Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles.
1. Blacks are moving to New Zealand.
2. Lake Balaton is situated in Hungary.
3. President delivered a speech at the convention.
4. Checks are preparing for the presidential elections.
5. My uncle has a farm in Montana.
6. The weather in United Kingdom is very changeable.
7. Andes are situated in America.
8. The students observed Venus in sky.
9. I have always dreamt about a week's holiday in Bahamas.
10. Nile flows into Mediterranean Sea.
11. We spent the weekend in Regent's Park.
12. Eifel Tower was built in Paris.
13. How long have you been learning Italian language?
14. I learnt to play flute when I was ten.
15. Titanic is the best-known ship in world.
16. Let;s meet on Monday, 15th of November.

People in contemporary world can hardly imagine their lives without machines. Every day either a new gadget is invented or an old one is improved. Different people appreciate new inventions differently. Some suppose that sophisticated gadgets are really useful and necessary, while others find them absolutely awful as they influence people badly. As for me, I am pretty sure that gadgets make people`s lives easier.

Firstly, they do all kinds of dirty and hard work, as cleaning. Secondly, devices can save a lot of time as well as storage space. For instance, a computer disk can contain the same amount of information as several thick books.So, machines help people in different spheres.

However, opponents of this point of view are definitely sure that gadgets affect people negatively. People are reluctant to work due to the influence of machines. People become lazy and disorganized. They just expect their latest gadgets to do everything instead of them. Moreover, according to scientists, a great number of widespread devices produce radiation that can cause serious health problems. Furthermore, more and more people are becoming addicted to their modern gadgets, for instance computers, TVs or mobile phones. So, they neglect their home obligations, work or school and spend all their spare time in front of a laptop screen or a TV-set.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that in spite of all drawbacks, gadgets have, their benefits are much more considerable, as they save people`s time and let them enjoy life.

1) Do you live in town or in the country? Is it where you would always like to live? Why?

I live in town and I would always like to live in town because life here is more comfortable and interesting. It is also easier to find a good job here.

2) What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city and living in a small place?  

The advantages of living in a big city: more entertainment options, better education and career opportunities, interesting architecture.

The disadvantages of living in a big city: higher cost of living, pollution, less personal space.

The advantages of living in a small place: slower pace of life, fewer crowds, lower prices, less pollution.

The disadvantages of living in a small place: fewer entertainment options and career opportunities.

3) What city in your country do you find the most attractive? Why?

I think it's St. Petersburg  because there are a lot of beautiful buildings and monuments of great historical importance there.

4) What city abroad would you like to visit? Why?

I would like to visit Paris because I want to see the Eiffel Tower and visit the Louvre Museum in order to see the Mona Lisa. Besides, I'd like to go to Disneyland Paris.

5) Which of the world cities are the most interesting from the point of view of  their architecture? What places in them are a must for a visitor?

I think the most interesting cities from the point of view of  their architecture are Athens, Rome, St. Petersburg, Brasilia, Barcelona, Florence, Dubai and many others. For example, in Barcelona the temple known as Sagrada Família is a must for a visitor. In Rome it is St. Peter's Square.

6) How can you describe the most beautiful and the least beautiful building you have ever seen?

The most beautiful building I have ever seen is Peterhof Grand Palace, the former summer residence of the Russian monarchs.

The least beautiful building I have ever seen is the Tver Business Center which is nicknamed “Ryumka” (рюмка).

7) What else, apart from good architecture, makes a town or a city good for living in it?

There are a lot of museums, art galleries, cinemas, educational centres and sport facilities in a town or a city.

8) What are the worst problems city dwellers have to face?

I think, the worst problems city dwellers have to face are pollution and heavy traffic.

9) Do you think teenagers may have any problems of their own connected with living in a big city? What are they?

Yes, I think they may have a few problems, such as drugs, alchoholism, smoking and involvement in criminal gangs.

10) What is the future of huge megalopolises? Do you think they will continue to  attract people? Will they fuse into massive single units or fall apart?  What will life in such cities be like?

I think in the future megalopolises will continue to  attract people and they probably will fuse into massive single units. Life will be even faster than now, with robots and machines everywhere. The architecture will change too.