Let’s talk about modern means of communication. How do people communicate today?

When we think about modern means of communication we cannot understand how people who lived some fifty years ago were able to keep in touch. Nowadays, with a mouse in one hand and a mobile phone in the other one, we cannot imagine human contacts without modern technology devices.

Thanks to the new technologies people are communicating more than ever before. Modern means of communication have made the distance between people unimportant.

Unlike 20 years ago, we usually call someone, not visit. This traditional way of keeping in touch has suffered a lot as people choose quicker and easier phone calls. Mobile phones are PORTABLE and let us contact others wherever they and we are. Furthermore, mobile phones offer the possibility of texting. Text messaging is the most convenient and the cheapest form of communication when we need to pass a quick note containing only a few words. Emails have replaced letters and postcards almost completely. People use video chats or chat –rooms to keep in touch with the families and friends that live abroad. Thanks to them they can talk for free and without time limits.

Is there any means of communication you can’t live without? Why (not)?

 I wouldn’t say – I can’t live without any means of communication. To tell you the truth we should have rest from any form of communication. But I can’t imagine my everyday life without the Internet.

The Internet is a great source of information and entertainment for many people. It has made possible new forms of social interaction and has become a major source of leisure.

Thanks to it I have got an opportunity to access news, documents, images, sounds, video and games, to make friends, to book tickets and to purchase different things online. There are a lot of different sites for students, gardeners, businessmen, engineers, for people who are fond of music, cinema, theatre, sports and even for disabled people. What is more, the Internet has revolutionized the way people communicate. Sending electronic text messages is much faster and easier than writing letters. People use e-mail to stay in touch with friends worldwide.

What questions will you ask people who live without a TV set, computer or radio?

It’s very unusual to live without a TV set or a computor. And that’s why I would ask them such questions:

1. Why did you refuse to have a TV set at home?

2. What do you do if you want to watch a film?

3. Do you listen to music and where do you listen to it?

4. What do you do if you need to know a weather forecast?

I’d like to watch an interesting programme on TV. What can you advise me?

First of all, I would ask about your preferences and interests. Sometimes people watch TV just to relax. In this case my advice may be very different.

So, I personally would recommend you to watch any programmes on Discovery Channel or on Viasat History Channel. If you’ve got a pet you would enjoy watching special programmes about cats and dogs on Animal Planet Channel. If you want to listen to hot discussions, visit RTVI Channel and choose anything to your taste.

Also there are many programmes about education and culture. There are programmes on wide range of subjects — from physics and literature to cooking and yoga. Public TV also broadcasts plays, ballets, symphonies as well as programs about art and history. So you’ve got a great choice.

Many people say that newspapers and radio are not as popular as TV and very soon they will lose their importance. What is your point of view?

Maybe. But I don’t think they will lose their importance. Probably they will change the forms. Many newspapers will be transformed into electronic versions on the Internet. As for radio, it has already lost its importance in its initial way of existence. Nowadays we can listen to the radio through the Internet.

№18

1. Let’s talk about a healthy way of life. What can people do to keep fit?

2. Do you agree that bad habits, like smoking, can be dangerous? Why (not)?

3. What questions will you ask a fitness coach?

4. What can you advise a person who wants to lose weight?

5. Why is fast food unhealthy?

Let’s talk about a healthy way of life. What can people do to keep fit?

There are many opportunities for keeping fit. First of all it is necessary to do exercises. Running, jumping, swimming, bending and stretching are among the most popular exercises. Many people prefer jogging, or walking. For example, popular running competitions are now held everywhere. Television and newspapers report about them in detail. In order to keep fit some people do aerobics or yoga; others prefer some kind of weight training in a gym. People can easily learn more about fitness through popular books and videos that are sold almost everywhere. I think everyone can benefit from being a little more active. Making small changes like using the stairs instead of the lift or walking or cycling instead of taking the bus can help people live a more active, healthier and enjoyable life.

Do you agree that bad habits, like smoking, can be dangerous? Why (not)?

Of course I agree. Smoking is harmful for all people and especially for children. It’s known from statistics that smoking kills 2 million people a year. Many of them die from lung cancer. Some aren’t even smokers. They are people who live or work with heavy smokers. Also smoking may cause heart diseases and spoil your teeth and skin.

So it is better not to begin smoking because in future you will have to make a lot of efforts so as to get rid of this bad habit.

What questions will you ask a fitness coach?

- Have you got special programs for people who suffer from overweight?

- Do you advise to have special diets?

- How much time is it necessary so as to become fit?

What can you advise a person who wants to lose weight?

There are many books about different methods of loosing weight. I would advise for such people to analyze the way of life they have. They should have regular exercises and move as much as possible, eat more fruit and vegetables and reject junk food, eat in small portions at regular hours and be positive in your attitude towards your appearance. I think people should love themselves and take care of their souls and bodies.

Why is fast food unhealthy?

Everybody knows we are what we eat. I think that fast food can be a delicious killer because it can lead to health problems. Fast food is simply tasty, ready-cooked meals packed to go.

Eating too much fast food is bad for your health because fast food contains more calories, more unhealthy fat, and more salt. It has a lot of additives, artificial colours and flavourings. It can can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, weakness of your immune system and coronary heart diseases.

№19

1. Let’s talk about sport . What influences a person’s health?

2. Does smoking lead to serious health problems? What are they?

2. Does smoking lead to serious health problems? What are they?

3. What questions will you ask a professional sportsman?

4. What activities can you advise a person who wants to have a healthy way of life?

5. Why is it important to do sports?