Прочитайте текст и выполните задания12-18. В каждом задании запишите в поле ответа цифру1,2,3или4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа. 15. When everybody around uses phones during mid-tutorial breaks, the author 1) starts sending video messages. 2) begins to talk about the weather. 3) follows their example. 4) tries to speak to her pupils. Just how golden is silence? For the British, its a well known social law that in several, if not most, public spaces, silence is key. Those who dare speak in a London tube carriage, particularly during rush hours, are condemned to receive dirty looks from other passengers for the duration of their journey. Waiting for a bus? No, now is simplynotthe time to discuss last nights soap opera. And beware, the poor, poor individual who fails to stifle his or her sneeze in an art gallery. Yet in recent years, it would appear that the ascent of the portable electronic devices has meant that the world is no longer merely our oyster, but also our office. Were able to reply to e-mails, finish our essays and fill out tax returns just about anywhere. As a result of this modernization, we find ourselves placing excess value on the level of quiet. As students, Im sure weve all been there. Ever tried to study in a coffee shop and found yourself infuriated by the precise details of your neighbours health? Todays smartphones, tablets and lightweight laptops allow us to blur the boundary between work and play, which in many respects is fantastic. However, this ease of use sometimes prevents us from being our natural, social selves at times when this is required. Just ask Alex Haigh, the Australian founder of the humorous websitestopphubbing.com. This site campaigns against the phubbing phenomenaa term coined by Haigh which hybridisesphone snubbing. Whatever happened to the beauty of mundane conversation? You know, of the glorious Would you look at the weather! or the Hows your dog? variety? I for one have sat through many awkward mid-tutorial breaks, twiddling my thumbs as those around me reach for their iPhones. Eventually, I cave, too. Clearly everyone in the room is extremely sociable if this can be judged by a sky-high score in video messaging applications. Yet through some unfortunate twist of fate, it just so happens that the exact individuals my pupils absolutelymustspeak to are anywhere but our current classroom. Spontaneous phone-enthusiasm is most definitely a 21stcentury malady. And its one weve prescribed ourselves to avoid our dreaded fear of awkward silences. Of course, conversation with near-strangers (or even friends) can be difficult. When asked how I am, I often struggle to think of a more varied answer than merely fine. Sometimes, I am not fine, and instead concerned with various job applications, endless seminar reading and a formidable pile of washing up in my kitchen. However, actually managing to expand on my current state of mind usually leads to a conversation I dont regret having. Chit-chat is rather like going to the gymarduous at first, but afterwards youre pleased you made the effort. However, a sudden and excessive interest in any technology we have on our person gives those around us the impression that its them we want to avoid, not the er that may result from wondering what to say next. Of course, being quiet is entirely appropriate in a number of situations. However, the small talk which develops into a great conversation is at risk of being phased out by easily accessible 3G. After all, it is the opportunity to totally relax and engage with our peers, as well as the exciting possibilities that just might arise from a polite How are you?, that should remain truly golden.