Belarus, Agriculture of Belarus

1. Study the words.

anthem – гимн

meadow – луг

plain – равнина

flax – лен

independent – независимый

picturesque – живописный

sovereign – суверенный

border on – граничить с

participate – принимать участие

2. Choose the correct definitions of the given words.

1. Anthem

a) an economic activity concerned with the processing of raw materials and manufacture of goods at factories

b) a solemn patriotic song officially adopted by a country as an expression of national identity

c) the science or occupation of cultivating land and rearing crops and livestock

2. Picturesque

a) attractive and interesting

b) ugly and dangerous

c) boring and slow

3. Sovereign

a) acting or done independently and without outside interference

b) visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way

c) not decorated or elaborate; simple or basic in character

4. To border on

a) to place or spread something over so as to protect or conceal

b) to be adjacent to another country or area

c) to make or manufacture from components or raw materials

5. To participate

a) to take part, be or become actively involved

b) to deal with somebody

c) to overcome a problem

3. Translate the sentences containing the words of your active vocabulary.

1. The Republic of Belarus borders on five countries.

2. There are no mountains in the country, it’s a broad plain.

3. Every independent state has its anthem.

4. The largest forests in Belarus are called pushchas.

5. The climate of the country is rather favourable for agriculture.

6. The national crops of our republic are potato, flax and sugar-beet.

4. Read the text and do the exercises that follow it. The Republic of Belarus

The Republic of Belarus is the official name of a sovereign independent state with its own government, constitution, state emblem, flag and anthem. It is situated in the eastern part of Europe. The republic borders on Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Russia and Poland.

Belarus is a land of vast plains and picturesque hills, thick forests and green meadows, deep blue lakes and flowing rivers. Broad plains and marshy lowlands occupy a lot of the territory. They are called Belarusian Polesye. The Dnieper, Pripyat, Berezina, Sozh, Western Dvina, Neman are the biggest rivers. The largest lake in Belarus is Lake Naroch. It is a very popular recreation area in our country.

Belarus has a moderately continental climate with a comparatively mild winter and warm summer.

Belarus is a developed industrial state. The main industries are engineering, chemical industry, wood-making industry, light and food industries. The major industrial centers in Belarus are Minsk, Gomel, Vitebsk, Mogilev, Soligorsk, Zhodino, Brest. Belarusian goods are exported to many countries and are known all over the world.

Agriculture of Belarus specializes in milk and meat production, flax, vegetables (especially potatoes) and fruit (especially apples).

The Republic of Belarus has well-developed science and education system. The National Academy of Sciences founded in 1929 is one of the largest centers of science in the country. Its research institutes work on various important problems in such fields as mathematics, optics, genetics, biology, etc. The demand for higher education remains high. State institutions are the centers for both education and scientific research. Nowadays in Belarus there are a lot of universities, academies and institutes which provide training in various spheres of science and humanities.

At present Belarus actively participates in an effective international partnership with the governments of different states and international organizations.