4.1 Dialogues

• I must say that your country is very big.

• In fact, it is the largest country in the world. But your country is also big.

• Canada is the second largest country in the world.

• But its population is considerably smaller than that of Russia, isn’t it?

* * *

• I have read that Russia is very rich in mineral resources.

• Это правда. У нас богатые залежи угля, железной руды, нефти и природного газа.

• I have also read that the climate is severe in Russia.

• Это неверно. Россия огромная страна, и климат различен в разных частях. Например, у нас в Башкортостане зимы холодные и снежные, а в Сочи зимой сыро и довольно тепло.

* * *

• Excuse me, can you tell me the way to the Red Square?

• Sure. Go straight on along Pokrovskaya Street and soon you’ll see the Kremlin stars.

• Thank you very much. Can I take a bus?

• A trolley. The stop is over there.

• Thanks a lot.

• Don’t mention it. Good luck.

* * *

• Excuse me, am I on the right way to the Tretyakov Gallery?

• I am afraid, not. You are going in the opposite direction.

• Oh, no! I have been walking for 20 minutes already.

• Why don’t you take a bus? The bus stop is over there.

• What bus will take me to the Tretyakovka?

• Number 37 and 64 . Get off at bus stop “Tretyakov Gallery”.

• Is it a long way there?

• It’s not. Just 15 minutes, I think.

• Thank you very much.

• That’s all right. Have a good time.

* * *

• Извините, как пройти к ближайшей станции метро?

• Go straight on till the nearest crossroads.

• Это далеко? Где остановка? Я поеду на автобусе.

• It is very near. It will take you not more than 6-7 minutes.

• Хорошо. Я дохожу до перекрестка. Что делать потом?

• Then turn left and behind a large supermarket you will see the underground station.

• Сейчас 9 часов вечера. Вы не знаете, метро работает сейчас?

• Yes, it is. It usually works until 12 o’clock in the night.

• Спасибо за всю информацию. Вы мне очень помогли. До свидания.

• No thanks at all. We are glad to help people coming to Moscow. I wish you all the best.

4.2 Questions

1.How large is the territory of the Russian Federation?

2.What can you say about the landscape of our country?

3.Is climate very different in Russia?

4.What’s the population of Russia?

5.What mineral resources is Russia rich in?

6.What subjects of the Russian Federation can you name?

7.What branches of industry are the leading in our country?

8.How old is Moscow?

9.What sights attract tourists from all over the world to Moscow?

10.What reputation has Russia got in the world?

11.Who is the president of the country now? What power has he got?

12.Are you optimistic about the future of your motherland?

5 Agriculture of Russia

The Russian Federation is a large country with different soil and climatic conditions. Farmers of Russia produce various farm products on its vast territory. The south of the country is the main area for producing grain, vegetables, fruit and meat. In the Non-Black Soil Zone they grow potatoes, flax, keep farm animals. Forestry and grain production are developed in Siberia. The Far East is famous for its fishing. Fur breeding is popular in the North.

There are two main branches of agriculture: animal breeding and crop growing. Farmers of Russia grow such cereals as wheat, rye, buckwheat, barley and oats. They grow vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, beetroots, onions and cabbage. Animal breeding is developed all over the country. Farmers raise cows for milk and meat; sheep are kept for their wool and meat. Farmers breed poultry: hens, ducks and geese. Farms are provided with tractors, combine-harvesters, trucks and other farm machinery.

Russian agriculture is living through the period of changes and reforms. Much success has been achieved in some spheres of farming thanks to the efforts of scientists and outstanding agriculturists. They develop new crop varieties, animal breeds and highly effective machines for tillage, seeding and harvesting operations. There are still problems which our agriculture faces today. Among them are financing, management, storage and marketing of agricultural products.

The chief aim of agriculture is to supply industry with raw materials and population with food. This aim can be achieved by joint efforts of all people of the country.