Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta Reading. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta Reading. Mostrar todas las entradas

1 de octubre de 2011

Oasis

Oasis is an English rock band, formed in Manchester in 1991, led by lead guitarist and primary songwriter Noel Gallagher and his younger brother, lead vocalist and songwriter Liam Gallagher, Oasis is arguably the most successful group to emerge during the Britpop movement of the mid-1990s. In 2005, The Guinness Book Of Hit Singles And Albums declared Oasis the "Most Successful Act of the Last Decade in the UK." Oasis has sold more than 50 million albums alone worldwide, and has had eight UK number one singles. Liam and Noel Gallagher are the only original band members. The present lineup is completed by rhythm/lead guitarist Gem Archer, bass guitarist Andy Bell and drummer Zak Starkey, son of former Beatle Ringo Starr.

With the success of their Mercury Prize-nominated debut album, Definitely Maybe (1994), and its even more successful follow-up, the 19 million selling (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995), coupled with a rivalry with their contemporary Blur, Oasis attained fame in the mid-1990s, and became the leaders of the Britpop movement. The Gallagher brothers were featured regularly in tabloid newspaper stories, and cultivated a reputation as both bad boys and a band of the people.

At the height of their fame, Oasis' third album, Be Here Now (1997), reached #1 in the UK charts, #2 in the U.S. and also became the fastest-selling album in chart history, with almost half a million copies sold on the first day alone and just under 700,000 copies in its first week. With the loss of founding members, the band suffered a notable drop in popularity in America. However, they found replacements and managed to soldier on and release comercially and critically successful albums afterwards. In 2005, their sixth album Don't Believe the Truth was released becoming their best-selling and best-received album in a decade. In November 2006, the band released a "best-of" album entitled Stop the Clocks, which received great attention, especially in the UK, selling more than one million records in three months. In February 2007, Oasis received the BRIT Award for outstanding contribution to music

The band have been working on their seventh studio album, expected to be released sometime in 2008.


Questions about the text

1. They formed in 1991.
True.
False.
We don't know.

2. They sold 19 million copies in total.
True.
False.
We don't know.

3. Oasis' third album reached #1 in the UK.
True.
False.
We don't know.

4. In 2005, the band released a "best-of" album.
True.
False.
We don't know.

5. In 2007, Oasis received the BRIT Award.
True.
False.
We don't know.



KEY

True / False / True / False / True

22 de febrero de 2011

Adventurous Dining
Tired of eating at the same boring restaurants? Looking for a change? Here are some restaurants that offer original menus, original locations, and original service for an... yes, you guessed it, original restaurant experience. See for yourself which ones you fancy.

An Exciting Dinner
Looking for something adventurous? The Archipelago in London is just the thing for you. At £10.50, the most popular meal in this restaurant is crocodile. Yes, you read it correctly, crocodile. It is served with a yellow plum dip. If that is not daring enough for you, there are plenty of other dishes on the menu. If you are feeling brave, try the “Love Bug Salad” or a delicious plate of locusts and crickets for just £7.50. Good luck.
A Restaurant with a View
Want to enjoy the sights while you're eating? Try The Top of the World Restaurant. At 800 feet (244 m) above Las Vegas, diners can enjoy a spectacular view of Las Vegas in this revolving restaurant. However, the real adventure starts at the end of the meal. That's when the customers are taken from their seats at ground level to the observation rooms in elevators that travel at a remarkable speed. Hold on to your stomach!

A Theatrical Experience
Longing for dinner with some drama? Dine with mimes at Mim in Barcelona. The service is unique.Your waiter will communicate your order in mime and keep you entertained with performances in between courses. The location is also special. Customers eat in theatrical surroundings. Now the question is, how do you mime “I’ll have the lobster, please”?

An Unusual Setting
Don’t care about presentation? You’ll be fine at The Toilet Bowl in Taiwan. The theme of this restaurant is the toilet, and you would be surprised how many people queue up for the experience of eating on toilet seats. Don’t be put off by the bowls which are shaped like western-style toilets – it’s all part of the scenery!
All of these restaurants provide special attractions for a unique dining adventure. Because after all, that’s what eating out should be – an experience.

Reading comprehension

Which restaurant from the article...
1. ...includes a show during the meal?
2. ...has an interesting menu?
3. ...features a utility that you wouldn’t expect to find in a restaurant?
4. ...includes a free ride?
5. ...requires customers to order in an unusual way?

Writing

1. Which restaurant from the article would you try? Why? Which restaurant wouldn’t you like to try? Why not?
2. Do you have a favourite restaurant? What makes it your favourite restaurant?
3. Do you like to try new restaurants? Why? Why not?