The wallet is a tiny, often pocket sized tool for storing cash, and other small

articles such as credit cards, bank cards, drivers licenses, identification cards, and
other valuables such as these. Usually it is made from fabrics such as leather, or
synthetic plastics. Typically, wallets are associated with men, as most women carry
a similar object known as a purse. However, in modern day society, many women
now also carry wallets as they are smaller and often, more convenient. Some
women carry purses with wallets tucked inside of them. Wallets were invented in
the late 1600's, almost immediately after paper currency was introduced. Paper
currency was invented in Massachusetts in 1690. Prior to this, simple purses were
used to carry around metal coins. The first wallets were generally made from cow
or horse leather, and had one small pouch for where people would place their
identification cards (known then as calling cards). Today's modern wallet, which
has many different slots for our many cards, was invented in the 1950's, because of
the invention of the first credit card. Wallets virtually remained the same
throughout the 20th century, with the exception of the Velcro wallet which was
introduced in the 1970's. Late in the 20th century, in 1996, what is known as the
All-ett billfold wallet was invented. This type of wallet reduced the bulkiness of
the original wallet by nearly half. In the 21st century, wallets have evolved in
many ways including numerous shapes, sizes and color, all mostly for stylistic
purposes rather than function. Wallets are a huge hit among pick-pockets, who
target people carrying wallets in the pockets of their pants. To avoid this, some
wallet owners have chains connecting their wallets to their pants. Other wallet
owners have inside pockets on their coats, so that they cannot be pick-pocketed
without noticing. Although the wallet was originally designed to carry around
cash, in modern society they are more often used for carrying credit cards. With
the advanced systems of banks and other money institutes, people feel that
carrying around cash is often unnecessary and a hassle. Some people still like to
carry around change purses, which can be convenient for small purchases where
using a credit card or bank card would be silly and wasteful. For questions (6—10)
choose the correct answer (А, В, C, or D). Write your answers on the separate
answer sheet. 6. According to paragraph 1 wallets ........... . A have a great value for
their owners В are an object of men's outfit C contain important belongings D are
seldom used by women 7. According to paragraph 2 ........... . A wallets were
introduced in Massachusetts В people used the first wallets for small change C at
first wallets looked like tiny leather purses D the first wallets served for carrying
documents 8. It is stated in the passage that ........... . A the рифове of the wallet
has changed overtime В people prefer paying for small things in cash C the purse
is usually smaller than the wallet D the ideal shape of the wallet has been found 9.
It is NOT mentioned in the passage that wallets are …. A made of various
materials В often stolen from their owners C over three hundred years old D used
for virtual money 10. The author states that ........... . A the wallet wasn't changed
for 200 years В square wallets are multifunctional C there have been two types of
wallets D modern wallets have become thinner