Questions 23-28: Read the passage and do the tasks that follow.

Travelling is one of the most popular forms of recreation in the USA. Most American employees receive an annual vacation with pay, and it is a good time off for travel. Travelling within the country is popular because foreign travel generally takes more time and money. However, Americans who wish to vacation outside the USA are free to go almost anywhere. Obtaining a passport is a routine matter.

Every year, about 13 million Americans travel abroad. The most popular vacation periods are during the summer and during the two-week school break on the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. These periods are also the most crowded and generally the most expensive time to travel, so people who can adjust their schedules sometimes choose vacation in the autumn. American vacationers often travel by car. Most families have a car, and those who do not have a car can rent one. Cars are usually the economical way to travel, especially for the families. It is also fairly fast and convenient. Excellent highways connect the major cities. They enable vacationers to travel at an almost steady speed of 55 to 65 miles an hour. Tourists that want to travel faster often fly to their destination and then rent a car to go around when they get there.

Task 1: Choose the best answers to the following questions. (1.0 m)

23. One of the most popular forms of recreation in the USA is ____________.

A. travelling               B. swimming               C. cooking                    D. shopping

24. Americans who wish to vacation outside the USA ____________.

A. often choose vacation in the autumn        B. are free to go almost anywhere

C. can only travel by car and ship                   D. like to travel to Asian countries

25. The word “They” in paragraph 2 refers to ____________.

A. American vacationers                                 B. Excellent highways

C. New Year’s holidays                                    D. Vacation periods

26. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true?

A. Most American employees receive an annual vacation with pay.

B. One of the most popular vacation periods is in summer.

C. Families like to travel by car because it’s economical.

D. Tourists that want to travel faster often go by train.

Task 2: Answer the questions. (0.5 m)

27. How many Americans travel abroad every year?

à About 13 million Americans

28. Do excellent highways connect all the cities?

à No, they don’t. Excellent highways only connect the major cities.