2026. Задание ЕГЭ № 10
The test assesses students' reading skills.
Задание 1
Установите соответствие между текстами A—G и заголовками 1—8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний. 1. Learn firsthand 2. Beyond nature 3. Getting fit 4. First choice 5. Great but unsafe 6. National parks 7. Take care 8. Past into present A. Most travellers say that a trip to Kenya is synonymous with safari. They are right — there’s a lot of wildlife in Kenya’s national parks, especially in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The park is famous for the Big Five — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo — and the local tribe wearing traditional red clothes. But Kenya has much more to offer. There are forested mountains and large cities with exciting social and cultural scenes. You can relax on the beaches of the Indian Ocean, or go on an off-road adventure. No matter what type of trip you seek, Kenya will provide it. B. If you dream of Africa, chances are that you dream of the Masai Mara. This reserve needs little in the way of introduction. Due to reliable rains, its ecosystem supports millions of herbivores, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and of course gnu. The best time to visit is from July to October, when millions of gnu migrate from Tanzania in search of grass, and to give birth. They are often hunted by crocodiles and big cats. For many people, the Great Migration is not just the highlight of their Kenyan adventure but the very reason they came. C. Driving in Kenya can be quite challenging and even unsafe. Kenya’s main roads are mostly in good condition, but you’ll find a lot of bumpy roads, too. Make sure you rent a car which fits the type of area you’re planning to visit — check with the car rental company if you aren’t sure. Knowing basic car repairs is useful; if your car breaks down, assistance can take a long time if you’re somewhere far from major cities. The rules of the road can be strange and unpredictable. For safety, it’s wise to drive during daylight because of poor street lighting and crime such as carjacking. D. Turkana looks like a vast empty area on a map of Kenya, but it attracts adventurers who love challenge. Although the region has an airport, many tourists prefer to drive there, which requires a reliable car to navigate a rocky road. The UNESCO-listed Lake Turkana National Parks surround Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake. This region is ideal for the adventurous traveller: it’s hot, dry, windy, vast, and volcanic. The central part consists of three active volcanoes and three crater lakes, where you’ll find the largest concentration of Nile crocodiles in the world. E. The Turkana Cultural Festival is a major tourist attraction that reflects the region’s cultural traditions. It features traditional music and dances depicting tales of hunting, harvest, and ancestral spirits. Beyond this, the festival offers a chance to deepen your understanding of the Turkana way of life. You can taste local dishes from grilled meats to freshly harvested vegetables. You can participate in the workshops on cattle herding, beadwork, and traditional medicine. Or you can join storytelling sessions, where elders share ancient tales passed down through generations. F. For history lovers, Lamu Old Town on Lamu Island is a perfect destination. It is the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa, still playing its functions. Unlike other Swahili settlements, Lamu has been inhabited for over 700 years. Built in coral stone and timber, the town is characterised by the simplicity of architecture. The streets here are so narrow that cars are not used; donkeys are the best means of transport. Lamu is an important centre of Swahili culture, whose inhabitants have managed to keep their traditional values and sense of community. G. Unlike in the past, Lamu Island is now popular with tourists as a well-being destination in East Africa. People from all over the globe arrive here to participate in the annual Lamu Yoga Festival. The instructors focus on teaching yoga, breathing, meditation, and informative wellness workshops to tourists and locals who want to practise yoga and improve their general health. Over 25 practitioners from different countries give classes that will be spread throughout the island. The participants learn various types of yoga, each offering a different path to inner balance.
Задание 2
Установите соответствие между текстами A—G и заголовками 1—8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний. 1. Perfect for relaxation 2. Good for health 3. Worst for travelling 4. Something for everyone 5. Calm and leisurely 6. A town and a church 7. Plan your trip 8. A cave city A. Georgia is a magical country on the southern slope of the Great Caucasus mountain range, whose snowcapped peaks run from the Black Sea to the Caspian. The country is not large in terms of area, but it offers a huge variety of scenery and activities. Georgia’s mountainous landscape and limited transport infrastructure mean that travelling there takes more time than you might imagine. While there’s no need to limit yourself to just one region, it’s a good idea to decide what kind of a trip you want to have, and then choose a few parts of the country to focus on. B. Tbilisi, the charming Georgian capital, offers an interesting Old Town, a wealth of avant-garde architecture, traditional baths for complete relaxation, and numerous medieval churches. Spread out along the Mtkvari River, Tbilisi is the kind of place you have to get up high in order to really appreciate, and feel the magic of the city. Tbilisi is also the best place in Georgia to eat out, with dozens of innovative menus available at its restaurants. The city will keep you entertained for days, but it can also serve as a base from which to make day trips to other parts of central Georgia. C. Batumi, Georgia’s second city, is famous for its fantastic subtropical climate, beachfront location, charming Old Town, and an ever-growing number of skyscrapers — Georgia’s answer to Dubai, locals will tell you with a grin. Georgia’s best beaches can be found both in Batumi and to the south of the city, between Batumi and the Turkish border. The city is built for pleasure, and functions as Georgia’s unofficial temporary capital during the summer, when most of Tbilisi’s locals head for the Black Sea’s beaches for sunshine, partying, and leisure. D. The spectacular Georgian Military Highway takes you to Stepantsminda, which was just a big village 20 years ago. Now it has grown into a town, with hotels everywhere, and crowds of tourists arriving in the summer months. It is a base for walking and mountain biking, with many routes leading to the world-famous hilltop church. This 14th-century church 2200 m above Stepantsminda has become almost a symbol of Georgia for its photogenic setting with rocky mountains rising behind it and for the strong desire to build it in such an isolated place. E. The cave city of Vardzia is both Georgia’s cultural symbol and natural phenomenon. King Giorgi III built a fortification here in the 12th century, and his daughter, Queen Tamar, established a cave monastery that grew into a holy city. Altogether there are over 13 floors, 400 rooms and 13 churches, with more still being discovered today. In 1283 an earthquake shook away the outer walls of many caves, and the cave city began its decline. Now Vardzia has again become a working monastery, with some caves inhabited by monks and closed for visitors. F. Sighnaghi is perhaps Georgia’s most attractive town. Full of 18th- and 19th-century architecture, it has an Italian feel, with terracotta roofs, cobbled streets and a slow pace of life. The town sits on a hilltop above a long valley and is surrounded by a wall with 23 towers. You can climb up some of the towers and take a slow walk along the wall. Or you can visit the town museum, which has one of the best collections of paintings by Niko Pirosmani. Despite tour groups, due to its easy charm the town is a lovely place to spend several days. G. The glorious 19th-century spa town of Borjomi lies amid the thickly wooded hills of the Lesser Caucasus. Borjomi’s salty-sour mineral water is Georgia’s most famous export and is instantly recognized by almost anyone from the former Soviet Union. However, the elegant resort town that produces it is worth a visit even if you’ve never heard of its famous sulfurous water. As well as enjoying the fresh air in Borjomi Central Park, you can use the town as an excellent base for hiking in the Borjomi National Park, or take a train to the nearby alpine resort.
Задание 3
Установите соответствие между текстами A—G и заголовками 1—8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний. 1. Too much waste 2. Back to the old methods 3. Fashion as a job and a hobby 4. The faster, the worse 5. A past symbol of status 6. High quality indicator 7. Benefits for new designers 8. A way to become closer A. The fashion industry has changed a lot in the past year. During the pandemic, everything went online. This has meant that anyone can do whatever they want. Young designers can be living at their mum’s house in Coventry, and the buyers still get to see the collections. People are creating their own systems, and it works. Online retailers pick up young designers who are doing small runs of 50 shirts from their bedroom. Designers are taking back ownership. The new system can be less about growth. None of us young designers wants to be massive and corporate. B. Nothing has really changed in the fashion industry in the past year. In fact, it is becoming even harder to get the industry to invest in positive change, despite a lot of action on social media. Brands are choosing inaction instead of imperfect action. During the pandemic, most brands, big and small, have been hit economically. So they are all trying to sell as much as possible again. It’s back to the old, inefficient model. Right now their activities outside of sales and profit are smaller and smaller. The action we see is far away from where it should be. C. So many of us have bought a cheap dress or shirt, only for it to be worn once (if at all) and consigned to the back of the closet. Perhaps you’ve even bought a pair of shoes, just to realize you already had a very similar pair at home. Even worse, sometimes the article falls apart after one wash, and it ends up in the trash. These shared experiences with so-called “fast fashion” often come with guilt — not just for the money spent, but also because it encourages the unethical treatment of workers, and adds to the waste unwanted clothes create on our planet. D. Most families have Christmas traditions. It could be glass of fresh orange juice in the morning, a post-lunch game of Scrabble, or even that yearly heated political debate. But a new custom has entered the festive atmosphere: family pyjamas. Everyone — from grandparents to grandchildren and even pets — is putting on the same style of nightwear. The goal is not just to create the best family photo for social media. As a family, we are one unit, but it does not always feel this way. Wearing matching pyjamas is like putting on a family uniform. It connects everyone. E. Pockets are an obvious marker of something that’s well-made. For the manufacturers, it’s cheaper not to bother with them. But for consumers, it’s much nicer to have a skirt or dress with pockets. Sadly, modern pockets are often entirely absent, too shallow to use, or aren’t made with suitable materials. Good pockets used to require several steps of sewing. This ensured they wouldn’t split or fracture under the weight of whatever you put in them, particularly at the opening. Their placement used to be carefully chosen, too. F. Every year each Australian throws away more than nine kilos of clothes. But only 7,000 tonnes of textiles are recycled in Australia every year — just 3% of what goes to landfill. And Australia is not alone in this global trend. This is because clothes are very difficult to recycle back into textiles. Usually, they are blends of several different materials and come in a wide range of colours. This makes their separation complicated. Because clothes do not have their own waste collection system like plastic, glass or paper, it is also difficult to get the volume required for scale. G. Pocket handkerchiefs are not always square. At least they have been square only since Louis XVI decreed that all handkerchiefs should be of a length equal to their breadth. There is a portrait in the Louvre, from the time of Henry IV, in which a Parisienne is holding a hexagonal pocket-handkerchief. The handkerchief has not always been a democratic thing for everyone. Lately it has even had political significance. Originally, it was the mark of the Oriental prince. The Romans carried several handkerchiefs, for each of which they had a different name.
Задание 4
Установите соответствие между текстами A—G и заголовками 1—8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний. 1. Learn a lesson at a table 2. Food wasted 3. What makes a good meal 4. A ritual rather than a meal 5. A negative effect of a TV show 6. An illusion of variety 7. Not just for the housewives 8. Change the culture, feed the hungry A. If holiday meal cooking leaves you with plates full of potato peels, you’re not alone. The US sees a 25% increase in waste during the holiday season. About a fifth of that waste comes from our kitchen tables. Just on Thanksgiving, Americans throw away 305 million pounds of food. And all these cheese rinds, apple cores, vegetable skins, and crusty week-old leftovers that make their way to landfills are harming the planet by emitting methane, a potent greenhouse gas. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Much of this so-called food waste is perfectly edible. B. Cooking competition shows first appeared in the US when the Food Network began airing the Japanese program Iron Chef in 1999. Within a year, it was the most watched show on the network. Before that, the Food Network had aired mostly daytime cooking shows — the kind that teach you how to prepare a recipe for your family. At that point, the network’s viewers were mostly women. The competition show, which wasn’t just about feeding your family, but winning a timed battle in the heat of the kitchen, drew in male viewers overnight. C. Cooking shows not only influence how healthy our diets are, but also our food preferences. Sometimes this influence can be problematic. In the recent season of Top Chef nearly every winning dish featured meat, from pot roast to pork tenderloin. And all 13 episodes of the season showed at least one red meat ingredient, including pork, lamb and, of course, beef. So the fact that meat is part of every good meal goes unquestioned for the most part. It may not seem a big problem, but such eating habits make the climate crisis worse. D. Extreme weather events have been reducing crop yields across the world and many countries that import a lot of their food could soon face a crisis. Thankfully, scientists have found a solution — undersea farming. This is not for fish but seaweed, which they call seawheat. People have been eating seaweed for thousands of years but the scientists believe its mass production will be necessary to keep the world from hunger. Shifting people from eating wheat to seaweed is not just a technical question of the best way to mass production, but a major cultural shift. E. For years Americans have been told to “eat better”. But this strategy hasn’t worked, and never will. It cannot, as long as the majority of calories that are produced are unhealthy. For a healthy population, US government must encourage growing real food for nutrition, not cheap meat and soya beans for junk food. As humans eat nearly everything, they have choices, but most choices available to Americans are bad ones. 60% of the calories in the food supply are in the form of junk food. And it’s not enough to say “eat plant-based”, because most junk food is made from plants. F. Sharing a meal with someone is one of the most important rituals in all cultures. Eating together behind the same table creates the sense of belonging, being part of a community. Offering food, no matter how plain, to a stranger is part of basic hospitality in most cultures. The cultural etiquette of eating is connected to a shared meal. Family dinners teach us more than just dining rules. We also learn generosity, discipline, and respect. Good manners are related to the rules of sharing as well: offering food to others or not taking portions that are too large. G. One thing you will notice after a while of being in Vietnam is that right after greeting the person, he is going to ask you if you have eaten yet. This question is asked the moment you arrived at the house (if you got an invitation), business meetings, or just hanging out with the natives. Dinner is the most important meals of Vietnamese people. When dining they always sit in a circle, usually on the floor, so that everyone gets fair access to the shared dishes in the middle. The eldest man at any sitting is handed chop sticks and bowl first as a mark of respect.
Задание 5
Установите соответствие между текстами A—G и заголовками 1—8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний. 1. Different from the rest 2. First things first 3. The largest on Earth 4. The local star 5. Time travel 6. Prepare well 7. Meet them close 8. Avoid the crowds A. Patagonia is the area which is shared between Argentina and Chile. Its wild beauty has inspired generations of adventurers, and even a certain sportswear company. In this vast region, there are virgin forests, high mountains that serve as a dividing line between the two countries, deep lakes and vast grasslands. Travelling to Patagonia may take time and effort, but to get there is more than worth it. When everything seems like a big old mess, the best reaction is to focus on something important: breathing, being present, keeping your eyes and ears open and taking your time. B. Patagonia’s most visited attraction is Glacier Perito Moreno, one of the Earth’s most dynamic ice fields. It is 30km long, 5km wide and 60m high, but what makes it exceptional is its constant movement — up to 2m per day. As a result, huge icebergs separate from the glacier and collapse into the Iceberg Channel. Visitors can get close enough to this natural tourist attraction, so they can see, hear and photograph the glacier. Sun hits its face in the morning, and the glacier’s appearance changes as the day progresses, which makes watching it an unforgettable experience. C. As the Patagonia region gets more and more popular, many destinations get more and more crowded. Not so in spectacular Perito Moreno National Park. This remote park has flat grasslands; milky, glacier-fed rivers; forests of small-leafed trees; and snowcapped mountains, including the second-highest peak in Patagonia. The hiking trails are varied and well-maintained, and the park offers nice wooden cabins for an overnight stay. Lots of animals and birds can be seen here, including pumas, wild llamas and condors. What won’t you see? Too many other people. D. Patagonia’s 19th-century Welsh-Argentine town of Trelew is famous for its family-friendly attraction: an outstanding paleontological museum that shows Patagonia’s most important fossil finds. The museum offers life-size dinosaur exhibits and more than 1700 fossil remains of plant and animal life. The collection’s most exciting addition is the Patagotitan, one of the largest animals ever to walk the earth, discovered in 2013. Kids aged 8 to 12 can participate in the ‘Explorers in Pyjamas’ programme, which invites kids to sleep over and explore the museum by flashlight. E. About 110km south of Trelew, there is continental South America’s largest penguin colony. Half a million Magellanic penguins come here to nest between November and March, and keen bird watchers may also see other species of birds. Most of the nesting areas in the reserve are fenced off both for the safety of the penguins and visitors, as penguins can bite, especially when they have to protect their young. The place is very popular, so it’s better to come in the morning to beat the crowds. And if seeing baby penguins is what you’re coming here for, you should visit in January. F. The weather in Patagonia is infamous: it can (and will) change fast and very often, so be ready for cold, windy and wet conditions at any time. Pack lots of layers of clothing, which you will be able to put on and take off whenever you need when you’re outdoors. There are some opportunities to buy outdoor clothes and equipment in the Patagonia region of Argentina, but these options are few and unreliable. You never know what local shops have in stock, so it’s best to come with all you need to stay warm and dry while travelling, hiking, touring and camping. G. Most travellers know that Argentinians are the biggest consumers of beef in the world, and red meat is an important part of their culture. Grilling steaks is a tradition started by local shepherds called gauchos, who grazed their cattle in the grasslands, and grilled meat over an open fire — a custom which is still in use in restaurants. However, be prepared — beef doesn’t rule in Patagonia. You’re more likely to see lamb on the menu in the Patagonia region. Sheep farmers were the region’s first settlers, so sheep farms formed the economic and cultural backbone of the area.
Задание 6
Установите соответствие между текстами A—G и заголовками 1—8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний. 1. Destination of your dream 2. Natural beauty 3. Extinct species 4. If you are bored… 5. Nowhere else 6. Have fun and learn 7. National heritage 8. Apart from nature A. New Zealand is a magnificent country, nestled in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, and famous for its captivating landscapes. From the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the pristine beaches of the Bay of Islands, its scenery amazes visitors. The country consists of two main islands — the North Island and the South Island — each offering a great range of attractions. With its lush forests, rugged coastlines, and stunning fjords, New Zealand is a paradise for nature lovers — inviting travellers from around the globe to explore its wonders. B. Home to unique wildlife, New Zealand is inhabited by some species typical only of this part of the Earth. The iconic kiwi bird, with its distinctive appearance and nocturnal habits, is a symbol of the country’s biodiversity. The tuatara, a reptile resembling a lizard — which is in danger of extinction — and the playful Hector’s dolphin are among the many interesting creatures that call New Zealand home. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these species and their habitats so that they will not go extinct, but will thrive for generations to come. C. New Zealand’s rich Māori culture adds depth and variety to its identity, shaping its traditions, language, and society. The indigenous Māori people have a deep connection to the land, which is reflected in their customs and rituals. Visitors can experience Māori hospitality firsthand through cultural performances, traditional feasts, and guided tours of historic sites. From the ancient legends carved into the walls of Whakarewarewa, to the intricate designs of Māori tattoos, the culture of the Māori people is a source of pride and inspiration. D. In New Zealand, where the scenery takes your breath away, extreme sports can change your life. If you’re tired of the same old routine, there’s something exciting for everyone. Whether it’s jumping off high bridges, rafting down wild rivers, or leaping into the air with BASE jumping, adventurers get what they need. From skiing down mountains reached by helicopter, to riding huge waves, New Zealand’s varied landscape suits every thrill-seeker. In this land of endless excitement, even those used to routine find the adventures they’ve been missing. E. In addition to New Zealand’s natural beauty, its cities buzz with energy and excitement, offering a vibrant blend of culture, cuisine, and entertainment. Auckland, the country’s largest city, is a melting pot of cultures, with an exciting arts scene, various dining options, and iconic landmarks. Wellington, the capital city, is known for its vibrant waterfront, picturesque neighbourhoods, and bustling nightlife. Christchurch, meanwhile, boasts a rich heritage — with beautifully restored buildings, green gardens, and an amazing arts and music scene. F. New Zealand hosts a variety of festivals that celebrate its cultural traditions and show its creative spirit. From the colourful events of the Pasifika Festival, to the performances of New Zealand Festival of the Arts, there’s always something exciting happening throughout the year. Visitors can taste Māori cuisine, watch cultural performances, and participate in hands-on workshops that offer insights into Māori traditions. These events provide an opportunity to connect with the local community and experience the hospitality of the Kiwi people. G. New Zealand is a land of extraordinary beauty, rich culture, and boundless adventure, where every corner reveals a new wonder to explore. Whether you’re hiking through ancient forests, learning about Māori traditions, or soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of its cities, New Zealand never fails to enchant and inspire. With its welcoming locals, stunning landscapes, and countless experiences, it’s no wonder that this island nation is a dream destination for travellers around the world, promising an interesting journey filled with admiration and discovery.
Задание 7
Установите соответствие между текстами A—G и заголовками 1—8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний. 1. Do a new sport 2. Watch wildlife 3. Learn how to cook 4. Fresh treats 5. For a good cause 6. Green transport 7. Boring nature 8. Perfect for relaxation A. Anyone who’s been to Indonesia’s Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Air or Gili Meno — would agree on one thing. You forget about your worries as soon as you set foot on the fine white sands. The blue waters, rich marine life and beautiful sunsets are like a tropical postcard, with the ban on motor vehicles further enhancing the peaceful atmosphere. They may be small in size, but there are plenty of things to do. Adventurous travellers can enjoy water sports and island hopping, while those who prefer to take it at a more leisurely pace can make the most of the beach and spas. B. The Gili Islands are a fantastic place to learn to scuba dive, with a huge choice of international dive schools offering certified lessons in different languages, as well as trips for divers. The surrounding waters are famous for their fascinating dive sites where you can spot everything from shipwrecks and underwater sculptures to sharks (relax, these are reef sharks, and they’re quite shy when it comes to humans). Some of the most popular locations include Shark Point and Gili Meno Wall, which are excellent places for those who want to take up night diving. C. Scuba diving isn’t for everyone, so if you prefer to stay on the surface, grab a snorkel and mask to peek below the waves instead. If you don’t have your own equipment, there are places to rent snorkels and fins all along the beaches. The waters here are clear and shallow, and there are colourful tropical fish, turtles, octopus and starfish. It’s easy to snorkel off shore, and as you walk along the coastline, you’ll see signposts indicating the best snorkelling areas. For beauty places further out, join an eco-friendly boat tour and go island hopping. D. While staying on Gili Trawangan, make sure to visit the night market right by the harbour. Open every evening from sunset, this open-air market is packed with stalls selling delicious local food. Find everything from rice with a variety of sides to traditional desserts like a thick pancake with various fillings and klepon (sweet rice balls filled with palm sugar and coated in coconut). The highlights of the market are the barbecue stands where you can choose anything from a selection of fish, prawns and lobsters, and have it grilled before your eyes. E. If you’ve fallen in love with the local cuisine and plan on recreating it back home, then one of the must-do activities is to join a cooking class. There are a handful of cooking schools where you can learn to prepare classic Indonesian dishes like fried noodles and chicken curry using fresh ingredients from the local markets. Gili Cooking Classes is by far the most popular option, where English-speaking local chefs take you through three-, four- or six-course menus. The best cooking schools are located on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. F. Depending on the island, it takes between one and two hours to walk around. It’s even quicker by bike, and rentals are cheap and easy to find. The Gilis are very flat and many of the roads are paved, making cycling a top family-friendly activity. You can cycle along the coastal paths or right into the islands’ interior. Traditional horse-driven carts called cidomo are also used for getting around, but it’s not always a good idea as the horses are sometimes treated badly by the drivers. For responsible horseback rides, it’s advisable to check out Gili Air Horse Riding. G. Apart from relaxing, travellers can participate in local ecological initiatives. Gili Eco Trust is based on Gili Trawangan, and has several eco-projects and charities that visitors can support while on holiday here. Each Friday afternoon, both locals and tourists head to the beach in various locations to clean up plastic and marine debris. Cat lovers can lend a helping hand to the local felines at Cats of Gili, which runs free clinics. Similarly, Stud Horse Riding & Rescue focuses its efforts on rescued and retired horses, offering amazing beach and island rides.
Задание 8
Установите соответствие между текстами A—G и заголовками 1—8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний. 1. Hot wonders 2. Cultural experience 3. Take care 4. For nature lovers 5. Best in snow 6. Choose and go 7. The greatest in the world 8. Climb or walk A. The world’s first national park was born in the USA, and today there are 63 across the country — ranging from the frosted peaks of Denali in Alaska, to the swamps of Florida’s Everglades, the rock arches of Zion in Utah, and the waterfalls of Tennessee. Lovers of the outdoors are spoilt for choice here — and the hardest part for many visitors to the US usually involves deciding where to go first. There’s an American national park to suit every taste. With options for hiking, natural wonders, wildlife and more, these are the best parks for every type of traveller. B. Few wild places capture the imagination like Yellowstone does. Within its 2.2 million acres, visitors have unique opportunities to explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. At the heart of Yellowstone lies the aquamarine pool of Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest thermal spring in the USA. To the south, there is the park’s most explosive attraction: Old Faithful, a geyser whose eruptions are so reliable you can almost set your watch by them. C. Mother Nature is a spectacular sculptor, and she did some of her finest work in the rocky wonderland of Zion National Park in Utah, where you can find twisted ravines, red cliffs and deep canyons that swallow sunshine. This is a playground for adventurers, with enough rocks to satisfy both experienced climbers and those who are keen to learn. For hikers, there are several routes. One rises 454 metres and offers fantastic views over Zion Canyon. Another is over five miles long, guiding hikers down into the canyon and zigzagging over its waterway. D. Eleven Indian tribes have links to Grand Canyon National Park — a Mars-like kingdom of rocks eroded into elegant forms by the Colorado River. At the Desert View Amphitheater, visitors can buy handcrafted jewellery and listen to tribe members who share tales of their culture. It’s worth timing a summer visit with North Rim’s Heritage Days (which take place in one of the less-visited parts of the park) to see indigenous people offering everything from talks on Native American mythologies to dance performances. E. More than six times the size of Rhode Island, with its 9,375sq miles spreading out in untouched wilderness, Denali is the best choice for those keen to leave all traces of modern life behind. And with just one 92-mile road, which visitors can only drive a small part of, the park is also a haven for wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might see grizzlies moving clumsily across the tundra, large deer grazing the birch and Arctic willow trees, horned Dall sheep, or even a wolf pack on the prowl — their grey coats contrasted against a green or snow-white backdrop. F. California’s Yosemite National Park is one of the world’s greatest climbing areas. Climbers here can enjoy an endless variety of challenges, but it’s not a hike that should be taken lightly. Climbing in Yosemite has some risks, and climbers take complete responsibility for their own safety. Yosemite is not just a climber’s playground, however: its walls and crags are an important part of a larger ecosystem, protected as Wilderness which was set aside for people to enjoy in a natural state for generations to come. G. At the heart of Crater Lake Park lies Crater Lake, the deepest in the USA, and one of the most pristine in the world. Native Americans saw its formation 7,700 years ago, when a huge volcano erupted and caused a tall mountain peak to collapse. The caldera then filled with water, forming a natural wonder that attracts thousands of visitors. At no time of year does the lake look better than when its banks are covered in snow. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its sapphire-blue water and the beautiful setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.
Задание 9
Установите соответствие между текстами A—G и заголовками 1—8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний. 1. Impressive changes 2. For body and soul 3. The warmest place on Earth 4. Something for everyone 5. Freezing but fun 6. The cultural capital 7. A long way 8. Hot wonders A. The Russian Far East has a charm that’s been attracting travellers for generations. With the volcanoes and geysers of Kamchatka, the ancient stone pillars on the Lena River and some of the world’s coldest and remotest human settlements, as well as the cosmopolitan cities of Vladivostok and Khabarovsk, the region meets the expectations of any traveller. Russia’s recent past is present here too, from the BAM (Baikal-Amur Mainline) railway to the Kolyma Highway that runs to Magadan, one of the outposts of the Far Eastern Gulag system. B. The ‘Master of the East’, Vladivostok is a dynamic city with an impressive location in the Golden Horn Bay and numerous attractions. One of them is the Far Eastern stage of the famous Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. It is the best place to see serious classical concerts, ballet and opera in the Russian Far East. Among the city’s main attractions are also the new Hermitage Vladivostok branch, the Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art and several museums devoted to the city’s background as Russia’s most important eastern naval base. C. Yakutsk, the remote capital of the Sakha Republic, was a small provincial centre of wooden houses in the 19th century. Since then, it has grown and acquired light industries, up-to-date housing and paved streets. Despite the freezing temperatures and isolation, it’s a cosmopolitan city and an important river port. It’s both the world’s coldest city and quite an achievement of engineering, built entirely on the frozen ground called permafrost. Permafrost made it possible to build Permafrost Kingdom — two tunnels filled with never-melting ice sculptures of gods and mythological characters. D. About 680 km east of Yakutsk, the tiny reindeer and silver fox breeding station of Oymyakon is the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth. More than 500 people live there, despite the winter temperatures dropping lower than —60°C. Tourists come to Oymyakon in March to attend the annual Pole of Cold Festival. During the festival, visitors watch lively celebrations featuring the traditional costumes, music and dance of the local people as well as reindeer racing, ice fishing, dog sledging and native cuisine. E. The little town of Esso is located in the heart of the legendary Kamchatka peninsula. Esso is a starting spot for some terrific hiking, with hiking trails ranging in difficulty and length. Another popular activity is bathing in hot springs, where temperatures often reach 65°. Thermal springs also heat an outdoor swimming pool in the central part of the village. In addition to its hot springs, Esso is home to Kamchatka’s only ethnographic museum. The museum documents the traditions, architecture, legends and beliefs of the locals and Russian settlers. F. The smoking Valley of Geysers is the star attraction of Kamchatka. It can be reached only by a helicopter tour from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which takes more than 7 hours. The transportation is long and expensive, but the views from the helicopter make the tour worth it. Kamchatka has the most changeable topography in all of Russia. The Valley of Geysers, divided by the Geysernaya River, is home to several dozen geysers that send steam, mud and water towards the sky. Some of the most colourful ones can be admired while walking along a specially made boardwalk. G. The BAM (Baikal-Amur Mainline) stretches for 4324 km from the northern shores of Lake Baikal to the Sea of Okhotsk. It is an alternative to the Trans-Siberian Railway and a triumph of railway engineering as much of it runs over permafrost. The construction of the BAM started in the 1930s and is still going on in some of its branches. With its bridges over the great Lena and Amur rivers, its tunnels built through kilometres of rock, and its tracks running through taiga, riding the BAM is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the Russian Far East.