Ex. 10. Read the information below and think of the word, which best fits each space. Use only one word in each space:

In Belarus, about 30 types of mineral … have been found (over 4,000 mineral fields and deposits). Of special significance … them are potassium salts: by their industrial reserves the country is among the … countries in Europe. The Republic … rich in non-ore minerals like granite, dolomite, marl and chalk, low-melting and …-melting clay, loams, sand and gravel materials, raw … for manufacture of natural paints (boggy iron ore, ochre, glauconite, etc.) and possesses a rather powerful raw material base for manufacture of construction materials. Peat reserves … widely spread in Belarus.

Ex. 11. Prove whether the following statements are true or false using the information from the text:

1. Belarus is situated in Asia. 2. It borders on France. 3. Our native land is remarkably beautiful. 4. Most of the Belarusian territory is covered with mountains. 5. The aurochs live in the Belarusian Polesye. 6. The climate of Belarus is continental. 7. The nature of our country has suffered greatly from the nuclear catastrophe that took place in Chernobyl in 1976. 8. Belarus has always been considered a poor land with no other resources except peat. 9. All rivers of the republic belong to three sea basins of the Black, Baltic, and North Seas. 10. Belavezhskaya Puscha is a large province.

Ex. 12. Complete the statements below. Give extended answers:

1. The text is devoted to … . 2. The text gives (presents, provides) information regarding … . 3. At the beginning of the text special attention is paid to … . 4. The text goes on saying that … . 5. Further the text contains a detailed description of … . 6. Besides some factual information is given concerning … . 7. In conclusion the text reads that … . 8. On reading the text we realise the fact that … . 9. Moreover we clearly understand that … .

Ex. 13. Work in groups. Find out from your partners: – where Belarus is situated and what its area is; – what countries Belarus borders on; – what consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe are.

Ex. 14. Prove that: – Belarus is remarkably beautiful; – our country has many lakes and rivers;

– the nature of Belarus has suffered much.

Ex. 15. Explain why: – after the Chernobyl catastrophe people had to leave their places and move to other villages and towns.