Read the text and choose the correct answer for each of the questions. Martin Newell explains why he shuns computers and remains devotee of 'snail mail'. I am an Internot. That is, I have no desire to be on the Internet. I am, of course, well aware of the Internet. Boy, am I aware of the Internet! The world is being overtaken by people setting up websites, talking www-slash-dot-coms and worrying about updating and upgrading. It has not escaped my attention that you can buy and sell houses on the Internet. You can book holidays, buy a pool-table and, so I hear, even get a divorce on the Internet. Were my dog to fall seriously ill, I could even consult a vet on the Internet. Or maybe he's called the Intervet. In fact, if I wanted to, I could sit in front of the computer, ordering whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, 24 hours a day, and pay for it all electronically. But I don't have a computer. My friends, who look upon me as a 'technological oddity', find it hard to believe that I can still find work. I can't drive a car, won't fly and won't travel abroad anymore. I don't even have a mobile. 'But how will we get hold of you?' people ask, in a tone I usually associate with anguished parents pleading with a runaway daughter calling from a phone box. Well, you can telephone me. Or fax me. Or you could try writing me a letter. As a congenial sender and receiver of snail mail, I can only remember about two occasions in 20-odd years when a letter has gone astray. Exactly how many bits of info has your machinery swallowed this month, brave internaut? There is the access to information, though. While doing some research on a fairly esoteric subject earlier this year, I was told by a friend that 37 internet pages existed upon the matter. He downloaded them for me. The information was largely superficial and in one or two cases, written by someone who I suspect was not entirely of this planet. In the end I went to the local reference library, where a reassuringly stern librarian plonked a huge pile of books on the table in front of me and said: 'That should be a start.' I had everything I needed within an hour. As for the actual equipment itself, computers are so unattractive and bulky. Buying a laptop I can understand, because you can put it away. But all that dreadful grey-white office junk in your living space? I almost upgraded to a computer once but decided that a piano would be more fun, so I spent the money having one fork-lifted up into my first-floor living room. While others are getting neck-ache and headaches and running up their phone bills, I've almost figured out how to play the first few bars of Return to Sender. While we're on the subject, I hear that we can now download our music from the Net. I have only recently completed the costly operation of replacing my vinyl record collection with CDs. I hope this does not mean that these, too, will soon be obsolete. It strikes me, though, that the main reason the Internet exists is not as a medium for spreading the joys of music, but more for the purpose of shopping and advertising. Now I know a little bit about shopping, because I get on my bicycle and go to the greengrocer's every once in a while. There's also this marvellous little alternative to buying books on the Net: it's called my local bookshop. It has human beings working in it. Whenever I want a particular book, I just walk down there or telephone them, and they find it for me. Within a day or two I always have it. But perhaps by doing things in this quaint, old-fashioned way, I'm missing out on some of the financial benefits of the whole computer culture. Companies are constantly undercutting each other. Full-page newspaper ads are currently offering me the whole kit and caboodle and telling me that I can get myself connected and surfing, all for under a thousand pounds. Wow! What a bargain. could get an electric organ fork-lifted up here for that. Seriously, though, there is, I suppose, an outside chance I will be forced onto the Internet one day. By that time, however, it will have evolved into one tiny little module about the size of an answering machine, cost about quid, and be instant, as well as idiot-proof for people like me. 1. Which sentence best describes Martin?: A) Martin is not aware of all the benefits of the Internet. B) Martin is annoyed by the Internet. C) Martin does not use any kind of mail. D) Martin's friends stopped communication with him. 2. Martin feels like using the Internet, but does not know how. 。 3. When doing a research Martin realized that A) he wasted too much time in the library. B) it was more convenient to use the Internet. C) online resources provided thorough information. D) paper-media were more reliable and efficient. Контрольные зад... exam.mgpu.ru TM Martin admits that he doesn't own a portable phone. 5. Martin is unemployed because he does not use a computer. 6. Martin is not entirely against using a laptop because of A) its colour. B) its shape. C) its size. D) its keyboard. 7. By saying 'What a bargain' Martin means that the access to the Internet A) is rather convenient and widespread now. B) is quite affordable and cheap. is very pricey and unreasonably costly. C) D) is easier than buying an electric organ. 8. Martin believes that the aim of the Internet is A) to publicize and promote goods. B) to make access to music easier. C) to make shopping available 24/7. D) to provide financial benefits to uses. 9. Martin regularly goes to his local bookstore. 10. Martin admits that he may use the computer one day if it meets certain criteria.