Tea drinking began in China about 4,700 years ago, when dried leaves from

a tea bush fell into a pot of boiling water and then turned into a brown-
coloured refreshing liquid. Amazingly, it was not until 4,000 years later that
tea-drinking reached Europe.
Surprisingly, it became the most popular drink in European coffee houses
where for just a penny customers could get a pot of tea and a newspaper.
Americans learned about tea about three hundred years later. And today,
whether black or green, with lemon or milk, tea is the most common drink
worldwide. But is drinking tea good or bad for your health?
Some studies claim that tea can reduce the chances of developing type-2
diabetes by up to 25 % if about four cups of it are consumed daily. It also
contains antioxidants and magnesium compounds which are believed to help
people reduce their weight.
Moreover, drinking one cup of tea a day can help lower the risk of heart
disease, eye related diseases and some types of cancer.

Green tea is considered to have the most health benefits of any type of tea.
But because green tea naturally contains some caffeine, it is very bad for
women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Research has also found that drinking more than four cups of tea a day can
cause joint inflammation in women. Black tea is also thought to have a
similar negative impact.
The caffeine in it is believed to contribute to the hardening of blood vessels.
Regardless of the advantages or disadvantages of drinking tea, it is definitely
a healthier alternative to coffee as it contains less caffeine. However, if you
want to be really healthy and have your skin looking great, then you should
drink water and drink lots of it as it hydrates the skin and is also known as
‘the food of the brain’.
Choose the correct answer:
1. The ___________ were the first to discover tea.
Chinese Europeans Americans
2. Drinking_______ of tea every day can protect the body against
diabetes.
1 cup 2 cups 4 cups
3. Antioxidants and magnesium compounds in tea help people
_____________.
see better get thinner fight cancer
4. Green tea is the __________ type of tea.
oldest healthiest strongest
5. Women who are expecting a child should not drink tea because it
__________.
contains caffeine affects the brain hydrates the skin
6. The writer encourages people to drink more __________.
tea coffee water
complete the following sentences:
7. Drinking tea is claimed to…………the chance of developing one
type of diabetes.
8. Drinking one cup of tea everyday can lower the risk of …………
types of cancer.
9. Caffeine can be dangerous for pregnant and …………..women.
10. Tea it is a …………. alternative to coffee.
Read the text. Then complete the task.
Space Tourism
Space tourism is the term used to describe space travel for entertaining or leisure
purposes. What was once only a dream - described in books such as Arthur C. Clarke's 2001:
A Space Odyssey - is now becoming a reality.
Futurologists are scientists who attempt to develop predictions of what life will be like in the
future. After the first man landed on the moon in 1969, they thought that hotels would be built
on the moon by the year 2000. Futurologists also considered the possibility that, in the 21st
century, families might go for a holiday on the moon. Neither of these predictions has come
true yet - but the rapid development of technology may mean these predictions are a possibility
in the years to come.
Space Adventures is currently the only company to have succeeded in sending paying
passengers into space.
Space Adventures worked with the Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation and
Rocket and Space Corporation Energia to facilitate flights for the world's first private space
explorers. Each person paid over $20 million for their 10-day trip to the International Space
Station.
The American businessman Dennis Tito was the world's first space tourist. Tito flew into
space aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket that arrived at the International Space Station on April
30, 2001. The second space tourist, South African businessman Mark Shuttleworth, took off
aboard the Russian Soyuz on April 25, 2002, also bound for the ISS. Greg Olsen, an American
businessman, became tourist number three to the ISS on October 1, 2005.
On September 18, 2006, Anousheh Ansari, a telecommunications entrepreneur, became the
first female space tourist and the fourth space tourist overall. Charles Simonyi, a software
architect, became the fifth space tourist on April 7, 2007.

Following several successful explorations into space, several companies are now
considering the possibility of enabling tourists to visit space. In order to make it more
affordable, suborbital space travel is being considered by many companies, including Virgin
Galactic. Passengers would be transported to a height of between 100-160km above earth,
experience 3-6 minutes of weightlessness and a view of the stars before being taken back
down to earth. This is expected to cost around $200,000 per person.
Whilst it could be an enriching experience, there are some disadvantages to space
tourism. Many critics have commented that a huge growth in the spaceflight industry could
drastically speed up the process of global warming. The ozone layer would be damaged
further, and the polar regions would suffer. In addition, space travel is only really a possibility
for the super-rich. Although Virgin Galactic claims to be "opening space to the rest of us",
there are still millions of people worldwide who wouldn't be able
to afford it.
Task One: For each item, write a short answer (not more than
FOUR WORDS).
1. What made futurologists predict that hotels will be built on the
moon?
________________________________________________
2. What does ISS stand for?
_________________________________________________
3. Which country built the rocket used for space travels?
_________________________________________________
4. How much would a family of three people pay for a suborbital
space travel?

5.what is the topic of "A Space Odyssey” book?

_______________________________________________________
6. why has Spaceflight industry received critic?
______________________________________________________

Task Two: indicate whether these statements are true or false:

True false
7. Tito was the world's first space tourist.

8. Predictions of space opportunities are

connected to improvement of tourism.

9. Space Adventures is not the only company

to have succeeded in sending passengers into space.

10. The space tourism in Virgin Galactic is

affordable for the wealthy people.
Read the following letter/e-mail. Then complete the task.
Dear Sir,
I am writing this reference at the request of Maryam Ali who has applied for
the English Learners' programme at your college.
I have known Maryam since she joined our school and have had the pleasure
of teaching her since January 2016. She has always impressed me with her
ability to organize and manage different activities in our school, in particular
the English Club. She has consistently demonstrated a love of learning, and is
committed to achieving her ambitions. What distinguishes Maryam from other
students, is her passion for reading and her thirst for knowledge.
During her time at school, Maryam started a group which is called ‘English for
Everyone’. She has created a fruitful environment in which students can
discuss topics in English in a friendly and less academic manner. She is also an
active participant in all English club discussions, and is always ready to
support other students who might struggle in English.
She is also responsible for English assemblies which are held every fortnight.
Moreover, she has conducted workshops not only for students, but for teachers
as well.
Her caring nature allows her to work well with others in a team setting, as she
always respects others’ opinions. As you may have already realised, she is an
extrovert who has got very strong leadership skills. She participated in the
‘Takatuf’ programme last year.
She was honoured as the most promising student by Takatuf board members.
Furthermore, she is very creative and her designs for various companies’ logos
have won many awards both at a national and international level. I strongly
recommend that Maryam be accepted onto the English Learners’ Programme.
She will prove herself to be a very able participant who will add a lot of value
to the programme. Please feel free to contact me either by phone 24604546 or
by email shambala@omantel.net.om if you have any further questions
regarding Maryam.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs.Wafa
English Teacher
Task: For each item choose the correct option.
1. The teacher has known Maryam for the past ___________ years.
Two three five

2. Maryam is ___________ student.

a weak an average a smart

3. 'English for Everyone' is a ___________.

class book students’ group teachers’ community

4. English assemblies in Maryam’s school are held every ___________.

Day week two weeks

5. Maryam can be described as ___________.

Bossy co-operative selfish

6. Maryam has won many competitions ___________.

in Oman overseas both (in Oman and overseas)

Complete the following sentences with one word only:

7. The writer supports Maryam’s enrolment onto a………………programme.

8. Maryam has a great passion for…………..

9. Maryam won many national and ………………awards.

10. Maryam …………… all struggling students.

 words WORDS).
Read the text. For each item, write a short answer (not more than FOUR WORDS).

When Ameera arrives home from school, she always gets a glass of chocolate milk and then
goes upstairs to her bedroom. This is her favourite time of day. The house is quiet, and she
can play with her hamsters. Ameera has got two of them. Their names are Zoe and Zelda
and they live in a cage in her bedroom. Ameera knows that most people do not like
hamsters, because they think they are dirty. A year ago, she did not like them either. Then,
one day, her friend Martina showed Ameera her hamsters. Ameera could see how intelligent
and affectionate they were.
When one of Martina's hamsters had babies, Ameera asked her Mum if she could have two
for her birthday present. Her Mum and Dad did not like the idea, but then Ameera got an
excellent school report so they decided to give her the present she wanted. ’There’s one
very important rule', said her Mum. 'The hamsters live in your bedroom and they must
never go into any other rooms in the house, in particular the kitchen!'

One day when Ameera was in her room, she opened the cage. First, she picked up Zelda
and put her on the floor. Then she put Zoe on her shoulder. Zelda loved to explore. She
climbed the furniture and went under Ameera’s bed. Zoe was quieter and liked sitting on
Ameera’s shoulder. Shortly afterwards Mum knocked on the door. 'Hi, Ameera, I am going
to my aerobics class. I'll be back at seven o'clock. Dad's on his way home. He's making
pasta tonight so be sure to help him.’ 'OK, Mum. See you later.'

Mum closed the door. Ameera put Zoe back in the cage and called Zelda. 'Zelda, where are
you?' Zelda usually came when her name was called but this time she did not. Ameera
started to look for her. 'She must be here somewhere,' thought Ameera, 'Oh no! Mum was
here, and Mum opened the door! Zelda could be in the bathroom or living room, or even the
kitchen!' Ameera started to search everywhere but she could not find Zelda.

'Hi, Ameera!' said Dad as he came into the kitchen with a bag of tomatoes and pasta. 'Are
you OK?' 'Yes, I'm... I'm fine', but she was not fine, and she needed Dad's help. 'Dad, I've
…I've lost Zelda!'. 'I see,' said Dad. ‘Don’t worry, we'll find her. She can't have gone far!'
Ameera and her dad looked all over the house, but they could not find Zelda anywhere.
Then, Ameera heard a key in the door and Mum saying, 'It's me, I'm home'. 'Oh, no!'
thought Ameera. 'Mum's going to be so angry!' She decided to run up to her room and wait
for Dad to tell Mum about Zelda. Then Ameera heard her Dad laughing. Her Mum called out,
‘Ameera come downstairs now'. She went downstairs and there was Mum with a big smile
on her face and Zelda sitting on her shoulder!
'Oh, Mum, you found her! Where was she?'
'Well, when I arrived at the gym, I opened my bag and found her. She was sleeping in one
of my shoes’. ‘Oh, I am so sorry Mum’ ‘It’s alright Ameera’ I picked her up for the first time
and you know what I think I like Zelda, and also Zoe.
1. What was Ameera’s favourite time of day?
___________________________________________________________
2. What rules did Ameera’s Mum insist upon?
___________________________________________________________
3. Why does Ameera prefer Zoe?
___________________________________________________________
4. What did Mum ask Ameera to do?
___________________________________________________________
5. How did Zelda escape from the bedroom?
___________________________________________________________
6. Why did Ameera stay in her room after her Mum had returned home?
___________________________________________________________

Task Two: indicate whether these statements are true or false:

True false
7. Zelda was found at the gym.

8. The mother allowed Ameera to bring

the hamsters to the kitchen.

9. Ameera’s parents gave her the hamsters

as a present in her birthday.

10. Ameera’s mum had changed their mind

about hamsters.
Dear Sir/ Madam,
As I am sure you are already aware, next month will see the beginning of the
‘Have a Healthy Heart’ campaign to raise money for heart research. As part of
popular support for this campaign several students here at Nizwa Post Basic
Boys’ School have decided to organise a charity bazaar that will include
competitions for students and their families on 28th of January
2019. The money that we hope to raise will go to the ‘Have a Healthy Heart’
campaign.
In order to raise as much money as possible, we are doing two things. First, we
are requesting members of the local community to donate prizes for competitions
such as running races, in addition to providing items that can be sold at the
charity bazaar such as cakes, crafts, books, games, sports equipment, popcorn and
ice-cream. Second, we are approaching various local
companies to help with fund-raising. It is for this reason that I am writing to your
company as you very kindly supported our charity bazaar last year in addition to
the year before.
As the representative of Nizwa Post Basic Boys’ School Charity Bazaar
committee, I am writing to ask if your company would once more be willing to
consider providing sponsorship for our event. What we have in mind if you are
agreeable, is to display the sponsor’s name on each bazaar stall and also on each
of the winning prizes. In addition, we would have the sponsor’s
name on the banners displayed at the start and finish line of all sport events and
also at the entrance to the school. We hope and believe that our sponsor will, in
this way, gain a lot of positive publicity and that this will also help generate
business for the company.
It is difficult, of course, to make a request for a specific amount of money, but we
are hoping that the company which sponsors us would do so to the amount of one
thousand Omani Rials (1,000.000), and would perhaps also contribute to the
making of the banner, posters, etc.
Should you be interested in sponsoring this worthwhile event, please call us at the
school. Alternatively, you can send an email to this address:
heartcampaign@omantel.net.om
Thank you for giving our request your kind attention. We look forward to hearing
from you.
Yours faithfully,
Salim
Task One: For each item, write a short answer (not more than FOUR WORDS).
1. What are the students at Nizwa Post Basic school organising?
__________________________________________________
2. Where will the event be held?
__________________________________________________
3. Why are they holding the event?
__________________________________________________
4. What will the local community provide?
__________________________________________________
5. How can local companies support the event?
__________________________________________________
6. How can the sponsor contact the organising committee?
__________________________________________________
Task Two: For each item, shade in the bubble to indicate whether the
statement is True/False.

Statements True False

7. The event is for competitors only.

8. You can buy a variety of items at the event.

9. The company sponsored the event two years ago.

10. The sponsor’s name will only appear on prizes and banners.
 Food Miles
1 In the past, consumers did not travel very far because they bought their food locally. This
system worked well for farmers and consumers alike. However, there were some
disadvantages. For example, consumers could only buy food that farmers produced locally
and was in season.

2 Now, because of modern technology, food from all over the world is available in our
shops. We do not have to wait for spring or summer to buy strawberries or tomatoes. They
are available even during winter. Look in your fridge, cupboard, or fruit bowl and check the
origin of the food. Perhaps there are apples from California, lamb from New Zealand, or
potatoes from Egypt. You will probably be surprised to discover how far food travels to get
to your table. This journey, from "field to plate", is called "food miles".

3 A food mile is the distance that food travels from the farmer's field to your plate. In most
countries it is a legal requirement to print the country or origin of a product on the
packaging, or have it displayed somewhere it can be seen if it does not utilize packaging
(such as fruit and vegetables). However, in the U.S. this system does not apply to foods in
which ingredients from countries have been used. So with those products it is a lot harder to
determine the food miles that may have gone into them. It is not just the distance that a food
travels that affects its food miles; it is also the method of transportation. As a general rule,
you should try to limit your consumption of foods that have been transported by air. These
foods are typically moved in this way as they perish quickly and have to get from producer
to market as soon as possible. Long truck journeys also add on food miles as they use a lot
of resources to move comparatively few food products. Sea travel is arguably the most
efficient and ‘green’ form of food transportation, as a lot of goods can be transported in one
go, making for smaller carbon expenditure.

4 How the consumer gets to the shop also plays a part in helping to reduce the impact of
‘food miles’ on the environment. Whenever possible use public transport to go shopping or
walk. It may take a little longer than driving, but you will not only be reducing greenhouse
gas emissions from car fuel, you will either be supporting public transport or getting some
exercise. The ultimate way to reduce your food miles is to grow your own. Even those
without a lot of space can grow something. Herbs and salad greens grow well in a window
box.
Task One: for each item, choose the correct option.
11. In the past, consumers ate food that was grown ______________.
overseas out of season close to where they lived
12. Nowadays, consumers can buy strawberries ______________.
if they are in season all year round in summer-time only
13. _________ countries are legally required to display where a product has
come from.
Only a few The majority of All
14. ‘Food miles’ are measured by _______________to get the food from the
farmer to the consumer.
the distance travelled the form of transport used both the form of
transport and the
distance travelled
15. The most environmentally-friendly method of transporting food is by
___________.
Boat plane lorry
16. The most efficient way to reduce ‘food miles’ is to ____________.
buy local food grow your own food use public transport
Naresh Trehan, a famous heart surgeon, was born in 1946 in Karachi. Naresh was
left handed. When he was seven years old, his teacher broke his left hand to force
him to write with his right hand. So, he hated that school and moved to another
school.

Naresh's parents were doctors, so he was naturally drawn towards medicine. He

decided to join King George's college to study medicine. He got married to a
journalist called Madhu. Naresh wanted to be a heart surgeon, so he travelled with
his wife to the USA in 1968 to study at Thomas Jefferson University.

From 1971 to 1988, he worked and practiced surgery at Manhattan Medical

Center, where he had his first successful surgery. In 1988, he returned to India and
started working with the Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre. He had lots
of contributions to medicine and got many rewards. The president of India was
proud of Naresh's achievements, so he appointed him as his personal surgeon in
1991.

In 2007, he left the Escort to work on his dream project. Two years later, he
opened the Medanta, which is considered to be one of the largest and most
prestigious medical institutes in India. It has 1,250 beds and 45 operation theatres.
In addition to medical care and teaching, Naresh insisted on directing Medanta
utmost support to research purposes.

Naresh is famous because he has done more than 50,000 successful cardic
surgeries. He does about sixteen surgeries per day and sees around sixty patients.
Nowadays, most people find it difficult to afford the cost of effective medicine. So,
Naresh is planning to find herbal medicine at half cost to help poor people.
Task 1: For each item, write a short answer (not more than FOUR
WORDS).

1. Why did Naresh hate school when he was young?

______________________________________
2. What is his wife's job?
_______________________________________
3. When did Naresh start his project The Medanta ? (year)
______________________________________
4. Where did Naresh study heart surgery specialization?
______________________________________________
5. For how long did he stay in USA?
______________________________________________
6. What was the biggest concern for the Medanta?
_______________________________________________

Task Two: For each item, shade in the bubble to indicate whether the statement
is True/False.

True False.

7. Naresh’s wife was a reporter.

8.The president of India appointed Naresh

as his personal surgeon three years after
he returned to India.

9. Medanta is the second largest prestigious

medical institutes in India.

10. Naresh does about sixteen surgeries

per day.
 It seems that we just can't get enough of it - turn on the television and you will
find any number of films and crime series, ranging from whodunits to detective
mysteries, from crime dramas to documentaries, and even reality TV shows
where the public gets to watch the police at work. Why are we so fascinated by
crime?
One aspect of crime that fascinates us are law-breaking 'heroes' characters who
do something wrong for the right reasons or who attract our sympathy for their
daring exploits. These date back hundreds of years. For example, Robin Hood
was first mentioned around 1160. Despite breaking the law, Robin Hood
became a folk hero when he robbed the rich to help the poor. In the 1600s,
pirates, including Edward Teach (known as Blackbeard), Henry
Morgan and Captain Kidd, captured the public imagination, inspiring writers
such as Robert Louis Stevenson, author of 'Treasure Island'. Rather than being
viewed as villains, they were seen as loveable rogues, an image that is still true
today. Just think how popular the film series The Pirates of the Caribbean' has
become: In the 18th century, highwaymen such as Dick Turpin were infamous
for robbing wealthy travellers on the road. Like Robin Hood and the pirates,
highwaymen soon became the subject of poems, ballads, and stories,
However, this sort of fame was not just confined to historical figures.
In the 20 century, the American bank-robbers Bonnie and Clyde, and the outlaw
Ned Kelly, who was born in Australia, became famous because books were
written about their exploits.
Furthermore, they have all made it onto the big screen and have featured in
many TV series and documentaries. In 1963, a gang of 15 robbers stopped a
train in Britain and stole £2.6 million pounds, an event which became known as
The Great Train Robbery. The crime was so outrageous that it attracted huge
public interest. Subsequently many books and films were made about it, and it
even featured in the computer game 'RuneScape'. This type of lawbreaker who
has a romantic image, rightly or wrongly -still continues today.
When a gang of thieves committed the biggest heist in British history in London
in 2015, stealing over £14 million worth of jewels, gold, and cash, much of the
discussion on social media sites was about who might play each of the gang
members when a film was produced about it!
A very different aspect of crime that also fascinates us is murder. Over 19
million people in America alone watched the TV series 'Making A Murderer.
Compare that to a rating of 8 million for the most popular episode of 'Game
of Thrones' and you get an idea about how popular TV murder series are.
There are numerous theories about why shows, books
and films about murder attract us. One theory is that it allows us to play
detective, following the heroes as they investigate clues while trying to solve
the crime ourselves. Another is that we love to figure out who the murderer
is and what motivates them to commit such a terrible crime. Yet another
theory is that watching and reading about murder allows us to experience
terror and horror in a non-threatening way. Maybe, it is a combination of all
of these factors. Whatever the reason, no doubt our fascination with
crime and murder is here to stay.

Task One: For each item, write a short answer (not more than
Seven WORDS).

1. Why did Robin Hood become famous?

2. Who wrote 'Treasure Island?

3. Who featured in 18th century ballads and stories?

4. How did people get to know about Bonnie and Clyde?

5. What nationality was Ned Kelly?

6. Which 20th century crime featured in the game

'RuneScape?
Task Two: For each item, shade in the bubble O to indicate
whether the statement is true or false.
True False

6. According to the text, some lawbreakers

are considered romantic heroes.

8.The biggest robbery ever, happened in London,

in 1963.

9. Nineteen million people watched the most

popular episode of the 'Game of Thrones'.

10. According to the writer, most people are

fascinated with crime because they love to figure
out who committed the murder.