Task 1. Read the text about Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov and choose the correct answer A, B or C for questions 1–7: 1. What is mentioned about Kutuzov’s education? A. He studied abroad in France and Germany. B. He received a thorough education and mastered several foreign languages. C. He was educated only in military engineering. 2. What was the consequence of Kutuzov’s head wound near Alushta? A. He lost his ability to speak for several years. B. His eyesight was permanently affected. C. He was unable to continue his military service. 3. What does the phrase “my right hand” said by Suvorov imply? A. Kutuzov was Suvorov’s closest and most reliable assistant. B. Kutuzov was physically injured during the storming of Izmail. C. Kutuzov was promoted to the highest military rank. 4. During the Austerlitz campaign, Kutuzov… A. successfully defeated Napoleon’s army. B. was forced to act against his own military judgement. C. refused to take part in the battle. 5. What was Kutuzov’s key strategy during the Napoleonic invasion of 1812? A. Attacking Napoleon’s army in a series of rapid battles. B. Requesting immediate help from allied European countries. C. Retreating and wearing down the enemy over time. 6. Why was Kutuzov’s decision to abandon Moscow controversial? A. Because Moscow was the most heavily fortified city in Russia. B. Because it was seen as surrender, yet it ultimately led to Napoleon’s defeat. C. Because the Russian army refused to follow his orders. 7. What can be inferred about Kutuzov’s character from the text? A. He was cautious, experienced and able to make difficult strategic decisions. B. He was reckless and preferred direct confrontation. C. He relied entirely on the advice of Emperor Alexander I.

Перевод задания: Прочитайте текст о Михаиле Илларионовиче Кутузове и выберите правильный ответ A, B или C в вопросах 1–7.

1. B. He received a thorough education and mastered several foreign languages. (Он получил основательное образование и овладел несколькими иностранными языками.) В тексте сказано, что Кутузов получил прекрасное домашнее образование и свободно говорил на нескольких языках.
2. B. His eyesight was permanently affected. (Его зрение было повреждено на всю жизнь.) В тексте говорится, что ранение повлияло на его зрение до конца жизни.
3. A. Kutuzov was Suvorov’s closest and most reliable assistant. (Кутузов был ближайшим и самым надёжным помощником Суворова.) Выражение “my right hand” означает «моя правая рука», то есть доверенный помощник.
4. B. He was forced to act against his own military judgement. (Он был вынужден действовать вопреки собственному военному суждению.) Во время кампании Кутузов следовал плану императора Александра I.
5. C. Retreating and wearing down the enemy over time. (Отступать и постепенно изматывать противника.) Кутузов избегал решающего прямого столкновения и применял стратегию истощения.
6. B. Because it was seen as surrender, yet it ultimately led to Napoleon’s defeat. (Потому что это считали капитуляцией, но в итоге решение привело к поражению Наполеона.) Армия Наполеона ослабла и была вынуждена отступить.
7. A. He was cautious, experienced and able to make difficult strategic decisions. (Он был осторожным, опытным и умел принимать сложные стратегические решения.) Его действия показывают, что он оценивал обстоятельства и выбирал долгосрочную стратегию.

Ответ: 1 — B; 2 — B; 3 — A; 4 — B; 5 — C; 6 — B; 7 — A.