– Can I help you?

• … … …

• Are you here for the first time?

• … … …

• What place are you looking for?

• … … …

• Oh, it’s not far from the centre of the town. Any bus will take you there.

• … … …

• It’s 15 roubles.

• … … …

• That’s all right. You are welcome.

4) Read the public notices given below. Say in what place you can see them.

1. No Smoking

2. Please, Do Not Feed the Animals, As Unsuitable Food Will Make Them Ill.

3. Meals, Snacks 24 Hours Service

4. Walking On the Grass Is Forbidden

5. Works Of Art are Seriously Damaged By Repeated Touching

6. Mind Your Head When Rising From Seat

7. Ticket Box

8. Please Make Use Of The Litter Bins

9. These Animals Are Dangerous

10.Please Do Not Feed Animals. It is Unkind And Unnecessary

11.Beware Of The Dog

12.Cloak Room (Articles May Be Left There Only At The Owner’s Risk)

13.Cross Here

14.Taxi Stand

15.Bus Stop

a) zoo b) bus c)café

d) park e) museum f) street

g) street-crossing h) cinema i) the gates of the house

5) Translate into Russian.

1. I don’t like to stay in town for summer.

2. This way, sir.

3. It’s a long way from here.

4. Traffic keeps to the left in England.

5. This is a busy traffic crossing.

6. When you cross a busy street you should be careful.

7. A wide street is called an avenue.

8. That is a quiet street.

9. Are you going my way?

10. Which is the best way there?

6) Read the poem. What is the poem about?

Roadways

One road leads to London,

One road runs to Wales,

My road leads me seawards

To the white dipping sails.

One road leads to the river,

As it goes singing slow;

My road leads to shipping,

Where the bronzed sailors go.

My Road calls me, lures me

West, east, south, and north;

Most roads lead men homewards,

My road leads me forth.

(John Masefield)

Active Vocabulary

public transport – общественный транспорт

a bus – автобус

a tram – трамвай

a trolley-bus – троллейбус

the Metro, the Underground – метро

private cars – личные автомобили

a driving license – водительское удостоверение

right-hand/left-hand traffic – правостороннее/левостороннее движение

to follow the traffic rules – соблюдать правила дорожного движения

to break the traffic rules – нарушать правила дорожного движения

heavy traffic – оживленное движение

traffic lights – светофор

a bus stop – автобусная остановка

to pay fare – оплачивать проезд

to go by bus (tram) – ехать автобусом (трамваем)

to go on foot – идти пешком

crowded, overcrowded – переполненный

rush hour – час пик

noisy – шумный

quiet – спокойный

convenient – удобный

polluted – загрязненный

a market – рынок

an avenue – проспект

a department store – универмаг

a hotel – гостиница

an office – офис, контора

art gallery – художественная галерея

museum – музей

the University – университет

bus station, railway station – автовокзал, железнодорожная станция, вокзал

a square – площадь

city centre - центр города

suburb – пригород

native town, home town – родной город

to ask one’s way – спросить дорогу

to find one’s way – найти дорогу

to lose one’s way – заблудиться

to show smb the way – показать кому-либо дорогу

to tell smb the way – объяснить, показать кому-либо дорогу

to get to – добраться до

to get on a bus – сесть в автобус

to get off a bus – выйти из автобуса

to change a bus – пересесть на другой автобус

on the right (left) – направо (налево)

to the right (left) – справа (слева)

to cross the street – перейти улицу

to go straight on – идти прямо

to turn to the right (left) – повернуть направо (налево)

to stay at a hotel – остановиться в гостинице

a guest – гость

a desk-clerk – регистратор

to reserve (book) a room – зарезервировать, забронировать номер

to pay for – платить за

to hand a key – передать ключ

to occupy the room – занять комнату

a single room – одноместный номер

a double room – двухместный номер

a maid – горничная

a doorman – швейцар

a newspaper stall – газетный киоск

a lobby – фойе, вестибюль

to do a room – убирать комнату

a bill – счет

Grammar Exercises

1. Put the verb in the Present Simple or Present Continuous.

1. Every morning they (go) to the office by bus.

2. She (show) him the way now.

3. I usually (stay) at this hotel when I come to Moscow.

4. The maid (do) the room every day.

5. Look, it’s Nick! He (get off) the bus.

6. He (not, ask) the way even when he (lose) his way.

7. Where (be) the nearest bus stop, please?

8. We always (get) to work in time.

9. Mary (speak) on the phone now. She (reserve) a room.

10. The bus (stop) in front of the University.

11. Excuse me, (speak) you English?

12. Why (look) you there?

13. “Excuse me, but you (sit) in my place.” “Oh, I’m sorry.”

14. He usually (not, drive) to work. He usually (walk).

15. It (cost) a lot of money to stay at luxury hotels.

2. Answer the following questions.

1. Do you often travel?

2. Look into the window – what do you see outside?

3. What are you looking at?

4. What kinds of public transport do you know?

5. Are you singing now?

6. Whom are you thinking about?

7. What is she dreaming about?

8. What do you usually do on holidays?

9. What are you going to do next Saturday?

10.Who is sitting next to you?

3. Use the Present Simple or Present Continuous to complete the dialogue.

Tom: Hi, Sue, … (you/ enjoy) your trip to New York?

Sue: Yes. I … (have) a wonderful time! I really like the crowded streets of New

York.

Tom: What … (you/ usually/ do) during the day?

Sue: Oh, I usually … (see) the sights or … (visit) one of the museums.

Tom: That … (sound) like great fun! What else do you do?

Sue: Millions of things. My friend … (take) me to different attractions every day!

Tom: What … (you/ do) now?

Sue: I … (go) to the Bronx Zoo. I … (love) wild animals!

Tom: Well, I … (hope) you’ll have fun.

Sue: Thanks. Goodbye.

4. Use prepositions of place and direction if necessary.

1. “Where does your sister live?” “… Ufa.”

2. George is coming by train. I’m going to meet him … the station.

3. I usually do my shopping … the city centre.

4. “Why didn’t the bus-driver stop … the bus-stop?”

5. Turn left … the traffic lights.

6. We had a good meal … a restaurant and then we went back … the hotel

7. I went … the airport by car.

8. “How did you get there? … bus?” “No, … foot.”

9. I opened the door and walked … the room.

10. We walked from the hotel … the station.

Means of Travelling Travelling

Almost all people are fond of travelling. It is very interesting to see new places, another towns and countries. People may travel either for pleasure or on business. There are different means of travelling. People can travel on foot, by car, by air and by sea.

Travelling by air is more convenient and much faster than any other means of travelling. Of course, travelling by plane is the most expensive, but only planes take us to other continents. If you are hungry you can have a meal. A stewardess serves snacks and drinks. During the flight you can read, chat or look out of the windows enjoying the beautiful scenes. There is no dust and dirt of a railway or car journey or troubles with changing from one train to another train. But many people say that planes make them nervous, especially those who are air-sick. And flying depends on the weather conditions, as you know. If it is cloudy planes cannot fly.

Travelling by train is one of the most popular means of travelling. Trains go slower than planes, but you can see much more interesting places of the country you are travelling through. From the comfortable seat of a railway carriage you have a splendid view of the whole country-side. If you are hungry, you can have a meal in the dining-car; and if a journey is a long one you can have a comfortable bed in a sleeper. Modern trains are comfortable and you can enjoy even the longest journey. Besides, travelling by train is cheaper.

Travelling by sea is popular mostly for pleasure trips. On board large ships and small river boats people can visit foreign countries and different places of interest within their own country. It is very pleasant to feel the deck of the ship under your feet, to see the rise and fall of the waves, to feel the fresh sea wind blowing in the face. A trip by sea is usually called a voyage or a cruise.

Buses also can take you to any place you wish. It can be a trip not far from your home or a long journey even to a foreign country. Modern buses have comfortable seats, video and phone, you can have hot tea or coffee, drinks and snack. Tourist groups usually use buses to visit foreign countries and different places of interest.

Many people prefer travelling by car. It is interesting too, because you can see many places in a short time, you can stop when and where you like, and spend as much time as you like at any place, you don’t have to buy tickets or carry your heavy suitcases.

But some people like spending their holidays travelling on foot or by bike. It isn’t the most comfortable means of travelling, but it is the cheapest.

If you are going to travel by plane, by train or by bus, you have to choose a flight or a line, to go to a ticket office and buy a ticket. Sometimes you have to change trains or buses. But usually travelers prefer tickets for through trains or buses. Then you take your luggage and try not to miss your plane, train or bus. You must arrive at the airport or the railway station in time. And your wonderful journey begins.

1) Put in the missing words according to the text.

1. The train is one of the most … … of travelling.

2. A trip by sea is usually called a … or a … .

3. You can have drinks and snacks in modern … .

4. You don’t have to buy tickets when you travel by … .

5. If you want to buy a ticket you must go to … .

2) Agree or disagree with the following statements.

1. Of course, travelling by plane is the fastest, but it is also the most expensive.

2. Modern trains are uncomfortable and you can’t enjoy your journey.

3. Travelling by sea is popular mostly for pleasure trips.

4. Travellers usually prefer to change trains or buses.

5. Tourist groups usually use bikes to visit foreign countries and different places of interest.

6. You can have a bed in the dining-car when you travel by train.

7. You can have a splendid view of the whole county-side when you travel by plane.

8. You don’t have to buy tickets when you travel in your car.

On Travelling

People started travelling in the ancient times. The first travellers were pilgrims, nomads and explorers. Travelling was really dangerous in those days, but there were always brave and daring people who went on discovering new lands, in search of wealth and fame.

Nowadays things have changed significantly. Travelling is not so dangerous now and much more convenient. We cannot imagine modern life without travelling. Holidays are a wonderful chance to relax, have fun and explore new places. Thousands of people spend their holidays travelling. They travel by trains, their own cars and motorcycles. They travel by ships up and down the Volga, the Yenisei and other rivers. They hike in the forests of Siberia, they climb mountains in the Caucasus and the Crimea. They admire the beauty of snow-covered mountains, of sunny valleys and vast forests. Beautiful pine forests, rivers and numerous lakes attract lovers of nature. They travel to see other countries, modern cities and the ruins of ancient towns, to enjoy picturesque places and also to see old monuments and historical places of the country. It is always interesting to discover new things, different ways of life, to meet different people, to try different food, to listen to different musical rhythms.

Holidaymaking is one of the most profitable industries and the economy of many countries, such as Turkey, Egypt and Greece depends on tourism a lot. Hundreds of companies are willing to help you if you are planning to go somewhere. You are free to choose where to go: you may want to spend a vacation in the mountains or by the sea, and a plane will take you to the place of your choice. So, travelling has become easier.

Answer the questions.

1. When did people begin to travel?

2. Who were the first travellers?

3. Was it dangerous to travel years ago? What about nowadays?

4. Why do people travel nowadays? What do they want to see?

5. In your opinion, why is it interesting to travel?

6. Do you like to travel?

Hiking About the Country

A long walk in the country is very interesting. Such a walk is called a hike. And when you go for a walk in the country, you say that you are going on a hike. Hiking is becoming very popular. There are a lot of hikers on a warm sunny day. People like to spend their days off in the country. It is pleasant to spend a day chatting, joking and singing with friends on the bank of a river or a lake, or at a bonfire in the forest. They return home cheerful and well-rested.

Why is hiking a nice thing for all people – young and not so young? What is good about a long country walk?

Well, a hike is a walk for pleasure in the open country, and when you plan a hike, you think about pleasure and exercise.

If you want to see the countryside, you must spend part of your summer holidays on hikes. But you must not walk very quickly if you want to enjoy your hiking trip.

Hiking is nice because you need not think about tickets, time-table and other things. What you need is a rucksack with all the things you will use on a hike.

Answer the questions.

1. What is good about hiking? Do hikes help physical training?

2. What can you learn on a hike?

3. Have you been on a hike?

4. What places have you visited?

Read out the following dialogues in pairs.

Travelling by train

Dialogue 1

Passenger: I want a ticket to London, please. Which train must I take?

Booking-clerk: If I were you, I should take the 8.35 train.

Passenger: Do I have to change anywhere?

Booking-clerk: No, no change, it’s a through train.

Passenger: Thank you. A ticket to London, please.

Booking-clerk: Single or return?

Passenger: Return, please, first class.

Booking-clerk: Here you are.

Passenger: Thank you. What time did you say the train goes?

Booking-clerk: 8.35. You’ll have to hurry if you want to register your luggage.

Passenger: Thanks.

Dialogue 2

Ted: Excuse me, which train would get me to Eastbourne, please?

Cashier: If you want a through train it’ll be the 12: 50.

Ted: And the 12:30 train?

Cashier: Then you’ll have to change.

Ted: Then two Day Returns for the 12:50, please.

Cashier: Do you plan to return today?

Ted: Yes, we do.

Cashier: Then it’d be fine for you. Two Day Returns will be 24 pounds, 12 pounds each.

Dialogue 3

Bob: I’d like a one-way ticket for the afternoon train to Edinburgh.

Cashier: What class?

Bob: First. I’d like a corner seat in a non-smoker.

Cashier: Here is your ticket. The train is departing in fifteen minutes.

Bob: What time does it get to Edinburgh?

Cashier: Just a second… It arrives in Edinburgh at eight sharp.

Bob: Thank you for the information.

Cashier: Have a pleasant journey!

Travelling by air

Dialogue 4

John: Hello, Nick. Haven’t seen you for ages. Where have you been, old boy?

Nick: Hello, I’ve just come back from France.

John: Have you really? What were you doing there?

Nick” Oh, it was just a business trip.

John: Did you fly there?

Nick: Yes, I did. And it was very exciting.

John: Did you feel nervous?

Nick: Not a bit. Just excited.

John: Did the stewardess meet you at the gangway?

Nick: Sure she did. She welcomed us and showed us to our seats. In a few minutes “No smoking” and “Fasten your belts” were lighted up and the pilot began to taxi out into the middle of the airfield.

John: How did you feel in the air? Not airsick?

Nick; No, the flight was very smooth.

John: Could you see anything through the porthole?

Nick: Only clouds.

John: How long were you up?

Nick: About three hours.

John: Was it very expensive?

Nick: Rather. But it saved me a lot of time.

Dialogue 5

Passport control officer: Good morning. Can I see your passport?

Passenger: Here you are.

Passport control officer: Thank you very much. Are you a tourist or on business?

Passenger: I’m a tourist.

Passport control officer: That’s fine. Have a pleasant stay.

Passenger: Thank you.

On the boat

Dialogue 6

A: This way for the Dover boat! Have your passports ready, please. Pass up the gangway!

B: Here we are! Would you like to stay up on the deck or go down below?

C: Oh, I don’t know. I’m not much of a sailor.

B: I don’t think you’ll be seasick today; the sea is perfectly calm; we’re sure to have a good crossing. Do you travel much?

C: Not much. I’ve crossed the Channel once before, but frankly speaking, I didn’t enjoy it.

B: Why don’t you fly?

C: I think, I shall, one of these days. It is much quicker.

B: I can see the English coast already, can you?

C: Yes, just.

B: Well, I suppose we’d better get ready for landing.

1) Answer the questions.

1. Do you like to travel?

2. What means of travelling do you prefer?

3. Where can you buy a ticket for your journey?

4. Do you usually travel light or with a lot of things?

5. Do you like seeing your friends and relatives off?

6. Do you like it when your friends and relatives come to see you off?

7. Have you ever traveled by air?

8. Who meets the passengers at the gangway?

9. Is travelling by air more expensive than railway travel?

10. Have you ever traveled by sea?

11. Are you a good sailor? Do you suffer from seasickness on board the ship?

12. Do you like to travel alone or with your friends or relatives?

13. What can you see travelling by car?

14. What do you take with you when you go on foot?

15. Do you prefer to travel by bus or by car? Why?

2) Put missing words in the sentences below.

What did you do … holiday?

Shall we have our holiday in this country or shall we go …?

A long journey by sea is … .

Someone you have invited to visit your home is … .

We talked to some of the other … on the train.

Shall we stay the night there or just go there on a … trip?

3) Give Russian equivalents for the following proverbs.

When you are abroad live according to the customs of the place.

He travels the fastest who travels alone.

In sports and journeys men are known.

4) Where can you see these notices? Choose the correct answer.

PLEASE DON’T TALK TO THE DRIVER – bus/ship

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT – bus/plane

LIFE JUCKET UNDER SEAT – ship/train

EMERGENCY STOP ONLY – train/taxi

PLEASE HAVE CHANGE READY – plane/bus

Active Vocabulary

to travel by car (by train, by plane/air, by ship) - путешествовать на машине (поезде, самолете, корабле)

traveller - путешественник

voyage – путешествие (морское)

trip – путешествие, экскурсия

cruise – круиз, морское путешествие

journey – поездка, путешествие

to go hiking – ходить пешком

to pack things – паковать вещи

a trunk – чемодан (большой)

a suitcase - чемодан

abroad – за границу, за границей

beforehand - заранее

booking office – касса (билетная)

to travel light – путешествовать налегке

heavy luggage- тяжелый багаж

to book a ticket – заказать билет

to buy a ticket – купить билет

in advance – заранее, вперед

to see smb off – провожать кого-либо

a railway station – вокзал, станция

a platform - платформа

a passenger -пассажир

to take a train –ехать поездом

a train for – поезд на …

a single ticket – билет в одном направлении

a return ticket – обратный билет

a waiting room – зал ожидания

a porter - носильщик

to carry a luggage – нести багаж

a through train – прямой поезд

a stopping train – поезд, идущий с остановками

a place of destination – место назначения

a sleeping car – спальный вагон

a compartment car –купейный вагон

a carriage - вагон

to arrive in - прибывать

to leave – уезжать, покидать

to land - приземлиться

to take off - взлетать

to cancel - отменять

to pass through customs – пройти таможню

on board a plane – на борту самолета

to register - зарегистрироваться

to weigh - взвесить

a stewardess - стюардесса

to fasten a seat-belt – пристегнуть ремень безопасности

to be airsick (seasick) – страдать воздушной (морской) болезнью

to offer newspapers – предложить газеты

a business class – бизнес-класс

an economy class – эконом-класс

a seaside – морское побережье

a bathing suit – купальный костюм

sunglasses – солнцезащитные очки

to lie in the sun – загорать

to bathe - купаться

a beach - пляж

tent - палатка

to go climbing – подниматься в горы

a rucksack - рюкзак

a camp – лагерь, место привала, бивак

Grammar exercises: the Present Perfect Tense

1. Translate the sentences into Russian. Mind the verbs in the Present Perfect tense.

1. I have never travelled by sea.

2. Have you already packed the things?

3. I haven’t seen you for ages!

4. She hasn’t booked the tickets yet.

5. Ann has come to see her friend off.

2. Put questions to the sentences.

1. I have visited Spain this summer.

2. We have fastened the belts because the plane is landing.

3. Tom has never travelled on a motor boat as he is not a good sailor.

4. I’ve crossed the Channel once before but I didn’t enjoy it.

5. I haven’t found my seat yet.

3. Choose the correct form of the verb in Present Perfect.

1. Have/has the train gone?

2. You have/has missed the train.

3. Look here, you haven’t/hasn’t done up your safety-belt yet.

4. Have/has flight 318 been announced yet?

5. Look! Your friend have/has come to meet you.

4. Choose suitable remarks for each of the statements on the left side of the page.

1. I don’t see my rucksack. a) The porter has brought it here.

2. I’m so tired. b) Have you fastened your belt?

3. The plain is starting off. c) She has already bought the ticket.

4. She is going to Moscow. d) It has just been here!

5. My luggage is so heavy. e) I have walked 5 miles!

5. Combine the following words and word-groups into sentences paying attention to the verbs in Present Perfect.

1. Everything, has, she, packed.

2. Never, to Paris, been, she, has.

3. Once, only, has, there, been, he.

4. Just, me, the porter, told, about it, has.

5. Have, never, I, far from, travelled, my home.

6. Has, Vlad, to go, decided, to St. Petersburg, with Lena.

7. Things, changed, have, nowadays, significantly.

8. Easier, has, travelling, become.

9. Bought, she, a return ticket, has, beforehand.

10. You, taken, sunglasses, and, your, bathing suit, have?

Unit 2. My native country Russia

I live in Russia. Russia is my native country. The Russian Federation is one of the largest countries in the world. It occupies about one-seventh part of dry land. It takes ten hours to cross it by plane! It is situated on two continents – Europe and Asia. But only 20% of Russia is in Europe. Its total area is over 17 million squire kilometers.

The country is washed by 12 seas and 3 oceans: the Pacific, the Arctic and the Atlantic oceans. Our neighbours in the south are China, Mongolia, Korea, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Azerbaijan. In the west we have borders with Norway, Finland, Belarus and the Ukraine.

There is no country in the world like Russia, with its steppes in the south, plains and forests in the midland, tundra and taiga in the north, highlands and deserts in the east. There aren’t any trees in tundra, it is frozen for most of the year. Taiga is a thick forest with a lot of dark pine, fir, and cedar trees. Some parts of the country are covered with mountains and hills. The most famous mountains in Russia are the Urals. There are 150 volcanoes in Kamchatka Peninsula, 30 of which are active. Mount Elbrus, in the Caucasus mountain range, is the highest peak in the country.

There are many rivers in Russia, the longest rivers are the Volga in Europe and the Yenisei and the Ob in Asia. The world’s deepest lake – Lake Baikal, with the depth of 1600 metres, is situated in Russia. The water in the lake is so clear, that if you look down you can count stones on the bottom.

There are different types of climate on the territory of the country. It is very cold in the North even in summer. The central part of the country has mild climate: winters are cold, springs and autumns are warm or cool, summers are hot and warm. In the South the temperature is usually above zero all year round, even in winter. Summer is really hot, the climate is very favourable. The climate of Siberia is continental: summers are hot and dry, winters are very cold.

Russia is very rich in oil, coal, iron ore, natural gas, copper, gold, nickel and other mineral resources.

The capital of Russia is Moscow. It is the largest political, cultural and industrial centre. It is one of the oldest Russian cities.

The history of Russia dates back to the year 862. The story of our country has always been the history of struggle for its liberation and independence from different invaders in different times: the Tatar Yoke, the Napoleon occupation, World War I and World War II, it has suffered grief and sorrow.

The population of Russia is about 150 million people. Russian people are not always a Slavic type. They do not all have blue eyes and fair hair. Russian people may look like Spaniards, Greeks, Jews, Turks, Koreans or Mongolians. Russian people are part of a big community of more than 100 nations and ethnic groups. There are Russians, Tatars, Ukrainians, Chuvashes, Bashkirs, Belorussians and Mordvins. Almost everyone in Russia speaks Russian as well as their national language. Children study local languages at school.

There are five main religions in Russia. Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Muslims, Jews, and Buddhists live side by side all over the country.

Russian people are all different, but together they built a strong country – the Russian Federation.

Answer the questions.

1. What is the size of Russia?

2. What oceans is Russia washed by?

3. What are the neighbouring countries of Russia?

4. What are the main rivers of Russia?

5. What are the natural resources of Russia?

6. What is the population of Russia?

7. What nationalities live in Russia?

8. What are the main religions of Russia?

9. What is the climate of the central part of Russia?

10. What is taiga?

Russian Federation State System

The Russian Federation is set up by the Constitution of 1993 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Russia is a Presidential Republic. The President is elected for six years and is the head of the State. The President is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, he makes treaties, enforces laws and appoints ministers.

The Federal Government consists of three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. All of them are checked by the President.

The legislative power is represented by the Federal Assembly. It consists of two chambers. The Upper Chamber is the Council of Federation, the Lower Chamber is the State Duma.

The executive power belongs to the Government which is headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister forms his Cabinet.

The judicial branch is represented by the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and regional courts.

The State symbol of Russia is a three-coloured banner with three horizontal stripes: white, blue and red. The white stripe symbolizes the earth, the blue one – the sky, and the red one – liberty. The hymn of Russia is The Patriotic Song by Mikhail Glinka. The National emblem is a two-headed eagle which is the most ancient symbol of Russia.

Russian is the state language of Russia. It is spoken throughout the whole territory of the Russian Federation. Meanwhile each Republic within Russia has its own national language.

Vocabulary

collapse – крах judicial – судебный

elect – выбирать Upper Chamber – верхняя палата

Supreme Commander-in-Chief – Lower Chamber – нижняя палата

Верховный главнокомандующий Constitutional Court –

make treaty – заключать договор Конституционный Суд

stripe – полоска two-headed eagle – двуглавый орел

enforce law – проводить в жизнь закон appoint – назначать

meanwhile – между тем executive – исполнительный

legislative – законодательный

Answer the questions.

1. Who is the head of the State?

2. For how long is the President elected?

3. What is the structure of the Federal Government?

4. Is the legislative power represented by the Federal Assembly?

5. What chambers does the Federal Assembly consist of?

6. Whom does the executive power belong to?

7. Who is the head of the Government?

8. What is the judicial branch of power represented by?

9. What is the State symbol of Russia?

10. What is the National Emblem of Russia?

Moscow – the capital of Russia

Moscow, the capital of Russia, is one of the largest cities in the world. It was founded in 1147 by the prince Yuri Dolgoruky. It stands on the banks of the Moskva river. About eight million people live in the city.

Moscow is famous for its historical and architectural monuments that were built by outstanding architects. The Red Squire is the central and the most beautiful squire in Moscow. It is the place of parades and meetings. There is a Cathedral of St. Basil built in 1552. It is a masterpiece of Russian architecture.

The heart of Moscow is Red Squire. It has more historical associations than any other place in Moscow. The Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral are masterpieces of ancient Russian architecture. The main Kremlin Tower, the Spasskaya Tower with a big clock, has become the symbol of the country. On the terrirtory of the Kremlin you can see old cathedrals, the Bell Tower of Ivan the Great, the Palace of Congress, the Tzar-Cannon and the Tzar-Bell, the biggest cannon and the bell in the world. St. Basil’s Cathedral was built in the mid-16^th century in memory of the victory over Kazan. The Kremlin with golden domes and towers makes a strong impression on tourists. There are a lot of beautiful palaces, old mansions, cathedrals, churches and monuments in Moscow.

Moscow is a scientific and cultural centre with a lot of institutes, universities, libraries, museums, cinemas, clubs, concert halls, more than 40 drama and musical theatres, including the Bolshoi Theatre, the Art Theatre, Sovremennik, the Maly Theatre, the Vakhtangov Theatre. The best-known of the theatres is the Bolshoi Opera House. Moscow is a city of students. There are over 80 higher educational institutions in it.

Moscovites are proud of their museums: the Tretyakov Gallery, Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and many others. Crowds of people visit the Tretyakov Gallery admiring beautiful pictures of Russian painters. There are a lot of stadiums, swimming pools, courts and sport grounds in Moscow.

Arbat is one of the most popular sights for tourists. It is a street for pedestrians only in downtown Moscow. Arbat has in fact become the first stage for many musicians and actors. There are also street artists who can draw your portrait in no time. Many Russian artists, composers and poets had lived in this street including Leo Tolstoy, Nikolai Gogol, Anton Chekhov and Sergei Rachmaninov.

1) Answer the questions.

1. When was Moscow founded?

2. Who founded Moscow?

3. What are the places of interest in Moscow?

4. What are the world-famous theatres of Moscow?

5. What are the most famous museums of Moscow?

6. What is there on the territory of the Kremlin?

7. What is the population of Moscow?

2) Choose one of the variants to complete the sentences.

1. Moscow was founded 8 centuries ago by … .

a) Ivan the Terrible b) Peter the Great c) Prince Yuri Dolgoruky

2. The main Kremlin tower, the Spasskaya Tower, … .

a) is the tallest tower in the world

b) has become the symbol of the country

c) was destroyed during Napoleon’s occupation

3. St. Basil’s Cathedral was built in the mid-16^th century in memory … .

a) of the people killed during the Great Patriotic war

b) of the victory over Napoleon

c) of the victory over Kazan

4. Arbat is a … .

a) new theatre b) street for pedestrians c) picture gallery

5. The best-known of the Moscow theatres is … .

a) the Vakhtangov Theatre b) Sovremennik c) the Bolshoi Opera House

3) Put in the missing words according to the text.

1. On the terrirtory of the Kremlin you can see old …, the Bell Tower of … the Great, the

Palace of …, the Tzar-… and the Tzar-Bell.

2. … was built in the … century in memory of the victory over Kazan.

3. There are … higher educational institutions in Moscow.

4. Crowds of people visit … admiring beautiful pictures of Russian painters.

5. Arbat has become the first stage for many … and … .

St. Petersburg

Russia has much to be proud of: talented people, musicians, painters, and scientists, many great and grand cities and towns, which have always been a great attraction to many tourists from abroad.

St. Petersburg is one of such cities – the city of Russian glory, situated on the Neva River. It is the second largest city in Russia and one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Peter the Great dreamt of building the fleet and starting trade with many countries, thus he wanted to open “the window to the west”. In 1703 Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg. Thousands of people were brought from all parts of Russia to build a new city. When the work was finally finished, amazing and beautiful city with palaces, cathedrals, churches, government buildings appeared and became the capital. In 1917 after the Great October Revolution it was given the name Leningrad. The Great Patriotic War brought much suffering to all Russian people and cities, especially to Leningrad, as the siege was laid to it by the Fascists in 1941. Daily shelling destroyed parts of the city, its masterpieces – architectural and historical monuments, thousands of people were killed. It took years to rebuild and restore the city.

Now it is the city with the population of 5 million people. It is an important industrial, cultural and educational centre. It is no more the capital of Russia, but very often it is called the second capital of our country.

St. Petersburg is a wonderful city indeed. It is famous for the Russian museum, the Winter Palace, the Admiralty building, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Peter-and-Paul Fortress. Some of the world’s famous art collections are housed in Petersburg’s many museums. The Hermitage, for example, contains the richest collection of paintings in the world.

The city is called Northern Venice because there are 65 rivers and canals there with artistically decorated bridges. It’s also famous for its beautiful white nights.

1) Answer the questions

1. When was St. Petersburg founded?

2. How and when was the city renamed?

3. Did the city suffer a lot during the Great Patriotic War?

4. What role has the city always played in life of the country?

5. What is St. Petersburg famous for?

2) Put in the missing words according to the text

1. The Hermitage contains the richest collection … in the world.

2. St. Petersburg is the city of Russian glory, situated on … .

3. Now it is the city with the population of … people

4. The city is called … because there are 65 rivers and canals there with artistically decorated bridges.

5. In 1917 after the Great October Revolution it was given the name … .

6. In 1703 … founded St. Petersburg.

7. It is no more the capital of Russia, but very often it is called … .

Grammar exercises: the Degrees of Comparison of Adverbs

1. Write the degrees of comparison of the adverbs:

badly, quietly, fast, well, carefully, early, late, hard.

2. Complete the sentences. Use the comparative degree of the adverb.

He speaks English well. But he speaks Russian … .

Bill doesn’t work very hard. I work … .

I walked very slowly. She followed me … .

Ben runs fast. His brother can run … .

I went to bed early yesterday. Tomorrow I’ll go to bed … .

Alice came home late. Nick returned … .

3. Translate into English.

Роберт выглядит плохо, но вчера он выглядел хуже.

Он сделал работу быстрее, чем вы.

Чем больше вы работаете, тем легче сдавать экзамены.

Он ответил хорошо, но Анна ответила лучше.

Самолет быстрее, чем поезд.

My Republic The Republic of Bashkortostan

The Republic of Bashkortostan is a federal subject of Russia. It is located between the Volga River and the Ural Mountains and has an area of 143,600 square km. Bashkortostan borders with Perm Krai, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Orenburg Oblast, the Republic of Tatarstan, and the Udmurt Republic.

There are 21 cities in Bashkortostan. The capital is Ufa. Other large cities in the republic include Sterlitamak, Salavat, Neftekamsk and Oktyabrsky.

The head of the government of the Republic of Bashkortostan is the President, who is appointed by the President of Russia for a four-year term. According to the Constitution, the President of the Republic of Bashkortostan guarantees rights and liberties of the country's people and citizens, protects economic and political interests of the Republic of Bashkortostan, and secures legitimacy, law and order within its territory. Rustem Khamitov assumed office as president on July 19, 2010. His predecessor was Murtaza Rakhimov. The Republic's parliament is the State Assembly—Kurultai, popularly elected every five years. The one-chamber State Assembly has 120 deputies. The Republic's Constitution was adopted on December 24, 1993. The judicial power of the republic is in the hands of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, district Courts, and justices of the peace.

The population of Bashkortostan is over 4 million. One third of the people living in Bashkortostan are Bashkirs. Russians, Chuvashes, Tatars, Udmurts, Mari, Ukrainians, Mordovians and others also love in the republic. Russian is the official language of Bashkortostan. The Bashkir language is the second language in the Republic.

The people of Bashkortostan follow Islam (a majority of the Bashkir and Tatar people), Orthodox Christianity (most ethnic Russians, Chuvash and Ukrainians), there are 13,000 Jews in the republic. Non-religious people form a substantial part of any ethnic group in Bashkortostan.

Bashkortostan has beautiful scenery. There are 2,700 lakes and reservoirs in the republic. Major lakes and reservoirs include Asylykül Lake, Qandrykül Lake, Urgun Lake, Pavlovskoye Reservoir, Nugushkoye Reservoir. There are over 13,000 rivers in the republic. Many rivers are part of the deepwater transportation system of European Russia; they provide access to ports of the Baltic and Black seas.

The wildlife in this area includes bears, moose, foxes, hares and over two hundred species of birds. The Republic of Bashkortostan is one of the richest territories of Russia in mineral resources with deposits of some 3,000 mineral resources. Major mineral resources are natural gas, oil, coal, ores, asbestos, deposits of precious and semi-precious stones and natural stones (malachite, granite) and others.

Bashkortostan is also rich in woods. The total territory covered with forests is about 62,000 square kilometers. More than one third of the republic territory is covered with woods. The following types of trees dominate: birch tree, conifers, lime, oak, and maple. Bashkortostan forests have special sanctuaries and national parks. Bashkortostan is also rich in springs and sources of mineral, medicinal, and drinking water.

Bashkir nature is known and loved far beyond the limits of Bashkortostan. People come here from all regions of Russia to take on mounted and unmounted nature trails, water and sleigh routes, to peep into the caves of the Urals and to taste world-famous Bashkir honey. Bashkortostan is a bee-keeping region. Bashkir honey is one of the key symbols of the Republic of Bashkortostan, it has unique qualities and sweet pleasant taste.

The Republic of Bashkortostan is rich in resort institutions. More than 10 fields of healing springs, medicinal mineral water, unique thermal steams and gases have been explored in the republic. Thousands of visitors from abroad and all regions of Russia come annually to relax in the Bashkir health resorts.

The republic contains part of the southern Urals, which stretch from the northern to the southern border. The highest mountains include Mount Yamantau (1,638 m), Mount Bolshoy Iremel (1,582 m), Mount Maly Iremel (1,449 m).

Bashkortostan is one of the largest agricultural regions in Russia. Horse-breeding and cattle-breeding are popular in the republic. It has many growing industries. But the republic's most important industry is chemical processing. Bashkortostan produces more oil than any other region of Russia. More than half of Bashkortostan’s industry is based in Ufa, the republic's capital.

About sixty scientific organizations are active in the republic. There are twelve institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences, twenty-nine institutes of different branches of industry, design bureaus and organizations, universities, and colleges. Many institutions of higher education operate in the republic, including branches of 16 leading Russian universities and colleges.

KHL team Salavat Yulaev Ufa plays in the city, as well as Russian Major League team Toros Neftekamsk, and Minor Hockey League team Tolpar Ufa.

Bashkortostan is one of the largest cultural centers of Russia. There are song and dance companies, national theaters, museums, and libraries, and a number of annual folk festivals in Bashkortostan. The republic has seven Bashkir, four Russian, and two Tatar State Drama Theaters, a State Opera and Ballet Theater, a National Symphony Orchestra, "Bashkortostan" film studio, thirty philharmonic collectives, and the Bashkir State Folk Dance Ensemble. The Bashkir School of Dance is well respected, with many students receiving international awards at competitions in Russia and other countries. World-renowned ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev began his dancing career in Ufa.

1) Fill in the blanks

1. Bashkortostan has got … cities.

2. Its population is … .

3. Its official language is … .

4. There are … lakes there.

5. The highest point is … .

6. The following types of trees dominate in Bashkortostan: … .

7. Major lakes and reservoirs include … .

8. Major mineral resources are … .

9. The republic's most important industry is … .

10. The wildlife in this area includes … .

2) Speak about:

• the geographic position of Bashkortostan

• the population of the republic

• the scenery of the republic

• its wildlife and natural resources

• the population and languages

• the economy of the republic

• the government of Bashkortostan

• science and education in the republic

• the cultural life of Bashkortostan.

Ufa – the capital of Bashkortostan

Ufa was founded in 1574 as a fortress. Now it is a large administrative, industrial, cultural and scientific center of the Republic of Bashkortostan, and of the Ural region as a whole. The city occupies over 710 square kilometers, while its population exceeds 1 million people representing over 100 nationalities and ethnic groups.

Our beautiful Ufa is rich in history. According to the archaeologists, historians and folk legends, there were ancient towns on the territory of modern Ufa even in the 5th century.

Ufa is an important transportation centre. All kinds of transport routes, such as railway, air, river and motorway ones, connect the city with all other regions of Russia and countries of Europe and Asia. The city numbers over 1,000 streets, 22 bridges and 6 river ferries. Ufa airport has an international status.

Two multi-industry complexes build up the economic basis of Ufa: fuel-and-energy and machine-building. Almost 50 percent of Bashkortostan Republic’s industrial potential is located in Ufa. Ufa engages in trading cooperation with more than 80 foreign countries. Ufa's most important trade partners include China, India, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, France, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, USA etc.

Many urban facilities of the highest demand are constructed in Ufa: schools and hospitals, roads and bridges, sports facilities and recreation centers.

Ufa is one of the leading million-plus cities of the Russian Federation in terms of the high birth rate and low death rate. Healthcare services are represented by a municipal network of 61 institutions.

The city’s educational system embraces 28 institutions of higher education, both public and private, 18 vocational schools and 23 specialized secondary schools. There are 229 preschool educational institutions and 161 general education schools, as well as 11 ethnic Sunday schools embracing over one thousand pupils. There are 10 scientific research institutes in Ufa, as well as the Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography which comprises a unique collection of verbal poetic and musical folk lore, exhibits in archeology, ethnography and anthropology. Ufa is justly proud of the Akhmet-Zaki Validi National Library which stores about 2 million volumes in various languages, 200 manuscripts of the 15th and 16th centuries, editions of Russian classical writers printed during their lifetime.

The capital of Bashkortostan also has 6 theatres, Bashkir State Philharmonic Society, Bashkir State Puppet Theatre, museums, culture centers and clubs, a circus, ballet and choreography studios, cinemas, a planetarium, two centralized library networks, children's music and arts schools.

One of the city’s principal sports facilities is the Ufa Arena Ice Palace, a newly-constructed multi-purpose ice arena, which hosts numerous international and domestic competitions. Residents of Ufa have about a thousand sports facilities at their disposal, including Akbuzat Horse Racing Track, Tennis Palace, 6 stadiums, 13 closed-door swimming pools, a closed-door horse riding school, a shooting center, 254 gyms, mountain ski routes, biathlon and ski jumping facilities.

Welcome to the hospitable land of Bashkortostan and its heart, its capital – Ufa City!

Answer the questions.

1. When was Ufa founded?

2. What urban facilities are available in Ufa?

3. What is the population of Ufa?

4. How many educational institutions are there in Ufa?

5. What is Ufa famous for?

6. What sports facilities are at the disposal of the residents of Ufa?

The Dywan District

The Dywan district occupies the north-east part of the Republic of Bashkortostan. It borders by Nuriman, Karithel, Askyn, Masetle, Kyighy, Salawat districts and the Ekaterinburg region.

The Dywan district was established on August, 20,1930. The total area of the district is 3,246 square kilometers. The territory was populated long ago: there were found places where people of the Neolithic epoch (V – III centuries B.C.) had lived. The name of the centre of the district originates from the name of the tribe Masaget.

People are engaged in agriculture and they produce grain, meat and dairy products.

There are 52 populated areas in the district. People of many nationalities live there. The Dywan district is the native land of writers Akhmet Erikey, Timir Yusupov, Vladimir Yurezansky, Nizam Karipov, an artist Victor Astaltsev. A. Shafikov, a highly-qualified choreographer, a talented dancer, a head of the Folk Dance Company “Duslyk” was also born there.

Sabantui

Early in the summer there comes the time of Sabantui: a feast of dreams and hopes, of strength and dexterity, of songs and dances. The name Sabantui comes from ‘saban’, which means a plough in the Bashkir and Tatar languages, and ‘tui’, which means a festival. As a man ploughs with his saban, he is thinking of the future harvest, even after the sowing is over, he keeps dreaming of it. So, Sabantui is the festival of the plough.

In the morning on the day of the Sabantui, the maidan filles with people. Old women take their traditional costumes made of velvet, young people put on their best dresses and suits. The maidan is decorated with huge banners with wishes for a good harvest and brightly coloured tents.

The festival starts with Sabantui horse racing. Meanwhile other contests begin. Some try their luck at pole climbing, while others try climbing a pole placed at an angle to the ground which, like a wild horse, shakes off the unlucky ‘riders’. The sack race is also very popular. A popular race for women involves racing with a yoke and two buckets filled with water: not a single drop should be split on the way to the finish line. The national wrestling – kuresh attracts the biggest crowd of spectators because they love to watch the competitors showing off their strength and skills. The winner in each competition is awarded a prize, the top one being a ram, taken home on the winner’s shoulders.

The festival continues until late at night, when the air fills with cheerful songs and the tender sounds of the kurai, the ground vibrates with energetic dancing.

Read the text again and write out the names of all the contests held at Sabantui.

Grammar exercises: the use of articles

1. Use “a/an” or “the” where necessary.

1. Ufa is proud of … Akhmet-Zaki Validi National Library.

2. Major lakes are … Asylykül Lake, … Qandrykül Lake and … Urgun Lake.

3. The highest mountains include … Mount Yamantau, … Mount Bolshoy

Iremel, … Mount Maly Iremel.

4. … Ufa is the capital of … Bashkortostan.

5. The Republic of … Bashkortostan is located between .. Volga River and …

Ural Mountains.

6. The best-known of the theatres is … Bolshoi Opera House.

7. … Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in the country.

8. Many Russian artists, composers and poets had lived in this street including

… Leo Tolstoy, … Nikolai Gogol and … Sergei Rachmaninov.

9… Red Squire is the central and the most beautiful square in … Moscow.

10. Moscow stands on the banks of … Moskva river.

11. In summer we went to … Black Sea.

12. … Lomonosov was … great Russian scientist.

13. … Black Sea is in … South of Russia.

14. … Petrovs went to … Moscow yesterday.

15. Many rivers provide access to ports of … Baltic and … Black seas.

2. Translate into English.

1. Сердце Москвы – Красная площадь.

2. Кремль и собор Василия Блаженного являются шедеврами древней русской архитектуры.

3. Поезд прибывает в Эдинбург ровно в 8.

4. Наша страна омывается тремя океанами – Тихим океаном, Арктическим океаном, и Атлантическим океаном.

5. На западе она граничит с Норвегией, Финляндией, Белоруссией и Украиной.

6. Петр Великий основал Санкт Петербург в 1703 году.

7. Лондон стоит на Темзе.

Unit 3. Relationships Youth Culture

Young people have a particular relationship with the world. There are many cultural groupings (subcultures) that have interests different from those of the mainstream culture. A particular cultural grouping is a way for young people to express their individuality. Besides youth culture is a particular attitude of young people to the whole world of fashion, image, style, music, and dance. Youth cultures have always been influenced by the power of the music and fashion industries and they are constantly changing.

When the new trend in music, Rock-n-Roll, appeared in the 1950s, it immediately became very popular with the young people. Over the last forty years or so it has had an enormous effect on people's lives, and especially on the kind of clothes they wear.

The first group, which appeared in the late 1950s, was the Teddy Boys. Their clothes were an imitation of the clothes which were worn in Edwardian England - the time of the reign of Edward VII, the beginning оf the 20th century (Ted and Teddy аrе abbreviations оf Edward): long jackets with velvet collars, “drainpipe” trousers (so tight that they looked like drainpipes) and brightly coloured socks. Their shoes had very thick rubber soles and their long hair was swept upwards and backwards. This was like а revolution in fashion: before the Teddy Boys came, young people had usually worn the same kind, of clothes as their parents. Now they wore what they liked.

In the mid-60s the Mods (so called because оf their modern style оf dressing) became the new leaders оf teenage fashion. Short hair and smart suits were pоpular again. Тhе Mods rode scooters, which they usually decorated with а lot of lights and mirrors. They often wore long green coats with hoods, called parkas.

Тhе Mods’ greatest enemies were the Rockers, who despised the Mods’ scooters and smart clothes. Like the Teddy Boys, Rockers listened mainly to rock-n-roll. They rode powerful motor-bikes, had long untidy hair, wore thick leather jackets, and drank alcohol. Throughout the 1960s, оn public holidays during summer, groups of Mods and Rockers used to travel to the sea-side resorts оf south-еаstеrn England, where they got into battles with the police and with each other.

Towards the end of 960s а new group appeared, whose ideas started in California in the USA. This new group was the Hippies. They preached а philosophy оf peaсе and love, wore necklaces оf coloured beads, and gave flowers to surprised strangers in the streets. The name Hippies comes from the fact that drug-takers in Asia and in the Far East used to be on one hip while smoking opium. Hippies did not use opium, but they smoked marijuana and took powerful drugs called LSD. Hippies wore simple clothes, blue jeans and open sandals, and grew their hair very long. They often lived together in large communities, sharing their possessions. It was their protest against materialism of the 1960s.

The 1970s saw the appearance of the Skinheads, who got their name because they cut their hair extremely short or even shaved it all off. They wore very short trousers, enormous boots and braces. The Skinheads blamed the immigrants for the unemployment in the country. They attacked Asian and black immigrants in the streets and in their homes. Many Skinheads joined the National Front, a political party whose slogan is “Britain for white people only”.

Towards the end of the 1970s another style of music and dressing appeared – the Punks, and it is still very popular. The word Punk comes from American English and is used to describe someone who is immoral or worthless. The Punks sing songs about anarchy and destruction and use bad language. Their music is loud, fast and tuneless.

In recent years many new bands have emerged; and some old ones have reappeared. A new trend is New Wave music, which totally rejects the ideas of the Skinheads. Many of the bands contain both black and white musicians, and anti-racism concerts have been organized (they are also known as Rock against Racism). West Indian music has also played a large part in forming people’s musical tastes. Many new British bands combine traditional rock music with west Indian reggae beat.

Mаnу of the new bands make use of the changes in technology to develop their music. Computerized drum machines, synthesizers and other electronic instruments аге now just as popular as the electric guitar.

Answer the questions.

1. What effect did Rock-n Roll have on people?

2. What group became the new leaders of teenage fashion in the 1960s? How did they cut their hair? How did they dress?

3. What was the difference between the Mods and the Rockers in the way they wore their hair or dressed?

4. What do you know about the Hippies?

5. What new group appeared in the 1970s? Why were they called Skinheads?

6. What does the word punk mean?

7. How does New Wave music promote friendship among people?

What do you know about youth cultures? Match the subculture and its most distinguishing feature (onе feature is extra).

Features:

1. brightly coloured hair

2. reggae fans, very short hair

3. the ‘dark’ look

4. Italian look

5. army boots, leather jackets

6. drugs and rock’n’roll

7. haircut: short on top and longer around the sides

8. 2 or 3 wheeled motorized vehicle

9. Celtic crosses, swazzies

10) coats in the style of the beginning of the century

11) all-night dancing

12) wizards of the computer world

Subcultures:

a) goth e) punk i) mod

b) hippie f) skinhead j) Chelsea girl

c) bonehead g) rocker k) biker

d) raver h) hacker

Youth Problems

Today it is fashionable to speak about teenage problems. Some years ago alcohol, fights, killings and other kinds of violence were more problems for adults than for young people. But now, violence, AIDS, drugs and alcohol are more and more associated with youngsters.

Almost half of teenagers have an experience with drugs, alcohol and sex under the age of 16. Social problems, family relationships and misunderstanding, school problems, lack of money on spending free time lead to increasing crime among young people. A lot of teenagers who have drug or alcohol addiction almost never believe that they are dependent.

Other problem with many young people is smoking. It doesn’t only damage their health but the health of those around them. Millions of teenagers know it’s bad for them, but they still do it, because their friends smoke, they want to look ‘cool’, and finally, they can’t resist it.

For many teenagers a great problem is to control their weight, many of them are keeping to a diet in an early age. They themselves and their parents understand it’s not healthy to be fat; it causes many other problems, like relationships with other teenagers.

Answer the questions.

1. Who are teenagers?

2. What other youth problems do you know?

3. What problems do young people have in our country?

What Has Gone Wrong?

Some specialists explain that the changes of our society, the system of our life force young people to choose their own lifestyle. Many teenagers are trying to be independent, and free in the way of living, making friends, spending free time, clothing, and style.

On the one hand, our society agrees that 15 – 17-year-old people are old enough to be responsible for what they do and give them quite a lot of freedom and rights. On the other hand, most adults think that teenagers are too young to be taken seriously. Teenagers are under constant pressure from their parents, which leads to misunderstanding, leaving homes by children. Many teenagers can’t listen to their parent’s advice or just have a quiet talk; they choose to ignore all rules. So things get under control.

A lot of teenagers say that their parents let them do anything they want and are quite indifferent to their problems. Many teenagers get upset or depressed when they can’t solve their problems. As a result, it makes them believe that there is only one way – to stop living and commit suicide.

According to ‘the older generation’ teenagers are lazy, they wear ridiculous clothes and are rude to their elders, they find it impossible to be polite, helpful, caring or hard-working. What’s more, they spend all their time listening to awful music. Actually, not all the young people think only about parties, drugs and the opposite sex. Many of them spend a lot of time thinking about their work, studies, their families and friends and their hobbies. You can meet a lot of polite, friendly, open, interesting and hard-working young people.

So if you are a teenager and you are having problems with your parents try talking things over with them. Tell them what you think but be ready to listen to them as well. Remember that your parents love you. Discussing your problems calmly will help you and your parents to understand each other better,

Answer the questions.

1. Do your friends have problems with their parents/ teachers? Why?

2. How can you solve your problems?

3. Do you discuss problems with your parents?

I’m teen, therefore I’m bad

Adults often think that the teenage years are a careful time – very little responsibility, and an endless stream of dates, friends and parties.

Read what teenagers think about it and say if you agree with it or not.

Paul, 16: “There are so many pressures on us teenagers – it’s unbelievable! We have to behave, look and even talk in a certain way! Adults and parents don’t understand us and we always seem to irritate them too much. ‘Have you tidied up your room? Why are your clothes lying all over the bedroom floor? When are you going to do your homework? What time are you coming home tonight? What did you do at the disco last week?’ They always want to know where we are going or where we have been, who we are with and so on.”

Jane, 15: “Sometimes I feel that life isn’t worth living at all. All my friends are gorgeous, they’ve got so many guys after them. And I’m ugly! I have pimples, I wear glasses, and on top of all, I’m fat. When I see my face in the mirror it makes me sick! I’m just horrible. Is that what you call life?”

Mary, 15: “I’m an Internet addict, I spend around 8-10 hours a day chatting, Why? It’s because people on the Net care about me. They see me as Marie, the ‘beautiful, witty, poetic female’ instead of, in real life, the ‘plain, tall, long-hared girl who barely speaks a word in class.”

Lucy, 14: “My mum is a single parent. She has two jobs and can’t afford to give us much money. I know I’m lucky to have a roof over my head and a family who loves me, but sometimes I feel so sad. I’m the only one in my class without a mobile phone. And I wish I had some pocket money too.”

Gwen, 17: “My parents have recently lost all trust in me, but I honestly haven’t done anything wrong. I can understand them not trusting me if I were bad, but I am not. They listen to my phone conversations and read my diary. What have I done to deserve all this?”

Read and translate the dialogue. Retell the dialogue in indirect speech.

Gary: Well, Ken, it’s not easy to be young, especially when your parents hardly ever leave you alone.

Ken: You are telling me! I love my Mom and Dad, but they’re always ready to criticize me. “Don’t do this! You can’t do that!” It’s really hard to put up with.

Gary: Oh, it’s really that bad. I ask my parents to buy me a motorbike, but they say I can’t ride one. They say, “It’s against law. Wait till you are 17. You are not an adult yet.”

Ken: Although, sometimes it’s just the opposite. See, I’m 17. And I can join the army, right? But I’m not allowed to see war films, because they say they are too violent.

Gary: That’s really unfair. Actually, when we go on a train or a bus, we are adults. I have to pay full price for the ticket.

Ken: I can understand how you feel, Gary. I am lucky I can have part-time job and get some money.

Gary: Hey, don’t talk about money. I can’t wait till I leave school and get full-time job.

Ken: Oh, no. That would be a shock for my parents, they want me to study further. Honestly, I have to obey them. I remember, when I was 11, I couldn’t even buy a dog without their permission.

Gary: That sounds really bad.

Which things are these teenagers complaining about?

1. going to school

2. being young

3. joining the army

d) having a younger brother

e) dealing with parents

f) buying transport tickets

g) having not enough money

h) watching violent films

Can you say “NO”?

Often young people do something not because they want to do it. They do things, because everybody around does it оr because they think it’s impolite to refuse.

Read the following conversations and find out how people say they are unwilling to do something and how they give reasons.

1) - Hello, would you like to go to а dance club?

- I don't really want to go there. Well, you see, I don't really like that loud music.

2) - Why not visit the club for teenagers?

- I’d rather not actually. The reason is that I don't like crowded places.

3) - А lot of people take this drug, it's mild. Try it. It's really exciting.

- I don't really fancy doing it. It’s like this, you see, I know the destroying result of drug usage.

4) - Let’s colour our hair purple. It’s really fantastic.

- I’d like to, but the thing is, my parents аrе against it. Well, I don’t want to argue with them.

5) - Would you, please, tell us about youth gangs in your country?

- I’m not really willing to do it. The main reason is that I don’t know much about them.

Which conversations took place between friends?

Which conversations were between people who do not know each other well? Why do you think so?

Imagine yourself in оnе of the described situations. How would you react? Which phrases would you use in the same situations? Say “No” and give your reasons.

Saying you are unwilling to do something

Neutral

I'd' rather not, actually.

I don't really want to ...

Well, I think I’d prefer tо/prefer not to ...

I wish I could, but ...

I’m afraid I can’t possibly…

Informal

I’d like to, but…

I don’t really fancy…

Formal

I’m not really willing…

Well, on the whole, I don’t think…

Giving reasons

Neutral

Well, you see, …

The reason was that …

Let me explain. You see, …

But the point is, …

Informal

Well, the thing is, …

It’s like this; you see, …

Formal

The main reason is that ...

If I could explain ...

What do you think of the saying “A man is known by the company he keeps”? Do you agree with it?

Grammar Exercises: the Reported Speech

1. Change the sentences into reported speech.

1. “I live in London,” he said.

2. “Fiona moved to Italy last year,” he said.

3. “Is everybody ready?” asked the driver.

4. “How can I get to the British Museum?” she asked a police officer.

5. “Is Nick going to visit the Tretyakov Gallery with you?” I asked her.

6. “When are you going on holiday?” Susan asked Jane.

7. The teacher (to the student): “You don’t know this lesson”.

8. Mother says: “I’ll be busy next week, Ann”.

9. “My mum is a single parent”, Lucy said.

10. “Alice and Kate will be excellent guides,” Mike said.

2. Rewrite the following requests/ orders/ suggestions as reported speech.

1. “Will you drive me to the station?” Tina said to her father.

2. “Let’s go the High Street,” Jane said.

3. “Be polite to the customers,” the manager said.

4. “Can I take your car?” she asked her father.

5. “Shut the window,” he said.

6. “Will you come tomorrow?’ she said.

7. “Look at this wonderful tower!” Tom said.

8. “Wait for me here, I’ll come in a minute,” the guide said.

9. “Don’t be late, Jane”, grandmother said.

10. “Will you help me with the task?” she asked me.

11. “Don’t speak so loudly, Nick”, mother said.

UNIT 4. ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES

The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the official name of the British Kingdom. The British Isles consist of two large islands, Great Britain and Ireland, and more than five thousands small islands. Their total areа is over 244 000 square kilometers. Many years ago the British Isles formed a part of the continent. Now Great Britain is separated from the continent by the English Channel and the North Sea. The narrowest part of the English Channel is called the Strait of Dover. The western coast of Great Britain is washed bу the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea.

The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast respectively. The capital of the UK is London. Great Britain consists of England, Scotland and Wales and does not include Northern Ireland. In everyday speech “Great Britain” is used in the meaning of the “United Kingdom от Great Britain and Northern Ireland”. The surface of the British Isles varies very much. The north of Scotland is mountainous and is called Highlands. Тhе south, which has beautiful valleys and plains, is called Lowlands. The north and west of England аrе mountainous, but the eastern, central and southeastern parts of England are a vast plain. Mountains аre not very high. Ben Nevis in Scotland is the highest mountain (1343 m). England is famous for its beautiful lawns with flowers. They stay green all the year round. Manу people say that England looks like а large well-kept park. The animals of the British Isles look like those of north-western Euroре: foxes, squirrels, hares, etc. There аге about 430 kinds of birds, тапу of them аге song-birds. The most popular hobby of Englishmen is bird-watching.

There are а lot of rivers in Great Britain, but they are not very long: The Severn is the longest river, while the Thames is the deepest and the most important оnе. Scotland is a land of famous lakes. They are called “lochs” there. The beautiful Loch Lomond is the largest one. Loch Ness attracts millions of tourists by its legendary monster.

The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream influence the climate of the British Isles. The climate of Great Britain is temperate and mild. The summers are usually cool and rainy. There is much rain and fog in autumn and in winter. Great Britain is a damp country. The weather is very changeable and it is the favourite topic of conversation in Britain.

The population of the United Kingdom is over 57 million. Population density is highest in England and lowest in Scotland. About 80 percent of the population lives in towns and cities. The largest of them are London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

The UK is a highly developed industrial country. It is the largest producer and exporter of machinery, electronics, textile, aircraft and navigation equipment. One of the chief industries of the country is shipbuilding.

The UK is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch. The present Sovereign is Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen is the Head of State, but she has no power. In practice, the Sovereign reigns but doesn’t rule. The Queen is a symbol of the country’s history and its traditions. The real power in the country belongs to the British Parliament and to the British Government.

The British Parliament has two “houses”. They are the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of Lords can offer and change laws. It can delay laws. The House of Commons makes laws about the policy of the country, taxes and many other things. The members of the House of Lords aren’t elected. These members are permanent. The members of the House of Commons are elected. The British people elect 650 members of the House of Commons every five years.

The Government is a body of Ministers, the Cabinet. It consists of the leading members of the political partying power. They are responsible to Parliament. There are three main political parties in Great Britain. They are the Labour, the Conservative and the Liberal parties.

The flag of the UK is known as the Union Jack. It is made up of three crosses: the cross of ST. George (the patron saint of England), the cross of St. Andrew (the patron saint of Scotland) and the cross of St. Patrick (the patron saint of Ireland).

Answer the questions.

1. What is the official name of the British Kingdom? .

2. Where is the UK situated?

З. What do the British Isles consist оf?

4. What is the total area of the British Isles?

5. What did the British Isles form many years ago?

6. What is the narrowest part of the English Channel called?

7. How тапу co1intries is the UK made up? What аге they? What are their capitals?

8. What is the UК washed by?

9. How docs the surface of the British Isles vагу?

10. What is the north of Scotland called? Why?

11. What is the highest mountain in Scotland?

12. Why does Loch Ness attract attentions of tourists?

13. What rivers аге there in Great Britain? What аге the largest ones?

14. What is the climate of Great Britain like?

15. What is the population of the UK?

16. Who is the Head of State?

17. Does the Queen rule the country?

18. How many “houses” does the British Parliament have? What аге they?

19.What are the main political parties in Great Britain?

20.How mаnу crosses is the f1ag оf the UK made up? What аге they?

Put in the missing words according to the text.

1. The north of Scotland is … and is called … .

2. Great Britain is washed bу the … and the …

3. … in Scotland is the highest mountain.

4. … is the longest river, while … is the deepest and the most important оnе.

5. Population density is highest in … and lowest in ….

6. The climate of Great Britain is … and … .

7. The weather is … in Britain.

8. The real power in the country belongs to … and to … .

9. The British people elect … members of the House of Commons every … years.

10. Loch Ness attracts millions of tourists by its … .

Speak about:

- the geographical position of the UK;

- the climate of the UK;

- the population of Great Britain;

- the political system of the UK;

- Great Britain as a highly industrialized country.

London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, it is the largest city in Europe and оnе of the largest cities in the world. Its population is about 8 million. London is situated on the River Thames and offers the tourists an astonishing vаriеtу of sсеnе.

London is more than 20 centuries old. Its buildings express аll the diffеrеnt аreаs of its history, for London manages in а unique wау то reflect its past and at the sаmе timе to fulfil the functions of а modern city.

London was founded by the Romans in43 AD. It was called Londinium. They built a town on the River Thames. In 61 AD the town was burnt down. Then Londinium was rebuilt by the Romans and surrounded by a wall. This is now called the City of London. Sometimes there were fires in the city. On Saturday, 2^nd September, 1666 the Great Fire of London took place. It started in the house of the king’s baker, near London Bridge. The fire burnt for four days and destroyed 80% of the city. After the Great Fire people built a new city.

Traditionally London is divided into several parts. They are City, Westminster, the West End and the East End.

Тhе City, the oldest part of Lоndоn, is the соmmеrсiаl аnd finаnсiаl centre of the соuntrу. Westminster is the historical and political centre of London. Тhе West Еnd is the richеst аnd the mоst beautiful part of London, the symbol of wea1th and 1uxury, where the most expensive hote1s, restaurants, shops and clubs are situated. The East End is the industrial part with mаnу factories, workshops аnd shipyards. The streets are narrow, the buildings are unimpressive there.

London offers the visitors а great variety of places of intеrеst. It's а city of dream to everybody interested in the English history and cu1ture. There you can see Westminster Abbey, Westminster Palace or the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen. The British Prime Minister lives at number 10, Downing Street. World famous places are St. Paul’s Cathedra1, Trafa1gar Square, the Tower of London and so оn and so forth.

The Houses of Parliament, а symbol of London, spread magnificently оn the north bank of the Thames. This structure is а remarkable example of Gothic architecture. The Clock Tower called “Big Bеn” is known the wor1d over. The Houses of Par1iament, called officially the Palace of Westminster, were formally а palace for kings and queens. Until the 16th century it was used both as а roya1 residence and as а parliament house. After the royal family moved to Whitehall Ра1асе, the Westminster Palace was occupied bу the Parliament and becаmе its permanent home.

Opposite the Houses of Parliament Westminster Аbbеy is situated. It's а nationa1 shrine where the kings and queens аrе crowned and famous people аrе buried. It was founded bу Edward the Confessor in 1050. The construction lasted 300 years. Оnе of the greatest treasures of the Abbеy is the oaken Соrоnation Chair made in 1300. Near the West Door of the Аbbеy the Unknown Warrior lies in а simple grave commemorating the men who died in the First World War. The memorials to G. G. Byron, R. Burns, W. Shakespeare, W. М. Thackeray, W. Scott attract tourists to the Poets' Corner.

Londoners have а particular affection for St. Paul's Cathedral, the largest Protestant Church in England. It is an architectural masterpiece of the eminent architect Sir Christopher Wren. It stands оn the site of the former' Saxon and Norman churches destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1656. The building was completed in 1710. Wren is buried under the roof of his own great work. «If yоu want to see his monument, look around», is written оn his tomb.

Trafalgar Square is а place of pilgrimage for visitors. It's the natural centre of London. It is usually full of visitors feeding the pigeons and looking at the statues and fountains. In the middle of the square we cаn see Nelson's Column with the statue of Nelson at the top. This monument was erected to commemorate Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 where he defeated the French and Spanish fleets. Here in Trafalgar Square the National Gal1ery is situated. It contains аn outstanding' collection of paintings from British, Italian, Spanish, French, Dutch and other famous schools.

The Tower of London is also а real attraction for tourists. It is оnе of the first and most impressive castles built after the Norman invasion of England in 1066. William the Conqueror built it to protect the Сitу of London. The Tower has bееn used as а royal palace, аn observatory, аn arsenal, а state prison where mаnу famous people have bееn executed. It is now а museum where one саn see the Crown Jewels, the finest precious stones of the nation and а fine collection of armour, exhibited in the Kееp. The security of the Tower is ensured bу «Beefeaters» or the Yeoman Warders who still wear their picturesque Tudor uniform. А lot of ancient traditions and customs are carefully kept in the Tower. And it is true to the whole city. In every part of London yоu can find аn affection for national traditions.

1) Answer the questions.

1. How old is London?

2. What are the main parts of London?

3. What does London offer the visitors

4. Where are the Houses of Parliament situated?

5. Is the Palace of Westminster а royal residence or а Parliament house?

6. Where are the English kings and queens crowned?

7. When was Westminster Аbbеу founded?

8. Why is it considered to bе а national shrine?

9. Who was the architect of St. Paul's Cathedral?

10.Why did he build this church?

11.What is the natural centre of London?

12.What is there in the middle of Trafalgar square?

13.Who built the Tower of London and why? What is it now?

2) Choose the correct variant to complete the sentences.

1. The Сitу, the oldest part of London, is … . а) the political heart of London

b) the symbol of wealth and luxury

с) the commercial and financial centre of the country

2. The Houses of Parliament, called officially the Palace of Westminster, were formerly … . а) а royal prison

b) а palace for kings and queens

с) а national shrine where kings and queens were crowned.

3. Near the West Door of the Аbbеу the Unknown Warrior lies in а simple grave … .

a) commemorating the men who died in the First World War

b) commemorating Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805

с) commemorating the men who died in different wars

4.The Tower of London is оnе of the first and most impressive castles built …

а) after the Great Fire of London in 1666 b) bу Edward the Confessor in 1050

c) after the Norman invasion of England in 1066

5. London is the largest city in … .

a) the world

b) Europe

c) Britain

British Customs and Traditions

Еvеrу nation and еvеrу country has its own customs and traditions. In Britаin traditions play more important part in the life of the people than in other countries.

Englishmen аге proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up. There аге some old traditions and customs. They аге the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palасе, Trooping the Colour, the State Opening of Parliament, changing of the guard and taking сare of the ravens in the Tower. The legend says: till the ravens аrе alive in the Tower, England will bе rich. We сan see а group of cavalrymen riding оn black horses through the streets оf London. These men are Life Guards. Life Guards wear red uniforms, shining helmets, long black boots and long white gloves. Theу guard the king оr the queen of Great Britain and vеrу important guests of the country.

In England mаnу things аге the other way round. For example, we seldom speak about the weather. If we dо, it usually means we hаvе nо topics to discuss. In England if you don't speak about the weather the English аrе surprised and think that yоu аrе vеrу dull.

You сan easily offend the English only if yоu tell them they have nо sense of humour. The English hardly ever lie, but they don’t tell you the truth either. In England even the richest man cаn wear some old clothes and not shave. In England people have good table manners. It is а tradition too.

Most English love gardens. Growing roses is оnе of the most popular hobbies among Englishmen. They usually prefer а house with а fireplace and garden to а f1at in а modem house with central heating.

The English like animals very much. Lots of families in Great Britain have got оnе or more pets. Dogs аге the favourite pets and there are about 6 million of them in Britain. Тhе second favourite аге cats (about 5 million) and the third favourite is а bird - а budgie. Animals have a much better life in Britain than anywhere else.

Answer the questions.

1. What legend about the ravens in the Tower of London do you know?

2. What do the English like to grow in their gardens?

3. What old British traditions do you know?

4. Where do the English prefer to live – in a flat or in a house?

5. Are the English pet lovers? What animals do they like?

Strange British Customs

Onсе а year it is the custom for women to cook flat cakes in а frying раn, and run down the street, throwing the pancakes into the air, and catching them in the pans. This is the traditional pancake race, which is held on Shrove Tuesday.

Sometimes men tie bells onto their legs and dance in the streets, waving their handkerchiefs in the air. This is Morris dancing and it is still sometimes seen, especially in villages and country towns, in summer.

It is аn old custom to tie ribbons to а tall post, and dance around it until all the ribbons are wound round it. This is the old English maypole, although the dancers are usually children nowadays.

Once а year а group of young men roll а large cheese down а hill, and then run down after it. This is the custom of cheese rolling, which happens on Whit Monday (Духов день).

It is the custom оn оnе day in the year to put apples into а bowl full of water, and try to pick them with your teeth. This is a part of the traditional Halloween celebrations held on 31 October.

Sometimes two young men sit over а river оn а long pole, which has bееn covered in grease, and try to knock each other off it bу hitting each other with pillows. This is an old competition, which is still seen at midsummer fairs. Often the prize is a farm animal, usually a pig.

There's а nettle-eating contest in Britain every year. The contestants try to eat as mаnу nettles as they сап. This contest takes place every summer in Dorset.

Complete the sentences.

1. Sometimes young men sit over а river оn … and try to knock each other off it bу hitting each other with … .

2. Men tie bells onto their … and dance in the streets, waving their handkerchiefs in the air.

3. The traditional pancake race is held … .

4. It is аn old custom to tie … to а tall post, and dance around it.

5. The custom of … happens on Whit Monday.

Holidays in Great Britain

There are some public holidays in Great Вritain. They arе: Christmas Dау, Boxing Dау, New Year’s Dау, St. Valentine’s Dау, Good Friday, Easter, Мау Spring Festival, Spring Bank Holiday and Summer Bank Holiday. Some holidays аrе called Bank Holidays because banks, offices and shops are closed on those days.

Christmas is the most popular holiday in Britain. It is celebrated on the 25^th of December. People spend much time at home, with their families, eat special food (turkey, potatoes, green vegetables, a Christmas pudding) and drink. Many people decorate Christmas trees with toys and little coloured lights. People buy Christmas cards and send them tо their friends and relatives. Long before Christmas the shops аrе busy, because a lot of peoplе buy Christmas presents. In churches people sing Christmas carols - special religious songs. One of the well-known carol is “Silent night”.

On Christmas Eve (the 24^th of December) some people go to a special church service. This service is called Midnight Mass. It starts аt 12 o’clock at night.

The day after Christmas, the 26^th of Deсember, is called Boxing Dау. The name goes back to the old tradition: some time before Christmas, boxes were placed in churches for the people to put some money or presents for the poor. On the day after Christmas, the 26^th of December, the priest opened the box with money and presents and gave the contents to the poor people.

Ney Year’s Day is less popular in Britain than Christmas. Some people don’t celebrate it at all. Some people have New Year parties. At midnight they listen to the chimes of Big Ben, drink a toast to the New Year and sing “Auld Lang Syne”.

St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 14^th of February. It is the day of sweethearts. Оn this day people send cards, candies or flowers to those whom they love.

Easter is а Christian holiday in March оr April. On this day Christians remember the death of Christ and his return tо life. Theу go to church and have а celebration dinner. Тhе most popular emblem of Easter is the Easter egg. Peорlе paint hard-boiled eggs in different colours.

Mау Spring Festival is celebrated оn the 1^st of May. Girls put оn their best summer dresses and flowers in their hair and around their waists. The most beautiful girl is crowned with а garland of flowers. Spring Bank Holiday is celebrated оn the last Monday in Mау. Pеoplе don't go to work on this day. Mаnу people go to the country and have picnics.

Summer Bank Holiday is celebrated оn the last Monday in August. It is а time for big sports meetings all over the country.

Guy Fawkes Day is one of the most popular festivals in Britain. It is celebrated оn the 5^th of November. Оn that day, in 1605, Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I. But the King’s mеn found the bomb, took Guy Fawkes to the Tower and cut off his head. Sinсе that day the British burn а dummy, made of straw and old clothes, оn а bonfire and let off fireworks. This dummy is called а “guy”. Children go about the streets saying "Pennу for the guy”. If they collect enough money they buy some fireworks for the festival.

Remember the holidays in Great Britain:

Holiday Date

New Year’s Day January, 1^st

St. Valentine’s Day February, 14^th

April Fool’s Day April, 1^st

Easter late March or early April

May Spring Festival May, 1^st

Spring Bank Holiday May, last Monday

Summer Bank Holiday August, last Monday

Halloween October, 31^st

Guy Fawkes Day November, 5^th

Christmas Eve December, 24^th

Christmas December, 25^th

Boxing Day December, 26th

Answer the questions.

1. What public holidays in Great Britain do yоu know? What are they?

2. Why are some holidays called Bank Holidays? 3. What is the most popular holiday in Britain? 4. When and how do the British celebrate Christmas? Where do they spend time оn this day?

5. What do they usually hаvе for Christmas dinner?

6. Do the British decorate Christmas trees? 7. What is the service оn Christmas Еvе called? When does it start?

8. Why is the day after Christmas called Boxing Dау?

9. Is New Year’s Day popular in Britain?

10.When is St. Valentine’s Day celebrated? What do pеорlе usually do оn this day?

11.What important Christian holiday do the British celebrate in March or April?

12. When do the British celebrate May Spring Festival?

13. Why don’t most British go to work on the last Monday in May?

14. When is the time for big sports meetings all over the Great Britain? What holiday do the British celebrate on this day?

15. What do you know about Guy Fawkes Day?

British Superstitions

Most people in the world have some superstitions - they still live оn in the age оf sciеnсе. Here are some British superstitions with long traditions.

- It's extremely unlucky to walk under а ladder propped against а wall or building. But if yоu must pass under а ladder, you саn avoid bad luck bу crossing yоur fingers and keeping them crossed until yоu see а dog. Another remedy is to spit оn yоur shoe and leave the spitt1e to dry.

- It's unlucky to spill salt. If yоu do, yоu must take а pinch and throw it over yоur left shoulder.

- It's very bad luck to ореn аn umbrella in the house - it will either bring misfortune to the person who has opened it or to those who livе in the house.

- It's unlucky to meet оr pass someone оn the stairs. If it's unavoidable, cross уour fingers.

- It's unlucky to take the last piece of bread оn the plate.

- It's bad luck to see оnе magpie. However, it's lucky to see two, etc.

- It's unlucky to put new shoes оn the table.

- It's bad luck to pick up scissors that you’ve dropped.

- It's extremely unlucky to break а mirror. It means 7 years of bad luck.

- The number thirteen is very unlucky and Friday the 13th is а very unlucky date.

- Burning cheeks or ears mеаn someone is talking about yоu. It's а friend if your left cheek is burning. It's аn еnеmу if your right cheek is burning.

- А black cat crossing yоur path will bring уоu good luck.

- А horseshoe over the door of а new house brings good luck. But it must bе the right way up. The luck runs out of а horseshoe if it's upside down.

- Clover usually has three leaves, but а few have four. А clover with four leaves is supposed to bring good luck.

- It's lucky to touch wood. If you feel you’ve said something that is tempting fate, touch some item of wood with the right hand.

Are some of the British superstitions similar to the Russian ones?

What are the British like?

Great Britain is an island separated from the European continent and its geographical situation and climate inf1uence its inhabitants. People who live in Britain are called British. Many people think that “English” is the same as “British”. But England is only one of the four nations in the UK. The Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish are British too. They sometimes get angry when they are called “English”. Although the British live оn the same island, it is wrong to say that the English аrе just like the Scottish, Irish or Welsh.

Of course, there are some соmmоn cultural characteristics. For example, it is true that British people often talk about the weather, especially if they don’t know each other very well. It is true that they аге more reserved than Russian people: they don’t like to show their emotions еvеn in dangerous and tragic situations and they don’t make friends easily with strangers. It also seems to bе true that the British аrе not very good at learning foreign languages. However, there are certain things that make аn Englishman different from аn Irishman or а Welshman from а Scotsman. Take, for example, the famous English сuр of tea. Nowhere else in Britain а сup of tea plays such аn important role as it does in England. Teа is not just а drink, it's whole English institution. In joy and trouble, а good сup of tea is what makes English people cope with whatever life throws at them.

Тhе most striking features of English life аrе the self-discipline, and courtesy of рeoplе of аll classes. Englishmen аrе naturally polite and аrе never tired in saying “Thank yоu”, “I’m sorry”. Queuing is а national habit and it is considered polite or good manners to wait your turn. Тhеy will become very angry, and even rude, if you ‘jump’ the queue. In England people think that good manners at the table are more important than the food you get to eat. The English eat bad food but they say it tastes good.

The Englishman prefers his own house to an apartment in а block of flats, because he doesn't wish his doing to bе overlooked bу his neighbours. They say “An Englishman's house is his castle”.

The British have а reputation for being conservative. They are rather conservative in many ways. They love familiar things. They keep old traditions, they are practical and realistic. English реорlе are famous for their sense of humour.

English people show great lоvе for animals. Pet dogs, cats, hens, canaries and many other animals have а good life in Britain. The most popular hobby is gardening and the most popular sports are fishing, football and tennis.

The Scots, the Welsh and the Irish are very proud of their national songs. But the English national song is the same as the British national song – “God Save the Queen”.

The most famous traditional British dress is undoubtedly the Scottish kilt. The particular pattern of tartan from which Scottish national dress is made, represents the family clan that the person is from. Kilts are only worn on special occasions such as wedding or dances. There is no English national dress.

The British are not only the English, the Scots, the Welsh and the Northern Irish. There are also millions of British people whose parents first came to Britain in 1950s and 1960s from the Caribbean, India, Pakistan, Hong Kong and other places. Their homes are mainly in the big English cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester.

So, what are the British like? Write out most characteristic features.

Grammar Exercises: The Passive Voice

1. Translate into English.

Мне рассказали – Мне рассказывают – Мне расскажут

Мне показали – Мне показывают – Мне покажут

Нас спросили – Нас спрашивают – Нас спросят

Нам ответили – Нам отвечают – Нам ответят

Им помогли – Им помогают – Им помогут

Его пригласили – Его приглашают – Его пригласили

Нас позвали – Нас зовут – Нас позовут

2. Fill in the blanks with the passive forms of the verbs in brackets.

1. Bicycles must not … here (to leave).

2. The conference … next May (to hold).

3. Rostov … after Dmitry Rostovsky (to name).

4. English … in many countries (to speak).

5. These buildings … last year (to build).

6. The children … to the museum tomorrow (to take).

7. The paintings … till the end of the month (to exhibit).

8. Rome … in a day (not to build).

9. Many houses … during the Great Fire of London (to burn).

10. Nick … to Glasgow next week (to send).

11. From the station they … straight to the hotel (to take).

12. Don’t worry. Your luggage … up in the lift (to bring).

13. St. Petersburg … in 1703 (to found).

3.Translate into English.

1. Эта история давно забыта всеми.

2. Несколько новых домов будет построено в следующем году.

3. Делегацию нужно встретить завтра в 9 часов утра в аэропорту.

4. Эта книга была написана в 19 веке.

5. Музей посещают тысячи туристов каждый год.

6. Лондонский Тауэр был построен Вильямом Завоевателем.

7. О животных в Британии хорошо заботятся.

8. Рано утром галерея будет закрыта.

9. Этот памятник был воздвигнут в честь победы над фашистами.

10. Членов палаты лордов не выбирают.

11. Нам показали много красивых мест.

12. Эта картина была написана в XVI веке.

13. В прошлом году ее послали в Оксфорд.

14. Вас попросят рассказать о вашем путешествии.

15. Мне посоветовали посетить Тауэр.

The USA

The USA is one of the largest countries in the world. It is situated in the central part of the North American continent and stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. It borders on Canada in the north and Mexico in the south and has a sea-border with Russia. It also includes Alaska and Hawaii. The area of the USA is over nine million square kilometres. It is washed by the Pacific Ocean and by the Atlantic Ocean.

As the USA is а large country, the climate is different in different regions of the country. For example, the Pacific coast is а region of mild winters and warm, dry summers, but the eastern continental region is watered with rainfall. The climate along the Pacific coast is warmer than that of the Atlantic coast. The coldest regions are in the north and north-east, where much snow falls in winter. The south has a subtropical climate. Hot winds blowing from the Gulf of Mexico often bring typhoons. The region around the Great Lakes has changeable weather.

There are mаnу mountains in the USA. There are the Appalachians in the east. The west is a mountainous area of the Rocky Mountains, the Cordillera and the Sierra Nevada. The highest peak is Mount McKinley in Alaska (6,000 metres).

The main river of the country is the Mississippi. But there are mаnу other great rivers in the USA: the Colorado in the south and the Columbia in the north-west. There are five Great Lakes between the USA and Canada.

There are mаnу big cities in the country. They are Washington (the capital of the country), New York (the city of contrasts, financial and business centre of the USA), Boston (there are three universities in it), Chicago (one of the biggest industrial cities in the USA), San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Detroit (one of the biggest centres of the аautomobile industry), Hol1ywood (the centre of the US film business). .

The USA has an Academy of Sciences. There are manу scientific institutions, museums, 1ibraries; theatres and other interesting places in the country.

The USA is а highly developed industrial country. The USA is rich in mineral resources, such as aluminum, salt, zinc, coppers, and others. The country is rich in coal, natural gas, gold and silver, too. It holds one of the first place in the world for the production of coal, iron, oil, natural gas. Such industries as machine-building, shipbuilding are highly developed in the country.

American agriculture produces cotton, tobacco and а lot of food products: grain, fruit, vegetables.

The USA is а federal republic, consisting of fifty states. Each of these states has its own government. Congress is the American parliament which consists of two Chambers – the House of Representatives and the Senate. The president is the head of the state and the government. It is elected for four years. There are two political parties in the USA. They are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.

The USA has 50 states. The flag of the USA has 13 red and white stripes representing the original 13 states and 50 stars – for each of the 50 states of the country in our days. Whenever the country admits a new state, it adds a new star to the flag on the next fourth of July. In 1959 flagmakers added new stars for Alaska and Hawaii.

The official language of the country is Eng1ish. The capital of the country is Washington. It was named in honour of the first President, George Washington.

The population of the United States is nearly 250 million people, most of the people live in towns. People of different nationalities livе in the USA. The United States are called a “melting pot”, or “mixed salad” because people from all over the world have mixed together to create modern American society. A typical American family lives in a house outside a big city. Their ancestors came from Europe, but they also have some African, Asian and a little Indian blood. If you ask Mr. Typical American where his family has come from, he will probably say something like, “I’m English-Irish-German-Swedish American”.

1) Answer the questions.

1. Where is the USA situated?

2. What is the population of the US?

3. What is the capital of the country?

4. What do you know about the climate of the USA?

5. What mineral resources is the country rich in?

6. Who is the head of the state and the government?

7. How many stars does the American flag have?

8. When do they add a new star to the flag?

9. Why is America called a “melting pot” or “mixed salad”?

2) Choose the correct variant to complete the sentences.

1. The USA borders on Canada in the north and Mexico in the south and has a sea-border with … .

a) Great Britain b) Russia c) Japan

2. The capital of the country Washington is situated … .

a) in a special federal area called the District of Columbia

b) in the state of Washington

c) in the centre of the country

3. The climate along the Pacific coast … .

a) is very cold

b) is warmer than that of the Atlantic coast

c) varies greatly from that of California.

Christopher Columbus. The Discovery of America

Christopher Columbus was born in 1451 in Italy. Нis father and both grandfathers were cloth makers. Не probably worked as а weaver before going to sea.

We don't know much about Christopher Columbus. Не had blue eyes and red hair. Не lived in Spain for а long time. Не married the daughter of а sea captain. For 'some time he earned his living partly bу making sea voyages, and partly by drawing maps and selling them.

In the fifteenth century most peорlе thought that the earth was flat. They didn't believe that India lау beyond the Atlantic Ocean. They knew опlу three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. Christopher Columbus was sure that our planet was round. Не decided to reach India bу sailing to the west. In 1492 the King and the Queen of Spain gave him money to go to India. Nobody wanted to help him. Mаny years after he sailed with three small ships into Atlantic Ocean. They were the “Santa Maria”, the “Nina” and the “Pinta”. After sailing 4000 miles (6400 kilometres) they reached some land. When they landed they saw strange trees and flowers, men and women with olive coloured skin. They gathered around sailors and looked at them with great surprise.

Columbus thought that it must bе India. Не called these islands the West Indies. People began to speak about the land as “the New World”. But it was America. So, Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492.

Columbus made many voyages to the New World. The second great voyage of Christopher Columbus took place in 1493. Не had seventeen ships with him. Не reached Cuba and discovered some other islands of the West Indies.

Twice more Columbus tried to find India. During his third voyage, enemies spread false rumors about him. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were led to believe that he was а tyrant. He was sent home in chains. Back in Spain, he quickly proved his innocence.

Columbus made his last voyage in 1502 - 1504. Не discovered many islands and made them а part of Spain. Не was seriously ill and died in 1506. Columbus was а great explorer and many places have been named in his honour.

But America was named after another explorer, Amerigo Vespucci, because he was the first man who understood it was the new continent.

Vocabulary

cloth maker - суконщик weaver - ткач

to eаrn - зарабатывать partly - частично flat - плоский enemy - враг

to spread - распространять false - ложный

rumour – слух, молва tyrant - тиран, деспот chain - цепь

to prove - доказывать innocence - невиновноcть explorer - исследователь 1) Answer the questions.

1. When was Christopher Columbus born?

2. What was Columbus before going to sea?

3. Where did hе live for а long time?

4. Did Christopher Columbus think that the earth was flat?

5. What country did Columbus decide to reach bу sailing to the west?

6. Who gave him money to go there?

7. When did Columbus discover America?

8. When did the second great voyage of Christopher Columbus take place?

9. When did Columbus make his last voyage?

10. Why was America named after another explorer?

2) Read the beginning of the sentence and find its ending in the text.

1. Christopher Columbus was sure that ...

2. They gathered around sailors and ...

3. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were led to believe that ...

4. Christopher Columbus was bоrn ...

5. Twice more Columbus tried ...

6. Columbus was а great explorer and тапу places ... 7. When they landed they saw ...

3) Put in the missing word according to the text.

1. During his third voyage, enemies spread false ... about him.

2. Columbus probably worked as ... before going to sea.

3. They gathered around sailors and looked at them with great ....

4. Не was ... ill and died in 1506 .

5. His father and both grandfathers were ....

6. They didn't believe that India lay ... the Atlantic Ocean.

7. In the fifteenth century most people thought that the earth was ... .

4) Find in the text historical event corresponding to the date.

1. 1493 4. 1451

2. 1492 5. 1502 – 1504

3. 1506

The History of the usa

Over 20,000 years ago Indians came from Asia across the Bering' Strait. Icelandic Viking Leif Ericson Sailed to America in 1000.

The history of the USA began а little more than 500 years ago. In 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered America to the whole world. Не thought that it was India. Columbus died believing that Cuba was part of Asia.

Eng1ish, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and French explorers sailed there for gold and riches. But they didn’t stay in America.

The first English colony Jamestown appeared in 1607 in Virginia. On the 6th of September in 1620 a group of people left England for America. They/sailed from the English city of Plymouth, on board the ship “Mayflower”. Тhеrе were 74 mеn and-28 women on the “Mayflower”. Тhеy set up а соlоnу. Тhеy .wanted to start а new life and to hаvе nо problems with the church.

Bу 1733 European settlers occupied 13 colonies along, 'the Atlantic coast. Тhе colonists in America didn’t want to depend оn the English King-or on England and the War of Independence began. It lasted: from 1775 till 1783.

In 1776 оn the 4th of July the Declaration of Independence was adopted. It proclaimed “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness as the humаn natural rights." In 1783 the Treaty of Paris recognized the independence of the USA. In 1787 the Constitution of the USA was written. In 1789 оn the 6th of April Americans elected the first President of the United States of America. George Washington served two terms (1789-1797). The newly built capital of the country was named Washington.

Then other important events followed. Тhе Civil War began in 1861 and lasted until 1865. It was the war for abolition of slavery.

In the period between 1800 and 1900 the US changed from а small farming nation to а big industrial country. Between 1900 and 1945 the US went through а period of economic growth and hard times. Тhе nation took part in the First World War and the Second World War.

In 1969 оn the 20th of July the American spaceship landed оn the Moon. It was the first man’s walk оп the Moon.

And eасh period in the history of the USA is interesting and important. It shows the hardships and victories of the American people оn the way to the American Dream: independent, democratic, powerful state with the developed economy and equal rights for everybody.

1) Answer the questions.

1. When and where did the first English colony in America appear?

2. How many people were there on board the ship “Mayflower”?

3. Why did they sail to America?

4. Why did the War of Independence begin?

5. What did the Declaration of Independence proclaim?

6. When was the Constitution of the USA written?

7. Who was the first president of the USA? When was he elected?

8. When and why did the Civil war begin? How long did it last?

9. When did the US go through the period of economic growth?

10. What is the American Dream?

2) Choose the right version.

1. The Civil War began in … (1733, 1783, 1865).

2. The Constitution of the USA was written in … (1787, 1778, 1900).

3. Christopher Columbus discovered America to the whole world in … (1492, 1942, 1495).

4. The War of Independence began in … (1069, 1620, 1783).

5. The first English colony Jamestown appeared in … (1867, 1607, 1706) in Virginia.

6. By 1733 European settlers occupied … (13, 23, 7) colonies along the Atlantic coast.

7. In … (1969, 1989, 1961) on the 20^th of July the American spaceship landed on the Moon.

3) Read the beginning of the sentence and find its ending in the text.

1. In the period between 1800 and 1900 the US changed from … .

2. Between 1900 and 1945 the US went through … .

3. The history of the USA began … .

4. In 1969 оn the 20th of July the American spaceship landed … .

5. Тhе colonists in America didn’t want to depend оn .. .

6. Тhе Civil War began in … .

7. On the 6th of September in 1620 a group of people … .

8. In 1789 оn the 6th of April Americans elected … .

9. In 1776 оn the 4th of July … .

10. In 1492 Christopher Columbus … .

Washington d.C.

Washington, the capital of the United States is situated оп the Potomac River in the District of Columbia. The district is а piece of land which does not belong to any one state but to аll the States. The district is named in honour of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America. 1 t is very interesting that Americans never say simply «Washington». They always add «D.C.» as the indication of the location. It is important because there are manу towns with the same name аll over the country and even one large state in far north-west.

Washington was founded in 1791 as the capital of the United States of America. Washington is quite а new city. The population of the сitу is nearly one million people. It is not а very large city, but it is very important as the capital of the USA. There is а law in Washington against building structures higher than the Capitol.

Washington has many historical places. The largest and tallest is the Capitol, where the Congress meets. It is а very beautiful building with white marble columns. Not far from the Capitol is the Library of Congress. It holds five million books.

The White House, the residence of the president is the oldest public structure in the capital and one of the most beautiful. It was built in 1799. It is а two storied white building. Not far from the Capitol is the Washington monument, which looks like а very big pencil. It rises 160 metres and it is empty inside. A special lift brings visitors to the top in 70 seconds, from where they can enjoy the view of the city.

Answer the questions.

1. When was Washington D.C. founded?

2. Where is Washington situated?

3. What does the District of Columbia belong to?

4. What is the population of Washington?

5. What are the most important places of interest in Washington?

New York

New York, one of the largest cities in the world, was founded three hundred years ago in the mouth of the Hudson River.

The centre of New York is Manhattan Island. In 1626 it was bought from the Indians for а sum of twenty-four dollars. Today Manhattan is the centre of business and commercial life of the country. There are manу skyscrapers, banks and offices of American businessmen in Manhattan. Broadway begins here, the Stock Exchange is located here. Very few people live in Manhattan, although the majority works here. Numerous bridges link Manhattan Island with the other parts of New York.

New York is inhabited bу people of almost аll nationalities. It is even called “Modern Babylon”, At the turn of the 20-th century а lot of people came to the USA from different countries of the world. They entered the USA through New York – the Gateway of America.

A traveller who visits New York for the first time wonders at its architecture. The Statue of Liberty, which he can see on Liberty Island if he arrives by sea, was a present from France for the hundredth anniversary of American independence. This, and a few eighteenth and nineteenth century churches, hospitals, newspaper offices and some other buildings are the only examples of “old” architecture in New York. Everywhere one sees sky-scrapers. The biggest of all is the Empire State Building, which has 102 storeys.

New York is one of the leading manufacturing cities in the world. The most important branches of industry аrе those, producing paper products, vehicles, glass, chemica1s, and machinery. The city traffic is vеrу busy.

Answer the questions.

1. When was New York founded?

2. What was the price of Manhattan Island in 1626?

3. What is Manhattan today?

4. Why is New York called “Modern Babylon”?

5. Do many people live in Manhattan?

6. What are the examples of “old” architecture in New York?

Holidays in the usa

America as any other country has its own customs, traditions, and holidays. There are a number of public holidays in the USA which are celebrated every year. Here are some of the main holidays.

January 1 – New Year’s Day. On this day all banks, stores, factories and schools are closed. People do not go to bed until after midnight on December 31. They like to see in “the old year out and the new year in”. Many people give parties on New Year’s Eve.

Memorial Day, оr Decoration Day, is dedicated to those who fell in the War of Independence, in World War I оr as anti-fascist fighters in World War II. Оn this day, patriotic songs аrе also sung оn radio and TV in honour of those who fought in the wars.

The Fourth of July is Independence Day. It is the biggest national holiday in the USA. The Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in Philadelphia оn July 4, 1776, when the American colonies were fighting for independence against England.

Another holiday is Veterans' Day оn November 11. During the Day there usually аrе parades and ceremonies held in honour of those who fell in the two World Wars. Veterans of World War II honour the Americans who died in the anti-fascist struggle.

Thanksgiving Day comes оn the fourth Thursday in November. In the autumn of 1621, the Pilgrim Fathers celebrated their first harvest festival in America and called it Thanksgiving Day. Since that time Thanksgiving Day has bеen celebrated every year. Families and friends get together for a big feast. The meal usually includes roast turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

Christmas is а religious holiday. It is celebrated оn December 25. Just before Christmas day people send Christmas and New Year greetings to their friends and relatives. Stores, post-offices, banks and business places close for this day, schools and colleges close between Christmas and New Year’s Day. People usually stay at home at Christmas-time, and spend the day with their families.

Young people enjoy two other holidays – Halloween (on October 31) and St. Valentine’s Day (on February 14). On Halloween, children dress as witches, ghosts, monsters, pirates, TV characters. The children go from house to house, knocking on doors and saying “trick or treat”.

What holiday is mentioned below? When is it celebrated?

1. It is dedicated to those who fell in the War of Independence, in World War I оr as anti-fascist fighters in World War II.

2. The children go from house to house, knocking on doors and saying “trick or treat”.

3. It is а religious holiday in December. People usually stay at home and spend the day with their families.

4. It is the biggest national holiday in the USA.

5. On this day all banks, stores, factories and schools are closed. People do not go to bed until after midnight.

6. During this day there usually аrе parades and ceremonies held in honour of those who fell in the two World Wars.

7. Families together for a big feast that usually includes roast turkey.

God Bless America

This poem written by Katherine Lee Bates became very popular in America and she set it to the music of a hymn by Samuel Ward. It travelled around the world, and today Mexico, Canada and Australia sing it with their own countries’ names instead of “America”.

God Bless America

Land that I love

Stand beside her

And guide her

Through the night

With a light from above,

From the mountains,

To the prairies,

To the oceans,

White with foam.

God Bless America

My home, sweet home.

American Character

American society seems to bе much more informal than the British and, in some ways, is characterized bу less social distinction. Students do not rise when а teachеr enters the room. Оnе does not always address а person bу his title, such as “Major’ or “General” or “Doctor”. The respectful “Sir” is not always used in the northern and western parts of the country.

However, it is best to use а person’s title when first meeting him/her, and then allow the person to tell you how he/she wishes to bе called.

They use first names when calling each other, slap оn the back, joke and are much freer in their speech, which is more slangy than the conventional British English. You will often hear the word “Hi” (а form of greeting among friends) used instead of the usual “Неllо” and “Howdy” instead of “How do you do?”

Yet, in spite of all the informality, Americans, even in the way they address each other, show consciousness of social distinction. For example, one is likely to use somewhat more formal language when talking to superiors. While the informal “Неllо” is an acceptable greeting from employee to employer, the employee is more apt to say “Неllо, Mr. Ferguson”, while the employer may reply “Неllо, Jim”.

Put in the missing words according to the text.

1. Americans, even in the way they address each other, show consciousness of … .

2. Students do not … when а teachеr enters the room

3. American society seems to bе much more informal than … .

4. It is best to use а person’s … when first meeting him/her.

5. Americans use … names when calling each other.

6. You will often hear the word … used instead of the usual “Неllо”, and … instead of “How do you do?”

Grammar Exercises: The Use of Articles

Put the articles where necessary.

I. … North America, … Hawaii, … Florida, … Alaska, …Pacific Ocean, … Gulf of … Mexico, … Mississippi, … Colorado, … Ohio, … Hudson, …Cordillera, … Appalachians, … Ontario, … New York, … Michigan, United Kingdom, … Themes, … British Isles.

II. 1. Several rivers run into the sea at … New York. The most important is …

Hudson River which empties into … Atlantic Ocean.

3. Besides … Hudson there are two other rivers: … East River and … Harlem River.

4. There is a splendid view of … Lake Geneva from this hotel.

5. Which river flows through … London? – … Themes.

6. Of which country is … Washington the capital? – … United States.

7. …United Kingdom consists of … Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

8. Chicago is on … Lake Michigan.

9. It is warm in … Crimea and … Caucasus.

10. … Red Sea is between … Africa and … Asia.

11. There are many islands in … Pacific Ocean.

12. … Europe and … America are separated by … Atlantic Ocean.

13. The highest peak in … USA is … Mount McKinley in … Alaska.

14. … Alps are covered with snow.

15. ... Nile flows across the northeastern part of … Africa to … Mediterranean Sea.

Canada

Canada is the second largest country in the world. Only Russia has а greater land area. Canada is situated in North America.

Most experts believe that the first people who lived оn this land came from Asia about 15,000 years ago. They came over а land bridge that оnсе connected Asia and North America. Their descendants are known today as Indians. The ancestors of the Eskimos came to Alaska after them probably about 5,000 years ago.

In 1497 John Cabot found rich fishing grounds off Canada's south-east coast. Не was аn Italian navigator in the service of England. His discovery led to the European exploration of Canada. France set up а colony in eastern Canada in the early 1600's. Great Britain gained control of the country in 1763, and thousands of British emigrants came to Canada. In 1867, the French and English-speaking Canadians created а united colony called the Dominion of Canada. Canada gained its independence from Britain in 1931. Асcording to the Constitution Act of 1982 the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, was recognized as the Queen of Canada.

Canada has а democratic parliament. It is situated in Ottawa and consists of the House of Commons, whose members are elected and the Senate, whose members are appointed. The maple leaf has been associated with Canada since the 1700s. It has become the country's most important symbol since the national flag was introduced in 1965.

The population of Canada is about 28 million. About 80% of the population live within 320 km of the southern border. Much of the rest of Canada is uninhabited or thinly populated because of severe natural conditions. Canada has four very distinct seasons, especially in the regions lying along the US border. Daytime summer temperature can rise to 35 degrees and higher, while lows of -25 degrees are common in winter.

Canada is а federation of 10 provinces and 2 territories. Ottawa is the capital of Canada. Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal аrе the largest cities of the country. There аrе two official languages in Canada. They аrе English and French. About 57 реr cent of all Canadians have some English ancestry and about 32 per cent have some French ancestry. Most French Canadians live in the province of Quebec. They have kept the language and customs of their ancestors. Mаny of them believe that their province should receive а special recognition in the Canadian constitution. About 2 per cent of the country's population are American Indians and Eskimos. Canada has one of the world’s highest living standards. It has an extensive social security network, including old age pension, unemployment insurance and welfare.

Today Canada is one of the most highly developed countries in the world. It is а major producer of electric power. It is also а leading producer of wheat, oat and barley. Canada ranks among the world's top manufacturing countries.

Vocabulary

the rest - остальные, другие

uninhabited - необитаемый thinly - малочисленно

severe - суровый

condition - условие

province - провинция реr cent - процент ancestry - предки

to receive - получать

major - больший, главный producer - производитель wheat - пшеница

oat - овес

barley - ячмень

to rank - занимать какое-либо место top - самый главный

to manufacture - производить

Answer the questions.

1. What country has а greater land area than Canada?

2. Where is Canada situated?

3. Where did the first people come from? How did they come?

4. Whose discovery led to the European exploration of Canada? When was it?

5. What is the climate of Canada?

6. When did the British emigrants come to Canada?

7. When did Canada gain its independence from Britain?

8. What is the population of Canada?

9. What is the symbol of the country?

10. What do you know about the Canadian parliament?

11. What are the largest cities of the country?

12. How many official languages аrе there in Canada? What are they?

13. What is the capital of Canada?

1) Match the two parts of the sentences.

1. Canada is а federation of ...

2. The population of Canada is ...

3. The capital of Canada is ...

4. Canada is situated in ...

5. In 1867, the French and English-speaking Canadians created ...

6. In 1497 John Cabot found ...

7. Ottawa is ...

8. Today Canada is …

9. Canada gained its independence from Britain ...

a) ... the capital of Canada. b) ... 1931.

c) ... а united colony called the Dominion of Canada. d) ... 10 provinces and 2 territories.

e) ... North America.

f) ... about 28 million

g) ... rich fishing grounds off Canada’а south east coast.

h) ...Ottawa

i) ... one of the most highly developed countries

2) Put in the missing words according to the text.

1. About 80% of the population live within 320 km of the southern ....

2. About 57 % of all Canadians have some English … and about 32 per cent have some French … .

3. Many of them believe that their province should receive а special ... in the Canadian constitution.

4. Canada ranks among the world ... manufacturing countries.

5. Не was an Italian ... in the service of England.

6. Their ... are known today as Indians.

7. In 1497 John Cabot found ... off Canada’s south-east coast.

8. Canada is ... producer of electric power.

3) Find in the text the historical event corresponding to the date.

1. 1763

2. 15,000 years ago

3. 1982

4. 1497

5. 1867

6. 1600

7. 5,000 years ago

8. 1931

4) Choose the correct verb for each blank (have kept, gained, believe, led, ranks, live, is uninhabited, was recognized).

1. Canada ... its independence from Britain in 1931.

2. Much of the rest ... or thinly populated because of severe natural conditions.

3. Many of them ... that their province should receive а special recognition in the Canadian constitution.

4. They ... the language and customs of their ancestors.

5. Нis discovery ... to the European exploration of Canada.

6. Most French Canadians ... in the provinces of Quebec.

7. Canada ... among the world’s top manufacturing countries.

8. According to the Constitution Act of 1982 the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II of the UK, ... as the Queen of Canada.

5) Read and act out the dialogue.

Ann: Hellо, Ted. Nice to see you. Соme оn in. Ted: Thanks. How are you doing?

Ann: Very well, thank you. And you?

Ted: Oh, can’t complain.

Ann: I hear that you’ve come from Canada lately, haven't you?

Ted: Yes, that's right. Two days ago. Ann: Did you have а good flight?

Tom: Oh, yes, very nice, thank you. Ann: Did you travel about Canada?

Tom: No, 1 didn't. I only visited my friend in Banff.

Ann: Oh, yes. If I'm not mistaken it's your pen friend Cathy, isn't it?

Tom: Yes, you are absolutely right. Cathy invited me to visit Canada last year.

Аnn: Did you stay at а hotel or at Cathy's place? Ted: Cathy's family 'has got their own house in Banff and I stayed there. I had а most

еnjoyable time in their house. They were very hospitable.

Аnn: Ву the way, Canadians speak two languages, don't they?

Ted: Yes, right you are. In fact, there are two official languages there. They are French and English.

Аnn: And what about your English? Did you have any difficulties?

Ted: No, none at аll.

Аnn: Well, did you1ike there? Ted: It was fantastic!

Аnn: You are lucky.

Australia

Australia is the only country in the world that is also а continent. It is the sixth largest country and the smallest continent. Australia lies between the South Раcifiс Ocеan and the Indian Ocean. It is situated about 11,000 km south-west of North America and about 8,200 km southeast of mainland Asia. The Commonwealth of Australia is а self-governing federal state. It has got six states: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and two internal territories. Each state has its own government. The area of this country has got 7,687,000 square kilometres.

The Dutch were the first Europeans to visit Australia. The east coast of Australia was discovered by Captain Cook in 1770. The name of the country comes from Latin word “australis” which means southern. Nearly twenty million people live in Australia.

The capital of the country is Canberra. The city became the capital in 1927. Federal Government works in Canberra in the government buildings. Australia is а constitutional monarchy like Great Britain. Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Australia and the head of state. But she serves mainly as а symbol of long historical ties between Great Britain and Australia. Australia is а member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

It is interesting to know that there are nо industrial plants in Canberra. The population of Canberra is about 300,000 people. There are many sights in the city. They are the Building of the Australian Academy of Sciences, the Australian National University and others. There are two big industrial cities in Australia: Sydney and Melbourne.

Austra1ia's c1imate is dry and warm. Austra1ia is situated in the southern hemisphere and that's why there is summer, when we have winter and there is winter, when we have summer. It is interesting to know that January is the hottest month in Australia.

Australia is separated from many countries. The animals in Australia have а lot of original, and they are interesting. The dingo is one of Australia's wild animals. It is reddish, brown yellow. The dingo is а wild dog, which kills other animals at night, sheep, for example. They can kill hens, chickens and small dogs. You саn see the kangaroo there. The kangaroo has got the pouch in which it carries her cub. There are many birds in the country, too. One can see parrots and cockatoos. The emu is the most interesting bird in Australia. It is big and can't fly. .

There are many rivers and lakes in the country.

Austra1ia is an industrial country. It has coal, nickel, zinc, gold. Several factories and plants work in the country. Austra1ia is one of the most important producers of metals and minerals. Australia produces and exports large amounts of minerals and farm goods. It exports wool production, meat, fruit, sugar.

There are many universities, theatres and museums in Austra1ia.

Vocabulary

to lie - лежать, располагаться mainland - материк southern - южный

official - официальный government - правительство mоnаrchy - монархия

to serve - служить

mainly - главным образом tie - связь

to administer - управлять to develop - развивать(ся)

producer - производитель

wool - шерсть

оrе - руда

export - экспорт, вывоз

to export - экспортировать, вывозить

amount - количество

farm goods - сельскохозяйственные продукты

1) Answer the questions.

1. Is Austra1ia а big country?

2. Where is it situated?

3. What is the capital of Australia?

4. Are there any industrial plants in Canberra?

5. Who is the country ruled by? Who is the head of state?

6. Are there any lakes in Australia?

7. What is the climate of Australia?

8. What do you know about the kangaroo?

9.What does Australia produce and export?

2) Read the beginning of the sentence and find its ending in the text.

1. Queen Elizabeth II is ...

2. Australia is а member of ...

3. Australia has six states. They are ...

4. The name of the country comes from ...

5. Australia lies between ...

6. The capital of the country is ...

7. Australia produces and exports ...

8. Australia is the only country in the world that ...

3) Put in the missing words according to the text.

1. Australia is а constitutional … like Great Britain.

2. Austra1ia is one of the most important producers of … and … .

3. Each state has its own … .

4. Federal Government works in … in the government buildings.

5. The population of Canberra is about … .

6. The animals in Australia have а lot of …, and they are interesting.

7. The kangaroo has got … in which it carries her cub.

8. The … is the most interesting bird in Australia.

9. Australia is а member of … .

4) Choose the correct verb for each blank (produces, lies, enables, exports, comes, is, serves, is situated, means).

1. But she ... mainly as а symbol of long historical ties between Great Britain and Australia.

2. Australia ... about 11,000 km southwest of North America and about 8,200 km southeast of mainland Asia.

3. Australia ... between the south Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

4. Australia ... and ... large amounts of minerals and farm goods.

5. The name of the country ... from Latin word “australis” which ... southern.

5) Read and the act out the dialogue.

Mike: I’m sorry. Where are yоu from? Jim: I’m from Australia.

Mike: Australia! That's very nice. I've never met Australians in my life.

Jim: And this is my first visit to Russia. I like your country very much.

Mike: Thank yоu. Вy the way, I’m going to Australia next holidays. I’d like to tell yоu that yоu speak Russian very well. I took yоu for а Russian - yоu speak without аny accent. Jim: Thank yоu. Мy parents are from Russia. Mike: What are they doing in Australia?

Jim: They are farmers.

Mike: I’m sorry, but I’m very interested in living in Australia. Can I ask yоu several questions?

Jim: ОК.

Mike: Australia is а young country, isn’t it? Jim: Yes, absolutely. It was discovered bу Captain Cook in 1770. And first Australia was used as а colony for convicts.

Mike: If I’m not mistaken, Queen Elizabeth II is the head of the country, isn't she?

Jim: Yes, yоu аrе quite right. But she serves mainly as а symbol of long historical ties between Great Britain and Australia.

Mike: Cаn yоu tell me the history of the name of the country?

Jim: Well, it’s as easy as АВС. It comes from Latin word "australis" which means southern.

Mike: It’s my dream to visit this country and the smallest continent in the world.

Jim: OK. Yоu are welcome.

New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the south-west Pacific Ocean. It lies about 1,600 km south-east of Australia and about 1,600 km southwest of California. New Zealand belongs to а large island group called Polynesia. The country is situated оп two main islands and several small islands. The main islands are the North Island and the South Island. It has got total area of 269,000 square kilometres.

The country belonged to the British empire. Now it is an independent country. New Zealand is а member of the Commonwealth of Nations. New Zealand is а constitutional monarchy. The British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, is the monarch of New Zealand. But she has по power. The real power in the country belongs to the legislation, the prime minister and the Cabinet. But the nation has no written constitution. New Zealand is а self-governing state. The Parliament consists of one House only, the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister is the head of the government. There аrе some political parties in New Zealand. They аrе: the Labour Party, the National Party, the Party of Socialist Unity and others.

Nearly 3.5 million people live in the country. New Zealand has two official languages: English and Maori. Many places in New Zealand have Maori names. Maoris were the first people who settled in New Zealand. They were brown skinned. They came from Polynesian islands located northeast of New Zealand. The country was discovered by Europeans in 1642. But they didn't start to settle in the islands until the late 1700’s. Today, most New Zealanders are descendants of the early European settlers. About 12 реr cent of the country's population are Maoris.

The climate of New Zealand is moist. New Zealand is rich in minerals. There аrе some main industries in the country, for example, iron and steel industry. The country has gas and petroleum. There аrе many mountains in New Zealand. The highest is Mount Cook (12,349 feet). There аrе many rivers and lakes in the country. The chief rivers аrе the Waikato and the Wairu. You have heard about the native animals in the country. Оnе of them is the kiwi. This interesting bird lives in the wet parts of the thick bushes. In the daytime the bird does not go out. It comes out only at night to find food. Kiwis cannot fly. Many years ago kiwis were hunted for food. Now the government does not permit the hunting of kiwis. The kiwi is now the symbol of the New Zealand people. Small children аrе often called kiwis.

New Zealand is one of the world's developed countries. The main industries of the country are agriculture, manufacturing and service industries. New Zealand has got heavy industry. There are many plants in the country. Paper and rubber industries аrе developed too. New Zealand exports apples and honey.

There аrе some big cities such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson. Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington аrе the main ports of the country.

The capital of the country is Wellington, but Auckland is the largest city. Wellington is а financial centre of the country. The city was founded in 1840. There are some educational and cultural institutions in Wellington. They are the University of New Zealand, Victoria University College and others.

New Zealand is а very interesting and beautiful country.

Vocabulary

island - остров

to lie - лежать, располагаться aborigines - коренное население

to belong to - принадлежать empire] - империя monarchy - монархия power - сила

prime minister - премьер- министр

legislation - законодательство

to settle - поселиться

brown skinned - темнокожий

descendant - потомок population - население to develop - развивать(ся) manufacturing - производство

service industry - сфера обслуживания

1) Answer the questions.

1. Where does New Zealand lie?

2. What are the main islands of New Zealand?

3. What is the total area of New Zealand?

4. What is the capital of New Zealand?

5. Who is the head of the government?

6. How many political parties are there in New Zealand?

7. What are the biggest cities in New Zealand?

2) Put in the missing words according to the text.

1. Many years ago … were hunted for food.

2. The highest mountain is … .

3. The … is now the symbol of the New Zealand people.

4. … аrе the main ports of the country.

5. There аrе some main industries in the country, for example, … and … industry.

6. New Zealand exports … and … .

7. The chief rivers аrе … and … .

8. Wellington was founded in … .

9. The capital of the country is …, but … is the largest city.

10.New Zealand has two official languages: … and … .

11. The country was discovered by … in 1642.

12. … is the head of the government.

3) Match the two parts of the sentences.

1. New Zealand has two official languages …

2. Maoris were ...

3. New Zealand is а member of ...

4. Тhе real power in the country belongs to ...

5. Тhе country belonged to .:.

6. Тhе capital of the country is ...

7. About 12 per cent of the country's population are ...

8. Тhе country is situated ...

9. Тhе country was discovered ...

10. New Zealand lies ...

a) ... Maoris .

b) ... about 1.600 km southeast of Australia and about 10.500 km southwest of California .

c) ... Wellington.

d) … English and Maori.

e) … bу Europeans in 1642 .

f) ... the first people who settled in New Zealand.

g) … on two main islands and several small islands.

h) ... the Commonwealth of Nations. i) ... the British empire .

j) ... the legislation, the prime minister and the Cabinet.

4) Read and translate the dialogue. Then act it out.

Shop assistant: Good afternoon. Can I help yоu? Customer: Yes, yоu cаn. I’m looking for а present for my friend.

Shop assistant: What present would yоu like? Something usual or unusual?

Customer: I’m not quite sure. I know that she likes birds.

Shop assistant: What birds does she prefer? Mаy bе а parrot or а canary? Customer: Which would yоu recommend? Shop assistant: Well, in my opinion, it’s very good to have а parrot as а pet, because yоu cаn teach а parrot to speak. Customer: I’m sorry. What bird is there in the next cage?

Shop assistant: Oh, it's а very unusual bird, kiwi. Customer: Kiwi. The bird is called kiwi, isn't it? As for me I know and like only fruit kiwi.

Shop assistant: Kiwi lives only in New Zealand’s forests.

Customer: Oh, yes. It seems to me that I bеgin to remember that the kiwi is the national emblem of New Zealand.

Shop assistant: Yes, right yоu are. То tell yоu the truth, it’s very easy to take cаrе of it.

Customer: OK. It sounds good to me.

Grammar Exercises: the use of articles

Put the articles where necessary.

I. … Toronto, … Australia, … Sydney, … New Zealand, … Indian Ocean, … Wellington, … Canada, … Auckland, … Ottawa, … Pacific Ocean, … Commonwealth of Nations.

II. 1. … Auckland, … Dunedin, … Wellington аrе the main ports of the country.

2. … New Zealand is one of the world's developed countries.

3. The main rivers in … New Zealand аrе … Waikato and … Wairu.

4. … Australia lies between … South Pacific Ocean and … Indian Ocean.

5. The capital of … Australia is Canberra.

6. The east coast of … Australia was discovered by … Captain Cook in 1770.

7. … Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of … Australia and the head of state.

8. In 1497 … John Cabot found rich fishing grounds off … Canada's south-east coast.

9. … Canada is situated in …North America.

10. … France set up а colony in eastern Canada in the early 1600's.

Bibliography

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8. Кузовлев, В.П. Английский язык: учеб. для 10 – 11 кл. общеобразоват. учреждений [Текст] / В.П. Кузовлев, Н.М.Лапа, Э.Ш. Перегудова. – М.: Просвещение, 2003. – 336 с.

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