table Given is a table comparing the usage of rail means of transportation throughout the year 2007 in four countries, namely the UK, the USA, Japan and Italy. It can be noted from the graph that Japan had the highest proportion of the population who travelled by rail, which accounted for 27 millions of people. The UK and Italy showed similar tendencies, with the rates of 5.9 and 5.5 millions respectively. The lowest quantity of commuters preferred trains in the USA, with a minor 0.3 millions of people only. When it comes to the distance of travelling, Japan also occupied the first place. It had the longest average journey per person, which comprised almost 2000 kilometres per capita. Interestingly enough, the figures for the UK and Italy almost coincide again, reaching approximately eight hundred kilometres per inhabitant. The citizens of the United States of America travelled the least – only 80 kilometres each. The last factor is the amount of cargo transported with the help of a railway system. The UK, Japan and Italy demonstrated similar statistics, with 22,2, 23.01 and 21.9 billions of tons accordingly. The USA, alternatively, showed very low rates; an overall weight of the cargo transported accounted for about 2,800 billions of tons. Overall, it can be pointed out that amongst the four states, rail transport is used more intensively both by people and for logistics’ purposes in Japan.

film review These days, seldom do we find enough time to read massive historical volumes, so watching a movie may be a suitable alternative. The story of “Elizabeth” takes place in medieval England, which experiences a problematic transition from Queen’s Mary monarchy to Queen’s Elizabeth reign. Early on the film, Queen Mary dies, unable to give birth to any direct heirs. This brief episode sets the story very precisely in time. Queen Elizabeth, young and immature, succeeds to the throne, and a new Elizabethan era begins. Not only does the film have a beautiful setting, such as the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, it also features gorgeous costumes, carriages and art masterpieces of that time. In addition, sound effects, used throughout the film, are brilliant and help to create the right atmosphere. As a result, thanks to the work of the cast, it is possible to get acquainted with the way of life in sixteenth century’s England. More importantly, “Elizabeth” has a quality cast, starring Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush. What struck me most was the appearance of Cate Blanchett, who physically fits the widely accepted image of the Queen. She portrays the Queen splendidly, owing to this watchers can get an overall impression of the monarch’s personality and leadership qualities. Not surprisingly, this role brought Cate Blanchett a Golden Globe award. On reflection, I would have no hesitation in recommending “Elizabeth” to everyone who has interest in history, especially the one of Medieval Europe. The film captures the spirit of the Elizabethan age and gives an account of main features and unique traditions of that time. However, the film is still a love story, so history experts may not be completely satisfied in the truthfulness of the plot. Nonetheless, I loved this film to bits and believe that watching it is not only a pleasure, but also brings some educational value.

essay about risk-taking The texts consider the role of risk-taking in a person’s life. Both extracts identify a tendency that, in contrast to the past times, out planet has become comparatively secure to live on. However, there may be certain advantages of facing risks, not avoiding them. The first text suggests that the majority of modern people are no longer exposed to real dangers in their everyday lives. More importantly, the media influences the situation significantly by creating an impression that we are constantly put at risk. In addition, the author emphasizes the fact that people frequently make a mountain out of a molehill by visualizing the world as a dangerous place. The second text raises the issue of perspective positive outcomes of accepting risks as part and parcel of out existence. There is an interesting point of view that some people in fact go the extra mile to foresee every possible result of any risky situation. Consequently, when they are old, they end up regretting about not taking this risks and living quiet a boring life. Moreover, it is implied in the second abstract that risks facilitate individuals’ characters by adding up to their sensibility, wisdom and mental endurance. To a certain extent, I agree with the opinion that there are numerous merits of risk taking. For instance, occasionally being in danger teaches people to appreciate their lives more, suggesting that they live happy and peaceful lives in general. Nonetheless, as far as I am aware, people who persist in living on their nerve, may experience detrimental results such as heart attacks or chronic nervous breakdowns. In conclusion, both texts give some food for thought about whether to take or avoid risks in our lives, but I assume it is better to be rational in this case. People should not escape all the dangers on purpose, but running risks on a daily basis is not a good idea as well.

Min familj Jag har fyra personer i min familj. Min mors heter Olga. Hon är fyrtiotvå år gammal. Hon är läkare. Min mor arbetar med barn. Min fars namn är Andrey. Han är femtio år gammal och han är workman. Han arbetar på fabriken. Jag har en pojkvän. Han heter Alex och han är tjugotre år gammal. Alex han är ingenjör därfär han arbetar på kontoret. Jag heter Maria. Jag är tjugotvå är gammal. Jag studerar på universitetet, men jag har ett jobb. Jag är lärare. Jag älskar mitt jobb och min familj.

Lördag i Moskva Det är lördag i Ryssland. Det är varmt i Moskva, men det regnar lite. Det är nio grader varmt. Det är fint väder. Jag är hemma. Jag läser min bok. Nu min katt sover. Jag äter glass med chocolate.