Text 27 Transport in Britain

You can reach England either by plane, by train, by car or by ship. The fastest way is by plane. London has three international airports: Heathrow, the largest, connected to the city by underground; Gatwick, south of London, with a frequent train service; Luton, the smallest, used for charter flights.

If you go to England by train or by car you have to cross the Channel. There is a frequent service of steamers and ferryboats which connect the continent to the south-east of England.

People in Britain drive on the left and generally overtake on the right. When you are in London you can choose from four different means of transport: bus, train, underground or taxi. The typical bus in London is a red double-decker. The first London bus started running between Paddington and the City in 1829. It carried 40 passengers and cost a shilling for six kms.

The next to arrive were the trains; now there are twelve railway stations in London. The world’s first underground line was opened between Baker St. and the City in 1863. Now there are ten underground lines and 273 underground stations in use. The London underground is also called the Tube, because of the circular shape of its deep tunnels.

Answer these questions:

1. What is the fastest way of traveling? 2. How many airports are there in London? 3. What kind of service helps to cross the Channel? 4. What are some «rules» of driving in Britain? 5. What does typical bus in London look like? 6. Where was the first underground opened? 7. Why is London underground called the Tube?

Text 28 Holidays in Great Britain

There are some public holidays in Great Britain. There are: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter, May Spring Festival, Spring Bank Holiday and Summer Bank Holiday. Some holidays are called Bank Holidays because banks, offices and shops are closed on those days.

Christmas is the most popular holiday in Britain. It is celebrated on the 25 th of December. People spend time at home, with their families, eat special food (turkey, potatoes, green vegetables, a Christmas pudding) and drink a lot. Many people decorate Christmas trees with toys and little coloured lights. People buy Christmas cards and send them to their friends and relatives. Long before Christmas the shops are busy, because a lot of people buy Christmas presents. In churches people sing Christmas carols – special religious songs.

The day after Christmas, 26 th of December, is called Boxing Day. The priest in church opens boxes with money and presents and gives to the poor people.

St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 14 th of February. It is the day of sweethearts. On this day people send cards, candies or flowers to those whom they love.

Easter is a Christian holiday in March or in April. On this day Christians remember the death of Christ and his return to life. They go to church and have a celebration dinner. The most popular emblem of Easter is the Easter egg.

Answer these questions:

1. What public holidays in Great Britain do you know? 2. Why are some holidays called Bank Holidays? 3. What is the most popular holiday in Britain? 4. When and how do the British celebrate Christmas? 5. Why is the day after Christmas called Boxing Day? 6. When is St. Valentine’s Day celebrated? What do people usually do on this day? 7. What important Christian holiday do the British celebrate in March or in April? 8. What is the most popular emblem of Easter?