The Economy

Russia was the most populous state of the former USSR and also the wealthiest one. It produced 78 per cent of all its natural gas, 60 per cent of steel, 80 per cent of timber and 91 per cent of oil. It also has one of the world's largest fishing industries.

The history of Russian industry goes back to the middle of the seventeenth century. The development of new industries and crafts — metal working, textiles, brick making and china manufacture — was encouraged under Peter the Great. During the reign of Catherine the Great, the Urals became the focus for iron industry, and Russia became the world's largest iron producer.

After 1870 the fast railway engineering in Russia was stimulated by industrial boom. Some deals were made with western companies to develop Russian's immense oil resources. By 1903 Russia had been the world's largest oil producer.

Before the Revolution Russia was one of the world's largest grain producers and exporters. But lately Russia became one of its biggest importers as a result of collectivization and mismanagement of agriculture.

In Soviet times, the central planning system was inefficient as regards both production and distribution of goods. By 1980s the quality gap between home and western products could no longer be ignored and called for reforms. Entering the world market demands from Russian economists the creation of effective management in industry and agriculture.

Until its industry can be modernized, Russia will remain dependent on the energy sector. Before 1986 it was planned that an expanded nuclear program could help the conservation of other energy resources. But after the Chernobyl disaster, these plans were sharply curtailed.

However, disposal of nuclear waste and closing down of old power plants remain major problems not only for Russia but for other industrial countries as well.

Questions

l. What was the economical position of Russia in the former USSR?

2. When was Russia one of the big gest grain producers and exporters?

3. What industries and crafts were encouraged in Russia under Peter the Great?

4. Was the quality gap between home and western products an important factor for economical reforms in Russia?

5. What do you know about Rus sian economy in the second part of the 19th century?

6. What was planned to do in the energy sector before the Chernobyl disaster?

Задание 8

Студент должен:

• Подготовить сообщение по теме «Россия» на основе прочитанных текстов.

Задание 9

Студент должен:

• Прочитать текст «Несколько слов о Москве» («Some words about Moscow».) Выполнить задания, ответить на вопросы.

• Пересказать текст:

Some Words About Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia. It is one of the biggest and most beautiful cities in the world. Moscow is important political, cultural, educational, scientific and industrial center of Russia. It is Moscow where the Russian Government seats.

Moscow is a city well known all over the world. Many tourists come to our country to visit Moscow and to see its places of interest and attractions. Moscow is famous for its beautiful streets, squares and parks, wonderful monuments and museums, cathedrals and churches.

Moscow metro is comfortable and rapid. The metro stations are very beautiful. There are more than 150 of them.

Moscow is the railway, highway and airway crossroads. It is also the port of five seas. Every day millions of visitors come to Moscow.

Moscow is the center of Russian science and culture. It is the seat of Russian Academy of Sciences. There are many research institutes, universities, colleges, schools and libraries in Moscow.

Moscow State University on the Vorobjovy Hills is the heart of our educational system.

Among the numerous Moscow libraries, the Lenin State Library is one of the largest and well known in the world.

Moscow is the pride of Russian people.

Exercises

I. Find in the text the English equivalents for the following.

Научный центр, культурный центр, промышленный центр, сердце Москвы, удобный и быстрый, наука и культура, библиотека, город, научно-исследовательский институт, резиденция правительства, порт пяти морей.

П. Find sentences in the text to the following topics.

1. Характерные черты Московского метрополитена

2. Москва — центр туризма

3. Достопримечательности Москвы.

4. Значение Москвы в научной жизни страны.

3. Answer the questions.

1. What is Moscow famous for?

2. What is Moscow metro like?

3. What kind of city is Moscow?

4. What is the greatest library in Moscow?

5. What is the heart of Russian educational system?

IV. Retell the text using the words and word combinations of ex. I.

Задание 10

Студент должен:

• Прочитать текст «Несколько фактов из истории Москвы» («Some fact about the history of Moscow ») Выполнить задания после текста, найти английские эквиваленты данных слов, ответить на вопросы, составить план к тексту.