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Text A: ABOUT MYSELF
To start with, I should say that it is not an easy thing to speak about myself as it is hard to have a look at yourself from aside but at the same time who knows you better than you yourself do?
Let me introduce myself. My full name is Andrey Andreevich Ivanov. I have been named after my father and I am very proud of it. I was born on April the 7th 1984 in the village of Solntsevo of Kursk region. I descended from the family of the office-workers. The thing is, I am the only child in the family. They say, I have always been the pet of my parents and grandparents.
In 2007 I left the secondary comprehensive school in Solntsevo. To tell the truth, I always did well at school and learned with great interest. I had a lot of spare time, that's why I took an active part in social life of our school. I attended sport sections and subject circles. Frankly speaking, my favourite subjects at school were Physics and Theory of Information, I mean Electronics or the so called Informatics. Our teacher of Physics was a well-educated man with broad outlook and deep knowledge of the subject. He taught us to understand the laws of Physics and to appreciate the achievements of modern computer industry. He also encouraged me in my desire to become an expert in Physics and Electronics saying that it was one of the most interesting professions he had ever known.
This year I have left school and become an applicant for entry to the Kursk State University, the faculty of Physics and Mathematics. I managed to enter the Department of Physics and Theory of Information. The fact is, I passed my entrance exams only with excellent marks. Now I am a first-year student of this Department. I believe it's one of the first serious steps in my life.
I dare say, it's not very easy to study at the University. We should be patient and assiduous in order to master the course of exact Sciences. We have lectures and seminars, usually 4 or 3 pairs a day. As a rule, I come to the University at 8.00 a.m. and leave it at 2.30. p .m.
We have classes of English too. During our English classes we read and translate texts on Electronics and Physics, listen to the tape-recorder or watch video. But the most difficult aspect in my opinion is English Grammar. We have to pass two Grammar tests this year. Somehow, you see we must learn a lot of useful and interesting things at the University. But most of all I like the subjects of my future speciality.
I am always very busy, but when I am free I like reading, watching TV or video or visiting my friends. Really, I am on friendly terms with my group-mates. You see, my biography isn't very long. I can only add that I'm fond of sport especially football and certainly I am interested in Modern Electronics.
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
to introduce smb to smb to be a well-educated man
to be named after smb a person with a broad outlook
to be proud of smb/smth to appreciate smth
to be born the achievements of modern
to descend from the family of computer industry
to be the only child to encourage smb in one's desire
to be the pet of smb to become an applicant for entry
to leave school to the University
secondary comprehensive school the faculty of Physics and Mathe-
to do well at school matics
to learn with great interest the department of Сomputer Science
to have a lot of spare time to pass entrance exams
to take an active part in smth to pass exams with excellent marks
to attend sport sections
to be a first-year student
subject circles to be patient
to be assiduous to. be busy
to master the course of to be on friendly terms with smb
Exact Sciences to be fond of
texts on Electronics to be interested in
the subjects of the future speciality
I. Answer the questions :
1. What is your name ?
. Where and when were you born ?
. How old are you ?
. Have you got a family ?
. How many persons does it consist of ?
. What relations do you have in your family (parents, sisters, brothers,
grandparents) ?
7. Where do you live ?
. Do you work ? Do you earn additionally ?
. What school did you leave ?
. How well did you do at school ?
. What was your favourite subject at school ? and now ?
. Do you like to read ?
. Who is your favourite writer ?
. What sport do you go in for ?
15. What are you going to become after school?
. Do you know about the difficulties of your future profession ?
. Do you like children ?
II. Read and translate the dialogue :
N.: Pleased to meet you. My name is Nick and yours ?
P.: My full name is Peter Popov. I am very glad to share a room
with you in the hostel. I think we'll get on well, shan't we ?
N.: I hope so. What year student are you. ?
P.: I'm a first-year student of the Law faculty, I'm only 17. And you ?
N.: I am a second-year student. You see, I entered the University after the Army, so I'll be 22 in two days.
P.: My best congratulations, Nick. You were born in 1984, the same as my elder brother. His birthday is on September 25. And what place do you come from ?
N.: I was born in Brest region. It's rather far from here. My family lives in the country. And what about your family ?
P.: My parents live in Kurchatov. It's not far from Kursk. It takes me an hour and a half to get there by bus. My father is a technician and my mother is a book-keeper. I am the only child in our family. And have you got brothers or sisters ?
N.: Oh, my family is very large. I have both parents, grandparents, two sisters and a brother.
P.: Do you all live together ?
N.: Fancy that ! We all live in a big private house. The remarkable thing is, that we practically never quarrel. Come and see us. I'll be glad to introduce you to my family.
P.: All right. I'll be glad to know them all.
III. Read and translate the text. Make up a story about yourself
Text B: MY BIOGRAPHY
Now I'd like to tell you some words about myself. My name is Ivanova Anna. I am a first-year student of the faculty of Philology, the department of Journalism, group N14.
I have entered the Kursk State University this year. I hope to become a professional in the field of Periodical Press. I am fond of observing the current events in the cultural, literary and even political spheres of people's life. Sometimes they say I managed to give a very interesting interpretation of some facts from our everyday life. I believe my age is not an obstruction for that. The point is. I am just 18 years old.
I left school No25 in 2007. I have been working as a librarian in our University reading-hall for a year before entering the faculty of Philology.
It gave me an opportunity to read a lot of interesting books and magazines and to look through many various periodicals from Russian and foreign press. Besides, I worked hard to improve my knowledge of the theory of Russian language and literature. All of my friends as well as my parents helped me to gather a small home library of books on Modern Russian literature and a collection of interesting press cuttings. I am very thankful to them especially to my parents – my mother and father.
My mother's name is Anna too. I was named after her and I am very proud of it. She is an economist at one of the Kursk factories. She is 42, but all my friends find her very pretty and good-looking. My father is a worker at the same factory. We are very friendly.
I have forgotten to tell you about my brother, Nick by name. He is a school-boy of the 11th form. Our family lives in Marata Street № 27. It's just the center of our town.
You see it's my biography. I can only add that I'm interested in Music. I finished Musical school № 4 of our town. I can play the piano a bit, but not as a professional. I must disappoint you I'm not a young Richter though I appreciate my musical skills, they help me to be at a certain cultural level. I suppose, that's all I wanted to tell you about my "bright" personality.
Text A: MY FAMILY.
I am Alex Lebedev. Alex is my first name and Lebedev is my surname. I am seventeen years old. I want to tell you a few words about my family. My family is large. I have got a mother, a father, a sister, a brother and a grandmother. There are six of us in the family.
First of all, some words about my parents. My mother is a teacher of Biology. She works in a college. She likes her profession. She is a good-looking woman with brown hair. She is forty-four, but she looks much younger. She is tall and slim.
My father is a computer programmer. He is very experienced. He is a broad-shouldered, tall man with fair hair and grey eyes. He is forty-six. My father often sings and when we are at home and have some free time, I play the guitar and we sing together. My father knows all about new radio sets and likes to repair the old ones. He is also handy with many things. When he was small, he liked to take everything to pieces. My grandmother told me a story that once my father tried to repair their kitchen clock. He managed to put all the wheels and screws back again, but the clock did not work. They had to give it to a repairman. But that happened a long time ago. Now he can fix almost everything: a vacuum cleaner, a washing machine, a fridge and what not. He's got a few shelves where he keeps everything he needs. On the table there is always a radio in pieces.
My parents have been married for 26 years. They have much in common, but they have different views on music, books, films, sport. For example, my father likes horror films and my mother likes soap operas. My father is fond of tennis. My mother doesn't go in for sport. But my parents have the same opinion about my education and upbringing.
My parents are hard-working people. My mother keeps the house and takes care of me and my father. She is very good at cooking and she is clever with her hands. She is very practical. My father and I try to help her with the housework. I wash the dishes, go shopping and tidy our flat.
My grandmother is a pensioner. She lives with us and helps my mother to run the house. She is fond of knitting.
My sister Helen is 25. She is married and has a family of her own. She works as an accountant for a joint venture company. Her husband is a scientist. They have got twins: a daughter and a son. They go to a nursery school.
My brother Boris is eleven. He is a schoolboy. He wants to become a doctor but he is not sure yet. Three months ago he dreamed of being a cosmonaut.
I am proud to be a student. I study at the Foreign Language Faculty of the Kursk State University. I think I took after my father. I'm tall, fair-haired and even-tempered. I always try to be in a good mood.
We have got a lot of relatives. We are deeply attached to each other and we get on very well.
first name, middle name to be broad-shouldered
last name/surname with fair hair and grey eyes
to be 17 years old to play the guitar
first of all to play the piano
to work in a college to repair old radio sets
to like one's profession to be handy with many things
to be a good-looking woman to take everything to pieces
to look much younger to put all the wheels and screws back
to be tall and slim to give smth. to a repairman
to be experienced to fix almost everything
a vacuum cleaner to keep the house
a washing machine to run the house
a fridge to help smb with the housework
a radio in pieces to help smb about the house
to be married for 26 years to take care of smb
to have much in common to be good at doing smth
to have different views on smth to be clever with one's hands
horror films and "soap operas" to be practical
to be fond of smth to go shopping
to go in for sport to tidy /to clean one's flat/
to have the same opinion about smth to be a pensioner
education and upbringing to have a family of one's own
to be hard-working people to work as (an accountant)
to be even-tempered to go to a nursery school
to be in a good mood to be not sure of smth
to be deeply attached to smb to dream of being a cosmonaut
to get on very well foreign languages
to take after smb
to work for a joint-venture company
I. Answer the questions :
1. How old are you?
2. Are you married?
3. Have you got a family of your own?
. Do you live together with your parents?
. Is your family large or small?
. What are your parents?
7. Are you the only child in the family?
8. Is you sister (brother) older or younger than you?
. What is your sister's (brother's) occupation?
. Do you help your mother to keep the house?
. Have you got grandparents?
. Where do they live?
. Have you any other close relatives?
. Do you often visit them?
15. What do you usually do in the evenings?
16. Do you spend your week-ends together with your parents or with your friends?
II. Read text B. Translate it and write out the key words and word-combinations. Use them and compose the story about your family.
Text B: ABOUT MY FAMILY
Our family is not very large. I have got a mother, a father, a brother and a sister. We all live together in a new flat in one of the industrial
districts of Kursk.
My father Igor Ivanovich is 45 years old. He is a tall and well built man with short black hair and grey eyes. He works at a big plant as an engineer. He likes his profession and his work and spends most of his time there. By character my father is a quiet man, while my mother is energetic and talkative. Her name is Olga Petrovna. She is a teacher of Music. She plays the piano well. My mother always has a lot of work to do about the house and at school. She is a busy woman and we all help her.
My sister's name is Alla. Like her mother Alla has blue eyes and lovely fair hair. She is a very good-looking girl. Alla is 3 years younger than me. She is a pupil of the 9th form. She does well at school and gets only good and excellent marks. Literature is her favourite subject and she wants to become a teacher, the same as me.
My name is Tanya. Last year I left school and tried to enter the University. But I failed in my exams. For a year I worked at school as a secretary and attended preparatory courses. Now I'm again an applicant for entry to the Philological faculty of the University. I hope to be lucky this time.
Our family is very united. We like to spend time together. In the evenings we watch TV, read books and newspapers, listen to music or just talk about the events of the day. Our parents don't always agree to what we say but they listen to our opinion. All of us like to spend our week-ends out of town. We often go to the village where our grandparents live. They are old-aged pensioners now but prefer to live in the country.
My grand-grandmother is 93. She lives in my grandmother's family and is always glad to see us. She is in poor health and so we took care of her.
I also have many other relatives: uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends. We are happy when we are together.
Text C: BRITISH FAMILIES
British families are usually small. An average family consists of a mother, a father and two or three children. No one is really sure how it is possible to have four children. It is quite rare in Britain for grandparents, aunts and uncles to share the house with the family. However, families often share the house with dogs, cats, goldfish and even rabbits which they keep, not to eat, but as pets.
Text D: (a dialogue)
Nick: Mum, I want to tell you something important.
Mother: What is it, dear ?
Nick: I'm going to get married.
Mother: Get married ?! You must be joking.
Nick: Nothing of the kind. It's my final decision. I'm not a child
any more.
Mother: Good heavens ! But you are only 18. I hope you are not serious.
Nick: Absolutely serious.
Mother: But who is that poor thing ?
Nick: It's Helen, you know her. Helen is a dream of a girl.
T e x t A : HOBBY.
They say that the best kind of job is a well-paid hobby. Naturally, this is an ideal situation, not always found in real life. Of course, if you are a creative person, you have no time for anything besides your main activity, fully expressing yourself in it. But everybody needs some rest even from one's favourite occupation. That's why people invented hobbies.
People get kick out of doing most extraordinary things. The most widespread hobby is collecting. People would collect anything, from stamps and coins to old bottles and dolls. Then, there are a lot of do-it-yourself activities, building models of ships, cars, houses. People also like growing exotic plants, cacti, flowers. So, you can really take your pick.
I can't say that I am really mad about this or that kind of leisure activity. I tried collecting stamps, they are so nice and informative. But gradually my interest just faded away, and I gave my collection to my friend for his birthday. Then I moved on to collecting recordings of the pop groups I liked, but after a while it seemed pointless because music radio stations play old and new hits all the time. I go on doing it, but I wouldn’t call it a hobby.
I like dancing at some club or disco, but it's just a way of spending time, not a hobby really. Best of all I like reading. It's a very quiet occupation, and it does not require any particular skill or ability. But that's what gives me the greatest pleasure. I prefer short stories. One short story by Chekhov, Kuprin, Saroyan or Salinger can be more powerful than a long novel. They are funny and tragic at the same time, just as life is.
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
the best kind of smth to collect stamps
a well-paid hobby to be informative
an ideal situation to fade away
not always found in real life to move on to collecting recording
a creative person after a while
to have no time for anything to be (seem) pointless
besides music radio stations
to have some rest from to play old and new hits
one's favourite occupation to go on doing smth
to invent hobbies a way of spending time
to get a kick out of doing smth a very quiet occupation
the most widespread hobby to require some particular skills or
from stamps to coins ability
old bottles . to give the greatest pleasure
do-it-yourself activity to prefer
to grow exotic plants to be more powerful than a long
cacti novel
to take one's pick to be funny and tragic
to be mad about smth at the same time
a kind of leisure activity
I. Answer the questions :
1. Have you a hobby ?
. What is your hobby ?
. What are you fond of ?
. What are you interested in besides your main activity ?
. Have you chosen your hobby according to your character ?
. Have you any spare time for anything besides your studies ?
. Can you fully express yourself in your hobby ?
. Do you need a rest from your favourite occupation ?
. Do you get a kick out of doing any extraordinary things ?
. How do you usually spend your leisure time?
. Do you like music/ theatres / reading / sport , etc ?
. Are you fond of computer games ?
. Have you ever collected anything ?
. What do rich people usually collect ?
. Where are valuable private collections given to ?
. Have you an opportunity of learning from your hobby ?
. What is the most exciting aspect of your hobby ?
II. Read and translate text B. Compose a story about your hobby.
Text B: DIFFERENT HOBBIES.
Hobbies differ like tastes. If you have chosen a hobby according to your character and taste you are a lucky person because your life becomes more interesting.
Hobbies are divided into four large classes: doing things, making things, collecting things, and learning things.
The most popular of all hobby groups is doing things. It includes a wide variety of activities, everything from gardening to travelling and from chess to volleyball.
Gardening is one of the oldest of man's hobbies. It is a well-known fact that the English are very fond of gardening and growing flowers, especially roses.
Both grown-ups and children are fond of playing computer games. This is a relatively new hobby but it is becoming more and more popular.
Making things includes drawing, painting, making sculpture, designing costumes, handicrafts. Two of the most famous hobby painters were President Eisenhower and Sir Winston Churchill. Some hobbyists write music or play musical instruments. President Bill Clinton, for example, plays the saxophone.
Almost everyone collects something at some period in his life: stamps, coins, matchboxes, books, records, postcards, toys, watches.
Some collections have no real value. Others become so large and so valuable that they are housed in museums and galleries. Many world-famous collections started in a small way with one or two items. People with a good deal of money often collect paintings, rare books and other art objects. Often such private collections are given to museums, libraries and public galleries so that others might take pleasure in seeing them.
No matter what kind of hobby a person has, he always has an opportunity of learning from it. By reading about the things he is interested in, he is adding to what he knows. Learning things can be the most exciting aspect of a hobby.
NOTES:
Eisenhower [`aiznhaue]; Winston Churchill [̀winsten ‘tξe: tξil];
Bill Clinton [‘klinten]
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
according to to be housed in
to be lucky world famous collections
to be divided into to start in a small way
the most popular of with one or two items
a wide variety of activities people with a good deal of money
a relatively new hobby private collections
handicraft to take pleasure in seeing smth
to play the saxophone no matter
to play the piano / the guitar the most exciting aspect of smth
to have no real value
to become valuable
T e x t A : MY WORKING DAY
My everyday activities are quite routine. They do not differ much from those of any other student of our country. On week-days I usually get up at 7 o'clock. I make my bed, open the window and do my morning exercises. Then I go to the bathroom where I clean my teeth and wash myself. If I have enough time I take a cold and hot shower. After bathroom I go back to my room where I dress myself and brush my hair. Now I am ready for breakfast. It may be a cup of tea or coffee and a sandwich. After breakfast I put on my coat, take the bag and go to the University. I live not far from the University, so it takes me only five or seven minutes to get there. I don't want to be late for the first pair of lessons so I come here a few minutes before the bell. I leave my coat in the cloakroom and go upstairs to the classroom.
My lessons begin at 8.00 a.m. and they are over at 2.30 p.m. After classes I go home and have dinner there. I usually have something substantial for dinner, for example, cabbage soup for the first course, hot meat or fish with some vegetables for the second one. Then I drink a cup of tea or milk. Sometimes when I have to stay at the University after classes I go to the students' canteen and have dinner there. After dinner I have a short rest, read newspapers, make some telephone calls, go to the bakery. Then I do my homework. We study many subjects at the University and it takes me 3 or even more hours to prepare my homework. Sometimes I go to the library to get ready for my practical classes or to write a report. As a rule I have no free time on my week-days.
Eight o'clock is supper time in our family. We all get together in the kitchen, then go to the sitting room and watch TV, read books or discuss different problems. Twice a week I go to the gymnasium in the evening to play volleyball, I am a member of the University volleyball team and we have our training rather late. At about eleven at night I go to bed.
working day to work hard
week-days to have a rest
to wake up to dress oneself
to get up to comb/ brush one's hair
to take a shower / a bath to have a break
to wash oneself to make a telephone call
to do morning exercises to do homework
to make one's bed to be in a hurry
to take a bus /tram / to go to bed
trolley bus to leave for the University
to go to the University
Answer the questions :
. When does your working day begin ?
. What do you do when you get up ?
. Do you do your morning exercises every day ?
. Who makes breakfast for you ?
. What time do you leave for the University ?
. How much time does it take you to get there ?
. When do your classes begin ?
. How long do they last ?
. When do you have dinner ?
. Do you usually have dinner at home or at the students' canteen ?
. What do you usually have for dinner ?
. Do you have a short rest after dinner ?
. How long does it take you to prepare your homework ?
. Do you often go to the library to get ready for classes ?
. How do you usually spend your evenings ?
. What time do you go to bed ?
II. Read and translate text B. Make up a story about your working day, write it down
Text B: MY WEEK DAYS
A person's schedule depends on his or her type of activity, and is organized accordingly. It is rather flexible, and can be changed any time, if necessary. I will try to give you a snapshot of a typical day in my life as a University student.
The shrill ringing of an alarm-clock wakes me up at half past 6. I do not jump out of bed, but daydream for about 5 minutes more. Then I do jump out, and keep jumping, pushing up, sitting up, and generally warming up for about 20 minutes. Then a quick shower, and a very light breakfast – I just can't make myself eat much in the morning. So, it's a soft-boiled egg, a toast, and a cup of tea or coffee. Then off to the University. I take a bus, it's a 5 minutes' ride, and I arrive in time to have a chat with my group-mates before classes begin. It's the usual routine of classes and breaks, the lessons are over at 1 or 2.30 p.m., depending on the number of classes. Sometimes I stay at the University till 4 or even 5 p.m. for some optional classes or something extra-curriculum. After classes I walk home with a friend talking and having a breath of fresh air for half an hour.
Then I go home, and it's dinner, if I may call it so. My folks are both at work, so left to my own devices I have what I manage to find in the fridge. Then I fool around for an hour or so, browsing in some magazine or a book, or listening to some quiet music.
After that I'm ready for the most important part of my day, my work actually. I study, I dig up information, I solve tasks, find answers to questions, do my homework. By 8 p.m. I feel tired. Fortunately, by that time folks have arrived, and we eat. That is the only proper meal of the day for me, and the only time to talk with my parents. Then an hour or more of study, some TV, and by 12 p.m. I'm in bed. Sometimes I have to stay up late, if I have some difficult tasks to solve.
So this is it, in a nutshell. Not very eventful, but it's a working day, isn't it?
Notes:
flexible - гибкий
accordingly- соответственно, соответствующим образом
snapshot - (моментальная) фотография
shrill – резкий, пронзительный
to daydream –спать наяву
I do jump out –“Я все же выпрыгиваю” –усилительная конструкция
to push up - отжиматься
to sit up - приседать
soft-boiled egg –яйцо всмятку
to have a chat - поболтать
optional class –дополнительное занятие, факультатив
extra-curriculum –вне расписания
to have a breath of fresh air –подышать свежим воздухом
folks –“предки”, родители
left to my own devices –предоставленный самому себе
to fool around –дурачиться, прохлаждаться
to browse –листать
to dig up - откапывать
in a nutshell –вкратце, в двух словах
Text A: MY DAY OFF
Most people in our country work five days a week but students and pupils work six days. They have only one day off. It is Sunday.
I like this day very much. You needn't hurry anywhere and you may go wherever you like after your week's work.This day I wake up later than usual. But sometimes I don't get up till 9 or 10 o'clock. I read morning newspapers or listen to music.
As soon as I get up I air the room, make my bed and do morning exercises. Then I have breakfast, clean the dishes and wash up. Two more hours for getting ready with my homework and I am free.
I meet my friends and we discuss our plans together. We may go to the cinema or theatre, to museums and parks. Last Sunday we went to the Botanical Garden. There were many beds of spring flowers there: red, yellow and blue. People in light clothes were walking along the paths. The air was fresh and clean. It was very pleasant to spend time there.
In fine weather we also like to be out of town. We find a nice place somewhere in the forest or on the bank of the river. We lie in the sun, play different games and swim. In winter my friends and I often go to the skating-rink. Skating is my favourite kind of sport, but I like to ski too.
When the weather is bad my friends come to my place. We listen to music or go to the cinema. We like psychological and fantasy films, thrillers and comedies. On the way home we usually discuss the films we've seen.
In the evening all the members of our family get together. We have our supper, make plans for tomorrow, watch TV or read books. Reading is my hobby. Sometimes we receive guests at our place or go for a walk. I enjoy my days off very much.
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
day off to go wherever you like
week-end later than usual
hobby to air the room
to enjoy smb's days off to go to the country
to make plans to go for a walk
to spend time to listen to music
to discuss smth to play games
to have a rest to lie in the sun
to work 5 days a week to come to smb's place
to have one day off to receive guests
I. Answer the questions:
2. What time do you get up on Sundays?
3. What do you do in the morning?
4. How do you usually spend your days off?
. How did you spend your last day off?
. What are the best places around Kursk?
. Do you often go to the country on your days off?
8. Do you go in for sports on Sundays?
9. Do you often go to see your friends?
. How often do you spend your week-ends with your parents?
. With whom do you prefer to spend your days off: with your friends or with your parents?
. Are you theatre-goers?
. What do you like best, cinema or theatre?
. Are you fond of music?
. What is your hobby?
. How do you usually spend your evenings on your days off?
17. Do you like to receive guests on Sundays?
. How do you plan to spend your next Sunday?
Text B: HOW I SPEND MY FREE TIME
Unfortunately I have not much free time this year that is why I have done my best to spend it wisely. As you know, there are a lot of opportunities of spending free time. When I have some free time I can choose any of them. But when the weather is fine, it is better to go for a walk.
After classes together with my friends we like to walk along the streets of our town enjoying the beauty of the city's architecture. Sometimes during my leisure time I read books, listen to my favourite music, or call up my friends inviting them to a café or a park. I can say that there are a lot of ways of spending free time. It is very nice to have some free time and do what is really pleasant.
I always envy those people, who have two days off. So you may guess, I have the only day off –Sunday. On Sunday, I don't have to hurry anywhere, that’s why, I get up at nine or ten o'clock. I am not an early riser. I make my bed, wash myself and go to the kitchen. In the kitchen the table has already been laid and I always have something tasty on Sunday: fried potatoes, meat salad or my favourite apple pies.
If the weather is sunny, I usually don’t stay indoors, I go to see my friends. But sometimes the day is rainy and gloomy. I prefer to be in watching TV, listening to music, reading books, speaking over the phone or just lying on the sofa idling away the time. Some of my friends can watch all TV-programmes from morning till night, but I think it’s rather boring, and I always feel sorry for those TV-addicts. It's much more interesting to play a game of chess with my grandfather or help my mother about the house and argue with my father about the latest events at home and abroad.
Every Sunday, when I go to bed, I think that the day has flashed past and the next week will bring new problems and their solution.
OUR STUDIES
Text A: KURSK STATE UNIVERSITY.
I am a first-year-student of Kursk State University. This institution of higher education was established in 1934. There were only two faculties in it: the faculty of History and that of the Russian language. Many skillful and experienced professors and lecturers worked there. They gave their knowledge and enthusiasm to lay the foundation for the future University. In 1994 our institute got the status of a University. In 2001 it got the qualification of a State University of an academic type.
Our University is in the center of the town. It is in Radishev Street which is near Red Square, the central square of the town. The University takes up 5 buildings. There are a lot of classrooms, laboratories and workshops there. All the rooms are large and light. The laboratories are equipped with modern instruments and apparatus. We spend a great deal of time there making experiments and calculations.
The head of the University is the Principal. He has some Vice-Principals. They are in charge of tuition, research work, public and social activities of our University. There is a library and a reading-hall there. The library is rich in books. The reading-hall is rather comfortable for individual studies. There are many shelves with books, magazines and newspapers on them. We often come to the reading-hall to read up before lectures and seminars. As a rule we have 3 or 4 lectures and seminars a day.
We study various subjects: Mathematics, Physics, History, Psychology, English and others. Usually we have English classes twice a week. Our University has many faculties. At the head of each faculty there is the Dean. He usually has an assistant – a Vice-Dean. The students take an active part in the public life of the University. Many students attend scientific circles. It is interesting and useful for students to work in them.
The academic year is divided into 2 terms which run from the 1st of September to the beginning of January and from the beginning of February to the end of June. It is very interesting to study at the University but it is not so easy. We realize that our future profession is very responsible, we must know and be able to do many things. I like my future profession and want to become a skilled teacher.
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
to be a first-year student the Principal /a Vice-Principal
Kursk State University to be in charge of tuition
institution of higher edu- research work
cation public and social activities
to be established to be rich in smth.
faculty to read up before lectures
skillful and experienced various subjects
professors and lecturers the Dean/ a Vice-Dean
to give one's knowledge to take an active part in smth.
and enthusiasm to attend scientific circles
to lay the foundation to be divided into… terms
to get the status of... future profession
the central square to be responsible
to take up 5 buildings to be able
to be equipped with a skilled teacher
modern instruments and
apparatus
to spend a great deal of time
making experiments and calculations
the head of the University
I. Read and translate text B:
Text B: OUR UNIVERSITY
Our University is one of the largest and oldest institutions of higher education in our country. There are about 18,000 students at the University. At present the University has the following faculties: Physics and Mathematics, Pedagogy and Psychology, Natural Geography, Biology and Chemistry, Philology and Journalism, Foreign Languages, Special Needs Pedagogy, Vocational Training and History, Social Service and Tourism, Software Development and Administration of Information Systems and several others. The University has post-graduate courses in Pedagogy, Psychology, History, Philology, Mathematics and Physics.
The University has an Evening Department as well as an Extramural Department where thousands of people can get higher education. All the necessary facilities are provided for our students. Most part of tuition is free of charge, but there is also an extra-budget admittance of students on the commercial base. All the students getting well at their studies and exams receive stipends.
The University is staffed by highly qualified teachers. Among them there are some academicians and professors, Doctors of Science and a lot of Candidates of Science. They are always ready to give all sorts of assistance to the students.
The students of the University have excellent conditions for study. Our University has a good library with thousands of volumes on a wide range of subjects including fiction and current periodicals. The University provides excellent facilities for research work on a wide range. The laboratories are equipped with up-to-date devices and apparatus. The students have their own Student Science Society. A lot of them carry out research work and take an active part in scientific conferences which are held at the University every year.
The University has some old and modern buildings. The latest nine-storied building which appeared several years ago houses the faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology and that of Special Needs Pedagogy. Our University has spacious reading rooms and lecture halls, concert halls and gymnasiums.
The students have every opportunity to develop their abilities, gifts and talents. The University has a wide variety of amateur groups (drama, music, sport). They are very popular with the students. Every year hundreds of students graduate from our University and begin to work at different educational institutions of our country.
to have a post-graduate course a wide range of subjects
Extramural Department including fiction and current peri-
to get higher education odicals
necessary facilities to provide excellent facilities for
to provide smth for smb research work
to be free of charge up-to- date devices
an extra-budget admittance Student Scientific Society
students on commercial base to carry out research work
to receive stipends scientific conferences
to be staffed by to house smb/smth
highly qualified teachers spacious
a list of scientific works to have every opportunity
to their credit to develop one's abilities
academician a wide variety of amateur groups
Doctor of Science to be popular with
Candidate of Science to graduate from the University
to give assistance to smb
to have excellent conditions
II. Answer the questions. Compose a story about your University:
1. How many institutions of higher education are there in Kursk?
. When was the University founded ?
. What faculties has the University ?
. What specialists does the University train ?
. Do the students take an active part in the public life of the University ?
6. Have the students wide opportunities to develop their abilities, gifts and talents?
7. Do many students go in for sports?
. What sport teams has the University ?
9. Are the students of the University fond of playing volleyball, football and tennis?
10. What games are popular with the students ?
. How often are scientific conferences held at the University ?
. When does the academic year begin in our country ?
. When do students take examinations ?
. When do applicants take entrance examinations ?
. When do the students have their vacations ?
. How long does the first term last ?
. When does the second term begin ?
. How long does it last ?
. Where is your University situated ?
20. How long does it take you to get to the University ?
. What is your favourite subject ?
. What subjects do you study at the University ?
. What faculty do you study at ?
. Who is the head of the faculty ? of the University ?
. Are you getting well with your studies at the University ?
. Do you get a scholarship?
Text C: THE OLDEST BUT YOUNG AT HEART
Kursk State University is one of the leading Universities in the Central Black-Soil region. It was founded in 1934, but the history of the university dates back to the 18th century when Tsarina Catherine II ordered the establishment of a school for young noblewomen. In 1902 it was transformed into the Mariinskaya Grammar School for Girls and then into a Teacher Training Institute in 1934. The impressive ancient University building, situated at the corner of Radishev and Kirov Streets in the centre of Kursk, is a national monument. For years a high spirit of teaching and studentship has existed within these halls.
Today, the University is the leading science and education center in the Kursk region, and offers a diverse set of specialities, modern educational technologies and various forms of vocational training.
More than 7000 full and part-time students study at the University's 16 departments. The talents of our staff are numerous. We have more than 500 tutors and researchers at the 49 University departments. More than 57 faculty members possess full doctorate degrees, and over 300 have Ph. D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degrees. Kursk State University provides scientific support to economic, technological and social research and projects in the region. The University has an important influence on the educational and demographic structure of the Kursk region, helping to preserve its social environment, history, folklore and local crafts. Various university scientific schools (psychological, educational, those of natural sciences and humanities) are famous both in Russia and abroad. Highly qualified specialists are trained through full and part-time graduate studies, Ph. D. programmes in 32 areas of specialization and doctoral studies in 7 areas of specialization.
The University is actively developing international relations. Links with more than 50 universities in Europe, the USA and Asia have been established. We are in close contact with foreign scientific and teaching organizations, embassies, as well as with international foundations and institutions. The University is currently participating in a cultural studies project in collaboration with its partner universities in Russia, the Ukraine, Germany, Great Britain and Austria. The international exchange programmes are very popular among our students.
Today the University is comprised of six education buildings, over 100 natural science rooms for the humanities, an astronomical observatory, ten multimedia classrooms, a conference hall, a TV-centre, industrial training facilities, art studios, a library and reading halls, zoological, mineralogical and archeological museums, a biological and agricultural testing center, gymnasiums and many other facilities. The construction of the seventh building and a community center is currently under way. Additional facilities include three hostels and a student medical center.
OUR FACULTY
T e x t C: THE FACULTY OP PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS
The faculty of Physics and Mathematics trains specialists for different branches of industry and research laboratories, and teachers for secondary schools, technical secondary schools and universities. The faculty provides a broad engineering education. In the age of rapid scientific progress there is a growing demand for engineers with a thorough knowledge in their speciality and the ability to apply that knowledge to practical problems. Therefore, the number of students admitted to the faculty increases with every year. In the beginning all the students take the same courses. They study mechanics, electricity and magnetism, the History of Russia, a Foreign Language and some other subjects.
A proper understanding of physical sciences needs a good knowledge of Mathematics. Therefore, the faculty gives particular consideration to the teaching of Mathematics. All the students study mathematical analysis, analytical geometry, algebra and mathematical physics. Each of these subjects provides in itself a broad mathematical education and helps the future physicist to obtain a deeper insight into all physical phenomena. Later on specialization begins. The students spend a lot of time on more specialized theoretical and practical work in their chosen field. They read a lot to get new information about the extraordinary progress in all branches of physics. They work in well-equipped laboratories which provide excellent facilities for a wide range of research work. Here they gain much practical and useful experience in scientific research. The students of the faculty receive a thorough and comprehensive guidance for their future work from the academic staff. Among them are outstanding scientists who are well known not only in our country, but also abroad.
to train specialists algebra
different branches of industry to help the future physicist
research laboratories to obtain a deeper insight into
secondary schools an insight into all physical phenomena
a broad engineering education to spend a lot of time on smth
in the age of rapid progress more specialized theoretical work
a growing demand for smb/smth in one's chosen field
with a thorough knowledge of to get new information
speciality / specialization extraordinary progress
ability to apply that knowledge in all branches of physics
to apply to practical problems- to provide excellent facilities
therefore for a wide range of research work
to admit to the faculty to gain experience
to increase with every year practical and useful experience
in the beginning to receive a guidance
to take a course thorough and comprehensive guidance
a proper understanding of smth. academic staff
physical sciences outstanding scientists
a good knowledge of mathematics
to give particular consideration
teaching of mathematics
mathematical analysis
analytical geometry
III. Answer the questions. Write down a topic about your faculty:
1. What faculty do you study at ?
. Are you a first-year student ?
. Is the demand for specialists of your type great in our country?
. Why does the number of students increase with every year ?
. What subjects do you study in the first year ?
. Which is your favourite subject ?
. When will you take your examinations ?
. In what subjects will you have examinations ?
. What subjects do the students study in the second (third) year ?
. Which is the most interesting subject ?
. Have the students of your faculty favourable conditions for study?
. Do many students live in the hostels of the University ?
13. Are there many laboratories at your faculty ?
14. Are they well-equipped ?
15. How many times a week do you go to the library? laboratory? reading room, or to the dean's office ?
16. How many students graduate from your faculty ?
. Are there many post-graduates at your faculty ?
. Under whose supervision do the post-graduates work ?
Text B: THE FACULTY OF PEDAGOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY
Our faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology is quite new compared to the other ones of our University. It got its new name in 2004. Before that it was called the faculty of Primary Education and Upbringing. Nowadays the faculty prepares specialists in different disciplines. Thus we have the department of Psychology, that of the methods of primary education with the additional specialities of Foreign Languages and computer Science for primary schools.
The faculty trains specialists for different educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities). The faculty provides a broad pedagogical and psychological education. In the age of a rapid scientific progress there is a growing demand for the professionals with a deep knowledge in Psychology and Pedagogy as well, especially for primary schools.
Therefore, the number of students admitted to the faculty increases with every year. A proper understanding of some urgent pedagogical and psychological problems needs a good knowledge of the fundamental theoretical works and modern conceptions from this branch of Science. That's why the faculty gives particular consideration to teaching of general Psychology, Pedagogy, the Foundations of Professional Study, Anthropology and even to some adjacent disciplines such as Mathematics, History, Russian, English and others.
Some of the students can get a University degree of a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science. The majority of scholars are full-time students like me and the rest are part-time students. We hope to receive much practical and useful experience in order to become professionals in our speciality.
We are living in a rapidly changing, multinational and multicultural world. Barriers keep falling, people and cultures mix, but one thing remains basic and dear to my heart –my Homeland, Russia. No one can deny that it is a great country in all senses of the word, with its area of 17.1 million square kilometers, and the population of 150 million people. It spans two parts of the world –Europe and Asia, serving as a bridge between them. It is washed by the seas of the Arctic and Pacific Oceans.
The variety of climatic zones it covers is breathtaking, from the arctic wastes in the north down to the subtropics in the south. It has immense natural resources, such as coal, oil and gas, all kinds of mineral deposits, great forests and rivers, it has everything.
There are many branches of industry in Russia –machine-building, steel production, chemical and electronic industries, and numerous others. Unfortunately, agriculture is in a rather poor state, and we have to import foodstuff; and even wheat. The potential of Russia and its people is great, and with reasonable economic mechanisms and laws the country will overcome the present difficulties, and will occupy the place it deserves in the world community.
The cultural heritage of Russia is rich and varied. The names of Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Tchaikovsky are known all over the world. Russia's history like that of any other great country is full of glory and blood. Russia twice saved Europe from the Dark Age – stopping the Tartars, and crushing the German fascists.
Russia is a multinational federal republic, and though there are some separatist tendencies, I believe all the problems can be resolved.
I am proud of my country, I love Russia, my Motherland, and will do the best I can to improve its economic and political situation.
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
in a rapidly changing world numerous others
multinational and multicultural unfortunately
barriers keep falling agriculture
to mix to be in a rather poor state
to remain basic to import foodstuffs
dear to our hearts wheat
my Homeland the potential of Russia
to deny with reasonable economic mechanisms
in all senses of the word to overcome the present difficulties
with its area of ... to occupy the place
the population of ... the place it deserves
to span two parts of the world in the world community
Europe , Asia the cultural heritage of Russia
to serve as a bridge between to be known all over the world
the variety of climatic zones Russia's history
to cover like that of any other country
to be beautiful / breathtaking to be full of glory and blood
from the arctic wastes twice
in the north, in the south to save Europe from the Dark Age
down to the subtropics stopping the Tartars
to have immense natural resources crushing the German fascists
coal, oil, gas a multinational federal republic
all kinds of mineral deposits some separatist tendencies
branches of industry to be resolved (peacefully )
machine-building to be proud of
steel production Motherland
chemical and electronic to improve economic and political situation
I. Answer the questions:
1. What is your opinion about the time we live in ?
. What constantly remains dear to your heart ?
. Does your country belong to the Great Powers ?
. What is the total area of the country ?
. What is its population ?
. Where is Russia situated ?
. What seas and oceans is it washed by ?
. What is the climate like in Russia ?
. What mineral resources is it rich in ?
10.What branches of Russian industry can you name ?
.What can you say about the state of agriculture in Russia ?
. How do you estimate the potential of Russia ?
13. What's your opinion about the economic mechanisms and laws of the country?
14. What is the cultural heritage of Russia ?
. What do you know about Russia's history ?
. What was the role of our country with the regard to Europe ?
. Do you love your Motherland ?
. Are you proud of it ?
II. Read text B, translate and retell it
T e x t B : KURSK – OUR NATIVE TOWN
Kursk is one of the ancient Russian towns. It is situated in a picturesque spot just in the heart of the Central Black Soil Zone of the Russian Federation. It is very important for our country because it lies at the crossroads of different main lines and high ways.
Kursk is a town with a rich historical past, which is connected with the history of the Russian state. Referring to the results of the archaeological excavations historians assume that Kursk was founded as a fortress of the Kiev Princedom in the reign of Vladimir Svyatoslavovich approximately in 982-983 on the bank of the Tuskar river, at the place where the small river Kur falls into it. It explains the name of the city – "Kursk-on-the-Tuskar",
For the first time Kursk was mentioned in the Pechyor Paterikon one of the most famous written monuments of the ancient Church, compiled by the monk-chronicler Nestor in 1094. We can read some lines about the valour of Kursk dwellers in the world-famous old Russian poem "The Song of Igor's Campain" written by an unknown author in a high-patriotic note.
Nowadays Kursk is a big industrial and cultural centre of the Russian Federation. Its population is more than 441 thousand people, the territory is about 18 thousand hectares. The town and its suburb are situated in the forest-steppe zone with a warm moderate-humid climate.
The main branches of industry in Kursk are metal-working, machine building, chemical and light industries. There are more than 90 enterprises in Kursk. A great number of joint-ventures have been registered and successfully work on the territory of Kursk.
There are 20 secondary professional schools, 14 colleges, 3 universities and an academy there. You can have a good opportunity to rest and widen your cultural outlook in Kursk at the regional drama theatre named after Pushkin, at the puppet theatre and the theatre of young spectators "Rovesnik", in the Houses and Palaces of Culture and the House of Knowledge, in the City palace for schoolchildren and in the cinemas, clubs, video salons, libraries, museums, picture gallery, picture pavilions, the planetarium and philharmonic society.
Let's hope that thanks to industry and diligence of our townsmen Kursk will become more comfortable and beautiful. It is a tribute for our rich thousand-year-old history. It is necessary for living and future generation
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
ancient an unknown author
to be situated, in a high-patriotic note
in a picturesque spot suburbs
in the heart of in the forest-steppe zone
the Central Black Soil Zone with a warm moderate-humid climate
the Russian Federation the main branches of industry
to be very important metal-working, machine building
at the crossroads of chemical and light industries
main lines and high ways an enterprise
with a rich historical past a great number of joint-ventures
to be connected with to be registered
the history of the Russian state to have a good opportunity
referring to the results of cultural outlook
archaeological excavations the regional drama theatre
historians the puppet theatre
to assume theatre of young spectators
to be founded as a fortress the picture gallery
the Kiev Princedom picture pavilions
in the reign of the planetarium
approximately in philharmonic society
on the bank of thanks to industry and diligence of
to be mentioned in townsmen
in the Pechyor Patericon a tribute for
to be compiled by a rich thousand-year-old history
the monk-chronicler living and future generations
the valour of Kursk dwellers
in the world-famous poem
to be written by
III. Questions to the text :
1. Where is Kursk situated ?
. What role does it play in the life of our country ?
. When and where was it founded ?
. Is there any explanation to the town's name ?
. When and where was it first mentioned ?
. Where can we find the lines about the valour of Kursk dwellers?
. What is it nowadays ?
. What is its population about ?
. What territory does it occupy ?
. What are the main branches of industry in Kursk ?
. How many enterprises are there ?
. What can you say about the educational institutions of Kursk ?
. What places of interest can you visit here ?
14. Do you like your native town ?
Text C: IN THE VERY HEART OF RUSSIA
Kursk is situated in the very heart of Russia. It is a big cultural and industrial regional centre in the Russian Federation. It supports a population of more than 1.2 million people.
Emerged in the XI century, even earlier than Moscow, and being a frontier settlement, Kursk, for many centuries fought to repel enemy invasions. Kursk, for many centuries has been a spiritual centre for the Russian Orthodox Church. Korennaya Holy Mother hermitage is famous for the miraculous discovery of the icon “Sky-sign” in 1297. Today, this icon is the main symbol of the American Orthodox Church. Kursk is adorned with several striking historical and spiritual monuments. A masterpiece of architecture –Sergievo-Kazanskiy Cathedral is linked to one of the most respected saints in Russia, Seraphim Sarovskiy, who was born in Kursk.
Not only Kursk, but also dozens of small towns composing the territory of the Kursk region, possess both signs of their majestic past and their sophisticated present. They are famous throughout Russia for their folk arts and crafts, their parks and mansions (“Marino”, “Mokva”), being the birthplaces of several Russian writers, poets and musicians.
The natural environment of the Kursk region is uniquely beautiful and diverse. The famous reputation of “Streletskaya Steppe” (The Central Black Soil Region State Biospherical Reserve) is justified, since it protects wild virgin grassland and rare black soils, which have never been touched by a plough, as well as a wealth of flora and fauna native to the region. The songs of Kursk nightingales have become the symbol of the Russian soul.
Text A: GREAT BRITAIN
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on the British Isles. The British Isles consist of two large islands: Great Britain and Ireland, and about five thousand small islands. Their total area is over 244,000 square kilometers.
The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast respectively. Great Britain consists of England, Scotland and Wales and does not include Northern Ireland. But in everyday speech "Great Britain" is used to mean the United Kingdom. The capital of the UK is London.
The British Isles are separated from the European continent by the North Sea and the English Channel. The western coast of Great Britain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea.
The surface of the British Isles varies very much. The north of Scotland is mountainous and is called the Highlands, while the south, which has beautiful valleys and plains, is called the Lowlands. The north and west of England are mountainous, but all the rest –east, centre and south-east – is a vast plain. Mountains are not very high. Ben Nevis in Scotland is the highest mountain (1343 m).
There are a lot of rivers in Great Britain, but they are not very long. The Severn is the longest river, while the Thames is the deepest and the most important one.
The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of Gulf Stream influence the climate of the British Isles. It is mild the whole year round.
The UK is one of the world's smaller countries. Its population is over 57 million. About 80% of the population is urban.
The UK is a highly developed industrial country. It is known as one of the world's largest producers and exporters of machinery, electronics, textile, aircraft and navigation equipment. One of the chief industries of the country is shipbuilding.
The UK is a constitutional monarchy. In law, the Head of State is the Queen. In practice, the Queen reigns, but does not rule. The country is ruled by the elected government with the Prime Minister at the head. The British Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
There are three main political parties in Great Britain: the Labour, the Conservative and the Liberal parties. The Prime Minister is Gordon Brown.
the British Isles to influence the climate
to consist of the whole year round
Great Britain urban
Ireland / Northern Ireland a highly developed industrial country
total area machinery, electronics,
to be made up of . textile, aircraft
respectively navigation equipment
to include shipbuilding
in everyday speech a constitutional monarchy
to be separated from... by... in law / in practice
the European continent the Head of State
the English Channel to reign// to rule/to be ruled by
to be washed by the elected government
the Atlantic Ocean with the Prime Minister at the head
the Irish Sea chambers: the House of Lords and
the surface of the British the House of Commons
Isles main political parties:
mountainous / the highest mountain the Labour, the Conservative
the Highlands / the Lowlands the Liberal
beautiful valleys and plains the ruling party
the Severn // Gulf Stream the Prime Minister
I. Answer the questions :
1. Where is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland situated ?
2. What islands do the British Isles consist of ?
. What is their total area ?
. What countries is the United Kingdom made up ?
. What are their capitals ?
. What name is used to mean the United Kingdom ?
. What is the capital of the UK ?
. What are the British Isles separated from the European continent by?
. What is the western coast of Great Britain washed by ?
.What do you know about the surface of the British Isles ?
.What is the highest mountain ?
12.What can you say about the rivers of Great Britain ?
.What factors influence the climate of the British Isles ?
14.What is its population ?
15 What is it known as ?
l6. Who is the Head of State in law and in practice ?
. What is the country ruled by ?
. What are the names of the British Parliament chambers ?
. What political parties are there in Great Britain ?
. Who is the Prime Minister ?
London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and commercial centre. It is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe. Its population is about 8 million.
London is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world. Traditionally it is divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. They are very different from each other and seem to belong to different towns and epochs.
The heart of London is the City, its financial and business centre. Numerous banks, offices and firms are situated there, including the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange and the Old Bailey. Few people live here, but over a million people come to the City to work. There are some famous ancient buildings within the City. Perhaps the most striking of them is St Paul's Cathedral, the greatest of English churches. It was built in the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren. The Tower of London was founded by Julius Caesar and in 1066 rebuilt by William the Conqueror. It was used as a fortress, a royal palace and a prison. Now it is a museum.
Westminster is the historic, the governmental part of London. Westminster Abbey has more historic associations than any other building in Britain. Nearly all English kings and queens have been crowned here. Many outstanding statesmen, scientists, writers, poets and painters are buried here: Newton, Darwin, Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling, etc.
Across the road from Westminster Abbey is Westminster Palace, or the Houses of Parliament, the seat of the British Parliament. The Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament is famous for its big hour bell, known as "Big Ben".
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen. The West End is the richest and the most beautiful part of London. It is the symbol of wealth and luxury. The best hotels, shops, restaurants, clubs and theatres are situated there. There are splendid houses and lovely gardens belonging to wealthy people.
Trafalgar Square is the geographical centre of London. It was named in memory of Admiral Nelson's victory in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The tall Nelson's Column stands in the middle of the square.
On the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Not far away is the British Museum – the biggest museum in London. It contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures, etc., and is famous for its library.
The East End is the poorest district of London. There are a lot of factories, workshops and docks here. The streets are narrow, the buildings are unimpressive. The East End is densely populated by working class families.
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
political and economic the governmental part of London
commercial centre historic associations
financial centre to be crowned
geographical centre outstanding
traditionally to be buried
to be divided into across the road from
the City the Houses of Parliament
Westminster (Abbey, Palace) the seat of the British Parliament
the West End/the East End the Clock Tower
to belong to big hour bell
numerous banks Buckingham Palace
the Stock Exchange the official residence
the Old Bailey the symbol of wealth and luxury
within the City splendid houses
St Paul's Cathedral lovely gardens
the Tower of London belonging to wealthy people
to be founded Trafalgar Square
by Julius Caesar to be named in memory of
by William the Conqueror Admiral Nelson's victory
to be used as a fortress in the battle of Trafalgar
a royal palace in the middle of the square
prison on the north side of
II. Answer the questions to the text and try to retell it :
. What is the capital of Great Britain ?
. What is its population ?
. What parts is it traditionally divided into ?
. What is the heart of London ?
. What state institutions are situated there ?
. Do any people live in the City ?
. What is the most striking ancient building within the City ?
. When was it built? Whom was it built by ?
. Whom was the Tower of London founded by ?
. When was it rebuilt and by whom ?
. What was it used as ?
. What is the governmental part of London ?
13. What building has more historic associations than any other one?
14. What is it famous for ?
. Who is buried here ?
. What is Westminster Palace known for ?
. Where is the official residence of the Queen ?
. What can you say about the West End ?
. Can you compare it to the East End of London ?
. What is the geographical centre of London ?
. In memory of what event was it named ?
. Where are the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery
situated ?
. What do you know about the British Museum ?
CONTENTS
Unit 1.
Text A: About myself……………………………………………………3
Text B: My biography……………………………………………………5
Unit 2.
Text A: My family……………………………………………………….6
Text B: About my family………………………………………………..8
Text C: British families………………………………………………….9
Text D: (a dialogue)……………………………………………………..9
Unit 3.
Text A: Hobby…………………………………………………………..10
Text B: Different hobbies……………………………………………….11
Unit 4.
Text A: My working day………………………………………………..13
Text B: My week day……………………………………………………14
Unit 5.
Text A: My day off……………………………………………………...15
Text B: How I spend my free time……………………………………...17
Unit 6. Our Studies.
Text A: Kursk state university…………………………………………..18
Text B: Our university…………………………………………………..19
Text C: The oldest but young at heart…………………………………..21
Unit 7.
Text A: The faculty of Physics and Mathematics………………………22
Text B: The faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology………………………24
Unit 8. Our Motherland………………………………………………….25
Text A: Russia…………………………………………………………...25
Text B: Kursk –our native town………………………………………...27
Text C: In the very heart of Russia……………………………………...29
Unit 9.
Text A: Great Britain……………………………………………………30
Text B: London………………………………………………………….32
References
400 тем по английскому языку для школьников, абитуриентов, студентов и преподавателей / Сост. Ю.В. Куриленко. –Москва: ЗАО «БАО-ПРЕСС», ООО «ИД РИПОЛ классик», 2006. –с.
120 TOPICS. Сборник разговорных тем по английскому языку: Учебное пособие / А.П. Миньяр-Белоручева. –М.: Издательство «Экзамен», 2005. –с.
И.В. Гребенкина. Сборник разговорных тем по английскому языку. –ТОО «КРИМИНАЛ –М». 1996. –с.
Хведченя Л.В., Хорень Р.В. Английский язык для поступающих в вузы. 4-е изд., доп., –Мн.: Выш. Шк., 1996. –с.