First of all let me introduce myself. My name is Taras. I'm seventeen years old. I'm at 11-th grade. There are two more kids in the family besides me my elder brother Oleg and my younger sister Marija

The Town of My Dream
Peking is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is spreads across a vast area. Part of its border is formed by the Great Wall of China, a huge wall which stretches along the mountains. It is the ancient seat of government and a modern industrial and commercial city. The population of Peking is about 10 million people and is still growing, although it is only the second largest city in China. In 1421 Peking became the imperial capital of the Ming dynasty (1368—1644) and it was during this time that the spacious walled city was built. Like many ancient Chinese cites, the walls and streets were based on the points of the compass. Peking has remained the capital of China since then. With its modern international airport, it is not surprising that Peking has become a popular tourist destination. Peking's broad, straight streets are crowded with people, bicycles and buses. Very few people own a car. Industries include textiles, steel and engineering. It is also a city of great cultural importance. There are more than fifty institutes of higher education, including Peking University. It has a famous opera, a ballet and some outstanding museums — The Museum of Chinese History and Gugun Museum. Among the many historical and cultural landmarks in Peking is Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. It is used for political rallies and military parades.
Questions: 1. What is the capital of People's Republic of China? 2. What is the population of Peking? 3. Peking is the second largest city in China, isn't it? 4. Has Peking become a popular tourist destination? 5. How many institutes are there in this city?


My Friends
I have a lot of friends, but the best friend of mine is Irina. She has blue eyes, a round face, fair hair and a broad smile. She is short and slim. I have known her for a long time, since our first school years. But we became true friends four years ago. We have much in common: we like English and psychology, sport and dancing. We are looking at this world in the same way and first estimate a person's mind, their kindness. We don't understand meanness and treachery. For many years we have been sitting at the same desk: Irina and me. But it's only recollections now. On a May morning the last bell rang for us for the last time and in the farewell waltz the last school ball was dancing. Irina chose the proffession of psychologist and handed in the application for admittance to the institute. She finished school excellenty and she won't have any problems with the admittance, I hope. We shall study at different institutes and, of course, we won't see each other very often. But at weekends I'll come to her place. Irina has wonderful parents. We have a good time together. I think that we shan't stop going to the gym at school and we'll often meet our school friends. I also have a pen-friend. Her name's Vika. She lives in Moscow. Vika is a model. She has an oval face, green eyes, straight nose and full red lips. She is rather tall and slim. She has long, curly brown hair. We spend a lot of time together. I love my friends and I think they are my true friends.
Questions: 1. Do you have a lot of friends? 2. What are your friends fond of? 3. Your friends study at the institute, don't they? 4. Do you like to spend time with them? 5. Do you have a lot in common with your friends?