American folk music originated with (1)________ people at a time when the rural population was isolated and music was not (2)________ spread by radio, records, or music video.

Beginning in the 1930s, Woody Guthrie gained great popularity by adapting melodies and lyrics and supplying new ones as well. In the 1950s and 1960s, singer – composers such as Peter Seeger, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez continued this tradition by urban’ folk music. Many of these songs deal (5)________ important social issue, such as racial integration and the war in Vietnam

Farmers use powerful chemicals to help them to grow better crops, but these chemicals pollute the environment and (4)________ wildlife.

Yoga can be practised by anyone, at any age, in any physical condition, depending on physical needs. For example, athletes and dancers can practise it to (2) _____ their energy and to improve stamina; executives to give a much needed (3) _____ to their overworked minds; children to improve their memory and concentration.

They talk about the bus and (2) _______about the weather. Most of them feel cold. Some have to drink coffee to stay warm.

Furthermore, some companies even go so far as to pay your tuition because they consider an educated (5)_____ to be valuable to their organization. A college education is an investment that doesn’t just provide you with substantial rewards. It benefits the hiring company as well

Some people return to college as mature students and take full- or part-time training courses in a skill will help them to get a job. The development of open learning, (1)_____ it possible to study when it is convenient for the students, has increased the opportunities available (2)_____ many people. This type of study was formerly restricted to bookbased learning and (3)______ course but now includes courses on TV, CD- ROM or the Internet, and self-access courses at language or computer centers. Americans believe that education is important at all stage of life and should not stop (4)______ people get their first job. About 40% of adults take part in some kind of formal education. About half of them are trying to get qualifications and skills to help them with their jobs, the (5)______ are taking recreational subjects for personal satisfaction. Schools and community colleges arrange evening classes, and a catalog of courses is published by local boards of education.

In the (4)______of a recent report by the Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills, "A strong back, the willingness to work, and a high school diploma were once all that was necessary to (5)______ a start in America.
(Extracted from Info USA-CD Version)

"Why is the written word a superior way to get information than television?" That is (3)______ interesting point of view worth further (4) ______.

You will take a short (3)_____ in English as soon as you arrive.

Because the federal government provides only limited funds to schools, individual school districts (3)______ on funds from local property taxes to meet the vast majority of public schools tend to reflect the financial capabilities of the communities in which they are located.