Workbook exercise 1, page 18

1) I was lying on the grass relaxing while the band was playing classical music.
2) It was a cold day. The wind was blowing hard and the rain was falling heavily.
3) John was swimming in the sea while the children were playing on the beach.
4) We were drawing the plans while our boss was talking about the project.
5) While John was giving the presentation, nobody was listening.

2.
1) A group of friends was having dinner in an old house in the country when suddenly there was a noise and the door opened slowly.
2) John was sitting in his office reading the newspaper when he heard the sound of a car crash in the street.
3) Mary was walking home late one night when a strange man stopped her and asked for a cigarette.
4) Policeman Plod was leaving home one morning when his wife called to him from the door. "You`ve forgotten your umbrella!" she said.
5) We were driving along a country road when suddenly a fox jumped out in front of the car and looked at us.
6) While I was studying my English grammar lessons, my roommate came in and said he wanted to watch the television. 

1. What images come you to mind when you hear the word “media”?

Radio, TV, the net, magazines, newspapers, reporters, journalists come you to mind when I hear the word “media.”

2. What is the media?

It's like a special device with the help of which we learn about the world news.

3. Do you think the media have too much power?

I think it really does. They play an important role in shaping public opinion and informing people of current events.

4. What are the good and the bad things about the media in your country?

One of the bad sides is the fact that paper press has become rather expensive.

The good thing, to my mind, is that you can learn all the news at any time on the Internet.

5. Do you always believe the media?

As a matter of fact, no, I don't.

6. How is the today’s media different from that of 30 years ago?

Of course they are greatly different. Especially with the appearence of the internet. It brings people fresh news and views from all corners of the world and provids it to all social groups from businessmen, celebrities, politicians to kids and unemployed people. Press flashes numerous and various knowledge in a plenty of fields and spheres: fashion, science, medicine, technology, education, etc. flash different facts and events from different and opposite points of view. And of course the internet is the quickest source of airing the news. You may read about some event right after it happens in real life. In the Internet you may find out different opinions about this or that topic. And you may not wait a certain time to read to watch news, as you may check it any time. It was impossible 30 years ago

1. Would you like to work for the media? - No, I wouldn't.

2. What do you think of the mass media? - Mass media have always been an important information source for people.

3. Why do people hear the media? - People want to be informed and to know more because to live in the modern world is impossible without expanding your knowledge in all spheres.

4. Do you think the media tries to change people’s views? - Sometimes they do.

5. Is it a good idea for a country’s media to be controlled by the government?

Fifty- to-fifty.

6. Do you trust the media? Unfortunately, not always, but on the whole I do.