________

The American “OK” sign, the joining of the thumb and forefinger in a circle, indicates that all is well or perfect. The “OK” sign acquired its modern connotation from the ancient world, in which the circle itself was one of the oldest and most common symbols for perfection. The verbal expression “OK” is native to the United States and was formed in support of the letter “O” indicating that something was as perfect as a circle.

________

When not used in hitchhiking, the thumbs-up gesture in American culture typically indicates “I like that”, while the thumbs-down gesture indicates your negative feelings towards something. The gesture has been linked to the time of the Roman arena, where the emperor supposedly ordered life or death for a gladiator by turning thumbs up or thumbs down.

_________

Crossing one’s fingers serves as protection from bad luck or from the penalties associated with lying. Thus, when people wish for good luck, they cross their fingers, and when they wish not to be responsible for a lie, they cross their fingers and hide their arms behind their backs to not let on that they are lying.

_________

By sticking out their tongues, people react to situations that may be unpleasant for them. Such displays indicate laughing or rejection. For example, children often stick out their tongues to tease each other. Or, they may also stick out their tongues in reaction to activities requiring undistracted attention; hence, the tongue-showing of children focused on their homework.

Task 2

It’s rare for travellers to return from Namibia with anything other than highly favourable praise. What makes Namibia so special is how easy it is to take a safari that won’t break anyone’s bank account. With little population and enough mineral resources to make it one of Africa’s wealthiest countries, Namibia, though somewhat troubled by land reform issues, is largely a model of peace, stability and inter-ethnic respect. If you’re confident behind the wheel, you can travel totally independently, staying at simple campsites or fabulously designed bush lodges as you go.

Distances in Namibia might be long but the roads are generally in reasonable shape meaning a 4x4 is rarely needed for much of the country. It’s also a very safe country with delinquency against tourists very rare indeed even in the bigger towns (which frankly are still virtual villages). It’s true that you don’t get the high density of wildlife here that you might find in some other African countries, but an enormous richness of flora and fauna and relative lack of crowds make Namibia one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Namibia was the first place I really travelled in Africa.

With the exception of the Zambezi Region, most of Namibia is comprised of harsh and inhospitable desert, but I’ve always found it extremely beautiful. The iconic views of the dunes certainly live up to even the highest of expectations, particularly in the early morning light.

The Namibian sand was calling my name, so I grabbed my Kalahari Ferraris (sand boards) and hit the dunes. I didn’t even have time to catch my breath and I was pushed over the edge. My heart was thumping in my chest as I was going downhill.

After the adrenaline burst I wandered the beach and streets of Swakopmund and came across the world’s largest quartz crystal cluster.

My next stop was Cape Cross, home to over 100,000 cape fur seals; half of them were one-month-old pups. The moment we saw the seals my mouth dropped open. Many of the adorable pups were taking their first swim in the ocean. Then something awesome yet scary happened, it was charged by a seal. He was trapped in the pathway and thought I was in his breeding area. At first it was kind of fun having the seal so close to me but when he bared his teeth I ran as fast as I could to the truck.

Next I was off to Brandberg. On my way I visited a local Himba village and learnt about their culture and purchased some traditional crafts. The Himba people rub their bodies in a red organic dye and fat to protect them from the harsh desert climate. Then I went back in time 6,000 years to when the local Bushmen roamed the land. There were ancient rock engravings that they used to inform the other tribes what animals were in the area, what animals they were hunting, and to teach the children about the animals. My favourites were the drawings of the giraffe. Did you know the Bushmen never killed the giraffe because they thought the giraffe had long necks to speak to the sky gods who brought the rain?

What is NOT mentioned among the encouraging reasons to visit Namibia?

It’s rare for travellers to return from Namibia with anything other than highly favourable praise. What makes Namibia so special is how easy it is to take a safari that won’t break anyone’s bank account. With little population and enough mineral resources to make it one of Africa’s wealthiest countries, Namibia, though somewhat troubled by land reform issues, is largely a model of peace, stability and inter-ethnic respect. If you’re confident behind the wheel, you can travel totally independently, staying at simple campsites or fabulously designed bush lodges as you go.

Distances in Namibia might be long but the roads are generally in reasonable shape meaning a 4x4 is rarely needed for much of the country. It’s also a very safe country with delinquency against tourists very rare indeed even in the bigger towns (which frankly are still virtual villages). It’s true that you don’t get the high density of wildlife here that you might find in some other African countries, but an enormous richness of flora and fauna and relative lack of crowds make Namibia one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Namibia was the first place I really travelled in Africa.

With the exception of the Zambezi Region, most of Namibia is comprised of harsh and inhospitable desert, but I’ve always found it extremely beautiful. The iconic views of the dunes certainly live up to even the highest of expectations, particularly in the early morning light.

The Namibian sand was calling my name, so I grabbed my Kalahari Ferraris (sand boards) and hit the dunes. I didn’t even have time to catch my breath and I was pushed over the edge. My heart was thumping in my chest as I was going downhill.

After the adrenaline burst I wandered the beach and streets of Swakopmund and came across the world’s largest quartz crystal cluster.

My next stop was Cape Cross, home to over 100,000 cape fur seals; half of them were one-month-old pups. The moment we saw the seals my mouth dropped open. Many of the adorable pups were taking their first swim in the ocean. Then something awesome yet scary happened, it was charged by a seal. He was trapped in the pathway and thought I was in his breeding area. At first it was kind of fun having the seal so close to me but when he bared his teeth I ran as fast as I could to the truck.

Next I was off to Brandberg. On my way I visited a local Himba village and learnt about their culture and purchased some traditional crafts. The Himba people rub their bodies in a red organic dye and fat to protect them from the harsh desert climate. Then I went back in time 6,000 years to when the local Bushmen roamed the land. There were ancient rock engravings that they used to inform the other tribes what animals were in the area, what animals they were hunting, and to teach the children about the animals. My favourites were the drawings of the giraffe. Did you know the Bushmen never killed the giraffe because they thought the giraffe had long necks to speak to the sky gods who brought the rain?

Which of the following is TRUE of the author’s trip across the Namibian deserts?

It’s rare for travellers to return from Namibia with anything other than highly favourable praise. What makes Namibia so special is how easy it is to take a safari that won’t break anyone’s bank account. With little population and enough mineral resources to make it one of Africa’s wealthiest countries, Namibia, though somewhat troubled by land reform issues, is largely a model of peace, stability and inter-ethnic respect. If you’re confident behind the wheel, you can travel totally independently, staying at simple campsites or fabulously designed bush lodges as you go.

Distances in Namibia might be long but the roads are generally in reasonable shape meaning a 4x4 is rarely needed for much of the country. It’s also a very safe country with delinquency against tourists very rare indeed even in the bigger towns (which frankly are still virtual villages). It’s true that you don’t get the high density of wildlife here that you might find in some other African countries, but an enormous richness of flora and fauna and relative lack of crowds make Namibia one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Namibia was the first place I really travelled in Africa.

With the exception of the Zambezi Region, most of Namibia is comprised of harsh and inhospitable desert, but I’ve always found it extremely beautiful. The iconic views of the dunes certainly live up to even the highest of expectations, particularly in the early morning light.

The Namibian sand was calling my name, so I grabbed my Kalahari Ferraris (sand boards) and hit the dunes. I didn’t even have time to catch my breath and I was pushed over the edge. My heart was thumping in my chest as I was going downhill.

After the adrenaline burst I wandered the beach and streets of Swakopmund and came across the world’s largest quartz crystal cluster.

My next stop was Cape Cross, home to over 100,000 cape fur seals; half of them were one-month-old pups. The moment we saw the seals my mouth dropped open. Many of the adorable pups were taking their first swim in the ocean. Then something awesome yet scary happened, it was charged by a seal. He was trapped in the pathway and thought I was in his breeding area. At first it was kind of fun having the seal so close to me but when he bared his teeth I ran as fast as I could to the truck.

Next I was off to Brandberg. On my way I visited a local Himba village and learnt about their culture and purchased some traditional crafts. The Himba people rub their bodies in a red organic dye and fat to protect them from the harsh desert climate. Then I went back in time 6,000 years to when the local Bushmen roamed the land. There were ancient rock engravings that they used to inform the other tribes what animals were in the area, what animals they were hunting, and to teach the children about the animals. My favourites were the drawings of the giraffe. Did you know the Bushmen never killed the giraffe because they thought the giraffe had long necks to speak to the sky gods who brought the rain?

Why did the seal chase the traveller?

It’s rare for travellers to return from Namibia with anything other than highly favourable praise. What makes Namibia so special is how easy it is to take a safari that won’t break anyone’s bank account. With little population and enough mineral resources to make it one of Africa’s wealthiest countries, Namibia, though somewhat troubled by land reform issues, is largely a model of peace, stability and inter-ethnic respect. If you’re confident behind the wheel, you can travel totally independently, staying at simple campsites or fabulously designed bush lodges as you go.

Distances in Namibia might be long but the roads are generally in reasonable shape meaning a 4x4 is rarely needed for much of the country. It’s also a very safe country with delinquency against tourists very rare indeed even in the bigger towns (which frankly are still virtual villages). It’s true that you don’t get the high density of wildlife here that you might find in some other African countries, but an enormous richness of flora and fauna and relative lack of crowds make Namibia one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Namibia was the first place I really travelled in Africa.

With the exception of the Zambezi Region, most of Namibia is comprised of harsh and inhospitable desert, but I’ve always found it extremely beautiful. The iconic views of the dunes certainly live up to even the highest of expectations, particularly in the early morning light.

The Namibian sand was calling my name, so I grabbed my Kalahari Ferraris (sand boards) and hit the dunes. I didn’t even have time to catch my breath and I was pushed over the edge. My heart was thumping in my chest as I was going downhill.

After the adrenaline burst I wandered the beach and streets of Swakopmund and came across the world’s largest quartz crystal cluster.

My next stop was Cape Cross, home to over 100,000 cape fur seals; half of them were one-month-old pups. The moment we saw the seals my mouth dropped open. Many of the adorable pups were taking their first swim in the ocean. Then something awesome yet scary happened, it was charged by a seal. He was trapped in the pathway and thought I was in his breeding area. At first it was kind of fun having the seal so close to me but when he bared his teeth I ran as fast as I could to the truck.

Next I was off to Brandberg. On my way I visited a local Himba village and learnt about their culture and purchased some traditional crafts. The Himba people rub their bodies in a red organic dye and fat to protect them from the harsh desert climate. Then I went back in time 6,000 years to when the local Bushmen roamed the land. There were ancient rock engravings that they used to inform the other tribes what animals were in the area, what animals they were hunting, and to teach the children about the animals. My favourites were the drawings of the giraffe. Did you know the Bushmen never killed the giraffe because they thought the giraffe had long necks to speak to the sky gods who brought the rain?

How do the Himba tribe protect themselves from the local climate?

It’s rare for travellers to return from Namibia with anything other than highly favourable praise. What makes Namibia so special is how easy it is to take a safari that won’t break anyone’s bank account. With little population and enough mineral resources to make it one of Africa’s wealthiest countries, Namibia, though somewhat troubled by land reform issues, is largely a model of peace, stability and inter-ethnic respect. If you’re confident behind the wheel, you can travel totally independently, staying at simple campsites or fabulously designed bush lodges as you go.

Distances in Namibia might be long but the roads are generally in reasonable shape meaning a 4x4 is rarely needed for much of the country. It’s also a very safe country with delinquency against tourists very rare indeed even in the bigger towns (which frankly are still virtual villages). It’s true that you don’t get the high density of wildlife here that you might find in some other African countries, but an enormous richness of flora and fauna and relative lack of crowds make Namibia one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Namibia was the first place I really travelled in Africa.

With the exception of the Zambezi Region, most of Namibia is comprised of harsh and inhospitable desert, but I’ve always found it extremely beautiful. The iconic views of the dunes certainly live up to even the highest of expectations, particularly in the early morning light.

The Namibian sand was calling my name, so I grabbed my Kalahari Ferraris (sand boards) and hit the dunes. I didn’t even have time to catch my breath and I was pushed over the edge. My heart was thumping in my chest as I was going downhill.

After the adrenaline burst I wandered the beach and streets of Swakopmund and came across the world’s largest quartz crystal cluster.

My next stop was Cape Cross, home to over 100,000 cape fur seals; half of them were one-month-old pups. The moment we saw the seals my mouth dropped open. Many of the adorable pups were taking their first swim in the ocean. Then something awesome yet scary happened, it was charged by a seal. He was trapped in the pathway and thought I was in his breeding area. At first it was kind of fun having the seal so close to me but when he bared his teeth I ran as fast as I could to the truck.

Next I was off to Brandberg. On my way I visited a local Himba village and learnt about their culture and purchased some traditional crafts. The Himba people rub their bodies in a red organic dye and fat to protect them from the harsh desert climate. Then I went back in time 6,000 years to when the local Bushmen roamed the land. There were ancient rock engravings that they used to inform the other tribes what animals were in the area, what animals they were hunting, and to teach the children about the animals. My favourites were the drawings of the giraffe. Did you know the Bushmen never killed the giraffe because they thought the giraffe had long necks to speak to the sky gods who brought the rain?

What does the author say about the pictures on the rocks?

Task 3

Top Things to Do in Chicago

The Field Museum

Every trip to Chicago should include a date with Sue. Holding court in The Field Museum’s grand Stanley Field Hall, the remarkable Sue is the world’s largest, most complete, and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex. Beyond The Field’s extensive rock and fossil collections, visitors can journey through 4 billion years of life on Earth in the Evolving Planet exhibit and admire precious stones — from their rough beginnings to sparkling jewellery.

Which place of interest ______________?

John Hancock Observatory

Located in the heart of the Windy City’s tourist district, the John Hancock Observatory — with its one-of-a-kind open-air Skywalk — is open until 11 p.m. daily. The fastest elevators in North America zoom to the 94th floor — 305 meters up — in only 40 seconds. The real fun is spotting Chicago landmarks, such as Wrigley Field, Navy Pier, and glamorous marinas. Guests enjoy a multimedia Sky Tour and can contemplate Chicago’s history on the 24-meter history wall.

Which place of interest ______________?

Museum of Science and Industry

The largest science centre in the Western Hemisphere, the Museum of Science and Industry was the first museum in North America to offer visitors the chance to touch and interplay with exhibits. That tradition continues to this day with exhibits that encourage people to do more than watch: you can make a giant heart beat in time to your own, open a Chicago River drawbridge for a model train, and practice your moves with the help of a virtual instructor.

Which place of interest ______________?

Navy Pier

Encompassing more than 20 hectares of prime Chicago lakefront territory, Navy Pier is truly a city within the city. With shopping, restaurants, parks and gardens, museums and attractions galore, this Chicago landmark attracts millions every year. Fireworks light up the Chicago skyline twice a week during the summer months, and the 150-foot (45.7 meters) Ferris wheel operates year-round, weather permitting. It’s no wonder that Navy Pier is often considered one of the top things to do in Chicago.

Which place of interest ______________?

Millennium Park

It may be one of Chicago’s newest places to visit, but Millennium Park has quickly become a destination of choice for travellers and locals alike. With hundreds of free concerts offered throughout the year at the dramatic Jay Pritzker Pavilion; an immense, walk-up-and-touch sculpture known affectionately as “The Bean’; and a 2.2-hectare garden to explore, Millennium Park lives up to the Chicago’s official Latin motto: Urbs in Horto — City in a Garden.

Which place of interest ______________?