My University

The Ryazan Yesenin State University is one of the oldest among the higher educational establishments in central Russia. Teacher education here dates back to December 1915 when a Teacher’s College, training women teachers, the first of its kind in Russia, was established. In October 1918 it served the corner stone in the foundation of the Ryazan Teachers’ Training Institute – the first higher educational establishment in the post-revolutionary Russian land in July 1993. The Ryazan Teacher’s Training Institute was reorganized into the Ryazan Teacher’s Training University.

The modern-day Ryazan University is one of the largest higher educational institutions in the centre of Russia. It houses eight faculties, which train students of day and correspondent departments in many specialities. The enrolments climb to five thousand students, with 200 professors and assistant professors on the teaching staff. The academic staff combine their scholarly work with research that contributes to the economic development of the region.

The University course lasts five years. An academic year is divided into two terms, each ending in an examination session. On graduating the students receive diplomas which give them the right to teach at school.

Students are to attend different lectures and seminars. Students’ practical work is paid much attention to at our University and students give lessons at primary and secondary schools.

The University has post-graduate courses in Physics, Mathematics, Astronomy, History and other subjects.

The University offers the most modern of technical facilities for teaching and research, including computer programmes.

Practising school and college teachers may improve their qualifications here through professional development programmes.

The University has a Preparatory Department, which helps students to refresh their knowledge before entering the University.

Much is being done to ensure adequate facilities for the students’ academic studies as well as recreation. The hostels cater for those who come to study from remote places. Each year about 60 students and 150 teachers go camping to a special student’s camp.

The Ryazan University was the first among higher educational institutions in the city to establish international ties. The first exchange programmes began in the 50-ies. Now the contracts with the educational centres in France and Germany have become regular, including the constant exchange of scientific information as well as groups of students and teaching staff.

In recent years promising ties have been established with a number of organisations in the USA and Canada. The Ryazan University is taking part in the international educational programme “Global Education”.

Тема№3 «Великобритания»

Great Britain

The United kingdom of Great Britain and Nothern Ireland consists of England, Wales, Scotland and Nothern Ireland. Great Britain and Ireland are the largest islands and there are about five thousand small islands.

Great Britain is surrounded by seas and is separated from the Continent by the North Sea and the English Channel.

The rivers in Great Britain are not long, but many of them are deep. The most known rivers are the Thames, the Severn and the Clyde. The capital of Great Britain, London is situated on the Thames. The Thames is the busiest and the most important river in the country.

The surface of Great Britain is rather flat and there are not many mountains there. The highest mountains are Ben Nevis in Scotland (1343 meters high) and Snowdon (1085 metres high) in Wales. There are many mountains in the north of England and in Scotland, but they are not very high. This part of the country is called the Highlands. The highest mountain in Great Britain is called Ben Nevis. In the south there are many beautiful plains and valleys. This part of the country is known as the Lowlands. There are numerous lakes in Scotland. The most beautiful is Loch Lomond.

The climate of Great Britain is mild. Thanks to the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of the Gulf-Stream the climate is rainy and foggy. The summer is not very hot and the winter is not very cold. Winter temperature seldom falls below zero.

England looks like one great well-ordered park. The countryside with large green gardens, the little country houses and farms is very beautiful and pleasant to look at.

The total area of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ire­land is 94,250 square miles. The population is about 60 million people. About 80% of the population live in towns and cities.

Great Britain is a highly developed industrial country. The country lives by manufacture and trade, exporting machinery, vessels, motors and many other goods. The UK buys more goods than it sells because she has to import foot products and raw materials from many countries of the world. Great Britain is no rich in mineral resources. It has coal and iron ore, oil and gas, zinc and chalk.

The industrial centres of Great Britain are London, Manchester, Sheffield and others.

The United Kingdom is a parliamentary monarchy. Queen Elisabeth II is considered to be the head of the state. But it is an old tradition. In reality the legislative power belongs to the Parliament which consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The seats are hereditary in the House of Lords, but the members of the House of Commons are elected every 5 years.

Britain's flag was approved of in 1801, and it is known as Union Jack. It is a combination of the banners of England (St. George's flag which is a red cross on a white field), Scotland (St. Andrew's flag - a white cross on a blue field) and Ireland (St. Patrick's flag - a red cross on a whiten field).

There are three main political parties in Great Britain. These are: the Conservative Party, the Labour Party and the Liberal Party.

Тема №4 «Лондон»

LONDON

London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, cultural and commer­cial centre. It is one of the biggest and busiest ports of the 0nited Kingdom. London is situated on the banks of the river Thames.

London is one of the largest cities in the world and a very old city. London is more than 20 centuries old.

London consists of many parts. The West End is the symbol of wealth and v prosperity. The best and most expensive hotels, restaurants, clubs, theatres and cinemas and the richest shops are found here, in the West End. Splendid houses and lovely gardens are typical of this part of London.

The East End is the poorest district of London. There are plants and facto­ries, workshops and docks here. The streets are narrow. Working-class families live in the East End.

Trafalgar Square is the geographical centre of London, In the centre of this square there is a statue of Nelson. Admiral Nelson won the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

The City is the oldest part of London. The City is the financial and busi­ness part of London. Numerous banks, offices and trusts are concentrated here.