Text 3.

On the 1^st of January 2002, 300 millions Europeans in twelve countries woke up to a new currency, the euro. The euro is not new: it had been used in electronic transfers and by banks in international businesses since 1999. But with the launch of euro banknotes and coins, anyone who lives, does business or travels in any of the twelve- countries will benefit from dealing in just one currency.

There are seven euro banknotes denominations, which can be recognized easily by their look feel: the larger banknote the higher the value. There are also 8 denominations of euro coins each having a common side and a national side. The common side always shows the value of the coin. The national side differs from country to country.

Euro banknotes and coins may be used in each of the participating countries. For the first time in the history of Europe twelve currencies have been traded in for just one. (Taken from the European Central Bank Advertisement)

True or False:

1. The euro was first used on January 1, 2002.
2. Twelve countries used euro as their only currency.
3. The euro will be convenient only for travelers and businessmen.
4. A five hundred euro banknote will be larger than a two hundred one.
5. Each country has different euro coins, which can only be used in that country.
6. There are seven different euro banknotes and seven different coins.
7. The national side of each coin shows how much it is worth.
8. Thirty million people have used the euro since January 1, 2002.
9. Banknotes are easily recognized by their look and colour.
10. The euro is the first currency in history to be used in twelve countries in Europe.

Text 4. In 776 B.C. The first Olympic Games were held at the foot of Mount Olympus to honour the Greeks’ chief god, Zeus. The Greeks emphasized physical fitness and strength in their education of youth. Therefore, contests in running, jumping, discus and javelin throwing, boxing and horse racing were held in individual cities, and the winners competed every four years at Mount Olympus. Winners were greatly honoured by having olive wreaths placed on their heads and poems sung about their deeds. Originally these were held as games of friendship, and any wars in progress were halted to allow the games to take place. The Greeks attached so much importance to these games that calculated time in four-year cycles called “Olympiads” dating from 776 B.C.

Choose the best variant:

1. Which of the following is not true?

A) Winners placed olive wreaths on their own heads B) The games were held in Greece every 4 years C) Battles were interrupted to participate in the games. D) Poems praised winners in songs

2. Why were the Olympics held?

A) to stop wars B) to honour Zeus C)to crown the best athletes D) to sing songs about their deeds

3. Approximately how many years ago did these games originate?

A) 776 years B) 1, 276 C) 2, 780 D) 2, 277

4. What conclusion can we make about the ancient Greeks?

A) They liked to fight B) They were very athletic C) They liked a lot of ceremony D) They couldn’t count, so they used “Olympiads” for dates

5. How many Olympic events did the Greeks originally participate in?

A) 4 B) 5 C) 6 D) 8