Английский язык. Практический курс. Уровень Intermediate. Практикум

3. Read the text.

Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia, its political, economic, commercial and cultural centre. It was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky in 1147.

Gradually the city became more and more powerful. In the XIIIth century, Moscow was the centre of the struggle of Russian lands for the liberation from the Tatar yoke. In the XVIth century under Ivan the Terrible Moscow became the capital of the new united state. Though Peter the Great moved the capital to St Petersburg in 1712, Moscow remained the heart of Russia. After Napoleon’s attack, Moscow had been completely restored by the middle of XIXth century. After the October revolution, Moscow became the capital again.

Now Moscow is one of the largest cities in Europe. Its total area is over 2500 square kilometres. The population of the city is over 12 million.

Engineering and metalworking are by far the most important industries. Other important activities include the manufacture of textiles, chemicals and derivative products; timber processing; construction; and printing and publishing. Moscow is the headquarters of state insurance and banking organizations.

Moscow is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The heart of Moscow is Red Square. The Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral are masterpieces of ancient Russian architecture. The main Kremlin tower, the Spasskaya Tower, has become the symbol of the country. On the territory of the Kremlin, you can see old cathedrals, the Bell Tower of Ivan the Great, the TzarCannon and the Tzar-Bell, the biggest cannon and bell in the world.

There are more than 100 museums in Moscow. The largest museums are the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the State Tretyakov Gallery. Other unique museums in Moscow include the All-Russia Museum of Folk Arts, the Andrei Rublev Museum of Early Russian Art and many others.

Theatre, music, and art are important in the city’s life. The State Academic Bolshoi Theatre, Maly Theatre, and Moscow Art Theatre are especially renowned. Of the many museums and galleries, the State Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the State Tretyakov Gallery are notable.

The Metro system is known for the elaborate architecture of its stations. Moscow’s rail network radiate its rail lines from the city in all directions to major cities. Moscow is also a major river port and is served by the Moscow Canal. Moscow is the centre of the country’s airline network; the Sheremetyevo airport, in the north, handles international flights.

After reading

4.Answer these questions.

1.Which cities were the capital of Russia?

2.How many people live in Moscow?

3.When was Moscow founded?

4.Who founded Moscow?

5.Which is the main square in Moscow?

6.What monuments does the Red Square have?

7.What famous museums are there in Moscow?

8.What famous theatres are there in Moscow?

9.What is Moscow metro famous for?

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10.What kinds of transport are well developed in Moscow?

5.Agree or disagree with the following statements and prove your point of view. Use the following phrases: I agree that... It’s true... I disagree because... I can’t agree with this statement because... It’s false...

1.Moscow was the only capital of Russia.

2.Textiles manufacturing and publishing are important industries in Moscow.

3.There is no museums on the Red Square.

4.Moscow have many unique museums.

5.Transport industry is poor developed in Moscow.

6.Fill in the gap.

1.… of different historical periods are presented in Moscow’s museums.

2.Moscow’s total … is over 2500 square kilometres.

3.St Basil’s Cathedral is an … monument of Russian architecture.

4.Moscow is one of the … cities of Russia.

5.Capital of Russia has been … to St Petersburg by Peter the Great.

6.The biggest bank and companies have their … in Moscow.

7.Government has recently published an … plan of city’s development.

8.Total … of Russia is 146 mln people.

9.One of the important industries of this city is chemicals … .

10.Galleries are devoted to store the most precious examples of … .

7.Translate these phrases from Russian into English.

1.Москва является крупнейшим городом России, и её столицей.

2.Город расположен на Москве-реке и был основан более 800 лет тому назад.

3.На сегодняшний день, Москва является одним из красивейших городов в мире.

4.Она вмещает много привлекательных парков и площадей, великих памятников архитектуры и многочисленные достопримечательности.

5.Особое внимание всегда устремлено на центр города, так как там расположены самые знаменитые достопримечательности.

6.Среди них, выдающиеся Кремль и Красная площадь, Большой и Малый театры, Храм Василия Блаженного, Исторический музей, Оружейная палата и многие другие.

7.В Москве находится много прославленных театров и галерей.

8.Московское метро известно на весь мир своей продуманной архитектурой

станций.

9.Москва выступает центром железнодорожного и воздушного сообщения с другими странами.

10.Вблизи Москве находятся крупные аэропорты – Шереметьево, Внуково, Домодедово, Жуковский.

8.Prepare a retelling of the text «Moscow».

Speaking

9. Read and translate this dialog.

Moscow

J a m e s : Have you ever been to Moscow?

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B i l l : Yes, I have. It goes without saying, I was greatly impressed by the city. But still I am very fond of St. Petersburg. I was there some time ago. I believe it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

J a m e s : What is it famous for?

B i l l : Well, of course, it's famous for its museums. In fact, it is a museum in itself, which is situated on the banks of the Neva river. I was impressed by lots of bridges. They say there are more than 350 bridges in St. Petersburg.

J a m e s : What monuments there attract tourists?

B i l l : First of all, the monument of Peter the First – the Bronze Horseman is widely known. It is the monument to the founder of the city.

J a m e s : And when was the city founded? B i l l : In 1703, by Peter the Great.

J a m e s : What other places of interest are worth visiting?

B i l l : Well, first comes the Winter Palace, Palace Square, then there are Peter-and-Paul Fortress, the Rostral Columns, Saint Isaac's Cathedral and many others.

10. In pairs, create your own dialog about visiting Moscow or any other Russian city and present it to your groupmates.

Writing

11. What city do you live in? What sights does it have? Do you advise people to visit your native town? Answer these questions in a short essay (200-250 words).

Unit 12. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Before reading

1.In pairs, discuss these questions.

1.What parts does the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland consist of?

2.What are its main cities?

3.What famous places in the United Kingdom do you know?

2.Pay attention to these words and word combinations.

3. Read the text.

London

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

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Traditionally it 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. Perhaps the most striking building within the City is St Paul’s Cathedral, the greatest of British 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 historic, the governmental part of London. Westminster Abbey has more historic associations than any other building in Britain. Nearly all English kings and queens have been crowned here. Many outstanding statesmen, scientists, writers, poets and painters are buried here: Newton, Darwin, Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling.

Across the road from Westminster Abbey is Westminster Palace, or the Houses of Parliament, the seat of the British Parliament. The Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament is famous for its big hour 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.

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 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, and is famous for its library.

The East End was once the poorest district of London – with lots of factories and docks, narrow streets and unimpressive buildings. Today, the district is changing very fast. There are huge offices and new blocks of flats in the East End.

After reading

4.Answer these questions.

1.What is the population of London?

2.Traditionally London is divided into several parts. Can you name them?

3.What do you know about the City?

4.Who founded the Tower of London? When was it rebuilt?

5.What is Westminster Abbey famous for?

6.Where does the British Parliament sit?

7.What is Big Ben?

8.Why was Trafalgar Square named so?

9.Why does Buckingham Palace attract so many tourists?

10.What are the most famous London museums and art galleries?

5.Agree or disagree with the following statements and prove your point of view. Use the following phrases: I agree that... It’s true... I disagree because... I can’t agree with this statement because... It’s false...

1.London is the capital of the United Kingdom.

2. Westminster is London’s financial and business centre.

3.The Houses of Parliament is near Westminster Abbey.

4.The National Gallery has the biggest collection of manuscripts, pictures and sculptures.

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5.The East End of London is its industrial part.

6.Fill in the gap.

1.Bank of England is one of the British … institutions.

2.… galleries and museums are situated on the north side of Trafalgar Square.

3.Issac Newton was an … scientist.

4.Many famous British were … in Westinster Abbey.

5.British Museum … priceless collection of ancient manuscripts.

6.One of the popular places for … people is the West End.

7.The City is a … centre of London.

8.The most … monument on Trafalgar Square is The Nelson's Column.

9.All … work in Westminster, the governmental part of London.

10.The East End was rebuilt and it is no more … district.

7.Translate these phrases from Russian into English.

1.Сити – финансовый и деловой центр Лондона.

2.Лондонский Тауэр прежде использовался как крепость, но теперь это музей.

3.В Вестминстерском аббатстве короновались многие короли Англии.

4.Официальная резиденция Королевы – Букингемский Дворец.

5.Часовая башня Парламента называется «Биг Бэн».

6.В центре Лондона находится Трафальгарская площадь и Колонна Адмиралу Нельсону.

7.Национальная портретная галерея находится к северу от Трафальгарской площади.

8.Ист-Энд – промышленный район с фабриками и доками.

9.Сегодня район изменился и многочисленные жилые дома находятся в нём.

10.Вест-Энд – самая богатая и красивая часть Лондона.

8.Prepare a retelling of the text «London».

Speaking

9. Read and translate this dialog.

Driving through the City

B i l l : I`m going to drive you through the centre of London today. This is a good opportunity to show you the sights of our capital.

P a t : It is really very nice of you!

B i l l : After driving through the centre of London commercial life I`ll bring you to Trafalgar Square.

P a t : Fine!

B i l l : Look over there. That`s the building of the Royal Exchange. P a t : Is this old building still used as the Royal Exchange?

B i l l : No, it isn`t. There is a modern Royal Exchange in London at present. It was built recently.

P a t : What is this large building on the right?

B i l l : This is the Bank of England. This bank is over 270 years already. And on the left you can see the Mansion House. It is the residence of our Lord Mayor.

P a t : What is that interesting building over there?

B i l l : That is the St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is one of the finest samples of European architecture. P a t : This is a very big cathedral! How long did it take to erect it?

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B i l l : Thirty-five years.

P a t : I see Trafalgar Square!

B i l l : We will stop here and walk a little.

P a t : I couldn`t imagine that Trafalgar Square is so big.

B i l l : The citizens of London often arrange their meeting in this square. And on the left you can see the National Gallery. This gallery displays pictures of many famous artists.

P a t : I always wanted to visit this famous gallery. B i l l : Now you have a chance to do it.

10. In pairs, create your own dialog and present it to your groupmates.

Writing

11. Choose one of the parts of the United Kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland or Overseas Territories – and, having found additional information on topic, prepare and present your report about it. Include information on geography, history and culture of this place.

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Module V. Mass-media

Unit 13. TV. Radio. Press. Internet

Before reading

1.In pairs, discuss these questions.

1.What is your best source of information?

2.What source of information do you consider as the least trustworthy one?

3.How do you distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information?

2.Pay attention to these words and word combinations.

3. Read the text.

British mass-media

Media of the United Kingdom consist of several different types of communications media: television, radio, newspapers, magazines, websites.

Britain’s first newspapers appeared over 300 years ago. Nowadays there are approximately

130 daily and Sunday papers, 1400 weekly papers and over 6500 periodical publications.

There are four «quality dailies», «The Times», «The Guardian», «The Financial Times» and «The Daily Telegraph», which contain a great variety of national and international news, reviews of the arts, features about fashion and sport, and business news. Then there are papers with a very high circulation such as «the Daily Mirror» and «the Sun» which belong to «popular papers» and deal with scandals. The Sunday newspapers, such as «The Observer» and «the Sunday Times» usually publish articles with comment and general information rather than news. The British weekly political and literary journals such as «The Economist», «The New Statesman» and «Spectators» have large nationwide circulation.

In Britain, radio and television broadcasting is provided by the state-owned British Broadcasting Corporation. Its radio and television broadcasts include news, sport, educational, cultural and entertainment programmes. The BBC´s five radio programmes have their specializations. BBC Radio 1 provides with non-stop pop music; BBC Radio 2 airs entertainment programmes; BBC Radio 3 is devoted to specific topics as classical music, art programmes; BBC Radio 4 presents news and comment, discussion programmes; BBC Radio 5 covers sport events.

In addition, there are also commercial radio (Classic FM, Virgin Radio UK, Talk Radio UK) and a number of independent local radio stations, which provide local news, information, music and other entertainment.

As for TV companies, the biggest British television companies are BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky UK. They broadcast a number of channels, providing a wide range of programmes for their viewers: from news and sports to education and entertainment.

After reading

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4.Answer these questions.

1.How many mass-media are there in Britain?

2.When did British first newspapers appear?

3.What are quality newspapers?

4.What categories do the national press fall into?

5.What newspapers give much attention to articles with comments?

6.How many national radio stations are operated by the BBC?

7.Suppose you lived in Britain, which of the BBC national radio stations would you choose (would never listen to)?

8.Is there only state-owned radio broadcasting in Britain?

9.What kind of radio stations carries news and information for specific community?

10.How many independent broadcasters are there in Britain?

5.Agree or disagree with the following statements and prove your point of view. Use the following phrases: I agree that... It’s true... I disagree because... I can’t agree with this statement because... It’s false...

1.«The Daily Mirror» is one the popular business dailies.

2.Local papers have no large nationwide circulation.

3.There are six British state-owned radio stations.

4.Classic FM provides non-stop pop music and entertainment.

5.There are 5 independent British television companies.

6.Fill in the gap by choosing a suitable word from the text above.

1. In an attempt to increase … the editor decided to print more «human interest» stories.

2.In our … we try to provide our readers with comments on the most significant news of

the week.

3.We interrupt this programme to bring you an important … flash.

4.We live in a mountainous region so without cable … we would not receive any broadcasts of a reasonable quality.

5.Every morning I usually buy … paper on my way to work.

6.This magazine is … solely to sport and sport activities.

7.BBC Radio 1 … dance music, jungle and rap at weekends.

8.State-owned television channels … to British government.

9.… can easily find a TV-schedule in some weekly papers.

10.Today some sports channels … sport events on their websites.

7. Translate these phrases from Russian into English.

1. Газета «Таймс» выходит ежедневно с большим тиражом.

2. Популярные журналы, посвященные определённым темам, обычно выходят еженедельно.

3. Воскресные газеты содержат статьи с комментариями об основных событиях недели.

4. Британская вещательная корпорация – главный теле- и радиовещатель в Британии.

5.Передачи Talk Radio UK охватывают определённые темы, интересные его радиослушателям.

6.Телеканал BBC Four содержит большое количество образовательных программ.

7.Детские программы регулярно транслируются по этому радио.

8.Молодые телезрители предпочитают смотреть развлекательные передачи.

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9. Последние спортивные события в нашем городе транслируются на местном

радио.

10. Новостные передачи могут быть интересны не столько детям, сколько взрослым.

8.Try to match the following parts without looking back into the text.

1)BBC Radio 1 a) a speech-based channel with a rather unusual schedule; features a

number of news and many-year-running programmes on sport events.

2) BBC Radio 2 b) the station that is now specializing in various entertainment for its audience.

3) BBC Radio 3 c) a speech-based channel, recently introduced and very popular; available 24 hours a day; offers live sport and news stories, discussion shows and phone-ins; its fast pace attracts young audience mostly.

4) BBC Radio 4 d) the best-loved station in the United Kingdom, that airs non-stop pop music.

5) BBC Radio 5 e) specializes in classical music, arts and cultural programmes and has small but very loyal audience.

9. Choose one of the parts of the text «British mass-media» – press, radio, TV – and, having found additional information on topic, prepare and present your report about it.

Speaking

10. Read and translate this dialog.

New television set

J o h n : Hey Robert, I like this new flat screen TV you bought. It is nice.

R o b e r t : Thanks. I just got it. Hand me the clicker and I will show you how nice the picture is.

J o h n : I’ll turn it on. Wow! It is a nice picture. What do you want to watch? We can watch the local news or a sitcom.

R o b e r t : The news is boring. I can’t stand that new anchor they have on Channel 4. She looks like a squirrel.

J o h n : OK. Let’s watch one of the talk shows that come on after prime time. Some of those guys are really funny. There’s one called «Late night» with Conan O’Brien that gets good ratings.

R o b e r t : I would say yes, but those shows can be a little crazy sometimes. My little sister may walk in at any time. Put on something more family friendly. Maybe a sitcom about a family or something.

J o h n : OK, but that seems like a waste of a perfectly new TV. I hate sitcoms. I’d rather watch an infomercial about a new vacuum cleaner.

R o b e r t : Ha. You are funny. My dad just bought a premium channel package so we get movies now. Try one of those stations. Just no R rated movies.

J o h n : Ok. I’ll find something good. I love HBO and those kinds of channels. You never get any boring reruns of dumb shows.

R o b e r t : Since you are the guest I will let you decide on a movie. J o h n : Thanks pal.

11. In pairs, create your own dialog on topic and present it to your groupmates.

Writing

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12. Choose one of British channels or radio stations, study its history, examine its TV guide or schedule and present its summary in 200-250 words.

Before reading

1.In pairs, discuss these questions.

1.How would you define the Internet?

2.How long have you been using the Internet?

3.What can you do with the Internet?

2.Pay attention to these words and word combinations.

3. Read the text.

Internet in our daily life

It is hard to say exactly how old the Internet is. The research shows that the Internet was begun in 1960s. It is also hard to say who created the Internet. The initial research was carried out by Advanced Research Projects Agency in the USA. Since 1990s, the Internet has become a part of our daily lives.

The Internet can now be accessed almost anywhere by numerous devices. The Internet changed our life enormously. Many advantages of the Internet show the importance of this medium.

People use the Internet to get information about all kinds topics. Many people use the World Wide Web to access news, weather and sports reports, to plan and book vacations and to find out more about their interests. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it in a short time.

Instant messaging allow users to stay in touch in a very convenient way during the day. Messages can be exchanged more quickly than via e-mail. Social networking websites such as Facebook and Vkontakte have created a new form of socialization and interaction. Users of these sites are able to add a wide variety of information to their personal pages, to pursue common interests, and to chat with other users.

The Internet has also subsequently revolutionized education. As the Internet is an ocean of information, everyone can find information or use encyclopaedias of different subjects. Another positive effect of Internet in education is the online learning. You can take up short-term courses with the course material available online, learn and take exams.

Companies present their products and services on the Internet and it plays an essential part in their business. Companies all over the world are online. You can be in touch with their representatives, to share your experience and your point of view.

After reading

4.Answer these questions.

1.When did the Internet become a popular medium?

2.How can you gain access to the Internet?

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