II. READING

TASK 1. Read the following passage and choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

THE ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FESTIVAL

The Albuquerque International Hot-air Balloon Festival is the largest gathering of hot-air balloons in the world. The festival is a nine-day event in early October.

It takes place in Albuquerque, a city in New Mexico, the USA. Every year, the festival attracts a great number of balloon makers. They bring about five hundred balloons to the festival. Many artists spend weeks or even months painting their balloons. Together with them are thousands of photographers, video makers, reporters, and visitors. The most exciting moment of the festival is when all the balloons in different shapes, sizes, and colours rise up high into the sky. The scene is really fantastic.

The Balloon Festival is one of Albuquerque's largest tourist attractions. It is an opportunity for the local people to show their New Mexican culture and history. It brings a major source of income to the city and local businesses. In 2015, the festival received nearly one million visitors.

What does the festival help New Mexico show its visitors? A. History and culture B. Economy and culture C. Cuisine and costumes D. Culture and costumes