4. Instruction: Read the text and answer the questions after it: An extraordinary tree ginkgo biliba

The Ginkgo is the world’s oldest living species of tree. It is the only survivor of a family that existed more than 200 million years ago and kept company to the dinosaurs. However Ginkgo trees eventually vanished in most regions. They were, in fact, thought to be extinct until rediscovered in the 17^th century in eastern China. The Buddhist monks venerated them, that’s why they still exist.

The oldest European Ginkgo would have been sown in 1730 in Utrecht National Garden. Ginkgo Biloba trees are dioecious (male and female trees). They grow up to 40m and can have a long span 1,000 or older. The oldest tree is about 3,500 years old.

This Ginkgo is 2,500 years old (China).

These trees can’t be classified; they are neither coniferous nor leafy. They have atypical leaves looking in no way like anything else. They are fan-shaped with a split in the middle, hence two-lobed (biloba comes from bi-lobed). In spring the leaves are light-green but will suddenly turn a pure dazzling yellow in autumn. The seed has the size and the appearance of a small apricot when mature.

What makes the Ginkgo tree so special? It has incredible physical qualities. This tree is particularly resistant to insect pests and fungal, viral or bacterial diseases. It’s also resistant to fire and radioactive radiations. Ginkgoes that were in the worst of Hiroshima bomb are still alive. Ginkgoes tolerate urban pollution as well so they are commonly planted to line streets.

Ginkgo is used in medicine. An extract is prepared from the dried green leaves. Worldwide millions use this extract for better health. It increases blood circulation to entire body especially the brain. It increases memory and functions that diminish as we age. Ginkgo does appear to be a fountain of youth.

Fill in the table with your answers.

1. Ginkgo appeared as a species

1. 200 million years ago

2. fifty million years ago

3. a million years ago

2. In history Ginkgo is native of

1. Ethiopia

2. Eastern China

3. Australia

3. The oldest European Ginkgo is

1. 1277 years old

2. 277 years old

3. 77 years old

4. A close Ginkgo relative is

1. has no relative

2. larch

3. tamarix

5. Ginkgo leaf extract is said to

1. cure cancer

2. aid memory

3. improve sight

6. The Ginkgo tree is dioecious, it means that

1. there are male and female trees

2. it lives for a very long time

3. it loses its leaves every year

7. They are often planted to line streets because

1. they provide shade in summer

2. they tolerate pollution

3. they have a splendid colour in autumn

8. According to the text, do you think that a Ginkgo grows up

1. slowly

2. fast

3. very fast

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8

Внеаудиторная самостоятельная работа №3

Тема: «Из истории медицины»

Время выполнения – 7 часов.

Уровень 1

Instruction: read the text and match the headings to the paragraphs.

Make a PowerPoint Presentation on the text.