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7.Британия – это высокоразвитое промышленное государство, экспортирующее свою продукцию во многие страны мира.

8.Исполнительная власть страны принадлежит Парламенту.

Ex.10 Make up a consise survey of GB, considering the following points:

a)the official name of GB;

b)its geographical position;

c)rivers and lakes;

d)climate and landscape;

e)main cities;

f)agriculture and economy;

g)political system;

h)main nationalities.

Ex.11 Make up a topic.

London

London is the capital of the UK (the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), or Great Britain, as we usually call this country. It is an economical, political and cultural centre of Great Britain, one of the largest cities in the world and one of the world’s important ports, with the population of over 11 million people.

London is situated on the both banks of the river Thames. It was founded in the first century B.C. by the Romans (though the Celts lived there before). They left London in the 5th century and the city was largely abandoned. By the 8th century London was again a busy trading centre, and in the 11th century it became the capital of England.

Medieval London grew in importance as a trading centre and in 1215 its citizens won the right to elect their own leader, or Lord of Mayor.

The Great Fire of 1666 destroyed three-quarters of the city. Sir Cristopher

Wren rebuilt St.Paul’s Cathedral and designed 51 churches. The old wooden houses were replaced by buildings of brick to reduce the future fire risk. During the 19th century London spread rapidly into the suburbs. As a result of it new forms of transport were developed, including railway system. Britain was then at height of its Imperial Powers. London Underground is the oldest and longest in Europe. It has more than 500 stations. The first line was opened in 1870. It had the shape of a tube, and it got the name of the Tube. Londoners often call the old lines the Tube, and the new lines – the Underground. Actually, only some of them go under ground; the lines connecting London with its suburbs usually go over ground.

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Today in its full extent Greater London covers 625 square miles. Traditionally, it is divided into three main parts: the City of London, the West End and the East End.

The City is the oldest part of London. It extends over an area of about 2,6 square km in the heart of London. It is the financial centre of the UK with many banks, offices and the Royal Stock Exchange and the Bank of England, which is over 250 years old.

All the historical places and the most famous parks are in the West End. It is known for its expensive shops, luxurious hotels, restaurants, theatres and cinemas. In the West End there are the Houses of Parliament (Westminster Palace) with the famous Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace (the residence of the Queen), Trafalgar Square, the central square, the Tower of London and other interesting places. In the West End there are a lot of museums and galleries, among them are the State Gallery, the National Gallery, the British Museum. The best known streets are: Whitehall with important Government offices, Downing street, and Oxford street, which is the most famous shopping street.

The name “West End” is associated with wealth, luxury and the history of

England.

The East End is an industrial district of London. The port of London is situated there. It is the district of working people. The East End is very important in the country’s commercial life.

Ex.1 Insert prepositions:

1.London is situated … both banks of the river Thames.

2.… the 8th century London was again a busy trading centre.

3.Medieval London grew … importance as a trading centre.

4.The old wooden houses were replaced … building … brick.

5.… the 19th century London spread rapidly … the suburbs.

6.Britain was then … height of her Imperial Powers.

7.Actually, only some of the underground lines go … ground; the lines connecting London … its suburbs usually go … ground.

8.Today … its full extent Greater London covers 625 square miles.

9.Traditionally, it is divided … three parts.

10.The West End is known … its expensive shops, luxurious hotels, restaurants, theatres and cinemas.

11.The West End hosts museums and galleries, … them are the State Gallery, the National Gallery,and the British Museum.

Ex.2 Find the equivalents in the text: