote a poem for me, which was very beautiful.

Thank you, that’s the end of the first part of the test.

TASK 2

Now look at this situation.  You can study the sheet for half a minute.  When you are ready, start a conversation with me.  I am your friend.

You are thinking of buying a puppy for your sister, who is 14 years old.  Ask your friend for some advice about this, considering the following:

Ø       how your sister feels about dogs

Ø       what taking care of a dog involves

Ø       whether your sister is old enough to do all that

Ø       what your parents would say

-        So, do you think it’s a good idea to buy Emily a puppy for her birthday?

-        Does she like dogs?

-        Are you kidding?  She is crazy about dogs!  Whenever we see one on the street, she always stops and says hello.

-        OK.  Now have you ever had a dog?  Do you know what it means to look after it?

-        No, we’ve never had a dog.  I guess having a dog means walking it two times a day, of course feeding it, and maybe washing it every now and then?

-        And you think your sister could do all that?

-        Well, not alone, but there’s my brother to help, plus me and my parents of course.  And you know we have a huge garden, so the dog could run around all the day.

-        What about your parents?  Would they agree to your plan?

-        I think so, but I will definitely ask them first, before I do anything.

-        That sounds like a good plan to me.

Thank you, that’s the end of the second part of the test.

TASK 3

In the last part of the test, you will compare and contrast some pictures.  Now you have half a minute to look at these pictures and the prompts below them.  When you are ready, you will have three minutes to talk.

The pictures below show a computer game and a board game.  Compare and contrast them, including the following points:

Ø       what kind of people enjoy each game

Ø       how long people usually play these games

Ø       the cost of the games

Ø       your personal preference

I know that the stereotypical thing would be to say that older people prefer board games, while the younger generation like computer games more.  However, I have several friends who are really into playing some board games and often have parties where they play e.g. Risk.  I think this is what the picture suggests too, with the beer bottles for instance.

Well, a game like Risk can take you a couple hours, sometimes even a whole night, but I’ve heard of these parties called LAN parties where everyone brings their own computer along and people play games for days on end, just grabbing some food on the way.  You can sometimes also hear about people who play with games like WOW for weeks on end, though I think that sounds a bit scary.

About costs, I guess board games are still cheaper than a computer, although they are getting more and more expensive as the design gets nicer, so sometimes you end up paying huge amounts of money for board games too.  But I think board games are generally less addictive, so you probably end up spending more on your computer games because you simply must have the latest thing.

I’m not a great fan of computer games to be honest, and there definitely isn’t one that I play a lot.  I kind of like board games, like Risk, or games involving trivia and all sorts of questions, but I don’t play these that often.  Sometimes when all the family is together, we’ll spend a couple hours playing some game and that’s fun.

Thank you, that’s the end of your test.

source:

https://eduline.hu/erettsegi_felveteli/2009/4/20/20090420_angol_erettsegi_tetel_15

Examiner:      Good morning!  Take a seat, please.

                   How are you feeling at the moment?

                   How did you feel this morning when you woke up?

                   What will you miss most now that you’re leaving school?

                   Would you stay one more year?  Why (not)?

Now I’m going to ask you a few questions.  If you can’t understand me, I can repeat the question once.  Let’s get started.

A

What annoying habit does your best friend have?

Hmm, let me think about that for a moment…  As I see it, If you are a real best friend you don’t care about annoying habits.  However, If I have to say something, I think my best friend can be in a bad mood or can be careless.  For one thing, when I have a problem and I try to tell my friend about it, sometimes she doesn’t really follow my story, which can be disappointing.

Does someone in the family usually do thing that annoy you?

I can answer this question easily.  We have a dog and she does many things that really annoy me.  For example when she makes the flat dirty and when she tears something into little pieces.  But luckily we have solved this problem, because now that the weather is better, she can stay in the garden when we are not at home.  But she likes being there, so that’s okay.

         What is your pet peeve?

I simply hate if someone touches me when they are hands are wet.  I know it’s silly, because I wash my hands several times every day, but I can scream and run if someone wants to touch me with wet hands.  My boyfriend of course knows this only too well and wouldn’t miss a single chance to try and touch me when he has washed his hands, or try to give me a kiss on the cheek when he has washed his face.  Yuk!

How do you feel when you have a hunch someone's not paying attention to what you have to say?

I usually feel nervous because if I'm talking to someone then I expect his/her attention.  But if I have a hunch that he/she is not paying attention I getting nervous because I'm a bit hot-tempered.  So after a little time I usually break off and ask the person whether they are paying attention to what I’m saying.

         Do you have an annoying habit?

Well, I’m not sure annoying the right word, but it’s definitely embarrassing.  I tend to laugh out really loud when I find something funny in the cinema, and often at times when I’m the only person laughing.  But my friends know this about me so they know what to expect if we go to the cinema together.

I see.  Now let’s move on to the next topic, which is celebrities.

B

Have you ever seen a celebrity in person? What did you do?

Yes, once I saw Rúzsa Magdi on the tram, and it was very exciting.  She was wearing no make-up but I recognized her immediately.  I wanted to go up to her, but I couldn’t think of anything interesting to say, so I just got off the tram and went home.

Do you think famous people have the right to have a private life?

Why wouldn’t they?  Nowadays I think the press and the media are very rude and they don’t let the stars live a normal life.  I don’t want to be a well-known person, because I couldn’t tolerate the insolence of paparazzis and the false news of the tabloids.  I think they have overstepped the mark.

What is your attitude to gossip newspapers?

I hate these newspapers because I’m not interested in others’ personal and private life.  I think those people who spread gossip are disgusting.  These things simply aren't their business.  Actually, I suppose this is not more than a waste of time and also money.

Which celebrity would you like to meet and why?

Well that’s a difficult question, because I am not that kind of person who is enthusiastic about anything or anyone.  However, if I could met with a celebrity then I would meet with Chris Martin, who is the singer of Coldplay.  The reason why I would choose him is that I’m always wondering about how they write a song or how they get inspiration to compose a melody.

         If you could meet your favourite celebrity, how would you spend your time with him or her?

Well, as I said I’m not horribly enthusiastic about anything or anybody, so I think I would prefer to sit and watch what they are doing – I mean, I wouldn’t want to have dinner with him or go for a drink or something.  I think the best thing would be to watch him at work and see how he goes about writing a song.

Well, I see.  Now, let’s change the topic.  We’re going to talk about changing weather patterns.

C

Do you think weather patterns are changing? If so, why do you think this is?

The weather patterns are changing, this is true.  For instance, in Hungary, spring seems to be disappearing.  The main reason is global warming, because there are lots of cars and factories that pollute the air.  And it has caused plenty of problems in the weather, so we have to decrease pollution, because in the future we will have even more problems if we do not.

Have you ever been caught in really bad weather? If so, what did you do?

Yes, once when I was on a big trip with my class, we were walking towards the place where we were going to spend the night, when suddenly it started raining.  So we started to run, but unfortunately, we still got very wet.  It was horrible back then, with all your clothes soaking wet on the first day of a trip, but looking back to it now, it was really funny.

Where do you get your weather information?

Usually I watch the weather forecast in TV, because it begins after the news, and I usually watch that.   Sometimes I search on the internet, for example when I know I’m going to travel somewhere.  But I don’t always believe what they say.  The weather forecast doesn’t influence me too much, because when I get up in the morning and look out through the open window, I can feel how warm it is outside.

What’s your favourite kind of weather?

I actually like all kinds of weather, for different reasons.  I love it when it’s sunny, because you can go outside and do something for fun, and the colours are really beautiful, and when you come back in your clothes are going to smell of sun.  But I think rain can also be good, especially if it’s a warm summer rain.  And I’m sure everybody loves snow, it’s so beautiful!

         What is the ideal weather for studying?

Well, it either needs to be something that will make you feel okay about staying at home, like heavy rain or thick snow or gusty winds, or something that looks beautiful from the inside, like a sunny autumn day.  I’m lucky because we have a balcony where I can sit outside and study, while looking at the trees or even sunbathing.

Thank you, that’s the end of the first part of the test.

TASK 2

Now look at this situation.  You can study the sheet for half a minute.  When you are ready, start a conversation with me.  I am your friend.

You would like to rent a flat and have an appointment today with the owner.  However, you’re feeling ill and won’t be able to make it.  Ask your friend to meet the owner instead of you and discuss with him/her the following:

Ø       when you can move in

Ø       whether the flat is furnished

Ø       rent money

Ø       any special rules

-        Can I ask you a favour?  You know I made an appointment with the owner of the flat where I’d like to move to, but I’m feeling too weak to go.  Could you go in my place?

-        Sure, no problem.  What should I ask him about?

-        First I’d like you to find out about the price.  I can’t really afford more than 50,000 a month, so try to haggle if it’s possible.

-        No worries, you know I drive a hard bargain.

-        Great.  Then can you ask him when I could move in.  I have to move out from my present flat in about a month, so that would be ideal.

-        OK.  What else?

-        Well, can you find out about furniture?  I mean, whether the flat is furnished or not.  I need to know whether I should start looking or furniture.

-        OK.  Is that it?

-        Actually, just one more thing.  Could you ask the owner if there are any special rules, about being noisy in the evening, or pets, or anything?  I want to stay there for a long time, so I want to make sure everything is okay.

-        Alright, all remembered.

-        Thanks a lot.  You’re brilliant.

-        No problem.

Thank you, that’s the end of the second part of the test.

TASK 3

In the last part of the test, you will compare and contrast some pictures.  Now you have half a minute to look at these pictures and the prompts below them.  When you are ready, you will have three minutes to talk.

The pictures below show scientists doing different things as part of their job.  Compare and contrast them, including the following points:

I think the second picture is much closer to the stereotype about scientists than the first one.  I guess when people hear the word “scientist”, they think of a lonely someone, probably a man, who spends a lot of time in his laboratory doing things that are absolutely incomprehensible for normal people, and would take at least half an hour to explain.

This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to popularize science, to make sure people know what scientists are doing and that they take an interest.  Lectures like the one shown in the first picture, especially if accessible for the public, are very important for science to flourish and in order to train the next generation of scientists.

Similarly important is to provide up-to-date appliances for scientists.  However difficult a country’s economic situation is, I think it is vital to allocate some money to science and updating the equipment scientists work with.  Once that’s done, the next thing would be to make sure the equipment in labs in primary and secondary schools are up-to-date too, so that children find science interesting enough to choose it as a major at university. 

As I see it, at the moment science is not taught in the best way – I can only remember a couple of times when we had lessons in labs and did some experiments.  Most of the time it’s just dry theory, which will not help me like chemistry more, or know more about the world around me.  I think we would need more hands-on experience.

Thank you, that’s the end of your test.

Sam Wainstein from the charity said, “Films can have a powerful influence on the way children behave and interact with people around them. Characters that young people identify with tend to stay with them the longest and positive behaviours can be learnt by watching the way that fictional characters handle certain situations on-screen.”

https://iteslj.org/questions/movies.html

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/harry-potter/9784893/Harry-Potters-Hermione-Granger-voted-best-film-role-model-by-children.html

Theatres:

https://www.michellehenry.fr/theatre.htm#voc

SHAKESPEARE'S WORDS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcZp30snb5A

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parts_of_a_theatre

Hobby is an interesting and good past time. It s an activity taken up in leisure time ...It keeps the people busy and gives pleasure also. Hobbies are of different kinds, different people have different hobbies. My hobby is reading.



Reading book is my hobby. I read only good and useful books. T get much useful knowledge from them Books are the chief source that provide knowledge, information and entertainment to our mind. Books brighten our ideas and ennoble our soul. People think that they can get more knowledge from the T.V. and the films, but it is absurd thinking. The best knowledge is stored in books written by master minded geniuses. Books are our best guides and honest friends.



Reading gives much pleasure. I can enjoy the company of great writers by reading their works. I can learn from them good and noble things of life. Good books are friends. They contain the wisdom of ages. They are an endless store of knowledge. We can learn much from them they give us food for the mind. Reading book is the best of all hobbies. It is not very expensive. We can borrow books from libraries.

https://myschool.in.com/student-corner/article-my-hobby-reading-2432.html

Reading is one of the most constructive hobbies a person can have. The difference between ignorance and knowledge is only a book away. Reading stimulates your mind. It makes you think. You can learn to do many other hobbies by reading. It will generate in you new ideas and a more sound of understanding of the world and those around you. All great men and women have had a love of reading and a passion for learning.

Reading can be a relaxing hobby as well. It is something you can just sit around in your house and do. You can go to the park and read. You can go up into the mountains or out in field to read alone if you would like. You can get completely lost in reading and forget where you are or what time it is, or how much time has passed while you have been reading. If you do not like reading, do it anyway, until you learn to love it. Read different types of books to see which genre of books are most interesting to you.

Reading can fit all personality types, whether you like fiction or non-fiction, action, adventure, drama, humor, whatever it may be, there are books that will fit your tastes. I try to read books as often as I can. I have a personal website now, where I created a book club and can make comments or reviews of the books I read. I think I enjoy every book that I read. Every single one has something to offer, something to learn from it.

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The more you put into a book, the more you get out of it. You can read a very boring book, but if you read between the lines you can find surprising things that interest you. Think of the deeper meanings of the stories and the lessons the authors are trying to teach, whether you agree with them or not. If you do not agree with them, think to yourself why. Look at the stories of the lives of the people in the books and what you can learn from them; analyze and critique them. I enjoy reading nonfiction books, but I can enjoy any book that is well written and has deep and insightful truths.

Books can make you see the world differently; they can make you understand things more fully and wholly. They can change your paradigm. They will increase your vocabulary, your understanding of life and people, and with this understanding, you will gain more confidence in your social interactions. You will be able to argue your opinions more thoroughly and logically. You will understand the current issues to a greater extent. When you learn to understand others better, you can become more tolerant and respectful of differing opinions. Your opinions will become more logical and solidified; they may change and be molded as they are solidifying from your increase in knowledge.

Peter Jay is the Owner/President and CEO of Variety Access – Your online hobby store and more. For more information about hobbies, hobby products, or Variety Access, go to VarietyAccess.com.

https://peterjay.articlealley.com/favorite-hobbiesreading-12653.html

https://iteslj.org/questions/hobby.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hobbies

https://www.about.com/hobbies/

https://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/leisure/quiz/index.html

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobby

There have been instances where hobbies have led to significant developments beyond personal fulfillment for those involved. Amateur astronomers have made significant contributions to the profession and hobbyists have made discoveries such as a celestial body or celestial event. In the area of computer programming, the invention of the Linux operating system began as a student's hobby. Furthermore, a substantial amount of early scientific research effectively came from the hobby activities of the wealthy.^{[citation needed]}

Hobbies have also risen to prominence after a period of relatively low interest in them. For example, a British conservationist was seen wearing field glasses at a London train station in the 1930s and was consequently asked if he was going to the horse races.^{[citation needed]} Whilst the general public was not aware of nature observation (formally conducted as field research) during the 1930s, practitioners of the hobby went on to become the pioneers of the conservation movement that flourished in the UK from 1965 onwards; a movement that eventually became a global political movement within a generation's time span.^{[citation needed]}

If you ask me, it is easier to prevent diseases than treat them. So, first, I will talk about health, diet and exercise, then I will say a couple of words about natural remedies and alternative medicine.

Health is something that we take for granted while it is there but miss it terribly when it’s gone.

We usually talk about physical health (how our body functions) and mental health (how we feel emotionally, how we cope with problems etc.) There is a connection between physical and mental health. There is an old proverb: a sound mind in a sound body.

If you feel tired after activity or you are out of breath after climbing the stairs you are probably out of shape (unfit, your health is poor, you are unhealthy). Maybe you spend too much time watching TV or you work long hours in an office.

The food you eat is also very important. Many of us eat too much food containing fat and sugar. If you eat too much junk food, you will gain weight and become obese.

Your blood pressure will also rise and you will have heart problems. You also run the risk of suffering from diabetes or you might have a heart attack or a stroke.

I think it is very important to listen to people who stay healthy and energetic in their seventies or eighties, or sometimes even longer. I saw some videos about old people who look much younger than their actual age. There is a woman, who is in her early seventies (first I thought she was in her mid-thirties), who has been a vegetarian (and vegan) for decades.

She starts her day with a vegetable cocktail every day and eats only fresh fruit and veggies. Another woman grows her own vegetables and eats only raw vegetables and fruit. The most interesting video shows a 110-year-old man who shares his secret with us: garlic, cinnamon, chocolate, honey and olive oil.

He also thinks that we should eat a lot of organic vegetables and fruit, walk every morning and avoid red meat and junk food.

If you want to improve your health you should get regular exercise.

Cardio-vascular exercises will make your heart beat fast and help burn calories. You can work out in a gym, lift weights to build muscles. There are different types of exercise: you can start with light exercises such as walking or stretching, moderate exercise, for example jogging or walking fast, then there is vigorous exercise like running, playing squash, tennis or badminton.

If you want to stay healthy, you shouldn’t drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes because they damage your liver and lungs. Smoking and drinking can cause cancer and many other serious health problems. But, a habit can be broken and with a little willpower you can get rid of these bad habits.

You should also get enough rest and sleep at least six hours every night. Sleep recharges you physically and unwinds you mentally.

Believe it or not, it is possible to exercise too much. If you work out too often, you run the risk of causing damage to your muscles. Just one hour’s exercise per day should be enough to keep you feeling fit.

  Overall, if you eat properly and exercise regularly, you will be as fit as a fiddle.

 Although I eat a lot of vegetables and fruit and exercise regularly, sometimes I catch a cold or have a headache. I do not run to my GP for a prescription drug, I turn to alternative medicine. I like herbology for example. I believe that some simple herbs, such as chamomile, thyme, rosemary or lavender can cure simple problems like a sore throat, coughing or a headache.

My favorite herbologist is an old man called György Szabó. He is in his mid-eighties and thinks that he can cure even cancer with herbs.

Sometimes I need specialists. I am short sighted, so I have to see my Ophthalmologist regularly.

I think people should have regular check-ups if they want to make sure that they are in perfect health.

I have a good dentist and an excellent gynecologist, but I hope I will never need an oncologist, a cardiologist or a surgeon.

In Hungary people do not have to pay for medical services if they have ‘medical insurance’ (it is called ‘social security fee or tax’. But the quality of this service is not too high; so many people choose private doctors and hospitals if they can afford them.

Word list: https://quizlet.com/615584778/health-illnesses-ecl-b2-topic-11-flash-cards/

Topic summary on flashcards: https://quizlet.com/_a6i7h6?x=1qqt&i=isxfb

A quiz: https://www.playbuzz.com/marisad10/how-healthy-are-you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v4Vbhtx6TM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EGuJIHRIt0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfAvTTGDSUQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6qi3gfIJRA#t=202

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziyPmiuwtIQ

http://iteslj.org/questions/mindbodyhealth.html

FOOD IDIOMS

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/content/words-and-their-stories-food-expressions-part-three-116811763/118749.html

Listening comprehension:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2012/08/120830_6min_global_waste.shtml

GO BANANAS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp8PqtWxZws

HOW TO ORDER IN A RESTAURANT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWafoyMV9ug

https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/food-restaurants-quiz.php

KITCHEN VOCABULARY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdHeNltTZsU

FRUITS AND VEGGIES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4lJqY62gcA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uOU-yzHccM

https://www.buzzfeed.com/audreyworboys/endless-vegetable-quiz

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/plus/quiz/image/food-and-drink2_2

https://www.buzzfeed.com/audreyworboys/vegetable-trivia-quiz

Match a word in A with its opposite in B:

A:  starter,  still,  rare,  full

B:  well-done,  hungry,  fizzy,  dessert

Compare Hungarian cuisine with English cuisine:

Hungarian cuisine:

English cuisine:

Both:

THEY

1. use a lot of paprika and pepper
2. eat a lot of pudding
3. like hot and spicy food
4. eat a lot of greasy and fattening food
5. often have cereal or toast for breakfast
6. drink tea with milk
7. like food from other countries
8. eat a lot of fish
9. pour gravy on the meat

Some meat is given a different name from the animal it comes from. What animals do the following meats come from?

pork

beef

veal

venison

mutton

Match each verb with the food item it is most associated with:

to peel,   to grate,   to mash,   to bake,   to boil,   to make

a cake,   eggs,   oranges,   cheese,   potatoes,   bread

Can you explain the meaning of the following phrases?

To me 1,000 pounds is a lot of money, but to a millionaire it’s peanuts.

The exam was easy. It was a piece of cake.

He watches TV all day. He’s a couch potato.

She likes literature and classical music. Discos are not her cup of tea.

She’s no spring chicken.

She’s the apple of her daddy’s eye.

No wonder she’s fat. She eats like a horse.

He has a sweet tooth.

Look at the lines of some conversations in a restaurant: Who says them, the waiter ( W ) or the customer ( C )?

Would you like to order some wine?

We’d like a table for two.

Can we have the bill?

Could we have the menu?

How would you like a steak?

What vegetables would you like?

Is this table all right?

The soup of the day is French onion soup.

Can I see the wine list?

Are you ready to order?

Medium, please.

I’ll have fried chicken with mashed potatoes and a green salad.

What’s my job?

I sell bread and cakes.        Then you are a …

I sell meat.

I sell vegetables.

I sell fish.

I sell sweets and chocolates.

I sell groceries.

Give definitions of the following words and phrases:

A recipe,   a cookery book,   dinner,   tea,   lunch,   brunch,   a snack,   a menu,   a starter,    a soft drink

Which of the following things is used for:

1. opening tins
2. pulling out corks
3. beating eggs
4. covering saucepans
5. stirring food in a saucepan
6. weighing flour, sugar
7. squeezing lemons
8. grating cheese
9. grinding coffee
10. mixing food

lemon squeezer,   a corkscrew,   a lid,   scales,   a mixer,   a grater,   a tin opener,   a coffee grinder,   an egg whisk,   a wooden spoon

http://greenr.blog.hu/2013/10/26/jamie_oliver_hamburgersef_bizonyitotta_hogy_a_mcdonald_s_emberi_fogyasztasra_alkalmatlan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj8gDA8En5I#t=57

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wshlnRWnf30

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEMbWn6ClxM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCqKl4Q3hW4

http://politicalblindspot.com/hamburger-chef-jamie-oliver-proves-mcdonalds-burgers-unfit-for-human-consumption/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/quizzes/crossword/121221_crossword_skating.shtml

TALKING SPORT ON BBC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/talkingsport/

OLYMPICS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESRue4aUpFk&feature=player_embedded

https://esl.about.com/od/vocabularyquizzes/a/sporting_vocabulary_quiz.htm

QUESTIONS ABOUT SPORTS:

https://compellingconversations.com/blog/ESL/efl-sports-lessons/

READING COMPREHENSION MATERIAL/SPORT:

https://linguapress.com/intermediate/sport-cuts-crime.htm

Listening:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f_JYCzArn8

Sports idioms:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCiCQciYL7I

 https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/quizzes/crossword/121221_crossword_skating.shtml

SPORT?