Иностранный язык. Развитие английской разговорной речи. Учебное пособие
.pdfMany Englishmen help their wives at home in many ways. They clean the windows on Saturday afternoon; they often wash up the dishes after supper in the evening.
Sunday is a very quiet day in London. All the shops are closed, and so are the theatres and most of the cinemas.
Londoners like to get out of town on Sundays. The sea is not far — only fifty or sixty miles away and people like to go down to the sea in summer or somewhere to the country for skiing in winter.
9. Read and translate the text.
ELECTION IN BRITAIN
Britain is divided into 650 political areas known as constituencies, or seats. Each constituency is represented in the House of Commons by an MP (Member of Parliament elected by the people in the constituency). At a General Election, the people of Britain who are aged over 18 vote to choose who will serve in the House of Commons and which party will form the government.
The main political parties choose a candidate to fight for a seat in each constituency. So, in each constituency people usually have four or five candidates to choose from, each representing a different political party. People vote by putting a cross by the name of one of the constituency is the one who gains the most votes within that constituency.
When voting is completed, the political party that has won the most seats is asked to form a government, and that party’s leader becomes Prime Minister, which means that they hold more seats than all the other parties together, and so cannot easily be defeated in votes in the House of Commons.
Sometimes there is a minority government in which one party has more seats than any other party and can form a government, but does not have more seats than all the other parties together, so can easily be defeated in votes in the House of Commons. The situation is also called a hung parliament. In this situation, the ruling party may join may join with another party to form a coalition so that it can pass laws in the House of Commons. The longest time that the parliament can run is five years but the Prime Minister has the power to call an election at any point within this period, usually depending on the government’s opinion of whether they a good chance of being re-elected.
The term “government” usually refers to the most powerful politicians, namely the Prime Minister and the other members of the cabinet. There are about 20 people in the cabinet (though are no rules about it). Most of them are the heads of the gov-
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ernment departments. Partly as a result of the electoral system, Britain, unlike much of western Europe, normally has “single party government”. In other words, all members of the government belong to the same political party. Therefore, the leading politicians in the government party usually become members of the cabinet, where they are tied to the government policy of collective responsibility.
Traditionally, British politicians have regarded coalition government (which several parties involved) as a bad idea. Since the formation of modern political parties in the nineteenth century, Britain has had a total of only twenty-one years of coalition government.
10. Read and discuss the text.
ENGLISH HOUSES
The climate of a country is one of the factors that influence the style of its architecture. It can be best illustrated by British residential buildings. The weather in England is often cloudy and there are few sunny days in the winter season, therefore, as a rule, the windows in an English house are of a large size to catch as much light and sunshine as possible. In the houses built in the past century the windows, besides being large, opened upwards, which is very convenient on windy days.
Since there is much rain in England, typical British houses have high, steep roofs where rain water and melting snow can easily flow down.
Most of the houses have a fireplace which forms the most characteristic feature of an English home and is seldom seen in other European countries.
The plan of an English house also differs from that of the houses where we live. English architects plan some apartments vertically instead of planning them horizontally, so that an English family having a separate apartment lives on two or sometimes three floors with rooms connected with a narrow staircase. There are usually three rooms in each apartment besides a kitchen and a bathroom: a living room, a bedroom and a dinning room.
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ТЕМА 14. THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Практические вопросы:
1.США.
2.Американские города.
3.Американские символы.
Задания для отработки практических навыков
1. Read and translate the text.
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The United States of America is the 4th largest country in the world after Russia, Canada and China. The country consists of 3 parts: the continental part is in the center of the North American continent. The outlying territories are Hawaii and Alaska. The total area of the United States is over 9 mln sq. km. The country borders on Canada in the north and on Mexico in the south. It also has a sea-border with Russia.
The country is washed by 3 oceans: The Arctic, the Atlantic and the Pacific. The country has many lakes, including the Great Lakes and many rivers, the longest of which are the Mississippi, the Missouri, the Columbia and others. The highest mountains are the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachian, the Cordillera and the Sierra Nevada. The highest peak, Mount McKinley, is in Alaska.
The climate conditions are rather various. The country is rich in natural and mineral resources: oil, gas, iron ore, coal and various metals.
The USA is a highly developed industrial and agricultural country. The main industrial branches are aircraft, rocket, automobile, electronics, radio engineering and others.
Americans are made up from nearly all races and nations. The country population is over 250 mln. The official language of the state is English. The national symbol of the USA is the national flag «Stars and Stripes», having 50 white stars and 13 white and red stripes on its field, symbolizing the number of the original and present day states.
Officially the country comprises 50 states and 1 District of Columbia. The states differ in size, population and economic development. Each state has its own capital. The capital of the USA is Washington. It is situated in the District of Co-
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lumbia on the banks of the Potomac River and is named after the 1st US President — George Washington. There are many large cities in the country: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, San Francisco, Boston and some others.
The United States of America is a federal state, headed by the President. According to the US Constitution the powers of the Government are divided into 3 branches: legislative, executive and judicial.
The legislative power belongs to the Congress consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate represents the states while the House of Representatives — population. The executive power belongs to the President and his Administration (Vice-President and Cabinet of Ministers). The judicial power belongs to the Supreme Court and the system of federal courts.
There are several political parties in the USA. The largest of them are the Republican (symbolized by a donkey) and the Democratic (symbolized by an elephant).
Nowadays the USA is one of the leading powers of the world due to its economic, political and military influence.
2. Read and translate the following sentences and say whether they are right or wrong:
1.The USA is the largest English speaking country. (Yes, it's right.)
2.It occupies the whole North American continent. (No, it's wrong.)
3.The country borders on Russia, Canada and Mexico.
4.The US territory is over 9 mln. sq. km.
5.There are many lakes and rivers on the territory of the country.
6.The country climate is rather different.
7.The US is one of the highly developed industrial powers of the world.
8.There are 2 official languages in the country — English and French.
9.The national symbol of the USA is the donkey.
10.The capital of the USA is New York.
11.The head of the state is the President.
12.The legislative branch of the US Government is the Congress consisting of 2 chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
3. Translate into English:
1)крупнейшая англоязычная страна;
2)иметь морские границы;
3)занимать центральную часть континента;
4)омываться тремя океанами;
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5)страна рек и озер;
6)различные климатические условия;
7)богата различными минеральными ресурсами;
8)высокоразвитая промышленная держава;
9)разные расы и нации;
10)официальный язык государства;
11)звездно-полосатый флаг;
12)назвать в честь первого президента страны;
13)исполнительная / законодательная / судебная класть;
14)Сенат / палата представителей;
15)система федеральных судов;
16)вице-президент / кабинет министров;
17)ведущая держава.
4.Learn the following words by heart: moderate — умеренный
depressions — зд. циклоны throughout — на всем протяжении
average annual precipitation — среднегодовое количество осадков in terms of — говоря (о чем-либо)
GNP (Gross National Product) — валовой национальный продукт outlying areas — внешние территории
aircraft — воздушное судно
Appalachian — Аппалачи
Great Lakes — Великие озера
Rocky Mountains — Скалистые горы donkey — осел
Sierra Nevada — Сьерра-Невада Cordillera — Кордильеры elephant — слон
District of Columbia — округ Колумбия
5.Translate the following questions into English and answer them:
1.США — одна из крупнейших стран мира, не так ли?
2.Где расположена эта страна?
3.С кем граничат США?
4.Какова территория США?
5.Какими океанами омывается США?
6.Назовите столицу США. Где она расположена? В честь кого она названа?
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7.В США много рек и озер? Какие из них вы знаете?
8.Являются ли США высокоразвитой промышленной державой?
9.Какие отрасли промышленности США основные?
10.Население США больше, чем население России?
11.Какие крупные города есть в США?
12.Сколько штатов в США?
13.Кому принадлежит исполнительная, законодательная, судебная власть
вСША?
14.Кто является главой государства?
6. Give a summary of the text.
WASHINGTON
Washington, the capital of the United States is situated on the Potomac River in the District of Columbia. The district is a piece of land, which does not belong to any one state but to all the States. The district is named in honour of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America. It 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 many towns with the same name all 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 a new city. The population of the city is nearly one million people. It is not a very large city, but it is very important as the capital of the USA. There is a 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 a 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 a two storey white building. Not far from the Capitol is the Washington monument, which looks like a very big pencil. It raises 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.
The Jefferson Memorial was built in memory of the third President of the USA Thomas Jefferson, who was also the author of the Declaration of Independence. The Memorial is surrounded by cherry trees.
The Lincoln Memorial is devoted to the memory of the sixteenth President of the USA, the author of the Emancipation Proclamation, which gave freedom to Negro slaves in America.
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7.Answer the questions:
1.When was Washington D.C. founded?
2.Where is Washington situated?
3.What state does District of Columbia belong to?
4.What are the most important places of interest in Washington?
5.What is the shape of the Washington memorial?
6.What is the design of Lincoln memorial?
7.What is the population of Washington?
8.Are there any specific laws about the height of the buildings in Washington D.C?
8. Read and translate the dialogue.
WASHINGTON D.C.
—Well, Donald, could you do me a favour?
—Yes, what is it, Ronald?
—I know you have been living in Washington for about five years. You must know it very well. Could you tell me something about the capital of the USA?
—With great pleasure, Ronald. George Washington, the first President of the USA, after whom the city was named, selected the area for the capital. A hundred square miles were taken from the states of Maryland and Virginia. It was called the District of Columbia (D.C.).
—Is the city well planned?
— Yes, it is. The city is divided into four sections: NW (north-west), NE (north-east), SW (south-west) and SE (south-east). Numbered streets run north and south: First Street, Second Street... Lettered streets such as A-street, B-street run east and west.
—I'll try to remember it.
—Bear it in mind that every section has an independent street division. If you are looking for Third Street, you should know in what section of the city it is.
—What's the heart of Washington?
—The Capitol is. All the tourists begin sightseeing from the Capitol and see the Senate Chamber, the Representative Hall, and the Statuary Hall and so on.
—Are there any monuments in the city?
—Of course. The Washington Monument which is 555 feet tail is called «Pencil» because of its shape. It is three blocks south of the White House. There is an elevator which will carry you to 500 foot level observation windows. You should also see the Lincoln memorial which is west of the Washington-monument and the Jefferson memorial which is south of the Washington monument near the Potomac River.
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—I'll follow your advice. I hear the Library of Congress is worth seeing.
—That's right. It contains millions of books and manuscripts. Are you interested in churches and cathedrals?
—Yes, I am.
—You should see the Washington Cathedral in Massachusetts Avenue, the Arlington National Cemetery which is outside the city limits. John F. Kennedy was buried there. The famous Tomb of the Unknowns is worth seeing too.
9.Read the text.
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 a sum of twenty-four dollars. Today Manhattan is the centre of business and commercial life of the country. There are many 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 majorities work here. Numerous bridges link Manhattan Island with the other parts of New York.
New York is inhabited by people of almost all nationalities. It is even called “Modern Babylon”. At the turn of the 20-th century a lot of people came to the USA from different countries of the world. They entered the USA through New York — the Gateway of America.
New York is one of the leading manufacturing cities in the world. The most important branches of industry are those, producing paper products, vehicles, glass, chemicals, and machinery. The city traffic is very busy.
10. Read and translate the dialogue.
SIGHTSEEING
—I say, Mike, what are your plans for today?
—Nothing special. Why?
—I want you to show me round. You have been living in New York for almost eight years, so you know better what is worth seeing.
—All right. You'll come for a ride with me and I'll show you some of the sights.
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—It will be very kind of you.
—So we can start from Washington Square and go along Fifth Avenue We shall pass Greenwich Village and Union Square.
—The only thing I know is that Fifth Avenue is the place where very rich peo-
ple live.
—That's right. Do you know what Times Square is famous for?
—No idea.
—It's famous for its theaters and movies. If you are interested in skyscrapers you should pay attention to the Empire State Building though it is not the tallest building any longer.
—There must be your famous Central Park nearby.
—Yes, it is a pleasure ground and besides there are a number of museums
there.
—We'll go to the museums tomorrow. Agreed?
—Sure. Now I want you to see Park Avenue which is a fashionable residential section of the city. It's on the opposite side of Central Park from Broadway.
—I hear the Frick Museum and the famous Metropolitan Museum arc there.
—That's right. Do you want to watch a game of baseball?
—Yes, I do.
—In that case I'll take you to the Stadium. Tomorrow I'll show you some other sights: Rockefeller Center Radio City, George Washington Bridge and Bronx Zoological Gardens.
—I am looking forward to visiting those places.
11.Answer the following questions:
1.When was New York founded?
2.What was the price of Manhattan Island in 1626?
3.What is Manhattan today?
4.Do many people live in Manhattan?
5.What is Broadway famous for?
6.What are the most important branches of industry in New York?
12.Translate into English and learn the following words by heart:
Умеренный; циклоны; средний; на всем протяжении; среднегодовое ко-
личество осадков; говоря (о чем-либо); валовой национальный продукт; внешние территории; воздушное судно; Аппалачи; Великие озера; Скалистые горы; осел; Сьерра-Невада; Кордильеры; климатические условия; слон; округ Колумбия.
13. Make up a monologue about American cities.
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14. Retell one of the texts.
AMERICAN SYMBOLS
The American flag is of ten called “The Stars and Stripes”, it is also called “Old Glory”. It represents the growth of the nation. It has 13 horizontal stripes, 7 red and 6 white which stand for the original 13 states. In the top left hand corner there are 50 white stars on a blue background: one star for each state. The national anthem of the United States is “The Star Spangled Banner”. The words written during the Anglo-American war of 1812–1814 and set to the music of an old song. Every state has its own flag, its own emblem and its own anthem too.
The eagle became the national emblem of the country in 1782. It has an olive branch (a symbol of peace) and arrows (a symbol of strength). You can see the eagle on the back of a dollar bill.
The Statue of Liberty is the symbol of American democracy. It stands on Liberty Island in New York. It is one of the first things people see when they arrive in New York by sea. This National Monument was a present from France to the USA. France gave the statue to America in 1884 as a symbol of friendship. Liberty carries the torch of freedom — in her right hand. In her left hand she is holding a tablet with the inscription “July 4, 1776” — American Independence Day.
THE STARS AND STRIPES
The history of Old Glory goes back to early colonial days. The first banner used in the colonies was, of course, the Standard English flag, consisting of a red cross on a white field. The flags of the separate colonies followed the same lines except that occasionally a pine tree, or a hemisphere, was figured in the upper left quarter of the cross.
The beginning of the Revolution brought a flood of suggestions as to the design for a new standard. But it was not until June 14, 1777, that official action was taken, when the Continental Congress passed a resolution fixing the design as thirteen alternate red and white stripes, and thirteen white stars on a blue field. Each star and each stripe represented a state. As each new state was admitted to the Union, a star and a stripe were added, but it was soon realized that the addition of many more stripes would make the flag too bulky. Consequently, after having been increased to fifteen, the number of bars was reduced to the original number. But the number of stars steadily increased, until the present number of 50 equals the same number of states. The story goes that Betty Ross sewed the first flag, and it was at her suggestion that five-pointed, instead of six-pointed, stars were used.
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