Задание Ответ

Amy was clothes shopping. She was trying on new outfits when her mobile phone suddenly __RING __. It was her friend Adam. He wanted to know if she needed any help __STUDY __ for their history test.
‘Yes, please!’ said Amy. ‘I __DO __ badly in the last test, so I really want to impress Mrs Sanders this time.’
They arranged to meet at Adams house at seven o’clock. ‘I can’t find my history notes, so remember to bring __YOU __’ said Adam.
At eight o’clock, Amy still __NOT ARRIVE __. Adam was not happy.
‘I can’t wait any __LONG __,’ he thought to himself.

He was just about to call his friend Tom when he heard a couple of __WOMAN __ voices outside. It was Amy and an older woman. Adam opened the door. ‘Hi Adam,’ said Amy. ‘Sorry I’m a few minutes late. The bad news is that I __LOSE __ my history notes too.’
Amy smiled. ‘But don’t worry because this is a good friend of __ME __ and she’s a history teacher!’

Amy was clothes shopping. She was trying on new outfits when her mobile phone suddenly RANG . It was her friend Adam. He wanted to know if she needed any help STUDYING for their history test.
‘Yes, please!’ said Amy. ‘I DID badly in the last test, so I really want to impress Mrs Sanders this time.’
They arranged to meet at Adams house at seven o’clock. ‘I can’t find my history notes, so remember to bring YOURS ’ said Adam.
At eight o’clock, Amy still HAD NOT ARRIVED . Adam was not happy.
‘I can’t wait any LONGER ,’ he thought to himself.
‘I’ll have to get the notes from someone else.’
He was just about to call his friend Tom when he heard a couple of WOMEN’S voices outside. It was Amy and an older woman. Adam opened the door. ‘Hi Adam,’ said Amy. ‘Sorry I’m a few minutes late. The bad news is that I HAVE LOST (можно LOST) my history notes too.’
Amy smiled. ‘But don’t worry because this is a good friend of MINE and she’s a history teacher!’

Задание 2 на лексико-грамматическую трансформацию

Почитайте приведенный ниже текст. Преобразуйте слова, напечатанные заглавными буквами, так, чтобы они грамматически и лексически соответствовали контексту.

Задание Ответ

The Cyrillic alphabet is the alphabet used in Russian text. It is one of the most __WIDE __ used alphabets in the world.

The alphabet is used in __VARY __ languages, including Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian and Ukrainian.

It began in the __TEN __ century in the Bulgarian Empire. It was created by two Greek brothers, Cyril and Methodius.

It was formed from the Greek alphabet, although there are many __DIFFER __ between the two.

Some people would like the alphabet to be called the Russian alphabet, to refer to Russia, just as the Greek alphabet refers to Greece. They __AGREE __ with the name Cyrillic.

The alphabet recently became the EU’s third __OFFICE __ script, after Latin and Greek, when Bulgaria joined the EU.

The Cyrillic alphabet is the alphabet used in Russian text. It is one of the most WIDELY used alphabets in the world.

The alphabet is used in VARIOUS languages, including Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian and Ukrainian.

It began in the TENTH century in the Bulgarian Empire. It was created by two Greek brothers, Cyril and Methodius.

It was formed from the Greek alphabet, although there are many DIFFERENCES between the two.

Some people would like the alphabet to be called the Russian alphabet, to refer to Russia, just as the Greek alphabet refers to Greece. They DISAGREE with the name Cyrillic.

The alphabet recently became the EU’s third OFFICIAL script, after Latin and Greek, when Bulgaria joined the EU.

Задание 3 на лексико-грамматическую трансформацию

Задание Ответ

The rouble is the currency of Russia. It __BE __ in use for around five centuries.

Sometimes, the rouble used in Russia __KNOW __ as the Russian rouble. This is because some other countries also call their currencies roubles.

In the 1700s, Russian roubles __MAKE __ with precious metals such as silver, gold and platinum.

The Russian government __BEGIN __ printing paper monev until towards the end of the 1700s.

Russian rouble banknotes today have images of well-known places in Russia, as well as famous __MAN __ in Russian history.

The banknotes have modern features that stop __THEY __ from being copied illegally.

The __HIGH __ amount that appears on a banknote is 5,000 Russian roubles. After that, there are banknotes worth 1,000, 100, 50, 10 and 5 roubles.

However, there are also 5- and 10-rouble coins, and these are used __COMMONLY __ than the 5- and 10-rouble banknotes.

Because 5-rouble coins are used so often, the government decided to stop __PRINT __ the 5-rouble banknotes any more.

The rouble is the currency of Russia. It HAS BEEN in use for around five centuries.

Sometimes, the rouble used in Russia IS KNOWN as the Russian rouble. This is because some other countries also call their currencies roubles.

In the 1700s, Russian roubles WERE MADE with precious metals such as silver, gold and platinum.

The Russian government DID NOT BEGIN printing paper money until towards the end of the 1700s.

Russian rouble banknotes today have images of well-known places in Russia, as well as famous MEN in Russian history.

The banknotes have modern features that stop THEM from being copied illegally.

The HIGHEST amount that appears on a banknote is 5,000 Russian roubles. After that, there are banknotes worth 1,000, 100, 50, 10 and 5 roubles.

However, there are also 5- and 10-rouble coins, and these are used MORE COMMONLY than the 5- and 10-rouble banknotes.

Because 5-rouble coins are used so often, the government decided to stop PRINTING the 5-rouble banknotes any more.

Задание 4 на лексико-грамматическую трансформацию

Задание Ответ

Gina was going to play the part of a very old woman in the school play. She was looking forward to the first __PERFORM __ of the show.

A few minutes before going on stage, she had an accident. She didn’t notice a box on the floor, fell over it, and hurt her knee very __BAD __ .

She could barely walk and she didn’t know what to do. She felt __USE __ .

Then she remembered the expression “the show must go on”. Although Gina’s pain was __TERROR __ , she decided to carry on with the play.

Every second on stage was really __PAIN __ , but somehow she managed it.

Everyone thought her acting was very __IMPRESS __ and that she really looked like an old lady!

Gina was going to play the part of a very old woman in the school play. She was looking forward to the first PERFORMANCE of the show.

A few minutes before going on stage, she had an accident. She didn’t notice a box on the floor, fell over it, and hurt her knee very BADLY .

She could barely walk and she didn’t know what to do. She felt USELESS .

Then she remembered the expression “the show must go on”. Although Gina’s pain was TERRIBLE , she decided to carry on with the play.

Every second on stage was really PAINFUL , but somehow she managed it.

Everyone thought her acting was very IMPRESSIVE and that she really looked like an old lady!

Задание 5 на лексико-грамматическую трансформацию

Задание Ответ

Frank’s birthday is on 6th July. Last year, he decided to have a big party for all his friends as it __BE __ his sixteenth birthday.

In previous years, his parents had refused to let him have a party, so he __FEEL __ very excited when they said yes this time.

‘This is going to be the __GOOD __ party ever!’ he told his friend, Charlie. ‘Will you help me?’

‘Sure’ __REPLY __ Charlie, because he liked the idea. So they started planning the party together.

Charlie and Frank had been to lots of __PARTY __ so they knew what to do.

‘What we need is some good music,’ said Frank. ‘We’ve got lots of MP3s, but it would be great if we __HAVE __ a sound system to play them really loudly.’

‘That’s a good idea,’ Charlie agreed. ‘My cousin is a DJ, so I’ll ask him if we can borrow __HE __ equipment.’

‘I __THINK __ your cousin was a policeman ’ Frank said, confused. Charlie told him that he had nineteen cousins.

‘Oh, yes, your family is much bigger than __I __ ’ said Frank. ‘Just don’t invite them all to the party!’

Franks birthday is on 6th July. Last year, he decided to have a big party for all his friends as it WAS his sixteenth birthday.

In previous years, his parents had refused to let him have a party, so he FELT very excited when they said yes this time.

‘This is going to be the BEST party ever!’ he told his friend, Charlie. ‘Will you help me?’

‘Sure’ REPLIED Charlie, because he liked the idea. So they started planning the party together.

Charlie and Frank had been to lots of PARTIES so they knew what to do.

‘What we need is some good music,’ said Frank. ‘We’ve got lots of MP3s, but it would be great if we HAD a sound system to play them really loudly.’

‘That’s a good idea,’ Charlie agreed. ‘My cousin is a DJ, so I’ll ask him if we can borrow HIS equipment.’

‘I THOUGHT your cousin was a policeman ’ Frank said, confused. Charlie told him that he had nineteen cousins.

‘Oh, yes, your family is much bigger than MINE ’ said Frank. ‘Just don’t invite them all to the party!’

Задание 6 на лексико-грамматическую трансформацию

Задание Ответ

Have you heard of the English city of York? It’s one of the most __FAME __ cities in the UK.

The Romans started the city in 71 AD. It quickly grew to become __CENTRE __ to the Roman Empire as a military base.

In 211, Constantine I was crowned Emperor in York. This was __REAL __ unusual and special, as Emperors were almost always crowned in Rome.

The historical __IMPORTANT __ of York is also symbolised by the Minster, one of the largest churches in the world.

The city burnt down in a __DISASTER __ fire in 1137, but managed to recover to become a centre of trade and commerce by the 1500s.

Fire struck again in 1984 and the Minster was badly damaged, but __FORTUNE __ , like the city itself, the Minster recovered its former glory to stand tall once again.

Have you heard of the English city of York? It’s one of the most FAMOUS cities in the UK.

The Romans started the city in 71 AD. It quickly grew to become CENTRAL to the Roman Empire as a military base.

In 211, Constantine I was crowned Emperor in York. This was REALLY unusual and special, as Emperors were almost always crowned in Rome.

The historical IMPORTANCE of York is also symbolised by the Minster, one of the largest churches in the world.

The city burnt down in a DISASTROUS fire in 1137, but managed to recover to become a centre of trade and commerce by the 1500s.

Fire struck again in 1984 and the Minster was badly damaged, but FORTUNATELY , like the city itself, the Minster recovered its former glory to stand tall once again.

Задание 7 на лексико-грамматическую трансформацию

Задание Ответ

Do you remember the 2012 Olympics? The opening ceremony __DIRECT __ by award-winning film-maker Danny Boyle.

Not many people expected the ceremony to be very good, despite __HE __ excellent reputation as a director.

But, in the end, it was very successful. Almost everyone who __SEE __ it said it was fantastic.

The show __WATCH __ by more than 900 million people and lasted for four hours.

Many of the various sections of the show contained lots of __CHILD __ and young people.

The aim of the ceremony was to give the world a taste of the __GOOD __ of British culture.

The sections featured everything from the Industrial Revolution to Britain’s literary heritage. These showed what the nation had achieved so far in __IT __ history.

One part of the ceremony appeared to show the Queen parachuting into the stadium. This has helped make her __POPULAR __ than ever.

Of course, she didn’t really jump from a helicopter. Everyone __KNOW __ it was a joke.

Do you remember the 2012 Olympics? The opening ceremony WAS DIRECT by award-winning film-maker Danny Boyle.

Not many people expected the ceremony to be very good, despite HIS excellent reputation as a director.

But, in the end, it was very successful. Almost everyone who SAW it said it was fantastic.

The show WAS WATCHED by more than 900 million people and lasted for four hours.

Many of the various sections of the show contained lots of CHILDREN and young people.

The aim of the ceremony was to give the world a taste of the BEST of British culture.

The sections featured everything from the Industrial Revolution to Britain’s literary heritage. These showed what the nation had achieved so far in ITS history.

One part of the ceremony appeared to show the Queen parachuting into the stadium. This has helped make her MORE POPULAR than ever.

Of course, she didn’t really jump from a helicopter. Everyone KNEW it was a joke.

Задание 8 на лексико-грамматическую трансформацию

Задание Ответ

I grew up in the UK in the 1980s. During my __CHILD __ there wasn’t always a lot to do in the summer holidays.

On the rare occasions when it was a warm __SUN __ day, we’d go for a picnic on Blackpool beach.

As far as my family were concerned, there was nothing more __ENJOY __ than eating sandwiches on the beach.

We hardly ever went swimming, though, as the water was often __EXTREME __ cold. So we would just play on the wet sand.

But even if we were __LUCKY __ with the weather and it started raining, we could always go for some fish and chips.

Nothing gave us more pleasure after a __TIRE __ day at the seaside.

I grew up in the UK in the 1980s. During my CHILDHOOD there wasn’t always a lot to do in the summer holidays.

On the rare occasions when it was a warm SUNNY day, we’d go for a picnic on Blackpool beach.

As far as my family were concerned, there was nothing more ENJOYABLE than eating sandwiches on the beach.

We hardly ever went swimming, though, as the water was often EXTREMELY cold. So we would just play on the wet sand.

But even if we were UNLUCKY with the weather and it started raining, we could always go for some fish and chips.

Nothing gave us more pleasure after a TIRING day at the seaside.

Задание 9 на лексико-грамматическую трансформацию

Задание Ответ

Lisa was getting ready for bed. She’d iust brushed her __TOOTH __ and was deciding which book to read in bed.

As usual, she was thinking about a million other things at the same time. ‘Daddy’s got the __INTERESTING __ job in the whole world,’ she thought.

I wonder if I’ll be a teacher like Daddy when I’m __OLD __ ,’she then thought. ‘Maybe I’ll be an astronaut.’

She smiled to __SHE __ at the idea of speeding through space in a spaceship.

Then she stopped __SMILE __ . ‘But if I’m an astronaut. I’ll be away from my family, friends and cat.’

She __KNOW __ it was impossible to be an astronaut and see her family all the time.

She __MAKE __ a decision. ‘I won’t do that job, then. I want to see my cat every evening.’

At that moment, her cat Timothy __COME __ into the room. Timothy looked at her, as if to say: ‘I want to see you every day, too.’

Lisa was getting ready for bed. She’d iust brushed her TEETH and was deciding which book to read in bed.

As usual, she was thinking about a million other things at the same time. ‘Daddy’s got the MOST INTERESTING job in the whole world,’ she thought.

I wonder if I’ll be a teacher like Daddy when I’m OLDER ,’ she then thought. ‘Maybe I’ll be an astronaut.’

She smiled to HERSELF at the idea of speeding through space in a spaceship.

Then she stopped SMILING . ‘But if I’m an astronaut. I’ll be away from my family, friends and cat.’

She KNEW it was impossible to be an astronaut and see her family all the time.

She MADE a decision. ‘I won’t do that job, then. I want to see my cat every evening.’

At that moment, her cat Timothy CAME into the room. Timothy looked at her, as if to say: ‘I want to see you every day, too.’

‘Now,’ said Lisa. ‘What book do you want __ME __ to read to you before bed tonight, Timothy?’

Задание 10 на лексико-грамматическую трансформацию

Задание Ответ

Pablo Picasso was born in 1881 and died in 1973. He’s an extremely well-known __PAINT __.

Although he was born in Spain, he spent most of his __AMAZE __ life in Paris.

Most of Picassos pictures are quite __USUAL __ to look at, as they contain strange shapes and very weird faces.

His pictures are very bright. __VIEW __ often say they are dramatic works of art.

Picasso had close __FRIEND __ with several other famous people from that time, including Henri Matisse and Gertrude Stein.

His talent was widely recognised during his lifetime, and when people think of the greatest artists of all time, they __GENERAL __ think of him.

Pablo Picasso was born in 1881 and died in 1973. He’s an extremely well-known PAINTER .

Although he was born in Spain, he spent most of his AMAZING life in Paris.

Most of Picassos pictures are quite UNUSUAL to look at, as they contain strange shapes and very weird faces.

His pictures are very bright. VIEWERS often say they are dramatic works of art.

Picasso had close FRIENDSHIPS with several other famous people from that time, including Henri Matisse and Gertrude Stein.

His talent was widely recognised during his lifetime, and when people think of the greatest artists of all time, they GENERALLY think of him.

Задание 11 на лексико-грамматическую трансформацию

Задание Ответ

Red Square is a city square in the centre of Moscow. It __CONSIDER __ by some people to be the centre of all of Russia.

Its name __NOT COME __ from the red bricks that make up the square, nor from any connection to a type of government.

Rather, the word ‘red’ in Russian can also mean ‘beautiful’. As the square has grand and beautiful buildings, __IT __ appearance is indeed lovely.

Originally, the square __DESIGN __ to be a market-place, but it has also been used for other purposes.

Official ceremonies __TAKE __ place there over the years, such as the crowning of tsars in past centuries.

Around the square, there __BE __ several important buildings, such as the Kremlin and St Basils Cathedral.

In 1990. Red Square __BECOME __ a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Kremlin.

Red Square is also used for rock concerts __THIS __ days. Performers such as Paul McCartney, Shakira and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have played there.

McCartneys band, The Beatles, was not allowed to play in Russia. McCartnev, however, was the __TWO __ Beatle to perform in Russia, after Ringo Starr played there in 1998.

Red Square is a city square in the centre of Moscow. It IS CONSIDER by some people to be the centre of all of Russia.

Its name DOES NOT COME from the red bricks that make up the square, nor from any connection to a type of government.

Rather, the word ‘red’ in Russian can also mean ‘beautiful’. As the square has grand and beautiful buildings, ITS appearance is indeed lovely.

Originally, the square WAS DESIGNED to be a market-place, but it has also been used for other purposes.

Official ceremonies HAVE TAKEN place there over the years, such as the crowning of tsars in past centuries.

Around the square, there ARE several important buildings, such as the Kremlin and St Basils Cathedral.

In 1990. Red Square BECAME a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Kremlin.

Red Square is also used for rock concerts THESE days. Performers such as Paul McCartney, Shakira and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have played there.

McCartneys band, The Beatles, was not allowed to play in Russia. McCartnev, however, was the SECOND Beatle to perform in Russia, after Ringo Starr played there in 1998.

Задание 12 на лексико-грамматическую трансформацию

Задание Ответ

When Nick returned from his holiday, he met his friend Jill for a drink. She asked him if he had had a __RELAX __ time.

Nick said he’d really enjoyed swimming and visiting all the __ATTRACT __ but that it hadn’t all been perfect.

Because of this, Jill asked him what had made him __HAPPY __ during the trip.

‘You can’t __EASY __ enjoy vourself when you’re sweating all the time,’ he said.

Jill reminded him that now he was back in London, where it was grey and __CLOUD __.

‘I know’ said Nick, ‘but __LUCKY __ I still have some sunburn from Thailand to keep me warm!’

When Nick returned from his holiday, he met his friend Jill for a drink. She asked him if he had had a RELAXING time.

Nick said he’d really enjoyed swimming and visiting all the ATTRACTIONS but that it hadn’t all been perfect.

Because of this, Jill asked him what had made him UNHAPPY during the trip.

Nick replied that he hadn’t really liked the hot weather.
‘You can’t EASILY enjoy vourself when you’re sweating all the time,’ he said.

Jill reminded him that now he was back in London, where it was grey and CLOUDY .

‘I know’ said Nick, ‘but LUCKILY I still have some sunburn from Thailand to keep me warm!’

При ознакомлении с демонстрационным вариантом 2016 г. (ПЧ) следует иметь в виду, что задания, включенные в демонстрационный вариант, не отражают всех элементов содержания, которые будут проверяться с помощью вариантов КИМ в 2016 г. Полный перечень элементов содержания, которые могут контролироваться на экзамене 2016 г., приведен в кодификаторе элементов содержания экзаменационной работы для выпускников IX классов общеобразовательных учреждений по английскому языку.

Демонстрационный вариант предназначен для того, чтобы дать возможность любому участнику экзамена и широкой общественности составить представление о структуре экзаменационной работы, числе и форме заданий, а также об их уровне сложности. Приведенные критерии оценивания выполнения заданий с развернутым ответом, включенные в демонстрационный вариант экзаменационной работы, позволят составить представление о требованиях к полноте и правильности записи развернутого ответа.

Эти сведения дают выпускникам возможность выработать стратегию подготовки к сдаче экзамена по английскому языку.

Инструкция по выполнению работы

Письменная часть экзаменационной работы по английскому языку состоит из четырех разделов, включающих в себя 33 задания.

На выполнение заданий письменной части экзаменационной работы отводится 2 часа (120 минут).

В разделе 1 (задания по аудированию) предлагается прослушать несколько текстов и выполнить 8 заданий на понимание прослушанных текстов. Рекомендуемое время на выполнение заданий данного раздела — 30 минут.

Раздел 2 (задания по чтению) содержит 9 заданий на понимание прочитанных текстов. Рекомендуемое время на выполнение заданий раздела — 30 минут.

Раздел 3 (задания по грамматике и лексике) состоит из 15 заданий.

Ответы к заданиям 3—8 и 10—17 записываются в виде одной цифры, которая соответствует номеру правильного ответа. Эту цифру запишите в поле ответа в тексте работы.

Ответы к заданиям 1, 2, 9, 18—32 записываются в виде последовательности цифр или слова (словосочетания) в поле ответа в тексте работы.

В случае записи неверного ответа на задания разделов 1—3 зачеркните его и запишите рядом новый.

В разделе 4 (задание по письму) дано 1 задание, предлагающее написать личное письмо. Задание выполняется на отдельном листе.

При выполнении заданий можно пользоваться черновиком. Записи в черновике не учитываются при оценивании работы.

Баллы, полученные Вами за выполненные задания, суммируются. Постарайтесь выполнить как можно больше заданий и набрать наибольшее количество баллов.

Желаем успеха!

Раздел 1 (задания по аудированию)

1

In a park
In a shop
In a vet clinic
In a hotel
At a party

2

The speaker talks about his/her favourite subject.
The speaker talks about his/her after-class activities.
The speaker describes his/her school classroom.
The speaker explains how to use the school library.
The speaker describes a school book exhibition.
The speaker explains what his/her friend is angry about.

Запишите в таблицу выбранные цифры под соответствующими буквами.

3

Where does Kevin’s family live?

In Canada.
In France.
In Britain.

4

Who is Kevin travelling with?

His parents.
His class.
On his own.

5

What is Kevin’s hobby?

Tourism.
Sports.
Music.

6

What kind of job does Kevin want to do in the future?

He wants to be in show business.
He wants to be an IT engineer.
He wants to be a scientist.

7

What is Kevin planning to do next year?

To start university.
To continue school.
To travel abroad.

8

What souvenirs has Kevin bought?

Pictures of the city.
Printed T-shirts.
Souvenir mugs.

Раздел 2 (задания по чтению)

9

The scientific explanation
The real shape
A lucky sign
Some tips
Places without rainbows
A personal vision
A bridge between worlds
Impossible to catch

Two people never see the same rainbow. Each person sees a different one. It happens because the raindrops are constantly moving so the rainbow is always changing too. Each time you see a rainbow it is unique and it will never be the same! In addition, everyone sees colours differently according to the light and how their eyes interpret it.

A rainbow is an optical phenomenon that is seen in the atmosphere. It appears in the sky when the sun’s light is reflected by the raindrops. A rainbow always appears during or immediately after showers when the sun is shining and the air contains raindrops. As a result, a spectrum of colours is seen in the sky. It takes the shape of a multicoloured arc.

Many cultures see the rainbow as a road, a connection between earth and heaven (the place where God lives). Legends say that it goes below the earth at the horizon and then comes back up again. In this way it makes a permanent link between what is above and below, between life and death. In some myths the rainbow is compared to a staircase connecting earth to heaven.

We all believe that the rainbow is arch-shaped. The funny thing is that it’s actually a circle. The reason we don’t see the other half of the rainbow is because we cannot see below the horizon. However, the higher we are above the ground, the more of the rainbow’s circle we can see. That is why, from an airplane in flight, a rainbow will appear as a complete circle with the shadow of the airplane in the centre.

In many cultures there is a belief that seeing a rainbow is good. Legends say that if you dig at the end of a rainbow, you’ll find a pot of gold. Rainbows are also seen after a storm, showing that the weather is getting better, and there is hope after the storm. This is why they are associated with rescue and good fortune. If people happen to get married on such a day, it is said that they will enjoy a very happy life together.

You can never reach the end of a rainbow. A rainbow is all light and water. It is always in front of you while your back is to the sun. As you move, the rainbow that your eye sees moves as well and it will always ‘move away’ at the same speed that you are moving. No matter how hard you try, a rainbow will always be as far away from you as it was before you started to move towards it.

To see a rainbow you have to remember some points. First, you should be standing with the sun behind you. Secondly, the rain should be in front of you. The most impressive rainbows appear when half of the sky is still dark with clouds and the other half is clear. The best time to see a rainbow is on a warm day in the early morning after sunrise or late afternoon before sunset. Rainbows are often seen near waterfalls and fountains.

Запишите в таблицу выбранные цифры под соответствующими буквами.

The Best Job in the World

Have you ever heard of the Great Barrier Reef? It is the world’s largest coral reef system along the eastern coast of Australia. In February 2009 an extraordinary position was advertised by the Australian Tourism Office. The advertisement ran that the Great Barrier Reef needed a caretaker for half a year. It was for a special person who would look after the Reef.

The job offered a large salary, free accommodation in a luxury villa, and transportation there and around the islands. All expenses would be paid: the winner wouldn’t need to spend any extra money on anything.

The job’s duties were pretty simple. You could only dream of such requirements. First, the person had to speak English and swim well. Second, on the island his responsibility included writing a weekly Internet blog. That’s right, weekly, not even daily! The job description also required the successful applicant to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, make friends with the locals and generally enjoy the tropical climate and lifestyle. A real dream!

Within the first 2 days of the contest, the tourism office received more than seven thousand online applications. All told, 34,000 people of all different nationalities applied. Each made and presented a 60-second video resume. They had to be creative and they were. In the end 16 people were chosen, who flew to Australia for the final selection. The candidates were interviewed and the winner was Ben Southall from the UK.

Ben greatly enjoyed the dream job he had got. He realised that people knew very little about planet earth and its treasures. Living in big cities, they forgot how important the flora and fauna of this world were. Every time Ben went outdoors, he could discover something new. “Every time I dived or went underwater, I forgot about all the troubles above water and concentrated on living in the moment. It was a good way to clean the mind and build respect for the natural world,” Ben said.

Ben’s life on the island was not just fun. It was very busy, busier than most people imagined, and certainly busier than Ben himself had imagined. He worked seven days a week and up to 19 hours a day. The Best Job included travelling to over 60 islands of the Reef almost every day. It was not just looking after the Reef, Ben had a lot of meetings, press conferences and interviews. He was getting a lot of attention all the time and he couldn’t get away from it. That was probably the hardest part of the job.

Moreover, any adventure has a certain degree of risk. Swimming and diving on the Great Barrier Reef was not different. Ben had to deal with whales, sharks and other huge sea creatures. Surprisingly, the most dangerous thing was a small jellyfish about the size of a little finger. It’s considered to be extremely poisonous and Ben was stung by it. He had to spend a couple of days in hospital but luckily recovered after a course of antibiotics.

Ben often says that the project has taught him a few valuable lessons. Working with the Internet is one of those jobs you can do 24 hours a day. Ben realised it was hard to separate life and work, but this he had to do. He also said: "I’ve learned that we get one life on earth so we have to use it. There’ll always be other countries to visit, other people to meet and other adventures to meet. This is what I wish to do. I’m planning to go to Asia in a few years time".