By Underground

The London Underground covers the tube network. The underground, or tube, as it is known, is one of the most efficient ways to travel around the capital. It can, however, be amazingly misleading in terms of understanding where one place is in relation to another.

The map of the underground on display has been specially designed to make travelling around it simple and clear. The actual tube lines do not run as indicated except in relation to each other. You will be able to see this clearly when you refer to a street map. This means that you can get on the underground to go from Leicester Square to Covent Garden to find that it would have been much quicker to walk the few hundred yards along Long Acre. Here are some pointers to make travelling on the underground easier:

• the underground operates Monday to Sunday, 364 days a year (not Christmas Day), from approximately 5.50 a.m. to 0.30 a.m. – shorter hours on Sundays,

• the system is shown on maps by coloured lines which are easy to follow – each colour represents a different line,

• check which line you need, which direction – north, south, east or west – and the name of the stop at the end of the line you will be travelling on, as this will appear on the front of the train and also on the indicator on the platform,

• the indicators on the platforms will show the final destination of the train as it approaches as well as how many minutes before the anticipated time of arrival of the train,

• when changing tube lines follow the signs which indicate directions, e.g. ‘Circle Line – eastbound via King’s Cross’.

1. the majority of the best methods ____________________________

2. unexpectedly not true ____________________________

3. developed for specific purpose ____________________________

4. continue travelling by a railway system under the ground

____________________________

5. additional number of indicators ____________________________

6. not difficult to go after ____________________________

7. last place that you are going to ____________________________

8. expected thing that is measured in minutes, hours, days

____________________________

D. Put the following words in each space in the text below.

of (3) on (2) from (2) in (3) to by about

Avoiding Stress

There are a multitude (1) _______ pressures and strains (2) _______ anyone living (3) _______ London. These include:

• long working hours

• a fast pace

• long commuting times

• impatience of others

• a need to stay streetwise.

A brief mention has already been made (4) _______ combating stress, but it is important to understand when you are suffering (5) _______ it. It affects different people (6) _______ different ways, so there is no definitive answer (7) _______ the problem. There are three main stages:

Stage 1. Alarm – initial panic in a new situation. This is usually short-lived.

Stage 2. Resistance – where you feel you have the ability to continue despite the new situation. This allows you to keep fighting a particular cause of stress and lasts longer than Stage 1.

Stage 3. Exhaustion. This happens after you have been in the situation for some time. It can also occur after you have moved in and started work. It may show itself by an illness, such as a virus or cold.

All three stages eventually produce the effect (8) _______ adrenal exhaustion. This is brought about (9) _______ overworked adrenal glands having an effect (10) _______ the regulation of the hormone levels. Signs (11) _______ being stressed are:

• difficulties with your digestion

• difficulties with your nervous system

• deterioration of the condition of your skin, hair and nails

• speeding up of your heart-rate.

If you believe you may be suffering (12) _______ stress, the following ways are recognised as helping to alleviate it:

• avoid stimulants including tea, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes

• eat raw fruit, vegetables and keep to a healthy diet

• learn to meditate or relax

• take regular exercise

• avoid stress for at least one day each week.

If (13) _______ doubt seek medical advice.

Now answer the questions:

1. What difficulties do Londoners suffer?

2. What are the particular states that grow or develop in people?

3. What method to struggle with extreme tiredness do you know?