Test 1b

Task 1. Study the text.

Natural resources, industry and agriculture

Mineral resources in the republic are not abundant with the exception of deposits of potassium salts, which are considered to be the second largest in Europe and are used in fertilizer manufacture. There are some deposits of oil and natural gas, but they are not fully exploited. There are deposits of combustible slates, coal and brown coal, ferrous and non-ferrous ore, dolomites, halites, and phosphorites on the lands of the republic. The reserves of peat, refractory clay, loam and sand for the manufacture of glass, various construction materials are great. There are also some mineral springs.

The country used to be one of the most developed industrial republics within the Soviet Union. Despite all adversities it managed to preserve a considerable part of its industrial and technological potential.

Though the recourses of oil are not abundant, there are two large refineries, which process thee local oil and also the oil imported from Russia. Chemical plants operate near the potash deposits and the oil refineries. They produce mineral fertilisers and a wide range of chemical products, a considerable part of which is exported to other countries. There are major truck and tractor plants in Minsk and Zhodino, and tractors, motor vehicles, and farm machinery are exported to other countries. Other economic activities include lumbering and woodworking. Minsk, the capital, produces about one third of the republic’s industrial output. Several railroad lines cross Belarus, and Minsk is linked by air with many cities of the continent.

Belarus ranks as a flourishing agricultural region despite its rather cool climate and the areas of swampy or sandy soil. Livestock production, especially cattle and hogs, and dairy production are based in areas with good pastures and large amounts of land planted with fodder crops. The main commodity crops grown for food are rye, oats, potatoes, and sugar beets. The country is self-sufficient in agricultural production.

Task 2: Translate the marked paragraphs into Russian.

Task 3. Put the questions to the following sentences using prompts in brackets:

1. The country is self-sufficient in agricultural production. (Why …? Общий вопрос)

2. Chemical plants operate near the potash deposits and the oil refineries. (Разделительный вопрос, Where …?

3. There are some deposits of oil and natural gas. (Альтернативный вопрос, What deposits …?)

Task 4. Fill in the gaps with indefinite pronouns some/any.

1. We should buy .... apples. 2. She didn't make .... mistakes. 3. I can pay. I've got .... money. 4. There aren't ..... shops in this part of the town. 5. Alice and George haven't got .... children.

Task 5. Fill in the gaps with indefinite pronouns somebody/ someone/something/anybody/anyone/ anything.

1. There isn't .... in the drawer. It's empty. 2. I'm looking for my phone. Has .... seen it? 3. Would you like .... to drink? 4. I didn't eat .... because I wasn't hungry. 5. I can make it alone. I don't need .... to help me.

Task 6. Complete the sentences with reflexive pronouns myself/yourself/himself and so on.

1. When people are alone they often talk to .... . 2. The police say that the man shot .... with a gun. 3. Don't pay for me, I want to pay for .... . 4. He fell off the ladder but he didn't hurt .... . 5. I'd like to know more about you. Tell me about ... .

Task 7. Make the plural form of the following nouns:

Man, basis, machine, bench, top, hill, bush, , son, factory, memorandum, child, boy, roof, fly, forget-me-not, goose.

Task 8. Insert the articles where necessary:

1. Have you ever been to British Museum? 2. Milan is large city in north of Italy. 3. Do you like cheese? 4. Do you want cup or coffee? 5. I never drink milk. 6. Which city is capital of your country? 7. What is largest city in world? 8. Do you live near sea? 9. I'm going to party tonight.10. National Gallery is in Trafalgar Square in London. 11. Most of the best shops are in Merrion Street. 12. Rocky Mountains are in North America. 13. Are you looking for job?

Task 9. Form the comparative and superlative degrees of comparison from the adjectives:

1.reasonable; 2.good; 3.easy; 4.little; 5. old; 6.wet; 7.fine.