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Текст для контрольной работы № 1.

Within two minutes, or even less, he had forgotten all his troubles. Not because his troubles were one whit less heavy and bitter to him than a man's are to a man, but because a new and powerful interest bore them down and drove them out of his mind for the time—just as men's misfortunes are forgotten in the excitement of new enterprises. This new interest was a valued novelty in whistling, which he had just acquired from a negro, and he was suffering to practise it undisturbed. It consisted in a peculiar bird-like turn, a sort of liquid warble, produced by touching the tongue to the roof of the mouth at short intervals in the midst of the music—the reader probably remembers how to do it, if he has ever been a boy. Diligence and attention soon gave him the knack of it, and he strode down the street with his mouth full of harmony and his soul full of gratitude. He felt much as an astronomer feels who has discovered a new planet—no doubt, as far as strong, deep, unalloyed pleasure is concerned, the advantage was with the boy, not the astronomer.

Текст № 1.

The Internet was invented in the late 1960s by the US Defense Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency. In 1969, there was a network of just four mainframe computers. A mainframe computer is a large, powerful computer, shared by many users. The idea of the electronic mailbox was born when users looked for a way to talk to each other electronically. By 1984,the Internet had begun to develop into the form we know today. Electronic mail is much faster than traditional mail, because once the message is typed out, it arrives in the electronic mail box of the recipient within minutes. It's better to use e-mail to contact friends rather than phone them, because e-mail is cheaper for long distances than the phone. People can share their interests through the Internet and it makes it very easy to exchange ideas and information.

The fax machine is a very convenient aid to contact companies and friends because messages are transmitted immediately. Fax machines work like photocopiers. They make a copy of a document and then send it down a telephone line to another fax machine. In this  way they can send and receive information from each other. You can send any kind of thigs by fax, but it is more expensive than e-mail.

was invented – был изобретен

US Defense Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency – Агентство перспективных исследований Министерства обороны США

powerful – мощный, сильный

to exchange – обмениваться, меняться

the fax machine – факс

expensive – дорогой, дорогостоящий

Текст № 2.

Industry in Britain.

Britain is one of the most highly industrialized countries in the world: for every person employed in agriculture 12 are employed in industry. The original base of British industry was coal-mining, iron and steel and textiles. Today the most productive sectors include high-tech industries, chemicals, finance and the service sectors, especially banking, insurance and tourism.

Birmingham developed engineering, chemicals, electronics and car manufacture. Cambridge is famous for software engineering (making programs for computers) and bio-chemical and bio-genetic products. Cattle-farming is the speciality of the west of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Wheat and fruit are widely grown in the south-east of England. Near the east and north-east coast of England and Scotland there are vast reserves of oil and gas. The UK is a member of OPEC - the Oil Producers and Exporters Cartel.

industrialized – промышленно развитый

coal-mining – добыча угля

textiles – текстиль, ткань

insurance – страхование, страховка, страховой

cattle-farming – животноводство

the Oil Producers and Exporters Cartel – Картель производства и экспорта масляной промышленности.

Текст № 3.

London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic, and commercial centre. It is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe. Its population is about 8 million.

London is divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End, and the East End.

The heart of London is the City, its financial and business centre. Numerous banks, offices, and firms are situated there, including the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange, and the Old Bailey. Few people live here, but over a million people come to the City to work. There are some famous ancient buildings within the City. Perhaps the most striking of them is the St. Paul's Cathedral, the greatest of English churches. It was built in the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren. The Tower of London was founded by Julius Caesar and in 1066 rebuilt by William the Conqueror. It was used as a fortress, a royal palace, and a prison. Now it is a museum.

Westminster is the governmental part of London.

Nearly all English kings and queens have been crowned in Westminster Abbey. Many outstanding statesmen, scientists, writers, poets, and painters are buried here: Newton, Darwin, Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling, etc.

Across the road from Westminster Abbey is Westminster Palace, the seat of the British Parliament. The Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament is famous for its big bell, known as "Big Ben". Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen.

The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. It is the symbol of wealth and luxury. The best hotels, shops, restaurants, clubs, and theatres are situated there.

The Trafalgar Square is the geographical centre of London. It was named in memory of Admiral Nelson's victory in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The tall Nelson's Column stands in the middle of the square.

On the north side of the Trafalgar Square is the National Portrait Gallery. Not far away is the British Museum — the biggest museum in London. It contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures, etc, and is also famous for its library.

There are a lot of factories, workshops, and docks in the East End.

numerous — многочисленный ancient — древний, старинный striking — поразительный, замечательный to found — основывать fortress — крепость royal — королевский to crown — короновать outstanding — выдающийся statesman — государственный деятель to bury — хоронить tower — башня official residence — официальная резиденция

wealth — богатство luxury — роскошь in memory of— в память о to contain — содержать priceless — бесценный

Текст № 4.

London.

London is traditionally divided into several parts: the City, the Westminster, the East End and the West End.

The Westminster lies on the northern bank of the river Thames. The heart of it is the Westminster Palace, where the Houses of Parliament, Victoria Tower, as well as the clock tower with Big Ben are located. The Houses of Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. On the Parliament Square lies Westminster Abbey. It was built by Edward the Confessor and opened in 1065. In 1066, it saw its first coronation, that of William the Conqueror. Since then, nearly every king and queen has been crowned there. Besides, Westminster Abbey is also famous for its Poet's corner, where lots of English writers were buried. Among them are Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling and Thomas Hardy. Here are memorials to William Shakespeare, Walter Scott, Byron and some others.

Trafalgar Square is considered to be the geographical centre of London and one of the city's most vibrant places. At the middle of the square stands a tall column, a monument in honour to Lord Nelson. Nowadays a wide range of activities, including demonstrations, special events and celebrations like the Royal Wedding and St. Patrick's Day, are held there.

London's West End is famous for its great range of theatres, tourist attractions, shopping and entertainment centres. The most popular and famous of them are Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden and Madame Tussaud's. Let us consider all these sights in turn. Piccadilly Circus is a busy square in the heart of London, which is famous for its Shaftesbury memorial fountain built in commemoration of Lord Shaftesbury, a philanthropist known for his support of the poor. This fountain has a shape of Eros, the Greek god of love. Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum displays a great collection of replicas of famous people. Besides, the museum includes the Chamber of Horrors and a taxi ride for a journey through history. Covent Garden, which used to be a floral market in the past, is now the area of many open-air cafes, restaurants, pubs, shopping and leisure centres. It is also known for its street performers who entertain numerous of tourists and city-dwellers.

The East End is the part where most enterprises and factories are situated. Those Londoners who live in this part of the city are often called Cockneys.

The City of London is the financial and business centre of Great Britain.

Westminster Palace – Вестминстерский дворец Houses of Parliament – парламент Великобритании House of Commons – палата общин (нижняя палата британского парламента)

House of Lords – палата лордов (верхняя палата парламента) Victoria Tower – башня Виктории (главная башня здания парламента в Лондоне, в которой хранятся парламентские документы) Westminster Abbey – Вестминстерское аббатство (традиционное место коронации британских монархов и усыпальница королей, государственных деятелей и выдающихся людей) Edward the Confessor – Эдуард Исповедник William the Conqueror – Вильгельм Завоеватель Poets Corner – «уголок поэтов» (часть Вестминстерского аббатства, где похоронены выдающиеся поэты) Trafalgar Square – Трафальгар-Сквер, Трафальгарская площадь St. Patrick's Day – День святого Патрика (отмечается 17 марта) Piccadilly Circus – площадь Пикадилли (в центральной части Лондона со знаменитой статуей Эроса)

Covent Garden – Ковент-Гарден, Лондонский оперный театр

Cockney – 1) кокни (житель Лондона, уроженец Ист-Энда, представитель рабочих слоев населения);

2) кокни (жаргон лондонских кокни)

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum – музей восковых фигур Мадам Тюссо Shaftesbury Memorial – памятник Шафтсбери Chamber of Horrors – комната ужасов в Музее восковых фигур мадам Тюссо в Лондоне, в которой экспонируются фигуры известных преступников, сцены убийств

Текст №5.

Sightseeing in London.

London is one of the most interesting cities in Europe. You can start you sightseeing tour from the City where some famous ancient buildings are situated. Perhaps the most striking of them is St. Paul's Cathedral, the greatest of English churches. It is Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece. It stands at the top of Ludgate Hill on a site where a Christian church had stood since the 7th century. The construction of the Cathedral started in 1675 and was not finished until 1709. The magnificent classical structure is crowned by the dome. The dome is painted with scenes from the life of St. Paul. Here also is the famous Whispering Gallery. There are many memorials in the Cathedral including those to heroes such as Wellington and Nelson.

The Tower of London is also situated in the City. It has been closely associated with many important events in English history. It served as citadel, palace, prison, mint and menagerie. The White Tower was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror to protect the city. The Tower is famous for its illustrious prisoners, such as Sir Thomas More and Guy Fawkes. Many notable people lost their heads on the executioner's block. The Tower is guarded by the Yeoman Warders popularly known as Beefeaters.

Westminster is the historic and governmental centre of London. Until the 11th century it was a sacred place. King Edward the Confessor decided to build a great abbey church here. It was consecrated in 1065, but a week later the King died and was buried in the abbey. His tomb became a popular place of pilgrimage. It can still be found at the heart of the present Westminster Abbey. William the Conqueror was crowned in the Abbey and since then all the Coronations have taken place here. The Abbey contains many royal tombs, memorials to eminent men and women. But the most popular ones are those to writers, actors and musicians in Poet's corner.

Alongside the Abbey Edward the Confessor had a palace built. The Palace of Westminster was the royal residence and also the country's main court of law. Parliament met here from the 16th century until the 19th century. The present Houses of Parliament were built after the old palace was burnt down in 1834. The building contains the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two chambers where parliamentary business is debated. On the corner next to Westminster Bridge stands the Clock Tower, which houses the famous bell Big Ben. Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official London residence. Built in 1702-1705 for the Duke of Buckingham, it was sold in 1761 to George III. The Palace was little used by royalty until Victoria's accession to the throne in 1837. London's most popular spectacle is Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. It takes place in the forecourt and lasts about 30 minutes.

Going down Oxford Street you come to Trafalgar Square which is yet another symbol of London. This square received its name from Trafalgar, the cape off which Lord Nelson defeated a Franco-Spanish fleet in 1805. Admiral Nelson, cast in bronze, stands on top of a tall column in the middle of the square.

On the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Not far away is the British Museum — the biggest museum in London. It contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures etc., and is famous for its library.

Changing of the Guard – смена караула

the City – Сити, деловой центр Лондона

to be consecrated – быть освященным

to crown – короновать

defeat – одержать победу

dome – купол

Edward the Confessor – Эдвард Исповедник

fleet – флот

in memory of – в память о

medieval – средневековый

menagerie – зверинец

pilgrimage – паломничество

sacred – священный

splendid – великолепный

the Stock Exchange – Лондонская фондовая биржа

the Stuarts – Стюарты

Thomas More – Томас Мор (англ. писатель)

Tomb – могила

the Tudors – Тюдоры

Whispering Gallery – Галерея Шепота

William the Conqueror – Вильгельм Завоеватель

to win the right – получить право, добиться права

Yeoman Warder – стражник Тауэра

Текст № 6.

There are two large islands and several smaller ones, which lie in the north-west coast of Europe. Collectively they are known as the British Isles. The largest island is called Great Britain. The smaller one is called Ireland. Great Britain is separated from the continent by the English Channel. The country is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Great Britain is separated from Belgium and Holland by the North Sea, and from Ireland - by the Irish Sea.

In the British Isles there are two states. One of them governs of the most of the island of Ireland. This state is usually called the Republic of Ireland. The other state has authority over the rest of the territory. The official name of this country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. But it is usually known by a shorter name - "The United Kingdom". The total area of Great Britain is 244,000 square km.

They say that the British love of compromise is the result of the country's physical geography. This may or may not be true, but it certainly true that the land and climate in Great Britain have a notable lack of extremes. The mountains in the country are not very high. It doesn't usually get very cold in the winter or very not in the summer. It has no active volcanoes, and an earth tremors which does no more than rattle teacups in a few houses which is reported in the national news media. The insular geographical position of Great Britain promoted the development of shipbuilding, different training contacts with other countries.

British Isles – Британские острова

to govern – управлять

to rattle – болтать

insular – островной

earth tremors –землетрясение

to be separated – быть отдаленным

volcano – вулкан

Текст для контрольной работы № 2.

Three seconds before the arrival of J. B. Hobson's letter I no more thought of pursuing the unicorn than of attempting the passage of the North Sea. Three seconds after reading the letter of the honourable Secretary of Marine, I felt that my true vocation, the sole end of my life, was to chase this disturbing monster and purge it from the world.

But I had just returned from a fatiguing journey, weary and longing for repose. I aspired to nothing more than again seeing my country, my friends, my little lodging by the Jardin des Plantes, my dear and precious collections—but nothing could keep me back! I forgot all—fatigue, friends and collections—and accepted without hesitation the offer of the American Government.

“Besides,” thought I, “all roads lead back to Europe; and the unicorn may be amiable enough to hurry me towards the coast of France. This worthy animal may allow itself to be caught in the seas of Europe (for my particular benefit), and I will not bring back less than half a yard of his ivory halberd to the Museum of Natural History.” But in the meanwhile I must seek this narwhal in the North Pacific Ocean, which, to return to France, was taking the road to the antipodes.

“Conseil,” I called in an impatient voice.

Conseil was my servant, a true, devoted Flemish boy, who had accompanied me in all my travels. I liked him, and he returned the liking well. He was quiet by nature, regular from principle, zealous from habit, evincing little disturbance at the different surprises of life, very quick with his hands, and apt at any service required of him; and, despite his name, never giving advice—even when asked for it.