Ex.3 Answer the questions.

1. What was Londinium? 2. How did the Roman invaders influence the development of London? 3. How many people live in London? 4. What is the role of London in British life? 5. Why is London popular with tourists? 6. What is the size of London? 7. What are Westminster and Whitehall? 8. What is the official home of Prime Minister? 9. What is “the square mile”? 10. What is Fleet Street famous for? 11. What are the main parks in London? 12. What parks are mostly popular with children? 13. What role does the Thames play in London? 14. What are the best ways for tourists to see London?

Ex.4 Find the English equivalents to the following words.

1. большой порт; 2) торговый центр; 3) коммерческая и финансовая деятельность; 4) определенный вид деятельности; 5) королевский лес для охоты; 6) плыть в лодке; 7) театр под открытым небом; 8) прилив; 9) наводнение; 10) стихийное бедствие; 11) уменьшать; 12) дамба; 13) потрясающий; 14) двухэтажный автобус; 15) подземная железная дорога; 16) часы пик.

Ex.5 Guess what place is described here.

1 One of the world’s most famous museum, that houses a collection of objects from ancient civilizations as well as Britain’s 15-million-volume national reference library.

2 The official royal residence since 1837. Named in the honour of its first owner who lived there in the early 1700’s.

3 They serve as a meeting place for two legislative bodies of Great Britain. Constructed during the mid-1800’s instead of the old ones which burned in fire.

4 The centre of the Church of England in London. Its huge dome towers 365 feet (111 metres) above the ground.

5 William the Conqueror was first crowned king there. Since then all the country’s monarchs have been crowned there.

6 The huge Nelson Column towers 56 metres above the ground on this square.

7 This place is known for its Marble Arch and Speakers’ Corner.

8 It contains one of the world’s largest collections of trees and hothouse plants.

9 London’s oldest landmark built by Julius Caesar. It has served as a fortress, a palace and a prison. Today it’s a national monument and a museum of armour.

10 The centre for study and practice of law. It has four groups of courtyards just west of the City.

11 It presents modern masters of England and France. Its collection of French Impressionists is outstanding.

12 Bult in 1894, this bridge is still in daily use. It regulates a large part of the impressive traffic of the Port of London.

13 The headquarters of the Metropolitan Police in London.

Ex.6 Combine the dates and the events.

1 The first railway station was opened.

2 William Shakespeare began to present his plays at the Globe.

3 London’s subway system started.

4 The Great Plague – a terrible epidemic of bubonic plague – broke out in London.

5 London got the right to govern itself and the first mayor was elected.

6 The Palace of Westminster became the meeting place of Parliament.

7 A Clean Air Act was passed in London after 4000 people died of smog in a year.

8 The Great Fire of London broke out.

1215. 1547 1599 1665 1666 1846 1863 1956

Ex.7 Choose the right variant.

1 Westminster is … ; a) the centre of commerce; b) a famous London park; c) place where Parliament meets.

2 Fleet Street is a place …: a) where the most famous shops in London are: b) where the centre of publishing industry is; c) where the London port is situated.

3 London Zoo is …: a) in Hyde Park; b) in Covent Garden: c) Regent’s Park.

4 Central London lies …: a) to the north of the Thames; b) to the south of the Thames; c) on the two banks of the Thames.

5 Downing Street 10 is a place where …: a) the Queen lives; b) the Prime-Minister lives; c) the Mayor lives.