Questions

1. What traditions are among the best traditions of the English? 2. Where do the English people usually go skiing? 3. What description does the author give of the crowds of skiers going North? 4. How do people travel to the snowy, mountainous parts of the country? 5. Is it a short or a long journey from London to the Highlands of Scotland? 6. What does the author say about the English tradition in usual everyday clothes? 7. How will you know a stranger in London?

Ex 58 Act as interpreter. Sum up the dialogue.

A: I'd like to visit the Soviet Union. What should I start with?

В: Вам надо обратиться в «Интурист», который организует экскурсии для иностранных туристов.

A: What is the best time to visit Moscow?

В: Многие приезжают летом. Некоторые же считают, что гораздо интереснее побывать в Москве зимой, когда открыты все театры и концертные залы, и попасть на праздник «Русская зима».

A: Oh, and how about Russian winter with its severe frosts?

В: Зима у нас не такая суровая, как думают. Обычная температура зимой в Москве от —12° С до —15° С. А мороз переносится легко (easy to stand), так как воздух сухой.

A: Yes, I hear that the climate in and around Moscow is healthy and pleasant for tourism. How can one get to Moscow?

В: Во-первых, в Москву можно приехать поездом. Железнодорожное сообщение связывает Москву со многими зарубежными городами.

A: Yes, I've heard a lot about Soviet railways and their excellent record of service. How else can one travel to Moscow?

***

В: В Москву можно прилететь самолетом. В Москве четыре аэропорта. Москва — это также город пяти морей. Можно приплыть и на пароходе. Добро пожаловать к нам в Москву.

А: Как вам понравилось московское метро?

В: In my opinion the Moscow Metro is the finest in the world. It's not only the quickest way of getting across the city, it is also a unique engineering and architectural structure.

А: Какие станции Вам больше всего понравились?

В: I like all the stations I've seen. No two stations are alike. They are light and of a cleanliness that gladdens the eye. How old is the Moscow Metro?

А: Первая линия была открыта в мае 1935 года. Она была длиною в 11,6 км, и тогда было всего лишь 13 станций.

В: And how many are there now?

А: В 1980 г. было 115 станций. Но в будущем их количество значительно возрастет.

В: How many passengers does it carry every day?

А: Более 6 миллионов.

В: How fast do the Metro trains run?

A: 90 км в час.

В: I was surprised to learn that the fare is five kopecks which covers all the distance and transfers (changes) to other lines. It's the lowest fare in the world.

Ex 59 Speak on the following topics. Make use of the words and phrases listed below.

1. The Seasons in Town and in the Country

Spring: a wonderful season; lovely spring mornings (days); April showers, March winds bring warm weather; get warmer and warmer; break into leaf (of trees); the first flowers; green grass; everything comes to life; the best time for walks in the country.

Summer: hot; cool; dry; fine weather; shine brightly (of the sun); blue skies; go on a holiday; leave town; go to the country (seaside, etc); go swimming (boating, etc); lie in the sun; brown as a berry; wear light clothes (frocks, shorts, T-shirts, etc); enjoy oneself immensely; have a good time; summer is only too short.

Autumn: Indian summer; be over; rain hard; a thick fog; awful (beastly) weather; a dull (wet, etc) morning; change for the worse; wear a raincoat and carry an umbrella; leaves cover the ground like a thick carpet; grey, cloudy skies; wet, slippery roads.

Winter: a heavy snowfall; everything is white with snow; the ground is covered with snow; not a single leaf on the trees; no birds singing in the woods; a hard frost; bright sunshine; cold, but pleasant weather; go skiing (skating); be good for one's health; have a wonderful time.

2. Meeting a Friend in the Street

go by car; heavy traffic; move slowly; stop at the traffic lights;

see a friend; walk along the street; stop at the side of the street; get out of the car; stop to say "Hallo" to an old friend; know each other well enough; discuss personal (business, etc) matters; offer one's friend a lift.

3. Off to the Theatre

have two tickets; invite a friend; come home from work; shave; change one's shirt (tie, socks, etc); put on a clean shirt; clean one's shoes; brush one's coat (suit, etc); leave home; have little time; go by taxi; arrive at the theatre; meet sb at the entrance; find out at the last moment; be sure that ....

4. At the Theatre

take one's seat in the hall; watch the play with interest; be fond of such plays; like the play very much; the play discusses matters of great importance; describe life in a small village (big town, etc); give the true story behind the events; walk home; thank sb for a lovely evening.

Ex 60 Discuss the following, giving your arguments for or against.

1. The climate has an effect on people.

2 The weather has helped to form the English character.

3. Your friend says that manners make the man. What do you think?

4. There are many who think that it is clothes that make the man (particularly the woman).

5. You like travelling by air, your friends like travelling by train. You think that flying is not only faster, but also much safer.

6. You like meeting and talking to strangers. You say that it helps you to learn more about people and the world.

Ex 61 Subjects for oral and written composition.

1. Explain why the English say: "Other countries have a climate, in England we have weather."

2. Describe your city: (a) in winter (autumn, summer, spring); (b) on a cold frosty morning; (c) on a bright sunny day.

3. My favourite season.

4. Describe a journey by train (plane, boat).

5. There is an English proverb which says: "Other times, other manners." Give an example of how manners change with the times.

6. People often enter into conversation when they are travelling in a train or on a boat. How would you explain this?