Variant VI

I Read the text and do two tasks below it

6 From the history of international trade

Trade is as old as history itself. In the beginning, people exchanged goods such as food and clothes. Later, then began to use money for buying and selling. But international trade only became important in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, when many modern countries were formed. France, England and other countries made agreements which made the trade easier and cheaper.

In 1947, twenty-three countries made an agreement called GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade). GATT played a very important part in the development of world trade for fifty years.

In 1995, GATT became the WTO (World Trade Organization). All the countries in the WTO have to follow the same trade rules. This saves time: countries can make just one agreement instead of a lot of different ones. Larger and more powerful countries cannot make it difficult for poorer countries to take part in trade. Cheaper trade means cheaper goods in the shops. Easier trade is good for the world economy and probably means more jobs. And finally, people say that trade agreements help to keep peace because they help countries to work together.

However, some people are worried about the WTO because it has got too much power and does not explain its decisions.

1 Are the statements below true (t) or false (f)?

a The history of trade is the history of human civilization.

b Not many countries could trade with each other until the 14^th century.

c The World Trade Organization was formed more than 15 years ago.

d The developed countries have better positions and privileges in the WTO.

e The WTO cannot improve the world working forces market.

2 Complete the sentences 1-5 with the correct endings a-e.

1 The members of the WTO a replaced GATT.

2 Neither large nor small WTO members b the lower the prices in the shops.

3 The cheaper the trade, c promote cooperation and piece.

4 The international trade helps d can have privileges.

5 In 1995 the World Trade Organization must follow e the same trade rules.

II Read the text and choose the phrase (a, b or c) that best completes the sentences 1-5.

Suit or smart casual? The modern office dilemma

In the past it was easy to know what to wear to the office. For male managers, it was always a dark suit and white shirt with a tie. With the arrival of Dress-Down Friday, all the old rules went away. Some companies introduced the system in which once a week (on Friday) the employees were allowed to wear casual clothes. In recent years, casual dress days at the office have become widespread in the USA. Casual Fridays have become so casual that some people are coming to work in outfits that resemble pyjamas.

82% of Americans thought that it is OK for businesses to have a dress-down day, while 12% thought it is not.

There are two important factors when discussing dress codes in the workplace. First of all, it must be clear. Employees need to know what is expected of them; otherwise, a dress code that is meant to create a relaxed atmosphere might actually increase stress. Second, employees must always consider their clients. A lawyer in a company put on his jacket and tie when he expects a client who might be offended by a more casual appearance.

And one final thing – no matter what clothes people wear, they must always be clean and neat.

1 The best time to be dressed casual in an office is

a) weekends b)Saturday c) Friday

2 The idea of dress-down day

a) is criticized by most Americans. b) is ignored by most Americans.

c) is taken positively by most Americans.

3 The dress codes in the workplace depend on

a) a long list of important things. b) on a couple of important factors.

c) on the boss’s mood.

4 Casual appearance in an office may

a) hurt a customer b)attract unnecessary attention c) make clients laugh

5 A dress code has always depended on

a) office atmosphere b) strict rules c) business needs