I. Read the text and accomplish the post reading tasks.

The Belief in the Stars

When all other advice fails to satisfy, why not turn to the stars? Lots of people believe in the power of the zodiac to predict events and identify trends in their lives.

What is the zodiac? The zodiac is more commonly known as: star/sun signs, astrology, or horoscopes. It is a very ancient tradition of looking to the stars for answers about a person or people based on the placement of the stars at the time of their birth. The theory goes on the principal that as the stars and planets change alignment; events in the life of individuals born under certain "signs" also change. Astrology is responsible for the term, "born under a lucky star".

One of the most popular uses of astrology's predictive powers is in the area of love and romance. People like to see if "love is in the stars" for them, or how their "sign" matches with that of a potential love interest. There are some signs that are said to clash and others that are said to make beautiful music together.

Another popular reason for "consulting with the stars" is to see if wealth or success is in ones future. Many people feel that, when all else has failed, the stars can be counted on to give them the truth. In reality, the stars often tell people what they want to hear - another reason for the extreme popularity of horoscopes. Whether for true "advice", or just for fun, there is always an answer in the stars.

Astrology is a science of time where every moment has a certain quality attached to it. The personal horoscope is a simplified map of the moments and circumstances in our life. It is in turn a guide map for our journey through time on the planet known as Earth.

1. Choose the correct variant. 0/2 points

According to the text, the stars often tell people:

a) the solution of daily problems. b) what they want to hear. c) the way to success

2. Answer the question - How is the word ‘astrology’ defined in the text? 0/2/4 points

3. Identify the correct variant (True/False). 0/2/4 points

a) People don’t believe in the power of the zodiac to predict events and identify trends in their lives.

T F

b) The personal horoscope is a simplified map of the moments and circumstances in our life.

T F

II. Grammar. Choose the correct variant, use the right tense and report the sentence.

0/2/4/6/8/10/12/14/16/18/20 points

1. I just(cannot/mustn’t) find the time to(make/do) the accounts. I’m way behind with(my/mine) work.

2. We(hasn’t got/haven’t got) any(foods/food) at the moment.

3. I(don’t/doesn’t) understand this point of grammar. I wish I (to understand) it (gooder/better).

4. Linda said: “I am going to have a nap this afternoon.”

5. If I study, I(to pass) the exam.

III. Written production.

“Will the Internet bring people of the world closer together?” (50 words) 20 points