Тексты аудирования

H.      If walls were set up throughout Britain, and everyone was encouraged to use them (all ages, classes, etc) then graffiti could become a democratic form of cultural expression that need not trouble anyone. It would be cheap public art.
 

I.        Graffiti should be banned. The creation of graffiti is dangerous. Graffiti artists climb to high places to draw on highway signs or billboards. To get to these high places, the graffiti artist has either got to climb to the high place or in some cases, hang down from high places to draw their picture or make their inscription. This is taking an unnecessary risk. The artist may believe that their life is not in any danger, but if there is one wrong move, the artist can lose his life.

Unit 5, Lesson 4, Ex. 3a

Why Did You Choose To Become An Artist? 

I didn't choose art. Art chose me. It's just something that I find myself doing, without even thinking about it. I can, have, and often do, find myself with a drawing nearly finished before I realize I've even picked up a pen at all.

What Training Did You Have? 

uhm... none. I started drawing before I could read and write. I had already written and illustrated my first book at the age of 3, two years before starting school.

My school time was limited to three years, from the time I was 5 to 8 years old. In K-5 I sat through their baby classes bored out of my mind, because I had already been reading and writing for two years, while the rest of the class was still learning their ABCs. The only lessons I took any interest in was art class and theater. At age 9 I did not return to school, opting instead to teach myself via high school and college texts.
My mom was a dressmaker, and by age 6 I’d been drawing, designing, and sewing my cloth doll’s wardrobe. At age 12 I drew, designed, and sewed my first party dress. At age 14 I enrolled in a college course in fashion design and dressmaking, graduating 2 years later at age 16. From that point on, a large majority of my art career was devoted to fashion and costumes. My aim then was to recreate in complete historical accuracy every costume throughout history. Yes, I know, when I dream big, I dream big.
When Did You Start Creating Art For Gift Items? 

I was about 25 years old, when I bought a book on painting art for greeting cards. I'm not sure why I bought it, it was just there and I saw it there, and bought it. Before I finished the book I had been drawing art designed specifically for greeting cards.
Where Do You Get Your Ideas? 

I live on a farm. I own and run The Pidgie Fund, a shelter that rescues feral cats and pit-fighter cocks (roosters). My home is currently the home of 13 formally stray no-longer feral cats, and 60+ now tame and peaceful roosters, and one 13 year old dog who loves all his cats and birds. In my lifetime I have owned more than 500 pets, all of those pets have sat for portraits to be drawn or painted. About 90% of the art I sell on CafePress and Zazzle, are pictures of my own pets.

Have you got any final advice to offer? 

For anyone just starting out in an art career, or looking to expand their skills as an artist, I would tell them this. Be original. You are the only you there is in this world. Go ahead and be influenced by the work of others, but ultimately, let your own light shine and create art that is unique to you.

Unit 5, Lesson 5, Ex.2a

photograph, photographer, photography, photographic

Unit 5, Lesson 5, Ex.3b

A good photograph is the one that communicates a fact, touches the heart, leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective.

Unit 5, Lesson 6, Ex.2a             

Want to learn how to understand abstract art? Let's start with this quote from Jackson Pollock, one of America's most famous abstract painters:

"Abstract painting is abstract. It confronts you. There was a reviewer a while back who wrote that my pictures didn't have any beginning or any end. He didn't mean it as a compliment, but it was."

Pollock's critic didn't know where to begin in terms of how to understand abstract art. There is nothing to hold onto, so you have to open up your intuition and see where the painting takes you.  Abstract art allows the viewer to decide what the artwork is about, on a very personal level.

Understanding abstract art is easy: all it requires is an open mind and a big imagination. When you look at an abstract painting, what do you see? Flying shapes, colorful patterns... The path of a river cutting through grasslands... or maybe you see cosmic energy? There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Abstract art is open to interpretation, and that is one of the beautiful things about it. An abstract painting doesn't jump out and declare "THIS is what I'm all about." Instead, you must enter the painting and see where it takes you.
Understanding abstract art does not come naturally for everyone. It is the kind of art that makes some people scratch their heads and say, "My 5-year old could do that." What people don't realize is that the best abstract artists have excellent drawing skills, a fine sense of composition, and a deep understanding of the workings of color. Most abstract artists have the ability to draw a perfectly portrayed rose or a realistic portrait, but they choose not to. Instead they choose to express their emotions by creating a piece that is more free, free of the weight of objects.

If you want to fully understand an artwork, it's important to know the artist's intention behind it. On the one hand, a large part of the beauty of art is that we, the viewers, can bring our own meaning.

On the other hand, knowing the artist's thought process for creating a certain work of art adds to the meaning and value of a painting.

Well, Pablo Picasso once said: "Everyone wants to understand art. Why not try to understand the song of a bird?”

Picasso has a point. Art can't be explained in words, because its influence on people is very personal. Look at abstract art in the same way that you would listen to a symphony. When you listen to music, you don't try to hold on to the notes - you let them wash over you. Let your eyes play with the painting, slipping around corners, following the lines, twists and turns. Let your eyes dance around the piece.

Rather than trying to figure out what the painting looks like, just allow yourself to be taken in by the painting. See what emotions, images or memories emerge. Examine the colors, forms, materials. Take your time. Let the painting "speak" to you.

Unit 5, Lesson 6, Ex. 4c

1. I live in a fairly small town and when we got our first set of traffic lights installed (in 2008 only!), we were all excited and it was the talk of the town. The first time I drove through them after they were installed, I felt it was really a sign our town was going up. I kept thinking about them and started to draw sketches and came up with my version of this special event. I called my painting "The Road Home". I was pleased with my painting and I painted it in black and white, and then put red in it for impact. I also won first prize in an art show I entered it in so that was really special. I sold my painting to a man that was visiting here after those terrible Victoria bush fires that took so many lives. He liked the name "The Road Home" and said the name would give him hope to rebuild his house, so that was really special.

2. I was on an abstract painting course on holiday and I had reached a point where I was blocked and not able to produce anything. I went for a walk down to the nearby beach and sat and watched a heron wading and feeding in the foreshore rock pools. Just watching 10 minutes of this free nature show lifted my spirits and inspired me. When I got back to the studio I started painting and this was the result. I love that no one can pinpoint exactly what it is or what it represents. The course tutor was lost for words and said she had never seen anything quite like it. I can see elements of the heron in it but that's purely accidental I think. Oddly enough we had also been discussing the work of abstract artist Patrick Heron that very morning so initially I called this my 'two herons' picture. I also love that it was painted in one go and without a moment's conscious thought.

3. “Guitar and bottles” was painted from life. It was an attempt to learn from the Cubist masterworks created by Picasso. I usually paint in an expressionist way, so this was a new style to try. I love the colours and the style of the work. Most of all, I enjoyed the process. I began with pasting on papers of various kinds, which was a child-like experience, much like being a kindergarten student! I liked the result. Results are often more interesting when I work quickly and instinctively. Then I went back and changed the guitar to primarily blue. I often use too many colours, and with the many lines and colours I often use, my paintings can be too "cluttered". When I look at it, I find it can hold my attention for some time. I always find some new thing to look at within the body of the work. I have it in my bedroom. Sometimes I move it to the hall.

Unit 5, Lesson 7, Ex.4a

What is Art Therapy?

At some point in their lives, people may find themselves overwhelmed by the emotions which are difficult to face either by themselves or with others. Art therapy offers a chance to express these thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. It involves using a wide variety of art materials, for example paints, clay and batik, to create a visual representation of thought and feelings.

Who is it for?

It’s for everybody. For people who are generally stressed and overworked. For people with health problems. For people with learning difficulties. For children and young people who have problems in school or personal problems at home. For people who feel they are problem free but would like to learn more about themselves.

What skills do you need?

The simple answer is none. Art therapy requires no artistic ability. The Art Therapist offers guidance and support and a variety of art materials.

What is the aim of art therapy?

The aim of art therapy is to improve or maintain mental health and emotional well-being. But whereas some of the other expressive therapies use the performing arts for expressive purposes, art therapy generally uses drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and other forms of visual art expression. For that reason art therapists are trained to recognize the nonverbal symbols and metaphors that are communicated within the creative process, symbols and metaphors which might be difficult to express in words. By helping their clients to discover what underlying thoughts and feelings are being communicated in the artwork and what it means to them, it is hoped that clients will not perhaps develop a better understanding of themselves and the way they relate to the people around them.

Unit 5, Lesson 8, Ex.3

I noticed that the wall around the perimeter of the frame was charred black. I touched the frame, confused, but instantly jerked my hand back. The metal was blazing hot. I smelled burning flesh.

Unit 5, Lesson 9, Ex.2c

I would say that the first one is a picture of a little girl walking in the rain with an umbrella and the second one is a Japanese doll that is holding an umbrella. The girl could be just going for a walk in the rain, because she looks quite happy and it seems she’s enjoying the weather. Maybe the girl’s mother is doing the shopping or going somewhere and the girl is just following her. The Japanese doll is wearing a national dress. It must be a geisha-doll and the umbrella protects her pale skin from the sun. The doll could be a new toy that someone received on their birthday. On the other hand maybe it is souvenir that every tourist brings from Japan.

The pictures are similar because they both involve umbrellas but they are also very different. The first one is of a living person whereas the other is of a toy. The first picture is taken outside and we can see green grass at the background. We can guess it’s summer. I think this photograph will look great in a family album. The picture of the doll is taken inside probably for a poster or calendar.

Unit 6

Unit 6, Lesson 1, Ex.1b

1. What is the most important gift of science? Science has offered many gifts to mankind. We are familiar with them; we have routinely been using them. Can you name a gift of science without which the modern civilization can not survive? Name one, only one gift. If we stop using it, the whole world would come to a standstill. What is it?

2. Another interesting question: Which are the most important devices today? Name just two of them. Without them, all functions of the society would be impossible. The structure of the ultra-modern civilization would collapse. Have you guessed them?

Unit 6, Lesson 1, Ex.1c

What is the most important gift of science? Science has offered many gifts to mankind. We are familiar with them; we have routinely been using them. Can you name a gift of science without which the modern civilization can not survive? Name one, only one gift. If we stop using it, the whole world would come to a standstill. What is it? (pause)

It is electricity. If there is no electricity, the survival of the modern man would be put at risk. (pause)

Another interesting question: Which are the most important devices today? Name just two of them. Without them, all functions of the society would be impossible. The structure of the ultra-modern civilization would collapse. Have you guessed them?

One is the time-measuring device, the other is the computer. A time-measuring device (a clock or a watch) regulates the activities and functionalities of our life - ranging from personal life to communication and transportation. Two is a computer. A computer controls both personal and impersonal issues at local and global levels. How chaotic life could result if these two devices stop functioning all of a sudden! (Thank God! That can never happen!)

Unit 6, Lesson 2, Ex. 3b

A. Melissa Hu: I love music so giving up my iPod was definitely a challenge. I listen to it during car rides, when I’m eating at restaurants, and sometimes when I’m supposed to be sleeping.

The first few days were the worst. I was trying to study at the library when this guy started talking nonstop to one of his friends. I wanted to reach for my iPod so I wouldn’t have to listen to him, but I couldn’t. So I tried to do my work but finally moved to another table.

This challenge was especially difficult when I was at home. My parents were installing a floor, so they were constantly using the nail gun. The noise was terrible.

After a couple of days, it got easier. I paid more attention to the things around me and was more productive. I noticed a cat in my backyard bushes. I read books like Sybil and Dubliners.

Without my iPod, I started remembering songs that I had forgotten about. I had always skipped one of my former favorite songs, Green Day’s “Jesus of Suburbia,” after years of wearing it out.

I realized I spend too much time using my iPod and feel like I need to always have it with me. I am going to try to use my iPod less by not bringing my earphones with me everywhere I go. Hopefully I’ll be more attentive.

B. Alma Sanchez: I decided to do this challenge because I watch a lot of TV. In the summer, the first thing I did after waking up was turn on the TV in the living room. Sometimes it didn’t matter what show it was, as long as I could pass time and not be bored. I thought this challenge would help me get more done, but giving up TV for a week was harder than I thought.

On Monday as soon as I woke up I thought about the shows I’d be missing like I Love Lucy and a Spanish soap opera. I killed time by going on the Internet. In the afternoon, my mom and I went to the supermarket, where there was a TV screen in every corner of the store! “How can they do that to me, don’t they know I’m not suppose to watch TV!?” I turned away immediately but I still felt bad.

On Tuesday, I went to my aunt’s house next door and before I knew it I was staring at the video game my cousin was playing. Then I went to the bedroom where my other cousin was switching channels and I left immediately. I went home and read 1984, my summer reading. The book was full of suspense and I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t think about TV at all.

On Wednesday I even saw a TV on the bus that showed news clips, games and ads. I took a book to read on Friday to avoid watching.

On the other days, I could control not watching TV by staying in my bedroom. Instead of watching TV, I cleaned my desk, looked through college brochures and finalized my college list. I felt more productive but I wanted to watch TV with my family because I could hear them laughing.

When the challenged ended, I wanted to keep going because I did more that week than any other week in the summer. But I knew I would eventually cave and want to watch TV.  I realized that TV distracted me and that not watching it helped. Now I only watch my favorite shows and skip boring ones.
С. Elliot Kwon: I always knew that I depended way too much on my phone. But I didn’t know how much, so I decided to do this challenge to find out.

Every morning since I got a smartphone, I’ve used The Weather Channel to figure out what to wear. On the first morning I had to dress without guidance, but thankfully I was able to predict that the day would be cold and foggy by looking out my window. When was the last time I did that … eighth grade?

I also lost track of time. I haven’t worn a watch for more than a year, because my phone showed the time. So I was late picking up friends who took the bus for two hours to come from Santa Monica to Palos Verdes. I also was late to my tutoring job. And even worse, I couldn’t call people to tell them that I was running late.

Getting places was harder, too. I got lost because I couldn’t use the GPS on my phone. My driving, though, got a lot safer because I no longer had my phone in one hand checking directions while driving with the other.

But the number one problem was not having my contact list. I forgot to write down my friends’ and family members’ phone numbers before I started the challenge. It was sad to realize that I couldn’t remember my brother’s and my mom’s cell phone numbers.

In the midst of all the problems, however, I found peace not worrying about missing a text message or an e-mail.

This challenge was a great learning experience. It surprised me how I’d overlooked even the simplest things like remembering phone numbers. We all should take some time to think about how we can depend less on our cell phones.
Unit 6, Lesson 5, Ex.4a

What’s nanotechnology?

Imagine if you climbed out of the shower only to discover you'd gone smaller by about 1500 million times! If you stepped into your living room, what you'd see around you would not be chairs, tables, computers, and your family but atoms, molecules, and cells. Down to "nanoscale," you'd not only see the atoms that everything is made from—you'd actually be able to move them around! Now imagine you started sticking those atoms together in interesting new ways. You could build all kinds of fantastic materials, everything from brand new medicines to computer chips. Making new things on this fantastic small scale is called nanotechnology and it's one of the most exciting and fast-moving areas of science and technology today.

How small is nanometer?

We live on a scale of meters and kilometers, so it's quite hard for us to imagine a world that's too small to see. Nano means "billionth", so a nanometer is one billionth of a meter.

This is all very interesting and quite impressive, but what use is it?

This is the work of nanoscience: it helps us understand why things happen by studying them at the smallest possible scale. Once we understand nanoscience, we can do some nanotechnology: we can put the science into action to help solve our problems.

How do you work on the nanoscale?

Your fingers are millions of nanometers long, so it's no good trying to pick up atoms and molecules and move them around with your bare hands. That would be like trying to eat your dinner with a fork 300 km long! Amazingly, scientists have developed electron microscopes that allow us to "see" things on the nanoscale and also work with them.

When did nanotechnology start?

Engineering on the nano-scale isn't a new thing. Animals and plants have long been using the nanoparticles and nanostructures in their shells, skins and wings.

Bacteria and viruses act just like nanorobots. For example, a common bacteria called E.coli can build itself a little nanotechnology tail that it whips around like a kind of propeller to move it closer to food.

Can we use nanotechnology in our everyday life?

It could be you're already using nanotechnology. Clothes have just got clever with nanotechnology: the materials stay clean, warm, strong and dry.

Nanotechnology is big news in sport. Tennis and golf players, skiers and mountain bikers are already enjoying the advanced technology with lighter, stronger sports equipment.

The displays on everything from iPods and cellphones to flatscreen TVs are made from plastic built on the nanoscale.

One of the most exciting areas of nanotechnology is building incredibly small machines from individual atoms. Nanomachines could be made into nanorobots (sometimes called "nanobots") that could be injected into our bodies to carry out repairs or sent into dangerous environments.

Nanotechnology can be used in the food industry right from field to table. For example, nanomaterials could help keep food fresh for longer. Scientists are already manufacturing nano-sized vitamins that are easier for our bodies to take in. In the future they hope to create 'interactive' food - food and drink that could change colour, flavour or ingredients on demand.

That’s unbelievable!
Unit 6, Lesson 6, Ex.4a

1. When you're not home, nagging little doubts can start to crowd your mind. Did I turn the coffee maker off? Did I set the security alarm? Are the kids doing their homework or watching television?

With a smart home, you could quiet all of these worries with a quick trip online. When you're home, the house takes care of you by playing your favorite song whenever you walk in or instantaneously dimming the lights for a movie. Is it magic? No, it's home automation. Smart homes connect all the devices and appliances in your home so they can communicate with each other and with you.

Anything in your home that uses electricity can be put on the home network and at your command. Whether you give that command by voice, remote control or computer, the home reacts.

2. Ok. Here are a few more examples of cool smart home tricks: Light a path for nighttime bathroom trips. Start warming the bedroom before you get out of bed so that it's nice and toasty when you get up. Turn on the coffee maker from bed.  And some examples of smart home devices and their functions. There are cameras that will track your home's exterior even if it's pitch-black outside. A video door phone provides more than a doorbell -- you get a picture of who's at the door. Motion sensors will send an alert when there's movement around your house, and they can even tell the difference between pets and people. Door handles can open with scanned fingerprints or a four-digit code, no need to look for house keys. While most home automation technology is focused on lighting, security and entertainment, smart appliances may be on their way as well. Ideas include: Trash cans that monitor what you throw away and generate online orders for replacement. Refrigerators that create dinner recipes based on the ingredients stored inside.

3. Smart homes obviously make life easier and more convenient. Who wouldn't love being able to control lighting, entertainment and temperature from their couch? Whether you're at work or on vacation, the smart home will alert you to what's going on, and security systems can be built to provide help in an emergency. For example, not only would a resident be woken with a fire alarm, the smart home would also unlock doors, dial the fire department and light the way to safety.

Smart homes also provide some energy savings. The devices can go to "sleep" and wake up when commands are given. Electric bills go down when lights are automatically turned off when a person leaves the room, and rooms can be heated or cooled based on who's there at any given moment. Smart home technology promises great advantages for an elderly person living alone. Smart homes could notify the resident when it was time to take medicine, contact the hospital if the resident fell and track how much the resident was eating. If the elderly person was a little forgetful, the smart home would perform tasks such as shutting off the water or turning off the oven if the cook had wandered away.