Exercise 7. Read the text and find in it the words which mean the same: to get into the first place; a range of cars; to satisfy the needs; the main
producer; to fall behind; using little fuel.
Nowadays Japan and the United States are the largest car producers. Japan
replaced the United States as the top passenger car manufacturer from 1980
to 1983. It regained the top spot in 1987 and still holds the first place. Other
major producers include France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain. In
general, the largest automating countries also have the largest markets for
cars. The United States has the biggest car market by far. Such countries as
Japan, Italy, and France follow well behind.
The largest U.S. automakers, called the Big Three, are General Motors
Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler Corporation. Each of the
Big Three produces, under different trade names, a variety of cars and light
trucks designed to meet the needs, preferences, and incomes of different con-
sumers.
Japan's major producers include Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor
Company, Honda Motor Company, Mitsubishi Motor Company, and Mazda
Motor Corporation. Historically, Japanese cars made for use in Japan have
tended to be small, fuel efficient, and of limited power. This is because Japan
depends completely on imported oil and many of its streets are too narrow and
crowded for big cars. For export, Japan produces a range of models to satisfy
a variety of buyers. Many European companies make far fewer vehicles than
Everyone knows that tea is the most popular drink in Britain. It's even more popular than coffee, which is favoured throughout Europe and America.
The Dutch brought the first tea to Europe in 1610. But it was not until 1658 that the first advertisement for tea appeared in a London newspaper. At that time a pound of the cheapest tea cost about one-third of a skilled worker's weekly wages. Tea was guarded by the lady of the house and kept in special containers, often with a lock and carefully doled out by the teaspoon.
By 1750 tea had become the principal drink of all the classes in Britain. Later, tea-drinking developed into a fashionable social ritual. Tea parties were popular at home and soon the ritual of "afternoon tea" was firmly established.
Nowadays, throughout the homes, tea shops and hotels of Britain, the custom of tea-time continues. Tea in Britain is brewed in a teapot. Then the one spoonful of tea per person and one for the pot is added.
Most people in Britain prefer a rich, strong cup of tea with milk, and sugar is sometimes added to taste.