Reading

32. Read the text about the Soviet period in the history of Omsk.

Soviet era

T he Soviet government preferred young Novonikolayevsk, now Novosibirsk, to be the designated centre of Western Siberia. It prompted the mass transfer of administrative, cultural and educational functions from Omsk. The city's growth dampened. Sparking rivalry between the two cities continues to this day. And it was during and after World War II that Omsk received a new boost. Many industries were evacuated away from the western part of Russia in 1941. In the event of a German victory during the Battle of Moscow, Omsk was to become the provisional Soviet capital. Many military industries moved here including part of the OKMO tank design bureau in 1941.

S.M. Kirov Factory no. 185 moved from Chelyabinsk in 1962. The Kirov Factory and Omsk Transmash design bureau (KBTM) produced T-80 tanks from the 1970s, and were responsible for the BTR-T, TOS-1, and prototype Black Eagle tank. Omsk Transmash declared bankruptcy in 2002.

33. Answer the following questions.

1. What was the cause of the transfer of administrative functions from Omsk?

2. Why is there a rivalry between two cities?

3. When did Omsk receive a new boost?

4. What is the origin of many industries in Omsk?

34. Work out a plan to the text.

Vocabulary Training

35. Remember the following words and word combinations:

to be in full swing – быть в полном разгаре

oil – refining – нефтепереработка

employer – работодатель

36. Guess the meaning of the following words or expressions:

northward, currently, parent company, expand

Reading

37. Read this text quickly and define the main idea of this text.

Omsk oil – refining

I n the 1950s the development of oil and natural gas field in Siberia was in full swing. And an oil-refining complex was built here, along with an entire "town of oilworkers" (gorodok Neftyanikov). So Omsk expanded northward along the Irtysh. It is currently the largest complex in Russia, and third such in Europe. Gazprom Neft, the parent company, is the largest employer in the city.

38. Search the Internet to find out more information about Omsk petrochemistry and share it with the rest of the class.

Vocabulary Training

39. Read and remember the following words and word combinations:

centrepiece – наиболее ценный предмет ensemble – ансамбль flank – быть расположенным сбоку, располагаться по обе стороны chapel – часовня at hand – близко bourse – биржа

stately – величавый mansion – особняк dormition – успение revival – возрождение consecrate – освящaть commission – указание, приказание действовать каким–л. образом edifice – величественное здание, строение

40. Work with your partner. Match synonyms:

junction, adjoining, rich, somber, landmarks, scatter, side, carefully, confluence, building, darksome, opulent, edifice, meticulously, sights, diffuse, cutting edge.