Mikhail Lomonosov.

Mikhail Lomonosov was born in 1711 in Archangelsk province. His father was a fisher and young Mikhail liked to help him. He always strove for knowledge and liked reading books.

As he was 19 years old, he decided to study in Moscow. He went there on foot. In Moscow he entered the Slavic- Greek-Latin Academy. After his graduation from Academy he was sent abroad to complete his knowledge in chemistry. After he had returned from abroad, he became the first Russian professor of chemistry in 1745. Since 1748 he had conducted works in the first Russian chemical research laboratory, which was built at his request. He is the author of the first scientifical grammar of the Russian language. He founded the factory producing colored glass. Lomonosov was the founder of the first Russian university. This university is situated in Moscow and still carries his name.

Mikhail Lomonosov died in 1765. But he is still known as the father of the Russian science, an outstanding poet, the founder of Russian literature.

Mass media.

Mass Media has become an important part of our life. People can learn about what is happening in the world very fast using mass media. The mass media include newspapers, magazines, radio and television. The earliest kind of mass media was newspaper. What newspapers and magazines do I prefer to read? I like to read the following newspapers: «Komsomolskaya Pravda», («KomsomolTruth»), «Argumenty i Fakty» («Arguments and Facts»).As far as newspapers are concerned they may be daily, or weekly. Magazines may be weekly, monthly and quarterly. Newspapers can cover much more events and news. I like the way they present different points of view, approaches to the problems. They also touch upon cultural, sport news. Magazines do not focus on daily, rapidly changing events. My parents and I buy some of newspapers and magazines in a kiosk.

Great Britain.

Great Britain has a very good geographical position as it lies on the crossways of the sea routes from Europe to other parts of the world. The sea connects Great Britain with most European countries. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The climate of the British Isles is not very cold in winter and never very hot in summer. It often rains in Great Britain in all seasons. Great Britain has a highly developed industry. It is rich in coal, iron and other metals. At the head of the state there is the Queen but in practice state power is in the hands of the Parliament. There are fewer public holidays in Great Britain than in other European countries. The most favorite holiday is Christmas. Traditionally this is the day when people decorate their trees. Christmas is a family holiday. All the family usually meet for the big Christmas dinner of turkey and Christmas pudding. And everyone gives and receives presents. The 26th of December, Boxing Day, is an extra holiday after Christmas. Its the time to visit friends and relatives. Another popular British tradition is Halloween, celebrated on October, 31, the eve of All Saints’ Day. Now most people do not believe in evil spirits. Today the day is usually marked by costume balls or fancy-dress parties and is a popular tradition with young people and children.