The Facebook party that became a riot
How did a quiet 16th birthday celebration turn into a riot? This article is based on an event that happened over a decade ago.

I. Match the sentence halves to make things that can go wrong at a party. Write a–f next to the numbers 1–6.
1.Someone breaks-e. an expensive glass
2.Loads of people you don't know-a. gatecrash the party
3.Someone spills-d. their drink on the carpet
4.The neighbours complain-f. about the noise
5.Your mates post-c. embarrassing photos from the party on Facebook              
6.Someone falls asleep-b. in your parents' bed         

Read the text and do the other exercises.

The Facebook party that became a riot
It began as a plan for a very normal 16th birthday party. Merthe Weusthuis wanted a quiet celebration with a small group of friends in her family home in the small Dutch town of Haren. Like many teenagers, she decided to send out invitations via a social network site. But Merthe made one big mistake: she used open-access settings on Facebook, so it wasn’t just her friends who could see details of the event, lots of strangers could too.

The number of invitation acceptances quickly snowballed into an avalanche. Not marking the event as ‘private’ meant the electronic invitation was eventually seen by 240,000 people, of whom 30,000 confirmed online that they planned to attend. To make matters worse, an unauthorised campaign was launched to promote the party by means of a dedicated website and Twitter account, which received hundreds of thousands of hits. The party become known as ‘Project X Haren’ after the 2012 American film Project X in which three high school students throw a birthday party that spins out of control. Video trailers for Merthe’s party were produced, with scenes from Project X edited in, and they were posted on YouTube. T-shirts featuring Merthe’s face were also made, all without her knowledge or consent.

Even after Merthe’s parents had cancelled the party, the publicity didn’t stop. Local media reported on the forthcoming event and teenagers turned up to have their pictures taken outside the Weusthuis family home. On the evening the party was to have taken place, about 5,000 teenagers began gathering in Haren, many outside the Weusthuis house. When it became clear that there was nothing to gatecrash, violence broke out and 500 riot police equipped with helmets, shields and batons were brought in to control the crowd. Shops in the centre of Haren were vandalised and looted, journalists were attacked, cars were set on fire or overturned and street signs and lamp posts were damaged.

However, Facebook was also involved in the clean-up effort in the days after the riot. A group called ‘Project Clean-X Haren’ was set up to gather and organise volunteers. Another group named ‘Suspect-X Haren’ was created to help police identify and arrest the rioters by sharing photos and videos of the event.

A number of other 'Facebook parties’ have spiralled out of control, including the 16th birthday party of British teenager Bradley McAnulty in April 2012. Bradley had not posted details of the event on the internet, and had been careful to ask his friends not to, but somehow the news leaked out and appeared on Blackberry Messenger as well as Facebook. More than 400 gatecrashers invaded his family home in Poole, Dorset, causing extensive damage.

II. Check your understanding: multiple choice 
1. Merthe Weusthuis made the mistake of ___.
a. using Facebook to organise her birthday celebration
b. letting her friends invite their friends to her party
c. inviting people she did not really like to her party
d. not checking who could see her online invitation

2. The number of confirmed guests ___.
a. did not reflect the reality
b. got out of control almost immediately
c. was manageable until the Twitter campaign
d. suddenly shot up when people started watching the YouTube video trailers

3. 'Project X Haren' was named after ___.
a. another party in the same area
b. the group who promoted the party online
c. a party video on YouTube
d. a film

4. Local journalists ___.
a. gave the event publicity
b. tried to discourage people from attending
c. gathered outside the house
d. started the violence

5. Violence broke out when ___.
a. teenagers arrived in large numbers
b. people realised there was no party
c. rival gangs turned up
d. gatecrashers saw the riot police

6. After the riot, Facebook was used to ___.
a. plan another party in Haren
b. send messages of support to Merthe and her family
c. help rioters get in contact with each other
d. help the town recover from the violence

7. Bradley McAnulty ___.
a. made the same mistake as Merthe Weusthuis
b. sent invites via Blackberry Messenger
c. had taken steps to prevent problems
d. posted details of the event online

8. In Bradley McAnulty's case, ___.
a. only a small number of people arrived
b. the gatecrashers were well behaved
c. the gatecrashers caused a lot of damage to his home
d. the gatecrashers caused a lot of damage to his town

III. Check your vocabulary: gap fill
Complete the gaps with a phrase from the box.
take place broke out set on fire turned up
send out leaked out named after brought in
1. Merthe used her Facebook page to send out invitations.
2. The event was named after a party in a film.
3. Teenagers turned up at the house to have their photos taken.
4. 5,000 teenagers gathered in Haren on the night the party was supposed to set on fire.
5. When it became clear there was no party, violence take place.
6. Riot police were brought in to control the crowds.
7. Shops were vandalised and cars were broke out.
8. Even though Bradley McAnulty had been careful, news of his party leaked out and
appeared on Blackberry Messenger.

IV. Discussion
Is Facebook a good way to organise a party? Why or why not?
Are you careful with your privacy settings on social network sites?

A. Complete using the correct form of the words in the box.
1. We used to go skating at the ice rink every Saturday.
2. Keith had never seen such a large golf course until he went to Scotland.
3. We all met at the basketball court at half past three.
4. It’s called a boxing ring, but it’s actually square!
5. For the 800 metres race, you have to run round the track twice.
6. The football match had to be called off because the pitch was flooded.
7. Our team was winning until half time, but in the second half the other team scored three goals, and so they beat us. But it was a great match!
8. Adrian got a new fishing rod for his birthday.
9. Can I borrow your tennis racket?
10. Why are hockey sticks such a strange shape?
11. I’d spend hours putting linseed oil on my cricket bat to keep the wood strong.

B. Circle the correct word or phrase
1. The referee blew the whistle and the most important football match I’ve ever played began.
2. We used to play rugby in the winter term, football in the spring term, and we’d do athletics and swimming in the summer term.
3. Do you fancy a game of cards?
4. I only do magic tricks for fun. I’ve never thought of becoming an professional magician.
5. The play was so boring, we walked out during the interval.
6. Coventry City drew 3–3 with Sunderland in the match last Saturday.
7. Viewers who watched last week’s programme will remember we were looking at the history of baseball.
8. We got through to the final, but then lost to Cirencester.
9. Most people prefer films which have a happy ending.
10. Would all competitors please make their way to the starting line?

C. Complete each second sentence using the word given, so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence. Write between two and five words in each gap.
1. I don’t know how you can put up with getting up so early to go to the pool.
2. I’ve finally got round to sorting out my postcard collection.
3. What did you get up to at the weekend?
4. I’ve gone off skiing since I discovered snowboarding.
5. Why do you carry on having riding lessons if you can’t afford them?
6. We can’t put the match off any longer.

D. Write one word in each gap.
1. Tony never used to want to join in with the other kids in the playground.
2. Look out! There’s a car coming!
3. Simone’s taken to wearing a helmet whenever she goes cycling.
4. I was thinking of taking up scuba diving until I found out how expensive the equipment is.
5. They were knocked out in the semi-final.
6. Maybe we should bring the meeting forward to this Tuesday instead of having it in two weeks’ time.
7. Becca had to pull out of the race when she sprained her ankle.
8. Melissa doesn’t go in for adventure sports.

E. Choose the correct answer
1. Why don’t you have a go? It’s not difficult!
2. Carl wasn’t very good at mountain climbing as he’s afraid of heights.
3. There’s little chance of our getting into the final.
4. Rachel is mad about the Eurovision Song Contest.
5. Just do your best – that’s all anyone can ask of you.
6. It’s high time you learned to swim.
7. Grandma gets a lot of pleasure from gardening.
8. Take your time – don’t rush.
9. Each player takes it in turns to roll the dice.
10. Time passes so quickly when you’re doing something enjoyable.
11. Our new coach is popular with the whole team.
12. She’d lie for hours lying on her bed, reading.
13. He’d been planning to leave the team the whole time, and hadn’t told anyone.
14. I’m not siding with her because she’s my sister, but because she’s right.

F. Match to make sentences
1. I’m not very fond D. of playing in goal.
2. She’s interested A. in playing for the school team.
3. You should concentrate G. on getting fit.
4. I used to find it difficult B. to find enough time to have any hobbies.
5. Let’s listen F. to what the coach thinks first.
6. We stopped C. to try to find the golf balls we’d lost.
7. The bad weather stopped us E. from finishing the game.

G. Water has damaged part of this text about sport at school. Read it and decide what you think
each of the original words was. Write the words in the blank spaces.
Sport at school
I used to wear glasses when I was at school, and so I found sport very difficult. I wanted to be involved in school sports competitions, and I loved the idea of teams competing with each other, but being on the rugby team, for example, meant having to take off my glasses, and that meant that I couldn’t see! And it’s difficult to catch a ball when you can’t see it! So, I wasn’t very good and the captains always made sure that I wasn’t on their team.This meant I was free to do other activities, like being on the debating team, and actually I preferred to do things I was good at doing rather than have everyone laugh at me.

H. Complete the sentences by changing the form of the word in capitals when this is necessary.
1. I need to buy a new pair of trainers.
2. Ellie used to practise for hours to learn to juggle properly.
3. That was the most interesting book I’ve ever read. I can’t wait for the sequel!
4. Would you describe yourself as a competitive person?
5. Many professional basketball players earn a fortune these days.
6. F.A. stands for Football assocliation.
7. The gold, silver and bronze medallists took their places on the podium for the presentation ceremony.
8. In Britain, the money parents give their children is often called pocket money. In America, it’s often called an allowance.
9. I’m afraid the swimming pool is closed at the moment as they’re carrying out some essential maintenance.

I. Use the word given in capitals at the end of each line to form a word that fits in the gap in the
same line.
A snooker player speaks
When I first started playing snooker, I had no real (1) knowledge of the rules.I just thought it looked an (2) enjoyable game. Also, I didn’t need to buy any expensive (3) equipment because the snooker hall near my house had tables and cues. I spent (4) practically all the free time I had practising, and then decided to enter a (5) competition It was great fun! My (6) opponent was someone who’d been playing for years. Of course, he beat me, but the fact that I’d (7) lost didn’t put me off at all. And, (8) fortunately, my game improved enough for me to become a professional snooker player three years ago.

1-saw
2-was watching
3-went
4-practised
5-were you talking
6-owned
7-did
8-jumped
9-was working
10-got
11-were playing
12-did pass

1- were you going
2- did you enjoy
3- always taking
4-didn`t have
5-went
6-became
7-was working
8-heard
9-appeared
10-threw

1-had just left
2-gave
3-read
4-made
5-got
6-had
7-was
8-got
9-had left
10-went
11-got
12-had already begun
13-learned
14-spoke
15-talked
16-did you decide

1-had written
2-had stayed
3-had been waiting
4-had been running
5-had seen
6-had known
7-had been getting
8-had not been having
9-had not eaten
10-had been listening

Читать далее «Assignment» →

A. Write one word in each gap
THE GREAT BRITISH SEASIDE
What (1) does the phrase ‘the great British seaside’ bring to mind? Most people, if asked to respond (2) off the top of their heads, associate (3) going on holiday to places such as Blackpool or Torquay with poor weather, old, faded attractions and a low standard of accommodation. These days, when people are more likely to go abroad to (4) see the sights, traditional British seaside towns (5) are suffering from an image problem. Now, finally, some of the resorts (6) have decided to bring their images up to date in the hope that a (7) change of direction will bring back the tourists. Many will need a lot of convincing, but those that (8) do come will find that today’s Blackpool differs quite a bit (9) from the picture postcard past.

After years ofneglect, Blackpool has to work hard to catch (10) up with foreign destinations but that’s precisely what it (11) is doing. It’s the first time so much (12) has happened to improve the place in such a short time.A massive building project, including a new casino and indoor entertainment centre, (13) means that rainy days are no longer a problem. And it appears (14) to be working. As the tourists start to make (15) for the bright lights of Blackpool once again, it seems that the great British seaside has a bright future
ahead.

B. Complete the sentences by changing the form of the word in capitals when this is necessary.
16. I’ve always wanted to be a travel photographer (PHOTOGRAPH) and take pictures of exotic places.
17. None of us were sure which direction (DIRECT) to go in, so we got out the map.
18. Since I was here five years ago, Delhi has changed so much that it’s practically unrecognisable (RECOGNISE).
19. Once we got to the station, I quickly looked through the timetable (TIME) to see when the next train was.
20. I’ve got a cousin at university who is studying tourism (TOUR) and hopes to open a hotel.
21. As we got closer to the Amazonian village, the inhabitants (INHABIT) came out to meet us.
22. The arrival (ARRIVE) of Flight 472 from Amsterdam has been delayed by one hour.

C. Complete each second sentence using the word given, so that it has a similar meaning to the first
sentence. Write between two and five words in each gap.
23. As soon as we got on the plane, the pilot told us to get off again. just
We had just boarded the plane when the pilot told us to get off again.

24. We arrived in Budapest two days ago. for
We have been in Budapest for two days.

25. I visited Paris once before. second
This is the second time I’ve visited Paris.

26. I find it hard to go at the same speed as my husband on walking holidays. up
I find it hard to keep up with my husband on walking holidays.

27. Joan has always been very fond of travelling and has been everywhere. keen
Joan has always been very keen on travelling and has been everywhere.

28. We drove away as fast as we could, ready to begin our adventure. full
We drove away at full speed, ready to begin our adventure.

29. As the storm started, we went towards the old house. direction
As the storm started, we went in the direction of the old house.

30. I’m sorry I didn’t look at the hotel room before I booked it. regret
I regret not checking the hotel room before I booked it.

D. Choose the correct answer.
31. Our next door neighbour….. his car every Sunday.
A) is washing
B) washes
C) has washed
D) is wash

32. Last summer, I…….. to the beach almost every day.
A) went
B) was going
C) have been
D) have been going

33. ‘Whose is this plane ticket on the floor?’
‘oh, it…… to me.Thank you.’
A) is belonging
B) belongs
C) has belonged
D) belonged

34. ‘I’m really tired of travelling so much.
‘I thought you……… a bit quiet.
A) were seeming
B) have seemed
C) have been seeming
D) seemed

35. ‘You look thoughtful.
‘I …….. about our holiday last year.
A) just think
B) had just thought
C) amjust think
D) was just thinking

36. ‘You went to Chile, didn’t you?»
‘No, but I…… to Peru,which is right next door.’
A) had gone
B) was gone
C) did go
D) was going

E. Choose the correct answer.
37. Three people were captured at the …….today trying to get into the country.
A) line
B) equator
C) border
D) edge

38. There’s a fantastic…… from the top of the Empire State Building!
A) view
B) sight
C) appearance
D) look

39. Once we get to the hotel, let’s just…….. quickly and then do a bit of sightseeing.
A) set down
B) make up
C) check in
D) turn up

40. I’m going to ask for directions because I think we’ve……. our way.
A) missed
B) misplaced
C) mistaken
D) lost

41. We usually do go by train,even though the car…… is a lot quicker.
A) travel
B) journey
C) trip
D) voyage

42. Passengers requiring a special meal during the flight should inform the airline in …….. .
A) ahead
B) front
C) advance
D) forward

E. Write one word in each gap.
1. The speed limit in towns is 50 km/h and you shouldn’t go faster than that.
2. Why don’t we take the scenic route along the coast?
3. If you buy your plane ticket in advance, it’s often cheaper than if you wait.
4. I can’t remember the name of the hotel we stayed at off the top of my head.
5. I’m sorry I’m late! I lost my way and had to ask for directions.
6. My mum’s away in Germany on a business trip at the moment.
7. The bank? Well, turn left here, then go straight a head for a kilometre and it’s on the left.
8. If you look on your left-hand side as we turn this corner, you’ll see Big Ben.
9. I’ll look round the shops in the morning and then go sightseeing in the afternoon.
10. My grandma hasn’t driven since she had an accident last year.
11. I love visiting foreign places, seeing the sights and learning about other cultures.
12. During the 70s, many British people started to go on holiday to Spain.
13. While you’re in London, you should take a tour of the Houses of Parliament.

F. Choose the correct answer.
1. I’ve always dreamt……… China.
A) to visit
B) of visiting
C) I visit
D) visit

2. The travel agency is arranging for us…… at a really nice hotel.
A) stay
B) of staying
C) to stay
D) staying

3. My dad says he always regrets……. more.
A) to not travel
B) not travelling
C) he not travel
D) of not travelling

4. John seems keen………. how to drive as soon as he can.
A) of learning
B) he learn
C) for learn
D) to learn

5. Now, class, I’d like youall to write … a description of your last holiday.
A) me
B) to me
C) it me
D) about me

6. When you arrive……., have your passport ready.
A) to the airport
B) in the airport
C) on the airport
D) to go

7. The Joneses have invited us………to Australia with them this summer.
A) going
B) for going
C) about going
D) to go

8. The in-flight entertainment may differ…… that advertised.
A) to
B) from
C) in
D) at

G. Find the extra word in each line.
The cancelled trip
Oh, let me tell you about our trip. Did you know that Sara is afraid of be
flying? We had arranged it with her family to go to France for a few days.
I have always wanted to see Paris and would love to live in there one day.
Well,we got to the airport and Sara appeared being nervous. I asked her if
she was okay and she said she was fine, so we continued on to our way.
We went through passport control and I could see so that Sara wasn’t
keen on going any further. Just then,a voice announced:’We regret it to
inform passengers that Flight 114 to France is been cancelled.’That was
our flight! Sarah said she was glad because of she was too frightened to
fly anyway! So, we all went to home. That was the end of thattrip!

H. Use the word given in capitals at the end of each line to form a word that fits in the gap in the
same line.
It’s not always easy being a (1) tourist. You spend half your time making (2) arrangements for your holiday and the other half worrying about sticking to the (3) timetable. I think it’s relaxing sometimes to spend a holiday at home. There are no (4) cultural problems, you don’t need someone to be the (5) photographer and you know that the local (6) inhabitants are always friendly!

I. Complete the sentences by changing the form of the word in capitals when this is necessary.
1. Beijing has changed so much in the last few years that it’s almost unrecognisable. (RECOGNISE)

2. The number of cars worldwide (WORLD) is about a billion and is increasing all the time.

3. The new maglev trains run on a completely different (DIFFER) system from ordinary trains.

4. Living in a foreign country really does broaden (BROAD) your horizons.

5. I can’t find a direct (DIRECT) flight from London to Delhi so I’ve booked one that changes in Frankfurt.

6. All passengers must complete a visa form upon arrival (ARRIVE) at Singapore airport.

7. You can still see old milestones by the side of the road in England, showing the distance (DISTANT) to the nearest town.

8. The Museum of Transport has a full-sized jet plane next to the entrance (ENTER).

A. Choose the correct answer.
1. You needapassport to cross the……. between Mexico and the United States.
A) edge
B) line
C) border
D) rim

2. The hotel where we are…….. is quite luxurious.
A) living
B) remaining
C) existing
D) staying

3. When you…….. your destination, your tour guide will meet you at the airport.
A) arrive
B) get
C) reach
D) achieve

4. It can be quite busy here during the tourist ……..
A) season
B) period
C) phase
D) stage

5. David……….me to the train station every morning.
A) goes
B) takes
C) has
D) makes

6. I always enjoy our school…….. to France.
A) excursion
B) journey
C) trip
D) travel

7. Hurry up, or we’ll ………the bus!
A) avoid
B) miss
C) drop
D) lose

8. The brochure says that the hotel has a great……. ofthe sea.
A) appearance
B) look
C) sight
D) view

9. I must remember to ……….. a souvenir back from Spain for my grandmother.
A) go
B) take
C) bring
D) keep

10. The………. from London to Berlin is about 919 kilometres.
A) measure
B) length
C) gap
D) distance

11. Make sure you……. a hotel before you come to our island, especially in the summer.
A) book
B) keep
C) put
D) take

12. I live in Barcelona, but my……… town is Madrid.
A) birth
B) home
C) native
D) origin

B. Circle the correct word.
1) I hope to go on a trip round the (world) / earth one day.
2) You learn a lot about the local (territory) / area by speaking to local people.
3) It’s good to have someone to (lead) / guide you when you are on holiday.
4) I get the train to work every day and the fare / (fee) is quite expensive.
5) Captain Cook discovered Australia on a voyage / (travel) to the Pacific.
6) Most tourist attractions in London charge an admission (fee) / ticket.
7) The sunset over Niagara Falls really is a magnificent (look) / sight.

C. Complete using the correct form of the words in the box.
1. Let’s go to the airport to see Grandpa off when he flies back home.
2. If it starts to rain, make for a nearby cave to wait for it to pass.
3. We would like to remind all guests that they must check out before midday.
4. Please pull in and stop so that I can buy something to drink.
5. Every Saturday night my dad picks us up outside the cinema.
6. I think the neighbours have gone away for the weekend.
7. John’s up ahead so Greg is pedalling fast to catch up with him.
8. We’re going on holiday tomorrow, but we’ll call you when we get back.

D. Write a phrasal verb in the correct form to replace the words in italics. Add any other words you
need.
1. We can start ourjourney set off towards the mountains at dawn.
2. Dad fetched the luggage while Mum registered checked in at the hotel.
3. I asked the taxi driver to let me get out drop me off outside the train station.
4. Oh, no! I’ve forgotten my passport! We’ll have to go back turn round and get it!
5. The most exciting moment is when the plane leaves the ground takes off.
6. Stop the car! I think we’ve hit run over a dog.
7. I don’t think a horse can ever stay at the same speed as keep up with a car.

C. Complete using the correct form of the verb in brackets.
1. It’s the first time I have ever eaten octopus!
2. Sandy hasn’t seen his sister since she went to university.
3. They have gone on holiday to Spain and won’t be back until the end of the month.
4. Poor Tracy! She has been writing that essay for hours now and she still hasn’t finished!
5. Have you ever met anyone famous?
6. I have been trying to get in touch with Jenny all morning but I can’t find her anywhere.
7. I haven’t finished the book yet so I can’t tellyou what happens.
8. Have you already decided where you’re going this summer?
9. We have lived here for the last six years.
10. I have never heard such nonsense!

D. Complete using the words in the boх.
1. Have you ever dreamt of winning the lottery?
2. Ihaven’t worked out how to set the timer on the video yet.
3. My dad’s lived in the same house since he was born.
4. The film’s only been on for a couple of minutes.
5. Bruce has knocked three men out of the competition so far.
6. I rarely get the chance to get any exercise — I’m just too busy.
7. He’s only just got home.
8. It’s eleven o’clock and Todd still hasn’t come home. Where could he be?
9. I’ve never met Ruth before. What’s she like?
10. Have you finished already? That was quick!

E. Choose the correct answer.
1. Ian … a shower at the moment, so could you call back in about half an hour?
A. takes
B. is taking
C. has taken
D. has been taking

2. … to lpswich before?
A. Do you ever go
B. Are you ever going
C. Have you ever been
D. Have you ever been going

3. I … to all the local newspapers and TV stations to complain.
A. already write
B. already writing
C. have already written
D. have already been writing

4. …. TV for the last four hours? Turn it off and get some exercise!
A. Do you watch
B. Are you watching
C. Watched you
D. Have you been watching

5. Eric, … hockey competitively or just for fun?
A. do you usually play
B. are you usually playing
C. have you usually played
D. have you usually been playing

6. That’s the first time………. an answer right today!
A. I get
B. l am getting
C. Ihave got
D. I have been getting

7. Jessica has………. left, I’m afraid.
A. already
B. yet
C. still
D. so far

8. Dan…. in the living room while we redecorate his bedroom.
A. sleeps
B. is sleeping
C. has slept
D. does sleep

9. Unfortunately, Simone…….. a day off very often.
A. doesn’t get
B. isn’t getting
C. hasn’t got
D. hasn’t been getting

10. Actually, I……a cup of tea first thing every morning but then I switch to coffee.
A. do drink
B am drinking
C. have drunk
D. have been drinking

G. Match to make sentences.
1. I think B. I’m going to buy the new Racetrack CD.
2. I’m thinking F. of getting Dad a CD for his birthday.
3. Phil’s looking D. for his glasses. Have you seen them?
4. Phil looks H. like he needs a holiday!
5. Claire has A. darker hair than her sister.
6. Claire is having C. a haircut at the moment.
7. Andy is E. not old enough to drive a car.
8. Andy is being G. very annoying at the moment!

H. Find the extra word in each line.
International friends
1. I’ve been to travelling round Europe all summer. It’s the first time
2. l’ve ever been going abroad, and I’ve had a fantastic time!
3. I’ve seen loads of interesting places and I have to also made loads of new friends.
4. I’ve been decided to stay in touch with them now I’m back.
5. One of them, Giselle, is French. She was making on holiday too.
6. We now send text messages are to each other all the time.
7. They’re usually in English, because my French isn’t very good! I’m planning to have visit her in
8. France next year sometime. I hope I can. I am love meeting people from other countries!
9. I want to have had lots of friends from all over the world!
10. Travelling certainly broadens the mind but it also is broadens your circle of friends!

I. Write one word in each gap.
Holiday blues
‘You’ve (1) been looking at that timetable for the last ten minutes. It can’t be that confusing!’ said Sheila angrily. ‘I (2) do wish you’d be quiet! I’ve (3) got a splitting headache thanks to you!» replied Matt.
‘Mum! Dad! Please!’ said Alison. ‘You’re both (4) being very silly. (5) There is no point at all in blaming each other. That’s not going to help us find out what time the next train to Budapest is due to leave.
‘You (6) are quite right, darling. I (7) am sorry,’said Sheila. ‘Me too,’mumbled Matt. ‘Now, let’s have another look at this timetable.Well, it (8) looks like we (9) have definitely missed the last train today.That was the 18.20 we just missed, wasn’t it?» ‘I (10) think so,’ said Sheila.’I mean, it did leave at 18.20. Whether it’s actually going to Budapest or not is another question. ‘Well, one thing is (11) not in doubt,’ said Matt. ‘What’s that? asked Sheila and Alison together. ‘This is the worst holiday we’ve (12) ever been on,’said Matt. ‘Next year, we’re going to try something far less adventurous. ‘Agreed!’ said Sheila and Alison.

J. Complete each second sentence using the word given, so that it has a similar meaning to the
first sentence. Write between two and five words in each gap.
1. What’s the price of the tickets, Jimmy? much
How much are the tickets, Jimmy?
2. Are these your trainers? to
Do these trainers belong to you?
3. Sasha’s not keen on team sports at all. like
Sasha doesn’t like team sports at all.
4. It’s only her second time in a recording studio. been
She has only been in a recording studio once before.
5. We got here three hours ago. have
We have been here for three hours.
6. I started writing this hours ago and it’s still not right. writing
I have been writing for hours and it’s still not right.
7. This is my first experience of flying alone. time
It is the first time I have flown alone.
8. Sharon’s in the bath at the moment. a
Sharon is having a bath at the moment.
9. Paul enjoys surprises apart from on his birthday. does
Paul does like getting surprises, just not on his birthday!

A. Circle the correct word or phrase.
1. Elizabeth usually goes / is usually going to bed at around eleven o’clock.
2. Dan talks/is talking on the other phone right now.
3. We don’t eat / aren’t eating any meat at the moment as we’re both on a diet.
4. Does air travel get / Is air travel getting increasingly safe?
5. My mum calls/is calling me every weekend without fail.
6. How much do babysitters generally earn/are babysitters generally earning?
7. You always come / You’re always coming up with excuses for not having done your homework. It’s so annoying!
8. I don’t go / I’m not going out much during the week but I always try / I’m always trying to go out somewhere on Saturday night.
10. No, the train does stop/is stopping at Cirencester on Saturdays.
11. My mum takes / is taking part in ice-skating competitions almost every weekend.

B. Rewrite correctly. Change the words or phrases in bold.
1. My dad is often getting up late on Saturday mornings.
My dad often gets up late on Saturday mornings.
2. Are you speaking any other languages apart from English?
Do you speak any other languages apart from English?
3. I already buy all my Christmas presents and it’s only October!
I have already bought all my Christmas presents and it’s only October!
4. It’s the first time I’m ever having a party at home.
It’s the first time I have ever had a party at home.
5. Actually, I think Darren does works quite hard sometimes.
Actually, I think Darren does work quite hard sometimes.
6. Carlo is never eating Chinese food before.
Carlo has never eaten Chinese food before.
7. Sean already books a table for tonight.
Sean has already booked a table for tonight.
8. Needs Melanie any help painting her new flat?
Does Melanie need any help painting her new flat?

F. Complete using the correct form of the words in the box.
Ancient aviators?
Everyone (1) knows that humans have been flying for only a few hundred years. But (2) is it possible that ancient civilizations also had the ability and technology to fly?

In the Nazcan Desert in southern Peru, there are hundreds of lines which an ancient culture drew in the dust. On the ground, they just (3) look like straight lines. But when you (4) see them from the air, you (5) understand exactly what they are. They are incredible and enormous pictures. The pictures (6) include animals, birds and symbols.

One bizarre theory, which most mainstream scientists (7) disagree with, is that the people who made the lines thousands and thousands of years ago flew above the lines in balloons. It (8) seems incredible, but a few people (9) do believe it’s possible.