Summative assessment for the unit «Hobbies and Qualities» Task 1 Reading. Read the text
The Great North Run is one of the UK`s most popular sporting events. It is the biggest and
best-known half-marathon in the world. Around fifty thousand competitors sign up to take part in
the Great North Run every September, and run the thirteen miles between Newcastle upon Tyne and
South Shields. Around one hundred thousand friends and family members line the roads to watch
the race, and cheer the runners on from the sidelines.
The first Great North Run was held in 1981, to help raise money for charities and other
worthy causes. The race has evolved over the years from a small, low key event to become one of
the most popular road running events in the sporting calendar, and the most famous competition of
its kind in the world. A lot of people enjoy running, and men and women of all ages compete in the
race to help raise money for their favourite charity. Most ordinary people who enter the race are
pleased if they just manage to finish it, but for some athletes the competition is a serious business
and they are out to win it! Many well-known celebrities also sign up to take part in the race and raise
money for good causes.
Running road races can be exhausting, and amateur runners often find them challenging. Not
all runners who enter the race manage to go the full distance and complete it, and there are always
some who fall by the wayside. Ambulances are kept on standby in case any runners need any
medical attention, and bottled water is provided for competitors to keep them hydrated in various
stops along the way. Around two hundred and fifty thousand (a quarter of a million) bottles of water
are handed out during the race along, with a thousand or more additional drinks handed out at the
start and finish!
Task 2 Read the text again and decide if the following statements are Fact (F ), Opinion (O)
1 The Great North Run is the biggest and famous half-marathon
2 Professional athletes and amateur runners compete in the race.
3 The race always raises a lot of money
4 It isn’t easy to go the full distance and some people fall by the wayside
5 People who complete this distance are strong and hardy
6 Famous people often take part in this race for charity
Task 3 Express your opinion.
1
Tell about a hobby that was fashionable in the past.
2
What is the hobby?
3
What dangerous hobbies do you know? Why are they dangerous?
4
What hobbies can become a profession in future?
5
Which hobbies are the most popular with women in your country? With men?
6
How does a hobby affect social life?
7
What kind of team games can you recommend to take up to an unsociable person? Why?
8
What hobby would you like to try ? Why?
9
What qualities should a person have to be a good sportsmen?