4. Answer the questions:

1. How long is a history of footwear?

2. What was the earliest footwear made of?

3. What characterized shoes of the rich and influential?

4. Where has footwear widely figured throughout the history?

5. What kind of sandals did the Greek god Mercury wear?

6. What European childhood folk stories tell about shoes?

7. Why is a boot or a shoe tied to the back of a car?

8. What type of a shoe was worn in warmer areas?

9. What type of a shoe was worn in cold climates?

10. When was specialized footwear for specific purposes known?

V. Complete the sentences with the words from the text:

1. … has long been an article of prestige.

2. The earliest footwear held to the foot with … .

3. The Greek god Mercury wore … .

4. … has always been a romantic figure.

5. The most cultures have stories where … play a starring role.

VI. Find the English equivalents to the words:

взуття, захист, міфологія, ремінь, черевик, туфля, оздоблення, при зборювати, сандаля, походити

VII. Make up sentences with the terms:

an article of prestige, to distinguish, to tie a boot or a shoe, mythology, a functional purpose, to give protection, tapering points, modern moccasin, to make walking impossible, to tie about the ankle

VIII. Give definitions to the words:

plaited grass, rawhide, craftsmanship, decoration, sandals, moccasin, fashion, platform, specialized footwear, seam

IX. Translate the sentences into English:

1. Історія взуття нараховує багато тисяч років.

2. Можливо перше взуття було зроблено з плетеної трави або не дубленої шкіри.

3. Згодом заможні та впливові особи почали вирізняти себе оздоблюючи своє взуття.

4. На протязі всієї історії взуття знаходило відображення в міфології, казках та забобонах.

5. Основний тип взуття, який носили в давні часи, залежав від клімату.

6. Сандалі були загальнопоширеним видом взуття в країнах з теплим кліматом.

7. Сучасні мокасини походять від оригінального взуття, яке носили північноамериканські індіанці, ескімоси, лапландці та племена Сибіру.

8. Взуття не завжди виконує своє безпосереднє призначення.

9. Мода диктує незвичайні моделі, які не роблять ходіння легкою справою.

10. До нещодавно взуття для спеціального призначення не було відомо.

X. Speak on the topic using the following words and word-combinations:

to make footwear, to provide some protection, to distinguish, craftsmanship and decoration, to figure widely in, as good luck, the basic type of shoe, a sandal, many straps and intricate decoration, a moccasin, to serve a functional purpose, footwear for special purposes

Text B

I. Read and remember:

1. riding – верхова їзда

2. consummate – досконалий

3. nobility – знать, панство

4. last – колодка, копил

5. vamp – союзка

6. counter – задник

7. patent leather – лакована шкіра

8. maroon – каштановий колір

9. stitch – стібок

10. sole – підошва

11. calf – опойок

2. Read the text and define the main idea of it: from the history of the western boot

Although shoemaking has been an established art for at least 3500 years, any review of the history of the cowboy boot must begin somewhere. We could start on the great plains of North America in the latter half of the 19^th century; according to some theories we could even start with the conquistadors in the 17^th century.

The earliest information we have of the high heel being used for riding, describes invading Mongol tribes men wearing bright red wooden heels. Mongols were consummate horsemen and their easy victories left a mark on European society. Since owning and caring for a horse requires some wealth and since being horseback places a person physically above the common man, riders and consequently, high heels became associated with nobility. To this day, we say well-heeled to describe someone who is wealthy or aristocratic.

The Northampton museum of England has one of; the largest collections of historical footwear in the world and in these exhibits can be found the true story of the western boot. Throughout the 17^th and 18^lh century exhibits are examples of riding boots which have high tops, pointed toes and 2 "Stacked heels". Boots were made upon straight lasts that were neither left nor right.

In 1790 paired lasts were reintroduced mostly as a response to lower heel heights. And as the new century began, boots became very fashionable, even for women. It 1815, Arthur Wellsley, First Duke of Wellington, defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. In the vale of his victory Wellington boots became the style. The major difference in these previous styles was that the heels were low cut and the tops were only half high. At Northampton there is a pair of dress Wellingtons made in 1817. They are a four piece boot - vamp, counter cover, front and back tops - with beaded side seams (the same layout as a modem cowboy boot); The vamps and counter covers are black patent leather, the tops are maroon with) an olive top binding and trim and they have a fancy decorative stitch pattern on the front of the leg.

During after the Civil War (1850's-1880's) various designs were tested from leg heights, to methods of attaching soles, to different types and origins of leather. Many advances in construction and materials were introduced by the military. After much experimentation, an oak-tanned Spanish leather which was heavily waxed on the flesh side became the standard. And it was from this waxed calf that most of the early cowboy boots were constructed as well.

By 1900 the four piece boot had become the dominant form. Styles did change with the times. Heights of heel and top have come and gone. Lace-up was common on the American frontier.