Living in the City

Living in a city has both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, it is often easier to find work, and there is usually a choice of public transport, so you don't need to own a car. Also, there are a lot of interesting things to do and places to see. For example, you can eat in good restaurants, visit museums, and go to the theatre and to concerts. What is more, when you want to relax, you can usually find a park where you can feed the ducks or just sit on a park bench and read a book. All in all, city life is full of bustle and variety and you need never feel bored.

However, for every plus there is a minus. For one thing, you might have a job, but unless it is very well-paid, you will not be able to afford many of the things that there are to do, because living in a city is often very expensive. It is particularly difficult to find good, cheap accommodation. What is more, public transport is sometimes crowded and dirty, particularly in the rush hour, and even the parks can become very crowded, especially on Sundays when it seems that every city-dweller is looking for some open space and green grass. Last of all, despite all the crowds, it is still possible to feel very lonely in a city.

In conclusion, I think that city life can be particularly appealing to young people, who like the excitement of the city and don't mind the noise and pollution. However, many people, when they get older, and particularly when they have young children, often prefer the peace and fresh air of the countryside.

Exercise 8. 1) Sort out the words and expressions given in the box into two columns according to the place where you are most likely to find them. 2) Use the words and expressions in each column to describe a typical city or a village in your country.

multi- storied houses underground walkway industrial area picture galleries beds of flowers residential areas stray cats and dogs unpolluted environment convenient bus service peaceful atmosphere smiles and greetings big shopping centres

rush hours orchards theatres avenues suburbs bushes benches wells car parks heavy traffic museums traffic lights

bedroom districts vegetable gardens domestic animals healthy food traffic jams well-kept parks pavements fields and meadows blocks of flats fences and hedges noisy crowds pure water

CITY

COUNTRY

Exercise 9. Read and translate the text.

Lutsk

One English proverb says: “There is no place like home”. So the best of all places is our native town. We never forget it when we leave for another town. We are proud of it and like it very much because it is the place where we live, study and work. For me it is Lutsk.

Lutsk is an administrative, economic and cultural centre of the Volyn region. It lies on the river Styr. According to the Ipatyev Chronicles Lutsk (Luchesk) was mentioned as a town in 1085. There are several versions as to the origin of the name “Lutsk”. As far as I know one of them is associated with Lucas, the name of the chief of the Dulebes, an East Slavonic tribe. In fact some scholars consider that the name of the town is derived from the word “Luka” which means the bend of the river.

Lutsk is one of the most ancient towns of Ukraine. It bears witness to many historic events. In the 12^th century it was the capital of the independent principality. It had to go through many severe trials in the past suffering from and offering heroic resistance to the Polish, Lithuanian, Austro-Hungarian and Swedish lords.

The newcomer to Lutsk is at once attracted by magnificent view of the medieval castle, the Lubart Castle. It is an architectural monument of the 14^th century. Overlooking the towers of the castle is the dome of the Jesuit church, one of the best examples of the Early Baroque, created by the noted Italian master Briano in the early 17^th century. Another architectural monument of interest is the building of the former Bernadine and Dominican monasteries.

Old and new mingle harmoniously in Lutsk. Each epoch has left its trace in the town’s appearance. From a typically provincial town with narrow streets and small houses Lutsk has grown into a modern town boasting a number of factories, plants and industrial enterprises.

Lutsk is very beautiful. The town is buried in greenery. Its streets squares, new residential districts are adorned with parks, public gardens, flower beds and fountains.

Lutsk is a cultural and educational centre of the Volyn. The Shevchenko Music and Drama Theatre, the Volynian Museum of Regional Studies, the Memorial Complex of Glory are the most beautiful sights of the town. There are some monuments in Lutsk, among them monuments to the great Ukrainian poetess Lesya Ukrainka who spent her youth in Volyn. Nowadays Lutsk is a student-town. There are the Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, Lutsk Technical University, nearly one hundred general educational and technical schools.

The names of many renowned people are associated with Lutsk. Among them outstanding statesmen Bohdan Hmelnytsky, Ivan Bohun, at different times Peter the Great, Ivan Franko, Yaroslav Hasĕk and many other prominent public figures, writers and poets visited Lutsk, lived or worked in it.

One cannot help admiring the beautiful town of Lutsk with its tidy streets, cozy squares and lush greenery. Ancient and ever young Lutsk becomes more and more beautiful with every passing day.

Exercise 10. Answer the questions to the text.

1. What town is the centre of Volyn region?

2. Where is it situated?

3. What is the origin of the name “Lutsk”?

4. Did Lutsk have to go through many severe trials? Prove it.

5. What are the main attractions of the town?

6. Has Lutsk changed much since those days?

7. Is Lutsk really beautiful?

8. What are the main cultural and educational centres of the Volyn region?

9. What prominent people visited Lutsk?

10. Do you like Lutsk? Why?