Ex. 9. Working in libraries or using the Internet database, prepare reports about the history of our country.

Ex.10. Read the text.

Text b Minsk – the Capital of the Republic of Belarus

More than 2000 years ago on the banks of the Nemiga and Svisloch rivers came into existence the city of Minsk or Mensk as it was called before. The name of the city is believed to be associated with the river Menka that flowed into the lake Ptych not far from the city. But the legends say that the city derives its name from the word “mena” as in the ancient times there was a barter market on the right bank of the river Svisloch. Mensk was first mentioned in a chronicle in 1067. In the 12th century Mensk became the centre of the independent principality. In the 13th century the principality of Mensk became part of the Great Duchy of Lithuania.

The 14^th–15^th centuries were very important in the life of Mensk and its inhabitants. It was the period when the Belarusian nation was formed with its national language and culture. In the middle of the 16th century the Lithuania Princes united with the Polish Kingdom and formed a joined State Rzecz Pospolita. It was at that period when Mensk was renamed into Minsk. Till the 18th century the Belarusian people were placed in bondage to Polish feudal lords who exploited them cruelly.

In me 18th century (1793) Belarus was annexed by Russia. It was turned into a province with Minsk as its centre. In 1812 the Napoleon troops burnt the city. In the 20th century the foreign invaders not once occupied the Belarusian capital: in 1918 it was occupied by Germany; in 1919 – 1920 by Poland.

During the World War II our capital was almost completely destroyed by the fascist invaders. We can say that in the post-war years it was rebuilt anew.

At present Minsk is the capital of the Republic of Belarus which is an independent state with its own state symbols, Parliament and President. It's a big growing city with the population of about 2 million. It occupies an area of 200 square kilometres.

Every visitor admires the city with its beautiful buildings, wide streets and avenues, green parks and fine monuments. Minsk is also a big traffic centre with a large network of roads, railways, airlines and two Metro lines. It goes without saying that Minsk is an industrial centre of Belarus. There are hundreds of plants and factories in the city which produce various goods. Tractors and lorries, motorcycles and bicycles, TV-sets and watches, refrigerators and computers, textile and footwear are manufactured here. Our Belarus tractors and MAZ trucks enjoy a high reputation both in our country and abroad.

Minsk is also known as a city of science and students. There are many state and commercial institutions which train specialists in different fields of economy and social life.

The cultural life of the Belarusian capital is varied and very interesting. In Minsk there are many museums and exhibitions, a number of theatres and concert halls, a circus and dozens of cinemas, libraries and clubs. The leading theatres here are the Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Yanka Kupala State Academic Theatre and the Gorky Russian Drama Theatre which are extremely popular with the public.

Minsk is a Hero-City. It was honoured with the title in 1974 for the courage and heroism displayed by its residents during the World War II.

The inhabitants of Minsk and all the Belarusians love their capital. It is attractive in every season of the year.

Ex. 11. Answer the questions.

1. How old is Minsk? 2. What is the past of the capital of the Republic of Belarus? 3. Where is Minsk located? 4. The Belarusian capital suffered a lot during the Great Patriotic War, didn't it? 5. What goods are manufactured by the industrial enterprises of Minsk? 6. What countries does the city cooperate with? 7. What are the main sights of Minsk? 8. Do you like to go to the theatres of Minsk? 9. Which of them is the most popular with the public?