Task 1. Read the text and choose the correct answer A, B or C. (7 points) Read the passage about Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov: he was born in St Petersburg in 1745, received a thorough education, studied at the Artillery and Engineering School, and became fluent in French, German, Polish and Turkish. He served in the Russo-Turkish Wars, was wounded near Alushta and suffered lasting damage to his eyesight. He served under Suvorov and distinguished himself at the storming of Izmail, where Suvorov called him “my right hand.” Kutuzov later served as ambassador and Governor-General, and was forced to follow Alexander I’s plan during the Austerlitz campaign. In 1812, as Commander-in-Chief, he avoided direct confrontation with Napoleon, retreated and wore down the French army. The decision to abandon Moscow was controversial but ultimately helped bring about Napoleon’s defeat. Kutuzov died in 1813. Questions: 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 и выберите правильный ответ A, B или C.

1. B. He received a thorough education and mastered several foreign languages. (Он получил хорошее образование и владел несколькими иностранными языками.) Текст сообщает о домашнем образовании, обучении в артиллерийском и инженерном училище и знании четырёх языков.
2. B. His eyesight was permanently affected. (Его зрение было повреждено на всю жизнь.) В тексте сказано, что ранение повлияло на зрение до конца его 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 близкого и надёжного помощника.
4. B. He was forced to act against his own military judgement. (Он был вынужден действовать вопреки собственному военному мнению.) Во время кампании он следовал плану императора Александра I, а не своему суждению.
5. C. Retreating and wearing down the enemy over time. (Отступать и постепенно истощать противника.) Это прямо названо стратегией истощения.
6. B. Because it was seen as surrender, yet it ultimately led to Napoleon’s defeat. (Потому что это воспринималось как сдача города, но в итоге привело к поражению Наполеона.)
7. A. He was cautious, experienced and able to make difficult strategic decisions. (Он был осторожным, опытным и умел принимать трудные стратегические решения.) Его стратегия избегать прямого столкновения и решение оставить Москву подтверждают этот вывод.

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