Шпаргалка по "Английскому языку"

When a dish is placed before you don´t eye it suspiciously as though it were the first time you had seen it, and don´t give the impression that you are about to sniff it. No matter how surprised you are take it all in your stride. The customary way to refuse a dish is by saying “No, thank you”. Don´t say “I don´t eat this stuff”, don´t make faces or noises to show that you don´t like it. In between courses don´t make bread-balls to while the time away and don´t play with the silver. Don´t lick your spoon. Sit facing the table, don´t sit sideways. Don´t use a spoon for what can be eaten with a fork. Cut your meat into small pieces and cut one piece at a time. Don´t put your elbows on the table. Don´t talk with your mouth full. And finally don´t forget to say “thank you”. And some words about restaurant. It's often necessary to make a reservation. Otherwise the restaurant you chose may be filled up. By the way don't expect to share a table with other parties. If you want to ask for a bill, which is usually called the check, signal the waiter with a raised hand. As the charge for service isn't included in restaurant check, everyone from waiters to porters anticipate tips. The amount the client give should take into account the quality of service he receive. Now, many restaurant pass menues in the window so you can see the prices before you enter . If they don't, it's acceptable to enter the restaurant and ask for a menu before you sit dawn. If it's too expensive to you, it's OK to leave. If you don't eat all your food, you may ask for a "doggie bag". The waiter will put your uneaten food and you can take it home. You shouldn't do it at an expensive first class restaurant, of cause.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20. Mass media

The information revolution which made its humble start in the middle of the 15^th century. The first step in information exchange and mass communication was made through the print media. Newspapers & periodicals, as the major forms of the print media, not only publish information about current events, but also help people to develop their own thoughts and opinions.

Mass media play an important role in the life of society. They inform, educate and entertain people. They also influence the way people look at the world and make them change their views. Mass media mould public opinion. Millions of people in their spare time watch TV and read newspapers. On the radio one can hear music, plays, news and various discussions or commentaries of current events. Today television with its system of numerous channels has developed into a practically indispensable amenity of everyday life.

These days, 50% of homes have a VCR (video-cassette recorder) and millions more are being sold every year. Thanks to DBS (direst broadcast satellites), dozens of new channels are now available to anyone who buys a receiving "dish". Many of this new channels specialize in one kind of program - news, sport, cartoons, music and movies. The third development is cable - a system of hi-tech wires, which provides even more channels at a price. Fourthly, there is HDTV (high definition television), which now offers a much clearer and more realistic picture than was possible even a few years ago.

There is a lot of advertisement on mass media. Some of the TV and radio stations and newspapers are owned by different corporations. The owners can advertise whatever they choose. But it is hardly fair to say that mass media do not try to raise cultural level of the people or to develop their artistic taste. Mass media brings to millions of homes not only entertainment and news but also cultural and educational programs. There are state and private TV channels in Russia. There are also many local TV channels & radio stations. Radio is widespread for its portability. It means that radios can easily be carried around. People like listening to the radio on the beach or picnic, while driving a car or just walking down the street. The main kind of radio entertainment is music.

Practically there is no family that does not read newspapers. Famous American said: "the careful reader of a few good newspapers can learn more in a year than most scientists do in their great libraries". There are a lot of different kinds of newspapers in our country. It is impossible to read all the newspapers and magazines but you can always find a paper which suits your interests. Favorite newspapers of Russian people are "Komsomolskaya Pravda", "Moskovsky Komsomolets", "Argumenty i Facty". In Primorye we read "Vladivostok". It gives a detailed and well-balanced analysis of current events and trends in economy.

The Internet has recently become another important source of information. Its main advantage is that news appears on the screen as soon as things happen in real life and you don't have to wait for news time on TV.

Today many people blame the media for the disturbing increase of violence. The media coverage is filled with depressing stories. Nobody is implying that the media should distort reality but they should include some positive stories to counterbalance the negative ones. Misinformation is one of the worst banes of the media, which can be effectively used by vested interests to serve their ends and to harm the society. All media are at once advantageous and dangerous. Nevertheless, the role of media in the society cannot be ignored. Judicious use of their potential can work wonders in the society.