READING 1

Some chemical substances have the potential to crystallize in two alternative ways. Graphite and
diamonds, for instance, are both crystals of pure carbon. Their atoms are identical. The two
substances differ from each other only in the geometric pattern in which the carbon atoms are
packed. In diamonds, the carbon atoms are packed in a tetrahedral pattern which is extremely
stable. For that reason diamonds are so hard. In graphite the carbon atoms are arranged in flat
hexagons layered on top of each other. The bonding between layers is weak, and they therefore
slide over each other, which is why graphite feels slippery and is used as a lubricant. Unfortunately
you can't crystallize diamonds out of a solution by seeding them, as you can with some other
chemical substances.

READING 2

TELEVISION

Most people in the United States watch TV, even though they complain about television sometimes. It is fun
to watch TV and it’s easy. You turn on the TV, sit down in a comfortable chair, and see many different
things. By watching TV, you can hear the latest news from all over the world, and you can learn about new
developments in science, art, literature and technology.

Many people do not like the fact there are violent TV shows in the early evening. They feel that as a result,
children may think that violence is a good way to solve problems.

Many people also feel that the programs are not always realistic... When all the shows in a series have a
happy ending, people feel that this is very misleading. In real life, many situations do not have a happy
ending.

Another area of concern is advertising. Many people who watch a lot of TV complain that there is too much
advertising... Most TV stations need to have advertisements to help to pay their expenses... The advertisers
hope you are going to buy their products if you hear about them often enough. However, some people
deliberately refuse to buy products that are advertised too much on TV

Yet, there are some TV stations that never have advertising. These are called noncommercial stations.
When the government sponsors a station, the government pays all the station’s expenses. In England, for
example, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is sponsored by the British government. This station
has no advertising. An educational station is usually supported by some kind of educational institution such
as a college or university.

Some of the complaints about TV have already been mentioned. There is too much advertising. There is too
much violence. The third, and perhaps the most important complaint many people have about television is
that the programs for adults are unsophisticated. Many adults feel that TV ought to be much better than it is.

In spite of all the complaints they have about TV programming and advertising, most people spend some of
their time watching TV everyday. They enjoy being entertained and they enjoy being informed by programs
on TV ... Both, commercial and noncommercial TV make important contributions to our lives.