Read the conversation between a mother and her teenage children, Katy and Mark, and fill in the gaps with the phrases in the box. 1. I have an idea! Let’s buy … 2. Listen. We could… 3. Yeah, you are right. Let’s think … 4. I don’t know, I doubt … 5. That would be great but … 6. Well, what if … 7. Why don’t we … 8. Oh, have a look at … 9. You’re joking! 10. Oh, how about … 11. You’re right … Katy: all our Christmas presents today. Mum: if we know what we want. Mark: buy presents for Dad, Granny and Liz together and we’ll buy something for our friends next week. Mum: we buy a warm jumper for our granny? Mark: she has just got one for her birthday. Mum: of something else. Katy: And what about a cookery book for her? She was talking about a new collection of French recipes she had seen in the shop. Mum: That’s great! It will be a great present! Granny will enjoy it. Let’s think of something interesting for your dad. Mark: buy a CD player for him? he’ll be able to enjoy his favourite group while he’s driving the car. Katy: Dad never listens to music. I think we could think of something he will really like. Mum: OK, how about a video camera? Our old one doesn’t work well and Dad is fond of making films about our family holidays. Katy: , he will be pleased and happy. Mark: a present for Liz. She is so little I don’t know what she wants. Katy: this puzzle. It looks nice. Mum: It’s a great idea and it will keep her busy for some time!

Father’s Day comes on the third Sunday in June. It is not a national holiday on that day. Americans honour their fathers. Many people send their fathers a card or a gift. Americans are great letter-writers. Whatever happens in a family, they congratulate all the members. They congratulate people on Easter, Christmas and Whitsun. They do not have to possess great literary talent themselves, because one can find printed texts for all possible occasions. One may select and check any of these suggested texts: “Here’s to Father: always loved, respected, and admired”. “Warmest wishes for your happiness on Father’s Day and ever after”. About 1909, the churches of Spokane, Washington, set aside the day to honour fathers. The custom soon spread throughout the United States and Canada. During the autumn, some colleges celebrate Dad’s Day. They set aside a Saturday during the football season. On Dad’s Day, they honour the fathers among the members and friends of the college.

My Favourite Subject
My name is Lena. I’m fifteen years old. I study in the ninth grade of a secondary school. We study lots of subjects at school, such as Maths, Geography, Biology and many others. I think all these subjects are interesting and useful, however, I’ve always preferred Humanities. I particularly like foreign languages and my favourite subject is English. There are several reasons for that. First of all, English is the most popular language in the world nowadays. Moreover, it’s the international computer language, which, to my mind, is very important. Secondly, English is a very melodic language and has a long history. Many traditions of English people are reflected in their language. I think that studying a foreign language allows to learn more about the country, its culture and history, its people and their lifestyles. Such knowledge broadens your mind and makes tolerant towards other people and nations. Our English lessons are always varied and exciting. Although there are sometimes difficult tasks, such as doing grammar exercises, writing essays, learning large texts, the majority of activities are very interesting. We sometimes learn English proverbs, songs, poetry and even play games. After all, school is not the only place where I learn English. I take every opportunity to improve my knowledge at home or with my friends. We often watch films and programmes in English, or read authentic books and magazines. Internet also offers many interactive ways to learn foreign languages nowadays, so I believe that learning English can become real fun!