A year is the average time it takes for the Earth to go once round the Sun. There are 12 months or 52 weeks or 365 days in a year. Every four years there is a leap year. It has 366 days. The names of the months are: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The days of the week are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. There are 7 days in a week, 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour and 60 seconds in a minute. There are four seasons in the year — spring, summer, autumn and winter. The Sun rises in the east in the morning and sets in the west in the evening. We tell the time by means of watches and clocks. Big Ben is the clock on the tower of the Houses of Parliament in London.

It's a universal truth that every season is beautiful in its own way. Isn't it wonderful to tramp down the country lanes on a frosty winter day. Everything is white with snow and it crunches under your feet. The rime sparkles on the branches and the icicles like precious diamonds hang from the roofs of the houses. It's a merry time for both children and grownups. They can go skating and skiing, sledging and having a fight with snowballs or making a snowman. I suppose, it is very pleasant while the frost lasts, an unpleasant time comes when the thaw begins. Cars and buses go along streets splashing the mud an slush on the passers-by. Everyone is grumbling and scolding the weather. But soon a warm wind blows up heavy grey clouds and the sun shines brightly in the cloudless azure sky. In a few months summer will come.

I would like to tell you about my friends. I have a lot of them, but my close friend is Marina. She is my school-mate. We have been studying together in one form all the eleven years of our school-life. She is 17. We have nothing in common in appearance. Marina is pretty in her own way. She is thin and slender, not very tall. Her hair is red and straight, her face is oval and her forehead is high. She has a turn-up nose and beautiful green eyes with bushy eyelashes. Marina is as good as gold. Warm-hearted and gentle, quiet and well-bred. Everyone loves her. She is always well dressed and neat. She is always ready to help people, when they are in need. Marina is the only daughter of her parents and they adore her. Nevertheless she is not selfish.

I have a lot of friends, but the best friend of mine is Irina. She has blue eyes, a round face, fair hair and a broad smile. She is short and slim. I have known her for a long time, since our first school years. But we became true friends four years ago. We have much in common: we like English and psychology, sport and dancing. We are looking at this world in the same way and first estimate a person's mind, their kindness. We don't understand meanness and treachery. For many years we have been sitting at the same desk: Irina and me.

Peking is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is spreads across a vast area. Part of its border is formed by the Great Wall of China, a huge wall which stretches along the mountains. It is the ancient seat of government and a modern industrial and commercial city. The population of Peking is about 10 million people and is still growing, although it is only the second largest city in China. In 1421 Peking became the imperial capital of the Ming dynasty (1368—1644) and it was during this time that the spacious walled city was built. Like many ancient Chinese cites, the walls and streets were based on the points of the compass. Peking has remained the capital of China since then. With its modern international airport, it is not surprising that Peking has become a popular tourist destination. Peking's broad, straight streets are crowded with people, bicycles and buses. Very few people own a car. Industries include textiles, steel and engineering.

Modern life is impossible without travelling. Thousands of people travel every day either on business or for pleasure. They can travel by air, by rail, by sea or by road. Of course, travelling by air is the fastest and the most convenient way, but it is the most expensive too. Travelling by train is slower than by plane, but it has its advantages. You can see much more interesting places of the country you are travelling through. Modern trains have very comfortable seats. There are also sleeping cars and dining cars which make even the longest journey enjoyable. Speed, comfort and safety are the main advantages of trains and planes. That is why many people prefer them to all other means