8. Give synonyms to the words in bold type:

1. One of the well-known museums is the British museum with its library and the collection of manuscripts. 2. London consists of four main parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. 3. Westminster is a good place to start sightseeing. 4. Londoners spend their week-ends in the parks. 5. Great Britain has a common border only with Ire­land. 6. On the border between England and Scotland there is a range of hills, called the Cheviot Hills.

9. Read and dramatize the following dialogues:

A: This is a map of the world. What can we see on it?

B: We can see oceans and continents. There are six conti­nents on this map.

A: What are they?

B: They are Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, America and Antarctica.

A: What else can you see on the map?

B: We can also see seas and rivers, mountains and val­leys.

A: What countries can you show us?

B: This is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Nor­thern Irlarid. It is a highly developed industrial coun­try. In the 19th century it stood the first in the world and the biggest colonial power. But after World War II it lost some of its prestige as well as its colonies.

• ¹ *

A: Would you kindly tell us something about North England and England’s most important industrial areas?

B: O.K. The centres of English industry lie in the Mid­lands around Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle.

A: The areas around Birmigham is called the Black Coun­try, isn’t it?

B: Yes, the very name tells us what it means: smoke, dust and shoot.

• * *

A: What can you tell me about Birmingham?

B: Oh, Birmingham is the centre of metal industry.

A: What is produced there?

B: All sorts of tools, screws, bicycles, motorcycles and radio sets are manufactured there.

A: Wales is one of the big mining districts in Britain, isn’t it?

B: Yes, it is. In the towns and villages of Wales you can see thousands of miners.

A: I beg your pardon. Is this the right way to the Houses of Parliament?

B: I’m sorry. I can’t tell you.

A: Oh! What a nuisance! Why not?

B: You see, I am a stranger myself in London.

A: What shall I do, then?

B: Well, ask somebody else or even better ask a police­man.

A: Thank you, much obliged.

• * *

A: You are in London for the first time, aren’t you?

B: Yes, I am. And I have only a couple of days to see the sights. Is it possible to see anything of London in a day or two?

A: Yes, but of course, not half enough.

B: I’d like to see as many places of interest as possible. What do you think I ought to see first?

A: Well, I know that you are interested in churches and historical places. Then you should go to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.

• * *

A: Oh, what’s that, my dear?

B: That big column with a statue on top of it? It’s a memo­rial to Admiral Nelson.

A: Oh, I see. It’s very impressive. And what are those birds all over the square?

B: They are pigeons. The pigeons are one of the sights of London.

A: And what’s that long building in front of us?

B: That’s the National Gallery.

A: Let’s go and see it.

B: All right, let’s. The Gallery is open now.

• * *

A: Have you even been to London?

B\ No, it’s my first visit here.

A: Have you seen much of the city?

B: No, I haven’t. Can you tell me what are the most inter­esting places to visit?

A: Willingly. I’d advise you to see the Houses of Par­liament. The flag on Victoria Tower indicates that the House of Commons is sitting. There is always a long queue outside the famous building in Parliament Square.

I advise you also to see Westminster Abbey. It is the scene of the coronation of most English kings and queens. There are a lot of monuments in it, especially in Poet’s Corner. Here you can find a monument to W. Shakespeare. The Post Office Tower is the tallest building in Britain. It is 580 feet (176 m) high and a 40 feet (13.2 m) radio mast rises above it. The func­tional purpose of both Tower and mast is to relay microwaves. These carry long-distance telephone calls and television channels between London and all parts of the country. There is a revolving restaurant near the top of the Tower.

2. Thank you ever so much. You’ve given me so much information.