[*] Summary: Different people have different opinions about London’s【51】______ the Olympic Games in 2012. Eon thinks the Games will bring visitors to the UK, which is【52】______. Anne wants to have the Games in the UK, but not in London. She thinks they should be held in one of the cities without much industry and with many【53】______problems. Roger thinks the Games are expensive and wants to spend the money on other things such as【54】______ and hospitals. Gina would like【55】______ to ask the people their opinions about the Games. She thinks that it is necessary to have a national vote.

Alaska is disappearing slowly but surely. Since the 1950s, it is estimated that as much as 15 percent of Alaska’s area has disappeared. But how can a whole state be disappearing? One reason for Alaska’s gradual disappearance is the melting of its glaciers. According to one geologist at the US Geological Survey, about 98% of Alaska’s glaciers are either unmoving or diminishing. This diminishing seems mainly due to the increase in global temperatures. Since the 1960s, the average year—round temperature has increased by 5°F. Additionally, the average winter temperature has increased by 8°F. Presently, an estimated 24 cubic miles of ice is disappearing from Alaskan glaciers every year. It may be even more in the near future, as some scientists predict that the average world temperature could go up 2. 5 to 10 °F by the year 2100. Another problem contributing to Alaska’s gradual disappearance is its melting permafrost. Much of the land in Alaska was permanently frozen, or frozen for most of the year. This maintained its stability. Now, the melting permafrost is causing a number of problems on land. Roads and utility poles are collapsing. Also, the hard permafrost, which originally prevented beaches from eroding during violent storms is now melting. Affected villages are forced to move somewhere else. For villages on small low islands, one terrible storm could wipe out the entire community. Some scientists believe that human activity is linked to the global increase in weather temperature. Whether the rising temperatures are caused by human activity or natural changes, the fact remains that Alaska is warming. Sadly, this could be a preview of what will happen to the rest of the world in the next century. Summary: There is a big problem in Alaska. The【49】______are melting. Scientists【50】______that 15 percent of Alaska has already melted. They say this change is the result of【51】______in the Earth’s【52】______. The higher temperatures are【53】______several problems in Alaska. The ground that was【54】______before is now beginning to defrost. This could be a(n)【55】______of what will happen to the rest of the world in the next century.

Around the world, music therapy is being used to treat different medical conditions and illnesses. Some of the ways people use music therapy are to reduce pain, such as childbirth or during cancer treatments, or to stimulate brain activity after an injury or memory loss. Music therapy has also been successful in aiding children to overcome disabilities. Classical music is most typically used for therapies due to its complex sounds and patterns. Although rap or pop might be fun to listen to, it’s unlikely that such styles of music would produce the same kind of therapeutic effect. Playing a musical instrument rather than simply listening to mu-sic can also be therapeutic for some people, helping relieve stress and anxiety. Have scientists been able to prove that music can heal diseases? Music has been shown to reduce pain in cancer patients by increasing the release of endorphins. Endor-plains are the body’s natural painkillers, and when we listen to music, our brains respond by releasing these natural painkillers. It has also been known to contribute to the brain development of new born babies and even babies still in the mother’s womb. Currently, music therapy is used in a variety of settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, day care centers, and schools. Summary: There appears to be some evidence that music is helpful【49】______some medical conditions. Therefore, doctors and patients are turning to【50】______to treat various【51】______and disabilities. Doctors believe that music with【52】______ and patterns is more effective. This kind of music seems to【53】______more activity in the brain. Although it may be【54】______to listen to rap or pop or dance music, doctors prefer to use【55】______to treat patients.

[*]