EUMK Great Britain

Рисунок 1 – Map of the United Kingdom
UNIT 1 GREAT BRIATIN
Text 1
Ex.1 a) Find in the text, translate and memorize the following

words.
An ancestor, to advance, a plough, warlike, a hut, to raid, plunder, to
adopt, clergy, to pioneer.
b) Paraphrase the words in italics with the new ones.
1. They found a small wooden house and sheltered there from rain. 2.
He opened up the way to the heart of the swamp. 3. The Bronze age people
introduced an agricultural implement for turning up the soil. 4. The stolen
goods were hidden in the basement. 5. I liked your method of teaching and
I will use it in my school. 6. Japan was progressing very quickly and it
surprised the world. 7. The parents of my grandfather came from Greece.
8. The tribe fought much and spent a lot of time on military drill. 9. They
attacked the village with the aim of robbing it. 10. The priests and the
preachers are very powerful in this country.
Ex.2 Translate the following words and expressions.

A hominid, overland, stone tools, to domesticate, to put up buildings, a
sword and a shield, leather, a war chief, to ride on the horseback, the
earliest written record, a pattern, a right angle, a single-storeyed farm-
house, slaves and peasants, significant, navy, to defeat, a conquest, caught
in the act of a crime, boiling water, to be judged innocent, democratic
parliamentary government, technological advances, the Industrial
Revolution, overseas empire, shaping.
Ex.3 Read the text.

Great Britain: short history
Archeologists think that the earliest hominids (ancestors of modern
human beings) may have entered Britain overland from Europe more than
half a million years ago, in Paleolithic period. The earliest known
settlements date from about 250 000 B. C. People who lived there
discovered how to control fire and used stone tools.
The culture of Mesolithic and Neolithic people was more advanced.
They were mostly farmers and village traders. They domesticated the dog,
built the first roads and were the first in Britain to have put up buildings of
wood. People of the Bronze Age used the wheel and the plough. They
used stabbing swords and shields of wood, leather and bronze. The Celts,
who came to Britain in the Iron Age, were warlike. Their communities
were ruled by war chiefs. They were the first people in Britain to ride on
the horseback.
Julius Caesar led his forces into Britain in 55 B. C. and again in 54 B.
C. His personal account was marked with the earliest written record of
Britain’s history. The Romans built towns to a pattern of straight, parallel
main streets that crossed at right angles. Wealthy Romans lived in villas –
single-storeyed farm-houses surrounded with huts for slaves and peasants.
The Romans brought Christianity and the Christian Church established in
Britain.
The period of the Anglo-Saxon settlements is called the Dark Ages
because our knowledge of it is limited. The Angles, Saxons and Jutes came
to Britain from Denmark and northern Germany. Wessex, one of the
kingdoms, was the most significant part of Britain under Alfred the Great,
who opened many schools, formed laws and founded England’s navy. In
the late 700’s, Vikings, from Scandinavia, raided Britain for plunder. They
formed a kingdom to the north of the river Themes called Danelaw and the
English had to pay taxes, called Danegeld, to them.
The Normans were people who had adopted Christianity and the French
language and had become very powerful. At the Battle of Hastings,
October 14, 1066, the Normans defeated the Saxons and the Norman
conquest followed. William I, the Conqueror, was crowned king of
England. Up to the 1500’s, the most powerful in Britain were the Church
and the Law. Every village had a church and every city had a cathedral.
There was no single source of justice. The king’s council was the
supreme court that tried great lords. Simple people were tried by their
fellows. Church courts tried clergy. A person caught in the act of a crime
underwent «trial by ordeal». He had to plunge his arm into boiling water. If
the burns didn’t bring him suffering, he was judged innocent. Soon trial by
ordeal was replaced by trial of jury.
From the 1500’s onwards, Britain made rapid economic, cultural,
political and social progress and became a nation of world importance. The
British developed democratic parliamentary government and pioneered the
technological advances of the Industrial Revolution. They developed the
largest and most influential overseas empire in history. In the 1900’s,
Britain gave up most of its empire and helped many countries to achieve
political independence. British civilization, laws and culture helped in the
shaping of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, the USA, the West
Indies and other states that now form the Commonwealth of Nations.
Ex.4 Explain the following words in English.

A hominid, to domesticate, a plough, a shield, a sword, warlike, a villa,
a navy, Danegeld, to crown, clergy, to pioneer.
Ex.5 Give English equivalents to the words.

1) предок; 2) по суше; 3) инструменты; 4) бронзовый век; 5) щит и
меч; 6) железный век; 7) воинственный; 8) ехать верхом; 9) вклад; 10)
прямой угол; 11) хижина; 12) крестьянин; 13) морской флот; 14)
совершить налет; 15) добыча; 16) королевство; 17) завоевание; 18)
короновать; 19) духовенство; 20) страдание; 21) первооткрыватель;
22) прогресс; 23) достигать; 24) цивилизация; 25) Содружество
Наций.
Ex.6 Combine the events and the dates.

1 The Spanish Armada was defeated by the British navy.
2 William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings.
3 Nelson won the battle of Trafalgar.
4 The Act of Union joined England and Scotland.
5 Britain became a member of the European Community.
6 The battle of Waterloo ended the Napoleon Wars.
7 The Act of Union with Ireland.
8 India and Pakistan became separate states.
9 Scottish parliament in Edinburgh and Welsh Assembly in Cardiff
were created.
10 Slavery was banned throughout the British Empire.
11 Charles Darwin published “Origin of Species”.
12 Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first woman prime minister.
1066, 1588, 1707, 1801, 1805, 1815, 1833, 1859, 1948, 1972, 1979,
1998.
Ex.7 Do you know…

A) What are these people famous for? – Alfred the Great, King Arthur,
Oliver Cromwell, Admiral Nelson, Queen Victoria, Edward VIII, Elisabeth
II .
B) What are these places famous for? – Hastings, Trafalgar, Waterloo,
Wiltshire, Stratford-upon-Avon, Greta Green.
Ex. 8 Answer the questions.

1. When did the earliest hominids enter Britain? 2. What were the
people of the earliest known settlements in Britain? 3. What was the
culture of Mesolithic and Neolithic people? 4. What inventions did people
of the Bronze Age make? 5. What were the military achievements of the
Celts? 6. What was the Romans’ influence on Britain? 7. What is a villa?
8. What was the Romans’ religion? 9. Why is the period of the Anglo-
Saxon settlements called the Dark Ages? 10. What was Wessex like under
Alfred the Great? 11. What is Danelaw? 12. What were the Normans like?
13. What institutions had the most power with the Normans? 14. What is
“trial by ordeal”? 15. What is the role of Britain as a nation of world
importance? 16. What was Britain in the 1900’s?
Ex. 9 Translate.
1. Предки современного человека пришли в Великобританию по
суше в палеолите. 2. Люди мезолита приучили собаку, построили
дороги и дома из дерева. 3. Люди бронзового века изобрели колесо и
плуг, ножи и щиты из бронзы и кожи. 4. Военные вожди руководили
кельтами, которые первыми начали ездить верхом. 5.Города римлян
имели прямые параллельные улицы, которые пересекались под
прямым углом. 6. В Темные Века самым могущественным был
Уэссекс, где было много школ и флот. 7.Викинги пришли в Британию
за добычей, создали там свое королевство и заставили англичан
платить дань. 8.Наибольшего влияния церковь и закон добились при
норманнах. 9. «Суд Божий» заставлял человека опускать руку в
кипяток и таким образом решал, виновен ли человек. 10.
Великобритания дала свободу своим бывшим колониям и повлияла на
становление многих государств.
Text 2
Ex.1 Translate the following words and word combinations.

Few natural resources, an empire, an explorer, to be made up, surface,
to vary, valleys and plains, changeable, fog and smog, extremely, to
spread, a car accident, frequent, agrarian, wool cloth, an industrialized
nation, coal mining, heavy machinery, aircraft, consumer goods, privacy,
dry wit, gambling.
Ex.2 Read the text.

United Kingdom and its people
The United Kingdom is an island country in northwestern Europe. More
than 70 countries are larger in size, and the United Kingdom has only
about 1 % of the world’s people. It has few natural resources. Yet, for
hundred years the United Kingdom has been one of the world’s most
important countries. The British started the Industrial Revolution. They
founded the largest empire in history. They have produced many of the
world’s scientists, explorers, artists and political leaders.
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 kilometres. The UK is made up of four countries:
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The capital of the UK is
London.
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. There are a lot of
rivers in GB, 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. The weather in Great Britain is
very changeable. A fine morning can change into a wet afternoon and
evening and the wrong side out. The English people say: «Other countries
have a climate; in England we have weather». The English also say that
they have three variants of weather: when it rains in the morning, when it
rains in the afternoon or when it rains all day long.
The most unpleasant aspect of English weather is fog and smog. This is
extremely bad in big cities especially in London. The fog spreads
everywhere so cars move along slowly and people can't see each other.
They try not to be run over by a car but still accidents are frequent in the
fog.
Up to the 18th century the British economy was mainly agrarian and the
chief manufacture was wool cloth. But trade developed rapidly and soon
Britain became an industrialized nation, basing its wealth on coal mining,
manufacture of iron and steel, heavy machinery and textiles, on
shipbuilding and on trade. The newer industries include chemicals,
electronic engineering, vehicle manufacture, aircraft building, instrument
engineering and a wide range of consumer goods.
The United Kingdom with its 58 million people is more thickly
populated than most countries. The seven biggest metropolitan areas are
London, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle, Birmingham and
Leeds. British people developed their own character and way of life. They
respect privacy and old traditions. They developed dry wit, a love for
personal freedom and a high degree of self-criticism. They spend a lot of
time in their gardens and are known for their love to animals.
The British are enthusiastic sports fans. The most popular sports are
soccer, cricket, angling, golf, hockey, rugby. Gambling on sports events is
very popular. About 75% of the British gamble on horse racing, dog racing
or soccer games. Betting shops and bingo halls are also popular.
Ex.3 Find the English equivalents in the text.

1) островное государство; 2) полезные ископаемые; 3)
исследователь; 4) остров; 5) поверхность; 6) горный; 7) долина; 8)
равнина; 9) переменчивая погода; 10) туман; 11)
сельскохозяйственный; 12) шерстяная ткань; 13) добыча угля; 14)
кораблестроение; 15) самолетостроение; 16) потребительские товары;
17) уединение; 18) рыбалка; 19) азартные игры; 20) собачьи бега.
Ex.4 Answer the questions.

1. What is the United Kingdom in comparison with other world
countries? 2. Where is the United Kingdom situated? 3. What four
countries make up the United Kingdom? 4. What is the difference between
the north and the south of Great Britain? 5. Which are the United
Kingdom’s two busiest rivers? 6. Why does the United Kingdom have a
mild climate, even though it lies as far north as Labrador, in Canada? 7.
What is the weather like in the United Kingdom? 8. Why are smog and fog
dangerous? 9. What are the main industries in the United Kingdom? 10.
What are the biggest cities in the United Kingdom? 11. What are the
British people like? 12. What are the most popular sports in the United
Kingdom? 13. In what way do the British spend their free time? 14. What
is “gambling on sports”?
Ex.5 Choose the right variant.

1 The United Kingdom has …of the world’s people.
a) 1%; b) 5%; c) 10%.
2 The north of Scotland has …
a) plains; b) mountains; c) beautiful valleys;
3 The most important river in Great Britain is:
a) the Severn; b) the Themes; c) the Avon.
4 In the 18th century the British chief manufacture was:
a) Shipbuilding; b) coal mining; c) wool cloth.
5 They say that the fact that Britain is an island resulted in the British
love for:
a) nature; b) privacy; c) animals.
6 There are special halls in Britain for playing;
a) Chess; b) darts; c) bingo.
Ex.6 Do you think those ideas are true?
1. According to the way you speak the British can say what class you
belong to. 2. The upper class in Great Britain speak proper English. 3. The
English have a dry sense of humour. 4. The British prefer to live in cities
rather than in the country. 5. The British are less fashionable than other
European nations. 6. Football is traditionally a working class sport. 7.
Bowling is played mostly by the young. 8. Golf is a game of businessmen.
9. Military service is obligatory in Great Britain. 10. A person who leaves a
cat to starve in an empty house while he goes for his holiday, he can be
sent to prison.
Ex.7 Translate.
1. Хотя 70 стран мира больше Великобритании по территории, а ее
население составляет 1% от мирового, она является одной из
важнейших стран на протяжении столетий. 2. Британцы начали
научно-техническую революцию и подарили миру многих
знаменитых ученых, исследователей и политиков. 3. Север
Великобритании – это горы, а юг представляет собой красивые
долины и равнины. 4. Горы, близость океана и Гольфстрим смягчают
климат Великобритании. 5. Погода в Англии очень переменчива: если
с утра солнечно, вечером может пойти дождь. 6. Ведущие отрасли
промышленности в Великобритании – тяжелое машиностроение,
химическая промышленность, приборостроение, а также
Великобритания производит многие потребительские товары. 7.
Британцы известны своим сдержанным чувством юмора, любовью к
природе и животным. 8. Британцы делают ставки практически на
каждом виде спорта, популярном в стране.
Text 3
Ex.1 Translate the following words and word combinations.

Populous, to account for, mainland, land border, urban area, unified
state, tribe, cultural and legal impact, place of origin, parliamentary
democracy, rolling hills, natural harbour, temperate climate, plentiful
rainfall, prevailing wind, chemical and pharmaceutical sector, aerospace,
arms industry, software industry, intertwined, to reside, spectator sports,
secular country.
Ex.2 Read the text.

England
England is the largest and most populous country of the UK. Its
inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population while its
mainland territory occupies most of the southern two-thirds of the island of
Great Britain. England shares land borders with Scotland to the north and
Wales to the west. The Capital is London, the largest urban area in Great
Britain, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most, but not
all, measures.
England became a unified state in the year 927 and takes its name from
the Angles, one of the Germanic tribes who settled there during the 5th and
6th centuries. It has had a significant cultural and legal impact on the wider
world being the place of origin of the English Language, the Church of
England and English law. It is home to the Royal Society, which laid the
foundations of modern experimental science. England was the world's
oldest parliamentary democracy and consequently many constitutional,
governmental and legal innovations that had their origin in England have
been widely adopted by other nations.
England is closer to continental Europe than any other part of Britain,
divided from France only by a 52 km sea gap. The Channel Tunnel directly
links England to the European mainland. The English/French border is
halfway along the tunnel.
Much of England consists of rolling hills, but it is generally more
mountainous in the north with a chain of low mountains, the Pennines,
dividing east and west. The largest natural harbour in England is at Poole,
on the south-central coast. Some regard it as the second largest harbour in
the world, after Sydney, Australia, although this fact is disputed.
England has a temperate climate, with plentiful rainfall all year round,
although the seasons are quite variable in temperature. However,
temperatures rarely fall below −5 °C or rise above 30 °C. The prevailing
wind is from the south-west, bringing mild and wet weather to England
regularly from the Atlantic Ocean. It is driest in the east and warmest in the
south, which is closest to the European mainland. Snowfall can occur in
winter and early spring, although it is not that common away from high
ground.
England's economy is the second largest in Europe and the fifth largest
in the world. As part of the United Kingdom, England is a major centre of
world economics. One of the world's most highly industrialized countries,
England is a leader in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors and in key
technical industries, particularly aerospace, the arms industry and the
manufacturing side of the software industry.
With 50,431,700 inhabitants (84% of the UK total), England is the most
populous and most ethnically diverse nation in the United Kingdom.
England has a vast and influential culture that encompasses elements both
old and new. The modern culture of England is sometimes difficult to
identify and separate clearly from the culture of the wider United
Kingdom, so intertwined are its composite nations. However the English
traditional and historic culture remains distinct albeit with substantial
regional differences.
The English have played a significant role in the development of the
arts and sciences. Many of the most important figures in the history of
modern western scientific and philosophical thought were either born in, or
at one time or other resided in, England. Major English thinkers of
international significance include scientists such as Sir Isaac Newton,
Francis Bacon, Charles Darwin, many philosophers, economists, and the
team that developed the first atomic bomb began their work in England,
under the wartime codename tube alloys.
Several modern sports were codified in England during the 19th
century, among them cricket, rugby, football, tennis and badminton. Of
these, football, cricket and rugby remain the country's most popular
spectator sports. Due to immigration in the past decades, there is an
enormous diversity of religious belief in England, as well as a growing
percentage that have no religious affiliation. England is classed largely as a
secular country even allowing for the following affiliation percentages:
Christianity: 71.6%, Islam: 3.1%, Hindu: 1.1%, Sikh: 0.7%, Jewish: 0.5%,
and Buddhist: 0.3%, no faith: 22.3%.
1. What part of the population of the UK lives in England? 2. Which
countries does England border on? 3. What is London? 4. Where does
England take its name from? 5. Why does England have a significant
cultural and legal impact on the wider world? 6. Is England far from
continental Europe? 7. What is England’ relief like? 8. What kind of
climate does England have? 9. Which are the leading branches of
England's economy? 10. What is England’s population? 11. What is
England’s role in the development of the arts and sciences? 12. Which are
the most popular English sports? 13. What does a “secular country” mean?
Ex.4 Do you think these facts are true or false?

1 About 700,000 years ago the current position of the English Channel
was a large river flowing westwards and fed by tributaries that would later
become the Themes and the Seine.
2 London exports mainly materials such as petroleum, tea, wool, raw
sugar, timber, butter, metals, and meat and imports manufactured goods.
3 Euromoney is used in England.
4 Dishes forming part of the old tradition of English food include: apple
pie, fish and chips and gravy.
5 The following things were invented in England: vacuum cleaner,
lawnmower, steam engine, bicycle and electric motor.
6 In pop music English bands and solo artists have not been cited as the
most influential and best-selling musicians of all time.
7 The 2012 Summer Olympics are to be hosted by London, England.
Text 4 Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon, famous the world over as the birthplace of
William Shakespeare, is situated - almost symbolically - at the heart of
England. Surrounded by countryside notable for its natural and historical
appeal, the town enjoys a pleasant riverside setting. No town has a more
fascinating history. Originating as a river-crossing settlement, the site of
Roman and Saxon occupation, it became an important focus of roads, and
from an early age served as the market centre of the surrounding
countryside. Stratford is a town with a character and atmosphere of its
own. Apart from the beauty of its river, its streets and buildings preserve
many links with its past: the layout and the names of its central streets have
changed little since medieval times. It is, however, the fame of the
properties associated with William Shakespeare and his family, and of the
Shakespeare Festival centred on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, that
makes Stratford-upon-Avon a Mecca for visitors all over the world
Shakespeare's plays are now produced here for nearly eight months of each
year to an audience representative of practically every nation in the world.
At the same time Stratford has become a centre of cultural and academic
activities.
William Shakespeare retired to live in Stratford in 1613, after the Globe
Theatre, where his company was performing, had been burnt down. He
died on April 23, 1616, and he was buried in the parish church where he
had been baptised. Today people come to see the places associated with
him, but surely the finest monument of all is the wonderful series of plays
and poems that he wrote.
Ex.1 Find the synonyms in the text.

a) centre, core, heart
b) famous, remarkable, noteworthy
c) to focus, concentrate
d) to save, to keep, to maintain
e) honour, glory
f) almost, practically, virtually
Ex.2 Complete the expressions.

a) to centre________
b) famous the world______the birthplace_____William Shakespeare
c) the places associated________him
d) surrounded_______the countryside
e) to preserve__________ many links________the past
f) to serve__________the market centre
g) to change little______medieval times
h) a Mecca______visitors all_______the world

1 What makes Stratford-upon-Avon famous the world over?
2 Where is Stratford-upon-Avon situated?
3 What made Stratford-upon-Avon an important market centre?
4 Why is Stratford-upon-Avon notable for its historical appeal?
5 What is the most famous event in the life of Stratford-upon-Avon?
6 What places in Stratford-upon-Avon are associated with William
Shakespeare?
Ex.4 Writing.
a) You live in Stratford-upon-Avon. Write a letter of invitation to your
friend inviting him to spend his holiday at your place.
b) You have been staying in Stratford-upon-Avon for a week. Write a
letter home describing the impressions of your stay there.
Text 5 The Lake District - the most beautiful corner of England

Some of the deepest lakes, the highest mountains, the quietest valleys
and the most dramatic panoramas in England are to be found within this
diverse landscape covering an area of 900 square miles.
«It's mostly rocks», wrote a female visitor to the Lake District in 1698.
This may be a truthful observation, yet how much it leaves out! Certainly
the rocks are there, piled into craggy mountain massifs and wearing a
necklace of sparkling lakes. The great attraction of the lakes which
enthralled the early tourist is, of course, the scenery. This is the best seen
by the walker, but for the less energetic sightseer there is an almost
unlimited fund of places to visit which are reasonably accessible to the
motorist. The climate of the District is much-maligned: certainly it is an
area of high rainfall, but though the rain falls heavily there is still a good
proportion of rain-free days. However, if one is able to time a visit to take
advantage of the best climatic and scenic conditions, then June is the
month to choose. Every season, however, has something to offer, and the
visitor who finds himself in love with the lakes in August may return in
winter, spring or autumn to find a treasury of new beauties.
Ex.1 Say in other words.

a) criticised by a lot of people often unfairly;
b) to fill something or cover a surface with a lot of something;
c) very steep and covered in rough rocks;
d) a spoken or written remark about something you have noticed;
e) to shine in small bright flashes;
Ex.2 Find the synonyms in the text.

a) honest, sincere, frank; e) to captivate, to enchant;
b) approachable, available; f) to omit, to miss, to overlook;
c) riches, wealth; g) part, fraction, percentage;
d) endless, immeasurable; h) to schedule.
Ex.3 Without looking back at the text, try to supply the nouns
which were used with the following adjectives.
scenic
much-maligned
dramatic
diverse
craggy
high.
truthful
rain-free
sparkling
energetic
unlimited
accessible

1 Why did a female visitor describe the Lake District as «It's mostly
rocks»?
2 Is it a truthful observation?
3 What enthralls the visitors to the Lake District?
4 Why is the climate of the Lake District much-maligned?
5 What month would you choose to visit the Lake District?
Ex.5 Class Improvisation.

1 You have just returned from England where you spent your holidays
working on a farm. Share your impressions with your fellow students.
2 Your friend has just returned from his working holiday in England.
You were in England last year. Share your impressions.
3 If you were planning to visit England, what part of the country would
you choose? Give your reasons. Try to persuade your friends to go with
you to this particular area for a holiday.
Ex.6 Write an essay «My Imaginary Journey about England».
Text 6 Oxford
Town and Gown There has been a town where Oxford now stands for
many centuries - even before 912, the first written record of its existence.
The University began to establish itself in the middle of the 12th
century, and by 1300 there were already 1,500 students. At this time,
Oxford was a wealthy town, but by the middle of the 14th century, it was
poorer, because of a decline in trade and because of the terrible plague,
which killed many people in England. Relations between the students and
the townspeople were very unfriendly, and there was often fighting in the
streets. On 10th February 1355, the festival of St Scholastica, a battle
began which lasted two days. Sixty-two students were killed. The
townspeople were punished for this in two ways: they had to walk through
the town to attend a special service on every St Scholastica's day until
1825. Worse than this, the University was given control of the town for
nearly 600 years.
Nowadays, there are about 12,000 students in Oxford, and the
University and the town live happily side by side!
City of dreaming spires
The best-known description of Oxford is by Matthew Arnold, the 19th
century poet, who wrote about «that sweet city with her dreaming spires».
However, Oxford is not only famous for its architecture. In the 20th
century, it has developed quickly as an industrial and commercial centre.
The Rover Group factory at Cowley, for example, is an important part of
Britain's motor industry.
It is also an important centre in the world of medicine; it is the home of
Oxfam, the charity which raises millions of pounds to help poor people all
over the world; and its airport contains Europe's leading air-training
school.
Oxford words
The Oxford English Dictionary is well-known to students of English
everywhere. The new edition, published in 1989, defines more than half a
million words, and there are twenty volumes.
Some of the words are special Oxford words. For example, «bulldog»
in Oxford is the name given to University policemen who wear bowler hats
and sometimes patrol the streets at night. They are very fast runners.
«Punt» is a word often used in both Oxford and Cambridge. It refers to a
flat-bottomed boat with sloping ends which is moved by pushing a long
pole in the water.
Oxford University Press, the publishing house which produces the
Oxford English Dictionary, has a special department called the Oxford
Word and Language Service (OWLS for short). If you have a question
about the meaning of a word or its origin, you can write or telephone, and
the staff there will help you.
Ex.1 Are these statements true or false?
1 There was no town at Oxford before 912.
2 Oxford has always been a wealthy town.
3 The people of Oxford were punished for the trouble with the students.
4 The University used to be more important than the town.
5 Oxford is famous for its architecture.
6 Britain's motor industry is based in Cowley.
7 The word «bulldog» usually means «policeman».
8 Oxford is a city of contrasts.
Text 7
Ex.1 Translate and memorize the following words.

Peculiar, to maintain, distinct, an heir, adjoining, a dock, neutral,
mutual, hostile, a troop.
Ex.2 Match the words with the definitions.

1 next, very near, neighbouring
2 clear, easily seen, read and understood
3 a place where ships land
4 a person who gets the property or the money or the title when the
owner dies
5 unfriendly
6 to keep up, to continue
7 common, felt to each other
8 not helping either side in a war
9 a group of soldiers
10 special, unusual
Ex.3 Read and translate the text.

Scotland
In area, Scotland is more than half as big as England. Its population is,
however, only one eighth as great as that of England. Scotland was an
independent kingdom, often at war with England, until 1603. In 1603 King
James VI of Scotland became King of England. In 1707 the Act of Union
was passed. This Act made Scotland and England a united part, but the
Scots kept their own legal system, religion and administrative systems and
still keep them now.
The Gaelic language is still used rather than English amongst the people
of the remote Highlands district. The English language is spoken all over
Scotland with a variety of regional accents. There are many words and
phrases which are peculiar to Scottish use, and this maintains national
distinctness.
Scotland is a northern land. It consists of Highlands and Lowlands.
Edinburgh is the capital, Glasgow is the chief centre of commerce and
industry. Scotland now has its own Parliament and a number of seats in the
United Kingdom House of Commons.
Wales
Wales has been united with England for hundreds of years, and for
centuries England and Wales have formed one single political unit. The
son and heir of the monarch is given the title «Prince of Wales», but his
title has no political significance.
If you look at the bottom of the map you’ll see Cardiff, the capital of
Wales. Financially and industrially, Cardiff is the most important city in
Wales. Most of the inhabitants of Wales live and work in this city and the
adjoining areas. Apart from the docks Cardiff is a beautiful city. If you go
to Wales and can’t understand what people are saying, don’t worry! They
are not speaking English, they are speaking Welsh. But this is the only
distinctive national feature left in Wales.
The Welsh are famous for their singing. A lot of Welsh people play
musical instruments, too. The Welsh national costume is still worn by
some girls for folk dancing and music festivals. Wales has a very strong
folk culture and many people still learn Welsh as their first language.
Northern Ireland
The greater part of Ireland became the Irish Free State (Eire) in 1922. It
was a part of the British Commonwealth for a time, but reminded neutral in
the Second World War and became a republic in 1949. Meanwhile the six
northern counties reminded part of the United Kingdom.
In newspapers you often meet the world «Ulster» which stands for
Northern Ireland. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. The political
system of Northern Ireland was always dominated by religion. The
Protestant and Catholic communities have been mutually hostile for
centuries. British troops were sent to Northern Ireland to keep order.
The separation of the six northern counties in 1922 was not readily
accepted by the rest of Ireland, and for a long time «Irish Question» has
been one of the major problems of British politics. The protestant
communities who are allied with the British government terrorize the
catholic part of the population of Ulster. On their side are the UDA (Ulster
Defence Association) and the UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force).The catholic
part of Northern Ireland has the IRA (Irish Republican Army) that wants to
achieve a untied Ireland by violent means. Today they are condemned by
the government of the Irish Republic.
Ex.4 Give English equivalents to the following Russian words.

1) заключить союз; 2) сохранить юридическую систему; 3)
отдаленные районы; 4) сохранять; 5) национальное различие; 6)
наследник; 7) титул; 8) политическое значение; 9) прилегающая
территория; 10) народные танцы; 11) сохранить нейтралитет; 12)
протестантское и католические общества; 13) враждебный; 14) отряд;
15) осуждать.

1. How big is Scotland? 2. What is the population of Scotland? 3.
How did Scotland unite with England? 4. Who speaks the Gaelic
language? 5. Where is the English language spoken in Scotland? 6. What
parts does Scotland consist of? 7. What are the chief cities of Scotland? 8.
Who is given the title «Prince of Wales»? 9. What is the capital of Wales
like? 10. What is the only distinctive national feature left in Wales? 11.
What are the Welsh famous for? 12. When did Eire become a republic? 13.
What is Ulster? 14. What has always dominated the political system of
Northern Ireland? 15. What is «Irish Question»?

1 Scotland is …
a) more than twice as big as England; b) as big as England; c) more
than half as big as England.
2 Until 1603 Scotland was …
a) an independent state; b) a democratic republic; c) an independent
kingdom;
3 The Act of Union was passed in…:
a) 1603; b) 1703; c) 1707
4 The … language is spoken all over Scotland.
b) Celtic; b) English; c) Gaelic
5 … is the capital of Wales.
a) Edinburgh; b) Cardiff; c) Glasgow
6 The IRA is supported by …:
a) the Catholics; b) the Protestants; c) the Irish Republic Government
Ex.7 Tell everything what you know about

a) the following places:
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast, Aberdeen, Loch Lomond, Loch
Ness, Snowdon.
b) the following people:
Mary Queen of Scots, James Watt, Robert Burns, David Lloyd George,
Prince Charles Edward Stewart, Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson,
Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde.
Ex.8 Refute the following statements.

1. More people live in Scotland than in England. 2. Scotland has always
had its separate government. 3. Everybody in Scotland speaks the Gaelic
language. 4. Scotland is made up of mountains only. 5. Glasgow is the
capital of Scotland. 6. Cardiff lies in the north of Wales. 7. Docks in
Cardiff are beautiful. 8. Folk culture is not developed in present-day
Wales. 9. The Irish Free State took part in the Second World War. 10. The
Irish Free State is called “Ulster”. 11. The Catholics and the Protestants
peacefully co-exist in Northern Ireland. 12. The IRA supports the
Protestants.
Ex. 9 Translate.
1. Шотландия и Англия часто воевали, пока в 1707 году не был
подписан акт об объединении. 2. Шотландцы потеряли
независимость, но сохранили правовую систему и свою религию. 3.
Гэльский язык используется малым количеством населения,
большинство из которых говорит на английском с местным акцентом.
4. Наследник британского престола носит титул «Принца Уэльского»,
хотя он и не имеет политического значения. 5. Большая часть
населения Уэльса живет в столице - Кардиффе – или в прилегающих
районах. 6. Народная культура, в особенности танцы и песни, очень
популярна среди валлийцев. 7. Шесть графств, которые остались в
составе Великобритании, образуют Северную Ирландию со столицей
в Белфасте. 8. Ирландский вопрос о взаимоотношениях католиков и
протестантов является одним из ведущих у британского
правительства.
Text 8 In the Highlands

The drive from England to Scotland provides the traveller with many
pleasant changes of scenery. As it is a fairly long journey, it is good to be
able to travel with a friend who can take turns with you at the wheel.
A patriotic Scotsman travelling with an English friend may tell him he
is going to see in the Highlands the finest scenery in the world. This may
sound exaggerated, but on arriving in the Highlands most people readily
agree that the scenery is indeed magnificent.
The Highlands are, as the name implies, the hilly or mountainous region
of the country.
On the first night in Scotland, a tourist may choose to put up at a hotel
in the little town of Callander, which is known as one of «the Gateways to
the Highlands». On the following day, he can set out to see various lakes,
or rather «lochs», in the neighbourhood, and will be delighted with the
wild and romantic aspect of the countryside. When he returns to his hotel
tie will be glad to eat a copious «high tea». This is a meal which, in
Scotland and many parts of northern England, takes the place of tea and
dinner. It consists of one substantial course, such as one would have at
dinner, followed by bread-and-butter, with jam or honey, and some kind of
cakes; tea is drunk with the meal, which is taken at about six o'clock in the
evening. One has a light supper late in the evening.
The next morning many tourists journey on to the west coast, passing
on their way Loch Lomond, one of the largest and most famous of the
Scottish lakes. The road twists and turns, dips and climbs, but is not
dangerous. The greatest hazard is the black-faced sheep: these animals are
as active and impudent as goats, and frequently wander recklessly into the
road. The tourist may also see a herd of long-haired Highland cattle, which
look savage but are no more so than ordinary cattle. Eventually, the road
runs parallel with the sea, along a coastline fringed with little islands and
made ragged with rocky bays and the deep inlets that are also called
«lochs».

1 What is meant by to take turns?
2 What wheel is meant in the expression to take turns at the wheel?
3 What are the names given to the meat of these animals: cows, sheep,
pigs, calves, deer?
4 What is the opposite of a reckless person?
5 What is the difference between a wild animal and a savage animal?
6 What is the meaning of eventually?
7 «Deep water». What is the opposite of deep?
8 On what might one find a fringe?
Ex.2 Complete the following sentences. Insert one word in each

blank space. The word must be an adjective or an adverb, and is to be
found in the text «In the Highlands».
1 Some Scotsmen are so ________that they claim that England is a
peninsula to the south of Scotland.
2 My uncle has left me a ____________amount of money.
3 It is____________to play with fire.
4 _____________we shall all die.
5 He is a badly brought-up _____________boy.
6 You should think before you act, and not do things ____________.
7 He dug a _____________ hole and buried the treasure in it.
8 I felt very sleepy after my ___________ meal.
9 The house had a ____________ large garden.
10 He ___________ obeyed.

1. Does it take long to drive from England to Scotland?
2. What may make a long journey less tiring for a driver?
3. What sort of country are the Highlands?
4. Where might a tourist stay on his first night in Scotland?
5. What is meant by high tea?
6. What do Scotsmen often have in place of dinner?
7. What is the road to the west coast like?
8. Why are Highland sheep sometimes dangerous?
9. What other animals may one see there?
10. What is a loch?
Text 9 Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a fine old city built partly in the
valley of the River Leith and partly on the rolling hills which surround it.
The city is dominated by the castle, an ancient fortress standing on the
summit of a massive rock, which has been the scene of many battles and
sieges throughout centuries of Scottish history. Today what remains of the
original castle is preserved as a museum piece and a home for military
relics.
For three weeks every summer, Edinburgh is alive with exhilarated
festival-goers and performers who come from all over the word, and the
city is gay with flags and decorations. This international festival of the arts
fills every theatre, concert hall, exhibition gallery and assembly room with
performances of opera, dancing, music, plays, revues, films, puppet shows
and recitals, and specially-mounted exhibitions of painting and sculpture.
The festival is not limited to indoor activities: every weekday the noise of
the city's traffic is lost in the sound of music as the Scottish pipers march
along Princes Street with kilts swinging and drums beating. But the most
spectacular event of the festival is undoubtedly the military tattoo. This
takes place under searchlights on the Castle esplanade - the scene of many
executions in the past - with the floodlit castle in the background. Nowhere
could one find a natural setting more impressive and appropriate.

1 What sort of hills are rolling hills?
2 What is the summit?
3 Define massive.
4 What is a siege?
5 What is a relic?
6 What is a thoroughfare? What does the fare part of the word mean?
7 How does one feel when one is exhilarated?
8 What is a puppet?
9 What do you do if you floodlight a place?
Ex.2 Match the words of the two columns.

rolling event
international rock
military exhibitions
appropriate setting
spectacular hills
original city
floodlit relics
massive castle
old festival
specially mounted tattoo
impressive
Ex.3 Without looking back at the text «Edinburgh», try to supply
the missing word that completes these expressions.
- to be________by the castle;
- ________the centuries of Scottish history;
- to take place________searchlights;
- the floodlit castle in the________
to march ________ Princess Street;
a home ________ military relics;
to be___ as a museum piece;
to be________ in the sound of music.

1 What is the location of the city of Edinburgh?
2 What building dominates the town? What is it used for?
3 When is the Edinburgh Festival held?
4 What sort of festival is it?
5 Mention three activities which go on during the Edinburgh Festival.
6 What is the city's most spectacular event and where does it take
place?
Text 10
Ex.1 Read these three short texts and discuss with your partner the
things that seem interesting to you.
Scottish names
Many people in Scotland have the name MacDonald or MacKenzie.
«Mac» means «son of» and people with this name usually feel they belong
to the same family or clan. Campbell or Cameron are other common
surnames. Common boys' names are Angus, Donald or Duncan, and girls'
names are Morag, Fiona or Jean.
The names Jimmy and Jock are so common that many English people
call a man from Scotland «a Jimmy» or «a Jock»!
Scottish words
Many Scottish people still use some Scottish words when they speak
English.
«Wee», meaning small, is often heard in such expressions as «wee
laddie» - small boy. «A bonnie lass» is a pretty girl and a «bairn» is a
young child. If someone answers your questions with «aye» they are
agreeing with you: «aye» means yes. Finally, if you are offered a «wee
dram» be careful: you'll be given some whisky to drink and you will
probably have to drink it all in one go!
Whisky
A typical sight in many Highland valleys or glens is the white buildings
of the malt whisky distilleries. No two malt whiskies are the same, and the
taste cannot be copied anywhere else in the world, as the water comes from
the local hills. Whisky was first produced in Scotland in 1494 and for
many years there was a lot of smuggling to avoid paying taxes. There are
more than 100 malt whisky distilleries in the Highlands and it is not sur-
prising that the word «Scotch» (Scottish is used to describe someone or
something from Scotland) is used to mean whisky throughout the world.
Ex.2 Word search.

Make a list of things that you associate with Scotland and Scotsmen.
Compare your list with your groupmate's. Explain your choice. How many
of them can you find in the square below?
T N Z К V Т В W В Н
H A G G I S С К И О
W Y T D С L F М R G
В P Q T A R T А N М
R С Z N 0 X V S S А
F К Q M L О С Н В N
E D I N В И R G Н А
P R E F В D Q Р W Y
R S T F О G К S Е В
В L О Q S С О Т С Н
Ex.3 Compare the English and the Scottish. In what way are they
different? What can account for these differences?
Ex.4 If you had a chance to visit Scotland, what would you like to
see there?
Scotland Quiz
1 The capital of Scotland is
a) Edinburgh
b) Glasgow
c) Aberdeen
2 A haggis is a type of
a) musical instrument
b) food
c) clothing
3 Many Scots have names beginning Mac or Mc. Originally this meant
a) head of the family
b) son of...
c) Scottish for «Mr»
4 A clan is a
a) type of Scottish family group
b) Scottish castle
c) traditional Scottish sword
5 Ben Nevis is, or was
a) a famous Scottish nationalist
b) the highest mountain in Britain
c) an island on the west coast
6 How many of these does Scotland have?
a) its own banknotes
b) its own church
c) its own national football team
7 The Scottish national emblem is
a) heather
b) a thistle
c) a deer
8 One of Scotland's most famous exports is
a) lager
b) beer
c) whisky
Ex.5 Imagine that you and your groupmates have just returned
from Scotland. Recall the places you visited, the things you saw, the
things you learned about this country and its people and share your
impressions with your groupmates.
Text 11 Some Glimpses of the History of Wales

Although it is now approximately seven hundred years since England
and Wales became part of the same kingdom, the Welsh people have
retained, to this day, their own individuality and their own language, an
ancient Celtic tongue whose literature goes back 1400 years (Gaelic).
A deep and fierce love of their country has always animated the Welsh
people and, for this reason, even when the whole of England was subdued
by foreign invaders, the Welsh never failed to retain some corner of their
land, some mountain fastness, from which they could defy the enemy.
Although Edward I (1272-1307) built throughout Wales castles which
served as military bases for the subjugation of the Welsh people, the
Snowdonian region was never conquered.
The Welsh are intensely musical and great lovers of poetry, with a
natural urge and ability to express themselves. What could be more natural
than that legend and romance should flourish there? Indeed, the legend of
King Arthur, who seems to have travelled widely on the Continent,
originated in Wales.

1 Can you find in the text two words for to conquer ?
2 What is mountain fastness?
3 What is the opposite of retain?
4 Which verb is closer in meaning to the verb animate in the sentence:
A deep and fierce love of their country has always animated the Welsh
people. Choose from: enliven, stimulate, activate, quicken, encourage,
waken, arouse, excite, provoke, stir, inspire, invigorate.
5 What do we do if we defy the enemy? Choose the best variant(s).
We Disregard the enemy
ignore
scorn
disobey
confront
provoke
resist
oppose
challenge
6 What is the opposite of to defy?
7 What can be retained by a nation?
8 Can you find another word for retain?
9 What is another word for language?
10 Say in other words: The legend of King Arthur originated in Wales.
11 Find the synonym to the word deeply in the text.
12 What do we mean by fierce love of the country? Choose the best
variant(s): violent, furious, stormy, wild, intense, keen, powerful, strong,
uncontrollable, passionate, ardent.
13 What is the opposite of fierce?
14 Find in the text the word that means a strong wish or need.
15 Say in other words go back 1400 years.
16 Explain the difference between go back 1400 years and go back to
the year 1400.
17 Can you find another word for invader?
18 Say in other words: for this reason.
19 Find in the text the word that means to develop well and be
successful.
Ex.2 Complete the sentences below using the correct word from the
text. To help you the first letter of each word is given. Some words can
be used more than once.
1 This custom о__________in Chinese culture.
2 I________from the South ransacked the town.
3 My family g________ b________500 years.
4 Napoleon s________much of Europe.
5 The plants f________in the warm sun.
6 The Normans с________England in 1066.
7 The old diary g_________b______to Tudor times.
8 It's important that the elderly should r_____a sense of dignity.
Ex. 3 Write down the questions for these answers.

1 For seven hundred years.
2 1400 years.
3 A deep and fierce love of their country.
4 For the subjugation of the Welsh people.
5 The Snowdonian region.
6 Because of their natural urge and ability to express themselves.

1 What is the origin of the Welsh people?
2 When did they join England?
3 What language do many people in Wales speak? What is its origin?
4 How did the Welsh manage to retain their individuality?
5 What famous legend originated in Wales?
Text 12 The Land of Song
Wales has been called «The Land of Song». The Welsh people are
renowned for their good voices and it is rare to find a village without at
least one choir competing in an «eisteddfod» or arts festival. The bigger
festival of all is the International Eisteddfod held every year in Llangollen
in Clwyd. Singers, dancers, musicians and poets come from all over the
world to compete for the awards, often wearing colourful national costume.
The prizes are awarded in the presence of a large crowd clad in ancient
Druid robes. The Welsh girls contribute to the festival gaiety with their
national dress - a tall black hat, a scarlet skirt and a starched white apron.
The streets of this small country town bustle with the comings and goings
of visitors speaking many languages.

1 What is the opposite of rare?
2 Can you explain the meaning of hustle and bustle?
3 What can be colourful?
4 Can you think of another word for gaiety?
5 Give a colloquial word for clad.
Ex. 2 Complete the sentences below using the correct word from
the text. To help you, the first letter of each word is given. Some words
can be used more than once.
1 The region is r__________for its fine Persian rugs.
2 Most people с_______something towards the new church buildings.
3 This species of plant is becoming increasingly r_____________.
4 We only went to the theatre on very r___________ occasions.
5 It's very r___________for her to miss a day at school.
Ex. 3 Find the ten words relating to Wales.

1 A member of a race of people formerly inhabiting large parts of
Western Europe;
2 A group of people who sing together.
3 A very large strong building, built in the past as a safe place that
could be easily defended against an attack. There are a lot of them in
Wales.
4 A legendary king of the Celts whose name is associated with the
«knights of the Round Table».
5 One of the important Welsh industries.
6 A member of an ancient Celtic group of priests before the Christian
religion.
7 The English king who conquered Wales in the 13th century.
8 The capital of Wales.
9 Part of the national Welsh women's costume.
10 The region of Wales, a famous National park, which was never
conquered.

1 Why is Wales often called the «land of song»?
2 What is an «eisteddfod»?
3 What is the location of the International Eisteddfod?
4 Describe the national costume of Welsh women?
Ex.5 Work in groups of three. You have just returned from Wales.
Student A visited the International Eisteddfod. Student В attended
lectures at Cardiff University on the history of Wales. Student С lived
in a family of a coal miner. Share your impressions.
Ex.6 Write about your impressions of the first three days of your
stay in Wales.
Text 13 Cardiff: a modern capital.

Cardiff has been the official capital of Wales since 1955. There has
been a community here for hundreds of years, but it began to grow quickly
and to become prosperous during the nineteenth and early twentieth
centuries. This was the period when the coal, iron and steel industries were
developing in South Wales, and Cardiff became a major industrial town
and an important port. However, when these industries began to decline,
Cardiff suffered too. Today, the docks are much smaller, but the city is
now expanding as a commercial and administrative centre. It is an
attractive and interesting place to live in, with good communications,
plenty of parks and a varied population which includes nearly 10,000
university and college students.
As a tourist, you might want to visit the castle and Llandaff cathedral,
or the National Museum of Wales. If you like music, there is the famous
national concert hall, St David's Hall, or the New Theatre, which is the
home of the Welsh National Opera Company.
Ex.1 Re-write these sentences in the correct order to form a

paragraph about the history of Cardiff.
1 It expanded suddenly during the nineteenth century into a great port.
2 A community has existed here for nearly 2,000 years.
3 During the Middle Ages, it was a small market town.
4 In AD76, the Romans reached Cardiff and built a stronghold.
5 When these industries declined, Cardiff became less prosperous too.
6 Happily, after a difficult period, the city is now prospering once
again.
7 Not much is known after this until the Normans arrived in 1091.
8 This was because of the development of coal and other industries in
South Wales.
Ex.2 First find the answers to these clues. Then take the first letter
of each answer and rearrange them to find the name of another Welsh
city. The answers are in the text.
1 If you were born in Cardiff, you would be this.
2 You can see the Welsh National Opera here.
3 This adjective describes Cardiff.
4 Cardiff is the _____ centre of Wales.
5 This was once an important industry in South Wales.
6 You can go to the theatre or to a concert in the__________ .
7 10,000 people do this in Cardiff.
The name of the city is __________ .
Text 14
Ex.1 Write questions about the text. Retell the text. Try and give an
additional piece of information on the problem.
BELFAST
The original Irish name for the capital of Northern Ireland was Beal
Feirste. Modern Belfast is situated at the mouth of the river Logan. It's the
second biggest city in Ireland (Dublin is the biggest) and the largest port
and shipbuilding centre.
In the 1920s, Ireland was divided into north and south. The south
became an independent country and the north remained a part of the United
Kingdom. Since then, Belfast has been the focus of a lot of political
violence. The Catholics in Northern Ireland want a united Ireland, but the
Protestants, a majority in the north, want to remain a part of the UK. The
result has been hundreds of bomb attacks and murders in Belfast between
rival groups. But behind the news and the TV pictures, life goes on as nor-
mal for most Belfasters, even if security checks, British army patrols and
slogans painted on walls have become a part of the city's identity.
Britain quiz
1 Which is the highest mountain in Wales?
A) Skiddaw B) Snowdon C) Yewbarrow D) Stob Ban
2 All of England's highest peaks are found in just one county -
which one?
A) Norfolk B) Yorkshire C) Cumbria D) Dorset
3 I’ll give you the name of a town or city. You give me the river it is
on or at the mouth of.
London: A) Severn B) Thames C) Tees D) Tiber
Newcastle: A) Tyne B) Tees C) Tweed D) Thames
Stratford: A) Thames B) Avon C) Severn D) Kennet
4 A quick look at a map is enough to tell you that Great Britain is
the largest of the British Isles, followed by Ireland. But which is the
third largest island?
A) Isle of Man B) Lewis / Harris C) Mainland (Shetland) D) Isle of
Wight
5 Great Britain and Ireland are the two most populous of the
British Isles but which comes next?
A) Lewis/ Harris B) Isle of Man C) Isle of Wight D) Jersey
6 Which of these countries is not in the UK?
A) England B) Scotland C) Northern Ireland D) Republic of Ireland
7 What is the longest river in Britain?
A) Trent B) Thames C) Severn D) Nile
8 What is the capital of the Isle of Man?
A) Castletown B) Peel C) Ramsey D) Douglas
9 Land's End is
A) one of the highest peaks of the UK
B) the most northern island belonging to the UK
C) one of the capes of Great Britain
D) a lake in Scotland
10 A person with the name MacKenzie will probably come from...
A) the Fens
B) the Highlands
C) The Cambrian mountains
D) The Pennines
11 Ulster is the second name of...
A) Scotland B) England C) Wales D) Northern Ireland
UNIT 2 LONDON
Text 1
Text 1 London: a City with Difference

With its unrivalled range of museums and galleries, theatres and
concert halls, world-famous sights and daily displays of pomp and page-
antry, London is on of the most exciting capitals in the world and demands
to be explored.
«When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life: for there is in
London all that life can afford», wrote Samuel Johnson in 1777. He would
still recognize the great sights on both sides of the Thames, winding its
way downstream from the Houses of Parliament to St, Paul's, London
Bridge and the Tower, down to Greenwich and the sea.
When H.G. Wells wrote in 1911 that "London is the most interesting,
beautiful and wonderful city in the world to me," horse drawn carriages
and Edwardian splendour were on their way out. The 20 th century was
about to enforce dramatic changes on the London sky-line - skyscrapers in
the city, the Post Office Tower and Docklands, the business centre for the
21st century.
Yet London, the world's capital, has kept its heart. Johnson would still
be able to drink coffee in Covent Garden or meander thorough the City's
narrow streets with echoes of Medieval days. H.G. Wells might, today,
listen to debates in the Houses of Parliament, attend a concert in the Albert
Hall or listen to a military band in a royal park.
Today London is a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis, an exciting
world which many visitors from abroad see first from the sky. Down there
seven million people are at home, not in anonymous suburbs but in the
Cities of London and Westminster and in districts which have remnants of
their countrified past, with their own high streets and historic monuments
remembering famous men and women who built a London which each
generation discovers anew.

1 What is meant by a cosmopolitan metropolis?
2 Find a word meaning to walk in a slow relaxed way.
3 What is a high street?
4 Find a word meaning spreading over a wide area in an untidy or
unattractive way.
5 Find a synonym to the words magnificence, grandeur.
6 From the list of synonyms choose the one (s) that is / are closest in
meaning to the word dramatic as used in the text: striking, vivid, effective,
breathtaking, powerful, exciting, sensational, melodramatic, sudden,
startling. What is its opposite?
7 What is meant by remnants of the past?
8 Find a phrase meaning to disappear.
9 Find a synonym to the word to impose.
10 Find the opposite of the word to deny in the text.
Ex.2 Without looking back at the text, try to supply the missing
word that completes these expressions.
- to wind its _____ ;
- _____ carriages;
- military _____ ;
- remnants of the _____ ;
- many visitors _____abroad
Ex.3 Complete the sentences using the words from the text. To help
you, the first letter of each word is given.
1 An industrial estate s_____across the valley.
2 He m _____ aimlessly along the lanes.
3 The r_____ of a meal stood on the table.
4 Highway 99 w _____ its way along the coast.
5 There has been a d _____ rise in the number of unemployed.
6 Blackheath is a s _____ of London.
7 Only seven people a_____ the meeting.
1 Has London changed much since the 18th century?
2 Can you agree with the statement that London has kept its heart?
3 Why is London described as a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis?
4 What is meant by a countrified past of London's suburbs?
Text 2
Ex.1 Translate the following words and word expressions.

Roman invaders, a small Celtic settlement, sizable, to enclose, one in
seven, commerce and finance, to explore, built-up area, to stretch, a small
side-street, unimpressive, money matters, royal, to sail a boat, an open-air
theatre, a tide, a flood, to increase, to sink, a disaster, to lessen, a flood
barrier, striking, the Underground railway, a rush hour.
Ex.2 Read the text.

London
London is an ancient city. It grew up around the first point where the
Roman invaders found the Thames narrow enough to build a bridge. They
found a small Celtic settlement then known as Londinium and by 300 A.
D. they had turned into a sizable port and an important trading centre with
a wall which enclosed the homes of about 50 000 people.
One in seven of the population of the United Kingdom is a Londoner.
About 7 million people live in London. London dominates British life. It’s
the home of the nation’s commerce and finance, the main centre of its legal
system and the press. It has the largest university and the greatest
possibilities for entertainment and for sport in the country. London is one
of the famous capital cities of the world, and every year attracts crowds of
visitors from home and abroad. They come to explore its historic buildings,
to see its museums and galleries, its streets and parks, and its people.
The built-up area of London stretches 50 kilometres from east to west
and many of its districts are linked with particular activities, for example,
parliamentary and government activity centres on Parliament Square of
Westminster and Whitehall. Just as «Westminster» stands for Parliament
so «Whitehall» is often used as the name for central Government. Off
Whitehall in a small side-street Downing Street – is a quiet, unimpressive
house - № 10 – the official home of Prime Minister.
Just as Wall Street in New York is the centre of commerce and finance
so the City of London, sometimes called «the square mile», is the centre of
money matters. Fleet Street near St. Paul’s Cathedral used to be a busy
street full of London, provincial and foreign newspaper offices such as
«The Daily Express», «The Daily Telegraph». Fleet Street is still used to
describe the newspaper industry.
London is full of parks and green spaces. Hyde Park, originally a royal
hunting forest, is the largest park in London. Beyond Hyde Park lies
another royal park, Kensington Gardens. Children gather by the statue of
Peter Pan, James Barrie’s well-known book character, or sail their model
boats on the Round Pond. In the north of London is Regent’s Park with a
zoo and an open-air theatre.
Like many capital cities, London grew up along a major river. The
Thames divides London sharply in two. Most of central London is on the
north bank of the river. The Thames at London is tidal and there have been
several serious floods. The risk of this is increasing as southern England is
sinking in relation to sea level. Threat of disaster, however, has been
lessened by the construction of a flood barrier.
It is always interesting for tourists to take a trip along the Thames in a
boat as it gives a striking panorama of London. The best way to see the city
quickly is from the top of London red double-decker buses. Special tourist
buses go on two-hour circular tours. The other quick and easy way of
getting around London is by «tube» – the Underground railway. During the
«rush hours», when office workers hurry to and from work, the tube train
doors can hardly close behind the crushed crowd.

1. What was Londinium? 2. How did the Roman invaders influence the
development of London? 3. How many people live in London? 4. What is
the role of London in British life? 5. Why is London popular with tourists?
6. What is the size of London? 7. What are Westminster and Whitehall? 8.
What is the official home of Prime Minister? 9. What is “the square mile”?
10. What is Fleet Street famous for? 11. What are the main parks in
London? 12. What parks are mostly popular with children? 13. What role
does the Thames play in London? 14. What are the best ways for tourists to
see London?
Ex.4 Find the English equivalents to the following words.

1) большой порт; 2) торговый центр; 3) коммерческая и
финансовая деятельность; 4) определенный вид деятельности; 5)
королевский лес для охоты; 6) плыть в лодке; 7) театр под открытым
небом; 8) прилив; 9) наводнение; 10) стихийное бедствие; 11)
уменьшать; 12) дамба; 13) потрясающий; 14) двухэтажный автобус;
15) подземная железная дорога; 16) часы пик.
Ex.5 Guess what place is described here.

1 One of the world’s most famous museum, that houses a collection of
objects from ancient civilizations as well as Britain’s 15-million-volume
national reference library.
2 The official royal residence since 1837. Named in the honour of its
first owner who lived there in the early 1700’s.
3 They serve as a meeting place for two legislative bodies of Great
Britain. Constructed during the mid-1800’s instead of the old ones which
burned in fire.
4 The centre of the Church of England in London. Its huge dome towers
365 feet (111 metres) above the ground.
5 William the Conqueror was first crowned king there. Since then all
the country’s monarchs have been crowned there.
6 The huge Nelson Column towers 56 metres above the ground on this
square.
7 This place is known for its Marble Arch and Speakers’ Corner.
8 It contains one of the world’s largest collections of trees and hothouse
plants.
9 London’s oldest landmark built by Julius Caesar. It has served as a
fortress, a palace and a prison. Today it’s a national monument and a
museum of armour.
10 The centre for study and practice of law. It has four groups of
courtyards just west of the City.
11 It presents modern masters of England and France. Its collection of
French Impressionists is outstanding.
12 Bult in 1894, this bridge is still in daily use. It regulates a large part
of the impressive traffic of the Port of London.
13 The headquarters of the Metropolitan Police in London.
Ex.6 Combine the dates and the events.

1 The first railway station was opened.
2 William Shakespeare began to present his plays at the Globe.
3 London’s subway system started.
4 The Great Plague – a terrible epidemic of bubonic plague – broke out
in London.
5 London got the right to govern itself and the first mayor was elected.
6 The Palace of Westminster became the meeting place of Parliament.
7 A Clean Air Act was passed in London after 4000 people died of
smog in a year.
8 The Great Fire of London broke out.
1215 1547 1599 1665 1666 1846 1863 1956

1 Westminster is … ; a) the centre of commerce; b) a famous London
park; c) place where Parliament meets.
2 Fleet Street is a place …: a) where the most famous shops in London
are: b) where the centre of publishing industry is; c) where the London port
is situated.
3 London Zoo is …: a) in Hyde Park; b) in Covent Garden: c) Regent’s
Park.
4 Central London lies …: a) to the north of the Thames; b) to the south
of the Thames; c) on the two banks of the Thames.
5 Downing Street 10 is a place where …: a) the Queen lives; b) the
Prime-Minister lives; c) the Mayor lives.
Ex.8 Translate.
1. Маленькое кельтское поселение Лондиниум находилось в месте,
где Темза была достаточно узкой, чтобы построить мост. 2. Лондон –
это британский центр коммерческой и финансовой деятельности,
юридической системы и прессы. 3. Туристы приезжают в Лондон
посмотреть на его исторические здания, а также из-за возможности
хорошо отдохнуть и провести время. 4. Резиденция Премьер-
министра – это тихий, ничем не примечательный дом на маленькой
боковой улице недалеко от Уайтхолла. 5. Лондон знаменит своими
парками. Дети особенно любят парк “Кенсингтон Гарденз”, где
находится статуя Питера Пена, а также “Регент Парк” с его
зоопарком. 6. Темза уже стала причиной нескольких наводнений,
поэтому чтобы избежать стихийных бедствий, в Лондоне была
построена дамба.
Ex.9 Read the dialogues and say what factors should be borne in
mind if you are visiting London. To what extent did the author's visit
change his mind about the city?
Visiting London
1
- Here we are in England. I'm very glad the trip is over.
- You don't feel well, do you?
- I was a little air-sick. But I'm all right now.
- That's well. By the way, how long are you going to stay in London?
- Only three days. I can't have much time for my sightseeing. So I'd
like to make a trip through the streets of London right now in order to get
the general impression of the city.
- Let me accompany you. I know the city well. And the weather is so
brilliant.
- Oh, that's the first surprise of mine. We used to think that there are
fogs or rains in London nearly every day of the year. But the weather is
perfectly well today. A slight wind is blowing and the air is full of spring
smells.
- We'll see more of the city from the top of the bus. We shall begin
from the West End and see the principal historical buildings and
monuments such as Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the
National Gallery.
2
- Now we are moving along Oxford street. You can see numerous
shops, banks and restaurants on both sides of the street. The pavements are
crowded with people. In the roadway there is a constant stream of cars,
taxis, buses and lorries. It's dangerous to cross the road until the traffic is
stopped.
- An unusual thing is that your drivers keep to the left.
- Oh, yes. It's very important. We have left-hand traffic here and if you
are driving along the street first look to the right, and when you reach the
middle of the road, look to your left.
- Your buses differ greatly from our buses. They are all red and
double-decked. Are there trolleybuses and trams in London?
- Yes. In some parts of London we have trolleybuses and trams as well.
- Don't you find that it's too noisy in the streets?
- Oh, yes. The noise is deafening. It lasts till midnight. But the matter is
that people get used to it very soon.
- Look at that building with many towers, please. Is that the Houses of
Parliament? I recognize it from the pictures.
- You are quite right. It's the Houses of Parliament, the place where the
Government sits. It's very beautiful there. And can you recognize
Westminster Abbey?
- Oh, here it's, on the left. I know, the greatest English poets are buried
there. I'd like to come to this place once again. And is this place Piccadilly
Circus?
- No, this is Trafalgar Square. There's a bus stop over there. We'll get
off and see the National Gallery.
- OK and then we'll spend the rest of the day in some of the parks
nearby.
3
- We are in Hyde Park, aren't we?
- You are quite right. It's the famous Hyde Park.
- It's splendid here! I'm delighted. Everything around is green and
fresh. It's a good place to have a rest. The ducks are swimming in the
pools. Children are playing in playgrounds. People in light spring clothes
are walking not only along the paths but also across the grass.
- Yes, people are allowed to do everything on the grass. You can sing,
or dance, or cry, or preach and nobody will make you a remark.
- I've heard a lot about the Speakers' Corner. It's a big open place
where a man can stand on a chair, or on a platform, or on the ground and
speak everything he likes. You can listen to him, ask questions or you may
pass him by without any reaction.
- We are sure to see the place. It's worth seeing it.
- By the way, are there many such parks in London?
- Quite a lot. Except Hyde Park which is one of the best there is Green
Park, Kensington Gardens, St. James Park and others. People call them
"lungs of London".
- I've got sure it's a wonderful place to spend time in. But it's getting
dark, and I dream of seeing the city at night.
- At night all the streets are lit by electricity, or in some districts by the
brilliant shop-windows and the illuminated signs and advertisements, so
that after dark everything looks as bright as in broad daylight.
- I see. The picture is breathtaking when you first see it. I thought I
knew London in a way but it turned out to be a new world for me today. So
many impressions!
- That's really more than enough for one day. I'm glad you liked it.
- Thank you ever so much. It was so kind of you to accompany me.
Buy.
Text 2
Ex.1 Read and translate the text and answer the questions that
follow.
WESTMINSTER
«Westminster» means an abbey located in the west. The old city of
Westminster began to grow a mile and a half upstream to the west of the
minster of the monks of St. Peter's. Under Edward the Confessor it was
rebuilt and gave birth to Westminster Abbey, the main church of England.
Westminster was then (961) on an island, standing above the level of
the shallow lagoons which dotted the marshy ground upstream from the
city's western wall. In 1060 a vast area became available for redevelopment
and soon Edward the Confessor moved to a new royal residence at
Westminster. It was a splendid palace with noble stone walls, painted
chambers and rows of offices, kitchens and cellars. And for the last
thousand years, Westminster has been the centre of political and religious
power in England.
Besides Westminster is one of the two historical centres of modern
London. It's well-known that the Romans built a bridge across the Thames
and their encampment grew up on the north bank of the river. The principal
fort of it was on the site now occupied by the Tower of London. The
Roman fort gradually turned into the City of London, the city of trade and
the Merchant Guilds. And further to the north was the other centre, focused
on Westminster Abbey, and the Royal City of Westminster.
The two towns grew up side by side. At first the Thames was the most
important means of communication between them. Later the chief road
link was along the Strand (originally meaning a sandy shore), now a
famous street in London.
It's strange to imagine now how much Londoners and men of
Westminster distrusted each other. Quarrels and disputes between
tradesmen, friendly wrestling contests often ended in ferocious fights. It
took a lot of time for orders and proclamations, issued both by the king and
the city authorities, to bring those outbreaks of violence to an end.
The classical view of the modern building of Westminster Palace as the
seat of British Parliament is a true visiting card of London. Its foggy
silhouette against the Thames was subtly captured by Claude Monet, the
famous French impressionist.
Ex. 2 Questions.
1 What did Westminster look like in early days?
2 How did Westminster Abbey start?
3 What was the Westminster Palace of Edward the Confessor like?
4 What does Westminster stand for now?
5 How was the first historical centre of London founded?
6 What was the second historical centre of London focused on?
7 What means of communication linked the two towns?
8 What marked the life of the Londoners of the Middle Ages for many
years?
9 What helped bring the outbreaks of violence in London to an end?
10 Who captured the classical view of Westminster Palace in painting?
Ex.3 Express your opinion.

1 What do you think about the location of Westminster in early days?
2 What periods of Westminster's history do you suppose are most worth
remembering?
Ex.4 Is there a historical centre in Minsk, your native town or in
any foreign capital you have visited? Speak about the cultural and
educational value of historic places.
Text 3
The British Museum
The British Museum is one of the greatest and best-known museums in
the world, both in the diversity of its collections and in their wide range
and high quality. It was founded in 1753 by a decision of the Parliament.
The British Museum occupying a splendid great building, in the neo-
classical or Grecian style, was erected between 1823 and 1847.
Of the 11 major departments into which the museum is divided, the
most outstanding are the Assyrian and Babylonian, the Egyptian, and the
Greek and Roman Antiquities. The last makes a particular contribution to
the glory of the museum with its collection of sculptures from the
Parthenon.
There are also extremely important ethnological collections, including
exhibits from the Pacific islands (such as ancient Polynesian idols), and
America (such as the Aztec sculptures). African civilization is also notably
well represented.
There is a notable and priceless collection of medieval objects of art
from all the countries of Europe.
But the first thing which is associated with the British Museum is its
Library.
The Library which is contemporary with the museum, consisted
initially of the collection of books belonging to Sir Hans Sloane. To this
library were added the other collections of manuscripts and books as well
as the royal library, which provided the foundations of what was to become
one of the largest and most important libraries in the world.
The British Museum Library came into world prominence under its
most remarkable librarian—Sir Antonio Panizzi, an Italian by birth, who
had to leave his country because of revolutionary activities. Under his
direction the library took on its present character. During the thirty-five
years of service with the British Museum he formulated the rules and
started the general catalogue.
The British Museum Library is a reading-room and a reference library,
but not a lending library. The famous circular Reading Room of the
Museum, planned by Sir Antonio Panizzi, offers unique research facilities
to scholars.
The collection of books is being systematically increased. Today there
are millions of volumes in the library store-room.

1 When and by what decision was the British Museum founded?
2 When was the building of the Museum built? What can you tell about
its style?
3 How many departments is the Museum divided into and what are the
most important ones?
4 Is the British Museum Library a lending library?
5 What shape has the Reading Room of the Museum and who was it
designed by?
Text 4 London Museums

Three of London's most interesting museums - the Victoria and Albert,
the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum - are also in this
area. The last, as its name suggests, has exhibits of birds, animals and
reptiles as well as life-size reconstructions of prehistoric animals. The
Victoria and Albert was founded with the aim of improving design in
British manufacturing, but over the years it has expanded to include things
from almost every place and period, including costumes from the theatre,
and paintings. Finally there is the Science Museum, which is always
crowded and is certainly the noisiest museum in London. It covers every
aspect of science and technology, and the collections are constantly being
moved round to make room for new acquisitions. They have inventions
that did not become popular, such as the steam bicycle of 1912, and
technological landmarks like the Cody biplane - the first aircraft to fly in
England in 1912. In many of the rooms there are machines and computers
that visitors can work themselves.
UNIT 3 SUPPLEMENTARY TEXTS
Text 1 Who are the British?

Why British, not English?
Many foreigners say «England» and «English» when they mean
«Britain», or the «UK», and «British». This is very annoying for the 5
million people who live in Scotland, the 2.8 million in Wales and 1.5
million in Northern Ireland who are certainly not English. (46 million
people live in England.) However, the people from Scotland, Wales,
Northern Ireland and England are all British. So what is the difference
between the names «Great Britain» and «the United Kingdom» - and what
about «the British Isles»?
The United Kingdom
This is an abbreviation of «the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland». It is often further abbreviated to «UK», and is the
political name of the country which is made up of England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland (sometimes known as Ulster). Several islands
off the British coast are also part of the United Kingdom (for example, the
Isle of Wight, the Orkneys, Hebrides and Shetlands, and the Isles of
Scilly), although the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not.
However, all these islands do recognize the Queen.
Great Britain
This is the name of the island which is made up of England, Scotland
and Wales and so, strictly speaking, it does not include Northern Ireland.
The origin of the word «Great» is a reference to size, because in many
European languages the words for Britain and Brittany in France are the
same. In fact, it was the French who first talked about Grande Bretagnd. In
everyday speech «Britain» is used to mean the United Kingdom.
The British Isles
This is the geographical name that refers to all the islands off the north
west coast of the European continent: Great Britain, the whole of Ireland
(Northern and Southern), the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
But it is important to remember that Southern Ireland - that is the
Republic of Ireland (also called «Eire») - is completely independent.
So you can see that «The United Kingdom» is the correct name to use if
you are referring to the country in a political, rather than in a geographical
way. «British» refers to people from the UK, Great Britain or the British
Isles in general.
How was the United Kingdom formed? This took centuries, and a lot of
armed struggle was involved. In the 15th century, a Welsh prince, Henry
Tudor, became King Henry VII of England. Then his son, King Henry
VIII, united England and Wales under one Parliament in 1536. In Scotland
a similar thing happened. The King of Scotland inherited the crown of
England and Wales in 1603, so he became King James I of England and
Wales and King James VI of Scotland. The Parliaments of England, Wales
and Scotland were united a century later in 1707.
The Scottish and Welsh are proud and independent people. In recent
years there have been attempts at devolution in the two countries,
particularly in Scotland where the Scottish Nationalist Party was very
strong for a while. However, in a referendum in 1979 the Welsh rejected
devolution and in 1979 the Scots did the same. So it seems that most
Welsh and Scottish people are happy to form part of the UK even though
they sometimes complain that they are dominated by England, and
particularly by London.
The whole of Ireland was united with Great Britain from 1801 up until
1922. In that year the independent Republic of Ireland was formed in the
South, while Northern Ireland became part of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland. The story of this particular union is long and
complicated and you will read more about it in Unit 10.
The flag of the United Kingdom, known as the Union Jack, is made up
of three crosses. The upright red cross is the cross of St George, the patron
saint of England. The white diagonal cross (with the arms going into the
corners) is the cross of St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. The red
diagonal cross is the cross of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. St
David is the patron saint of Wales.
Invasion
What makes the Scottish, Welsh, English and Northern Irish different
from each other? About 2,000 years ago the British Isles were inhabited by
the Celts who originally came from continental Europe. During the next
1,000 years there were many invasions. The Romans came from Italy in
AD 43 and, in calling the country «Britannia», gave Britain its name. The
Angles and Saxons came from Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands in
the 5th century, and England gets its name from this invasion (Angle-land).
The Vikings arrived from Denmark and Norway throughout the 9th
century, and in 1066 (the one date in history which every British school-
child knows) the Normans invaded from France. These invasions drove the
Celts into what is now Wales and Scotland, and they remained, of course,
in Ireland. The English, on the other hand, are the descendants of all the
invaders, but are more Anglo-Saxon than anything else. These various
origins explain many of the differences to be found between England,
Wales, Scotland and Ireland - differences in education, religion and the
legal systems, but most obviously, in language.
Language
The Celts spoke Celtic which survives today in the form of Welsh,
Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic. Less than a quarter of all Welsh people
(600,000, out of 2,800,000) speak Welsh. Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic
are still spoken, although they have suffered more than Welsh from the
spread of English. However, all three languages are now officially
encouraged and taught in schools.
English developed from Anglo-Saxon and is a Germanic language.
However, all the invading peoples, particularly the Norman French,
influenced the English language and you can find many words in English
which are French in origin. Nowadays all Welsh, Scottish and Irish people
speak English (even if they speak their own language as well), but all the
countries have their own special accents and dialects, and their people are
easily recognizable as soon as they speak. Occasionally, people from the
four countries in the UK have difficulty in understanding one another
because of these different accents. A southern English accent is generally
accepted to be the most easily understood, and is the accent usually taught
to foreigners.
Multiracial Britain
Recently, there have been many waves of immigration into Britain and
movement within the UK. For example, many people from Wales,
Scotland and Ireland have settled in England; and Jews, Russians,
Germans, and Poles have come to Britain (particularly London) during
political changes in the rest of Europe. Commonwealth citizens were
allowed free entry into Britain until 1962. Before the Second World War
these immigrants were mostly people from Canada, Australia, New
Zealand and South Africa. In the 1950s, people from the West Indies,
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong were encouraged to come and
work in Britain. Today, 2 million British people are of West Indian or
Asian origin and over 50 per cent of them were born in Britain.
The new immigrant communities are concentrated in the following
towns and cities: London, Slough, Leicester, Wolverhampton,
Birmingham, Luton, Bradford, Coventry, Bedford, Reading and Sandwell.
The main languages of the Asian immigrants are Urdu, Hindi, Bengali,
Punjabi, Gujarati, and Cantonese (Chinese). Nowadays the policy is to
encourage these communities to continue speaking their own languages as
well as English. The children of immigrants are often taught their own
languages in school, and there are special newspapers, magazines, and
radio and television programmes for the Asian community. The West
Indians, of course, arrive speaking English, but they do have their own
culture which they wish to keep alive. They also have their own
newspapers, and radio and television programmes.
This latest wave of immigration has of course caused problems. There
is certainly racial tension and racial prejudice in Britain today. In spite of
laws passed to protect them, there is still discrimination against Asian and
black people, many of whom are unemployed or in low-paid jobs.
However, the atmosphere is improving and the different races are slowly
learning to trust one another. In a wide educational programme white
school-children, teachers, policemen and social workers are learning about
the problems and customs of their new neighbours. There are many areas
in Britain now where racial harmony is a reality.
British culture is being enriched through its contact with other cultures.
For example, the British are becoming more adventurous in their cooking
and eating habits, and Chinese, Indian and Pakistani restaurants are very
popular. Another example can be found in the pop music scene where
West Indian reggae music has become very influential.
Task.
1 What invasions has your country suffered in the past 2,000 years?
What effects have these invasions had?
2 Are there any immigrants in your country? Have there been any
problems associated with immigrants? If so, what should be done to solve
these problems?
3 Do many people from your country go to live and work in other
countries? Are they treated well?
Text 2 Festivals
On New Year's Eve, people traditionally take a shower in the fountains
in Trafalgar Square! The Christmas tree is an annual gift from Norway
I'm in love!
On 14th February, St Valentine's Day, many people send a card to the
one they love or someone whom they have fallen in love with. People
usually do not sign these cards and a lot of time is spent trying to guess
who has sent them!
Pancake Day
Ash Wednesday is the day in February when the Christian period of
Lent begins. This refers to the time when Christ went into the desert and
fasted for forty days. Although not many people actually give up eating
during this period, on Pancake Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday,
they eat lots of pancakes. These are made from flour, milk and eggs, and
fried in a hot pan.
Some towns also hold pancake races on that day. People run through
the streets holding a frying pan and throwing the pancake in the air. Of
course if they drop the pancake they lose the race!
Easter eggs
At Easter time, the British celebrate the idea of new birth by giving
each other chocolate Easter eggs which are opened and eaten on Easter
Sunday. On Good Friday bakers sell hot cross buns, which are toasted and
eaten with butter. Easter Monday is a holiday and many people travel to
the seaside for the day or go and watch one of the many sporting events,
such as football or horse-racing.
May is here
As summer comes, Britain likes to celebrate the end of the winter. In
England on 1st May, Morris men may be seen in country areas celebrating
traditional dances, waving their white handkerchiefs to drive away the evil
spirits and welcome in the new ones. At school and in smaller village
communities children may dance traditional spring dances such as the
Maypole, when they weave their brightly coloured scarves into a beautiful
pattern around a long pole.
Ghosts and witches
Halloween means «holy evening», and takes place on 31st October.
Although it is a much more important festival in the United States than
Britain, it is celebrated by many people in the UK. It is particularly
connected with witches and ghosts.
At parties people dress up in strange costumes and pretend they are
witches. They cut horrible faces in potatoes and other vegetables and put a
candle inside, which shines through the eyes. People may play difficult
games such as trying to eat an apple from a bucket of water without using
their hands.
In recent years children dressed in white sheets knock on doors at
Halloween and ask if you would like a «trick» or «treat». If you give them
something nice, a «treat», they go away. However, if you don't they play a
«trick» on you, such as making a lot of noise or spilling flour on your front
doorstep!
Guy Fawkes Night
In 1605 King James I was on the throne. As a Protestant, he was very
unpopular with Roman Catholics. Some of them planned to blow up the
Houses of Parliament on 5th November of that year, when the King was
going to open Parliament. Under the House of Lords they had stored thirty-
six barrels of gun powder, which were to be exploded by a man called Guy
Fawkes. However one of the plotters spoke about these plans and Fawkes
was discovered, arrested and later hanged. Since that day the British
traditionally celebrate 5th November by burning a dummy, made of straw
and old clothes, on a bonfire, whilst at the same time letting off fireworks.
This dummy is called a «guy» (like Guy Fawkes) and children can
often be seen on the pavements before 5th November saying, «Penny for
the guy». If they collect enough money they can buy some fireworks.
Christmas
If you try to catch a train on 24th December you may have difficulty in
finding a seat. This is the day when many people are travelling home to be
with their families on Christmas Day, 25th December. For most British
families, this is the most important festival of the year, it combines the
Christian celebration of the birth of Christ with the traditional festivities of
winter.
On the Sunday before Christmas many churches hold a carol service
where special hymns are sung. Sometimes carol-singers can be heard on
the streets as they collect money for charity. Most families decorate their
houses with brightly-coloured paper or holly, and they usually have a
Christmas tree in the corner of the front room, glittering with coloured
lights and decorations.
There are a lot of traditions connected with Christmas but perhaps the
most important one is the giving of presents. Family members wrap up
their gifts and leave them at the bottom of the Christmas tree to be found
on Christmas morning. Children leave a long sock or stocking at the end of
their bed on Christmas Eve, 24th December, hoping that Father Christmas
will come down the chimney during the night and bring them small
presents, fruit and nuts. They are usually not disappointed! At some time
on Christmas Day the family will sit down to a big turkey dinner followed
by Christmas pudding. They will probably pull a cracker with another
member of the family. It will make a loud crack and a coloured hat, small
toy and joke will fall out!
Later in the afternoon they may watch the Queen on television as she
delivers her traditional Christmas message to the United Kingdom and the
Commonwealth. If they have room for even more food they may enjoy a
piece of Christmas cake or eat a hot mince pie. 26th December is also a
public holiday, Boxing Day, and this is the time to visit friends and
relatives or be a spectator at one of the many sporting events.
Text 3 Magic circles

The county of Wiltshire is most famous for the great stone monuments
of Stonehenge and Avebury, and the huge earth pyramid of Silbury. No
written records exist of the origins of these features and they have always
been surrounded by mystery.
Stonehenge is the best known and probably the most remarkable of
prehistoric remains in the UK. It has stood on Salisbury Plain for about
4,000 years. There have been many different theories about its original use
and although modern methods of investigation have extended our
knowledge, no one is certain why it was built.
One theory is that it was a place from where stars and planets could be
observed. It was discovered that the positions of some of the stones related
to the movements of the sun and moon, so that the stones could be used as
a calendar to predict such things as eclipses.
At one time, people thought that Stonehenge was a Druid temple. The
Druids were a Celtic religious group who were suppressed in Great Britain
soon after the Roman Conquest. Some people believe that they were a
group of priests, while others regard them as medicine-men who practised
human sacrifice and cannibalism. Because Stonehenge had existed 1,000
years before the arrival of the Druids, this theory has been rejected, but it is
possible that the Druids used it as a temple. The theory is kept alive today
by members of a group called the «Most Ancient Order of Druids» who
perform mystic rites at dawn on the summer solstice. Every year, they meet
at Stonehenge to greet the first midsummer sunlight as it falls on the stones
and they lay out symbolic elements of fire, water, bread, salt and a rose.
Another interesting theory is that the great stone circle was used to store
terrestrial energy, which was then generated across the country, possibly
through «ley lines». «Ley lines» is the name given to invisible lines which
link up ancient sites throughout Britain. They were thought to be tracks by
which prehistoric man travelled about the country, but now many people
believe that they are mysterious channels for a special kind of power. Ley
lines are international. In Ireland, they are known as «fairy roads», in
China they are known as lungmei and are believed to extend all over the
Earth, and in Australia, the Aborigines make ceremonial journeys for
hundreds of miles along these secret tracks.
Alongside the theories of the scholars are local legends. Here is one.
Stonehenge was built by the devil in a single night. He flew backwards and
forwards between Ireland and Salisbury Plain carrying the stones one by
one and setting them in place. As he worked, he laughed to himself. «That
will make people think. They'll never know how the stones came here!»
But a friar was hiding in a ditch nearby. He surprised the devil, who threw
a stone which hit the friar on the heel.
Is the story true? Well, the stone which the devil threw, known as the
«heel stone», can still be seen by the side of the road. However, geologists
have shown that the stones came from South Wales and north Wiltshire,
not Ireland!
Task. The text describes different theories and stories about the origins
of Stonehenge, and about the people who used it. Look carefully at the text
and make a list of all the theories. Here are some examples:
Perhaps Stonehenge was a Druid temple.
It might have been used to store terrestrial energy.
Some people believe that the Druids were a group of advanced thinkers.
Text 4 Offshore islands

There are between 120 and 130 offshore islands which can be classified
as part of England's natural geography. Some are privately owned, some
are inhabited, while others are only known to lighthouse-keepers, sailors
and naturalists. The attraction of these islands is different to different
people. Ornithologists for example might want to study a rare seabird;
archaeologists might be interested in a prehistoric or early Christian site;
sociologists might study why certain islands have been deserted or
resettled.
The Isle of Wight (1) is the largest island off the south coast. Charles I
was once imprisoned here, and there is a large prison, Parkhurst, on the
island today. A lot of its attractive scenery has formed as a result of a thick
layer of chalk - the white teeth of the «Needles» are the most famous
example.
Many of the inhabitants travel daily to the mainland to work. Those
who work on the island are usually involved with the tourist industry
because the island is visited by thousands of tourists every year. A
favourite activity is yachting.
The Isles of Scilly (2) can be found 28 miles (45 km.) southwest of
Land's End. There are between 50 and 100 «islands» in the group (some
are just large rocks) but only six are inhabited. In early spring, they export
beautiful flowers to the mainland.
St Michael's Mount (3) is linked to the mainland at low tide by a
causeway. It was a base for the tin trade at one time and, because of its
religious connection with Mont-Saint-Michel in France, it was also a
trading and migration centre from the earliest days of Christianity.
Finally, between the coast of Devon and South Wales is the island of
Lundy (4), which is three miles long and half a mile wide. At one time it
was almost a pirate kingdom, but today it is a bird sanctuary, with a
resident human population of about twelve.
Text 5 Scottish traditions

Clans and tartans
The Gaelic word «claim» means «family» or «descendants» and the
great clans of the 16th and 17th centuries were indeed very similar to
enormous families, ruled by powerful chiefs. Sometimes there were fierce
battles between different clans but nowadays the MacDonalds and the
MacKenzies, the Campbells and the Lindsays all live in peace with each
other. It is possible to find people with these surnames in many English-
speaking countries, and they all feel they share the same background.
The wearing of tartans or coloured checks was common in the
Highlands before the defeat by the English in 1745. Originally, the tartan
was worn as a single piece of cloth, drawn in at the waist and thrown over
the shoulders. The kilt did not become popular until the beginning of the
18th century.
Each clan has its own tartan and, since the first international gathering
of the clans in 1972, many more people have become interested in
traditional forms of Scottish dress. Tartans are now part of international
fashion. However, many visitors to Scotland are keen to find out if they
have historical connections with any particular clan so that they may
proudly wear the correct tartan.
Scottish names
Many people in Scotland have the name MacDonald or MacKenzie.
«Mac» means «son of» and people with this name usually feel they belong
to the same family or clan. Campbell or Cameron are other common
surnames. Common boys' names are Angus, Donald or Duncan, and girls'
names are Morag, Fiona or Jean.
Scottish festivals
Hogmanay
At midnight on 31st December throughout Great Britain people
celebrate the coming of the new year, by holding hands in a large circle
and singing this song:
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
For the sake of auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For the sake of auld lang syne.
«For auld lang syne» means «in memory of past times» and the words
were written by Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns. He wrote
much of his poetry in the Scots dialect.
New Year's Eve is a more important festival in Scotland than it is in
England, and it even has a special name. It is not clear where the word
«hogmanay» comes from, but it is connected with the provision of food
and drink for all visitors to your home on 31st December. In addition,
many people believe that you will have good luck for the coming year if
the first person to enter your house after midnight is a «tall dark stranger».
It is also thought lucky if this person brings a piece of coal and some white
bread! Most Scots take part in a ceilidh (Gaelic for «dance») on New
Year's Eve and there is much dancing and singing until the early hours of
the morning.
Burns' Night
25th January is celebrated all over the world by Scotsmen wherever
they are, as it is the birthday of Robert Burns. As at hogmanay, a special
meal of haggis, potatoes and turnip is eaten, washed down by lots of
whisky! The haggis is carried into the dining room behind a piper wearing
traditional dress. He then reads a poem written especially for the haggis!

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Рисунок 1 – Map of the United Kingdom

UNIT 1 GREAT BRIATIN

Ex.1 a) Find in the text, translate and memorize the following

Ex.2 Translate the following words and expressions.

Ex.3 Read the text.

Ex.4 Explain the following words in English.

Ex.5 Give English equivalents to the words.

Ex.6 Combine the events and the dates.

Ex.7 Do you know…

Ex. 8 Answer the questions.

Ex.1 Translate the following words and word combinations.

Ex.2 Read the text.

Ex.3 Find the English equivalents in the text.

Ex.4 Answer the questions.

Ex.5 Choose the right variant.

Ex.1 Translate the following words and word combinations.

Ex.2 Read the text.

Ex.4 Do you think these facts are true or false?

Ex.1 Find the synonyms in the text.

Ex.2 Complete the expressions.

Ex.3 Answer the questions.

Text 5 The Lake District - the most beautiful corner of England

Ex.1 Say in other words.

Ex.2 Find the synonyms in the text.

Ex.4 Answer the questions.

Ex.5 Class Improvisation.

Ex.1 Translate and memorize the following words.

Ex.2 Match the words with the definitions.

Ex.3 Read and translate the text.

Ex.4 Give English equivalents to the following Russian words.

Ex.5 Answer the questions.

Ex.6 Choose the right variant.

Ex.7 Tell everything what you know about

Ex.8 Refute the following statements.

Text 8 In the Highlands

Ex.1 Answer the questions.

Ex.2 Complete the following sentences. Insert one word in each

Ex.3 Answer the questions.

Ex.1 Answer the questions.

Ex.2 Match the words of the two columns.

Ex.4 Answer the questions.

Ex.2 Word search.

Text 11 Some Glimpses of the History of Wales

Ex.1 Answer the questions.

Ex. 3 Write down the questions for these answers.

Ex. 4 Answer the questions.

Ex. 1 Answer the questions.

Ex. 3 Find the ten words relating to Wales.

Ex.4 Answer the questions.

Text 13 Cardiff: a modern capital.

Ex.1 Re-write these sentences in the correct order to form a

Text 1 London: a City with Difference

Ex.1 Answer the questions.

Ex.1 Translate the following words and word expressions.

Ex.2 Read the text.

Ex.3 Answer the questions.

Ex.4 Find the English equivalents to the following words.

Ex.5 Guess what place is described here.

Ex.6 Combine the dates and the events.

Ex.7 Choose the right variant.

Ex.3 Express your opinion.

Ex.1 Answer the questions.

Text 4 London Museums