- •Find English equivalents in the text:
- •Suggest Russian equivalents to the following:
- •2. Divide the text into logically complete parts and find a sentence or two which cover the general idea of each passage (topical sentences).
- •3. Write compressed version of the text making use of topical sentences.
- •Find English equivalents in the text:
- •Suggest Russian equivalents to the following:
- •Find historical terms in the text, pick them out.
- •Give definitions to the following:
- •Rend the text and find all the sentences containing modal verbs. Explain the meaning of the modal verbs in them.
- •1. Answer the questions:
- •2. Write a short summary of the text using the following plan:
- •4. State the main problems discussed in the text.
- •5. Define which details of the text are of particular importance for understanding of the text.
- •4. Make up 5 general and 5 special questions to the text.
- •5. Write a compressed version of the text using the topical sentences.
- •Find English equivalents in the text:
- •2. Suggest Russian equivalents to the following:
- •3. Find historical terms in the text, write them out.
- •1. Answer the questions:
- •Divide the text into logically complete parts writing out some topical sentences.
- •Write a short summary of the text.
- •Find English equivalents in the text:
- •Find English equivalents in the text:
- •Suggest Russian equivalents to the following:
- •4. Find facts to explain in what way the establishment of feudalism in England was completed.
- •Find English equivalents in the text:
- •2. Suggest Russian equivalents to the following:
- •1. Find English equivalents in the text:
- •2. Suggest Russian equivalents to the following:
Find English equivalents in the text:
Враждебные классы, феодальная система, основной источник богатства, крестьяне, принадлежать, низкие урожаи, крепостные, натуральное хозяйство, феодальные поместья, купцы и ремесленники, крепостное право, держать людей в повиновении, восстание, королевская власть, укреплённые замки, распадаться.
2. Suggest Russian equivalents to the following:
To come into being, under the feudal system, the main source of wealth, to fulfill various duties, the implements of labour, natural economy, the predominant system, feudal estates, artisans, the peasants fought, staunchly against, the introduction of serfdom, feudal oppression, to regain possession of the land, to restore the old communal system, subjugated nations, uprising, royal power, the feudal hierarchy, well fortified castles, courts of justice, to keep people in submission, to oppress the working people, to disintegrate.
3. Find historical terms in the text, write them out.
4. Give definitions to the following:
The middle Ages, the feudal system, a serf, serfdom, feudal lords, natural economy, an artisan, a merchant, class struggle.
Interpretation of the text
1. Answer the questions:
1. How long did the first period of the Middle Ages last?
2. How can we define this period?
3. Whom did all the land belong to at that time?
4. What economy was predominant in Western Europe?
5. What does natural economy mean?
6. What did the peasants fight against in the first period of the Middle Ages?
7. Where did major uprisings take place in this period?
8. Who helped the feudal lords to oppress the working people?
Divide the text into logically complete parts writing out some topical sentences.
Write a short summary of the text.
Topical conversation
1. Describe the way of life of the two main classes of feudal society.
2. Discuss why natural economy was the predominant system in Western Europe up to the 11th century and how it influenced the state system.
3. Comment on the class struggle in this period.
4. Explain how the feudal lords managed to keep the huge number of serf in subjugation.
The development of the feudal system
The second period of the Middle Ages in the period of the further development of the feudal system. It lasted from the 11th to the end of the 15th century.
In this period the economy of European countries made considerable progress due to the tireless labour of the masses. Crafts gradually became separated from agriculture. Towns became craft and trade centres. Trade contacts were established between cities and villages and between different regions.
By using better implements the peasants were able to produce more grain. The nobles tried to take advantage of this; they increased peasants' taxes and made them pay quit-rent.
As the feudal exploitation grew, so grew the peasants' struggle against the nobles.
There were huge peasants' uprisings in many countries. The poorer townspeople supported the peasants and fought on their side. In some counties the heroic struggle of the peasant brought them liberation from serfdom.
But both land and power remained in the hands of the nobles, and consequently feudal oppression continued.
The growth of the cities and the development of trade in Western Europe paved the way for the formation of centralized states. The king used his power to protect the feudal lords and to help them suppress huge peasant uprisings. But the unification of the country was also desirable for the peasants and townspeople, since in a centralized state there were no more internecine wars and highway robbery. This led to the further development of the countries of Europe.
In the second period of the Middle Ages the level of economic and cultural development in the Orient was higher than in Western Europe. But continuous invasions greatly damaged the economy and culture of the countries of the East.
Key words and expressions
further дальнейшее развитие
tireless labour неустанный труд
crafts and trade ремёсла и торговля
to produce grain производить зерно
to take advantage воспользоваться чем-либо
peasants' tax феодальная пошлина крестьян
quit-rent земельная рента
to pave the way продолжить путь
to suppress uprisings подавлять восстания
internecine wars междоусобные войны
highway robbery грабёж на большой дороге
Assignments