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I. Countries: geography, economy, politics





I. Countries: geography, economy, politics

Russia

 

Russia is one of the largest countries in the world. The vast territory of Russia lies in the eastern part of Europe and the northern part of Asia.

Russia is washed by twelve seas and three oceans. The oceans are: the Arctic, the Atlantic, the Pacific. The seas are: the White Sea, the Barents Sea, the Okhotsk Sea, the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea and others.

Russia borders on many countries, such as Mongolia and China in the south-east, Finland and Norway in the north-west, and so on.

The land of Russia varies very much from forests to desert, from high mountains to deep valleys. The main mountain chains are the Urals, the Caucasus and the Altai. There are a lot of great rivers and deep lakes on its territory. The longest rivers are the Volga in Europe and the Ob, the Yenisei and the Lena in Asia. The largest lakes are Ladoga and Baikal. Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and its water is the purest on earth.

The Russian Federation is rich in natural and mineral resources. It has deposits of oil, gas, coal, iron, gold and many others.

The current population of Russia is more than 150 million people. The European part of the country is densely peopled, and most population live in cities and towns and their outskirts.

The capital of the Russian Federation is Moscow, with the population of about 10 million people.

Russia is a presidential republic. It is one of the leading powers in the world.

 

Topical Vocabulary

 

vast territory - обширная, огромная террито­рия

to lie - лежать, находиться

to be washed by - омываться (чем-либо)

to border on - граничить с (чем-либо)

to vary from smth. to smth. - варьировать, изменяться от чего-либо до чего-либо

a desert – пустыня

a valley – долина

a mountain chain - горная цепь

pure – чистый

to be rich in smth. - быть богатым чем-либо

natural and mineral resources - природные ресурсы и полезные ископаемые

a deposit of smth. - месторождение чего-либо

oil – нефть

gas – газ

coal – уголь

iron – железо

gold – золото

the current population - население в настоящий момент

to be densely peopled - быть густонаселенным

outskirts – пригороды

the capital – столица

a presidential republic - президентская республика

a power – держава

 

Answer the questions:

1. Where does the vast territory of Russia lie?

2. What oceans and seas is Russia washed by?

3. What countries does Russia border on?

4. What are the main mountain chains, rivers and lakes in Russia?

5. What mineralresources are there in Russia?

6. What is the population of Russia?

7. What is the form of government in Russia?

Translate into English:

 

1. Россия расположена в восточной части Европы и северной части Азии.

2. Обширная территория России омывается Северным Ледовитым, Атлантическим и Тихим океанами.

3. Россия граничит с Монголией, Китаем, Финляндией и другими странами.

4. Россия располагает большим количеством месторождений полез­ных ископаемых.

5. Полезные ископаемые России включают (include) нефть, газ, уголь, железо, золото и др.

6. Форма правления (form of government) в России, одной из ведущих мировых держав, - президентская республика.

 


 

State system of Russia

Russia is a parliamentary republic. Head of State in the country is the President. The government consists of three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. The President controls each of them.

The legislative power is exercised by the Federal Assembly. It consists of two chambers: the Council of Federation and the State Duma. Each chamber is headed by the Speaker. A bill may be introduced in any chamber. A bill becomes a law if it is approved by both chambers and signed by the President. The President may veto the bill. He can make international treaties. The President may also appoint ministers; the Federal Assembly approves them. The members of the Federal Assembly are elected by the people for four years. The executive power belongs to the Government, or the Cabinet of Ministers. The government is headed by the Prime Minister.

The judicial power belongs to the system of courts. It consists of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and other courts.

The national symbol of Russia is a white-blue-and-red banner.

 

Topical Vocabulary

a parliamentary republic – парламентская республика

Head of State – глава государства

the President - президент

to consist of smth. – состоять из чего-либо

a branch – власть (как часть правительства)

legislative - законодательный

executive - исполнительный

judicial - судебный

to control smth. – контролировать что-либо

to be exercised by – осуществляться (кем-либо, чем-либо)

the Federal Assembly – Федеральное собрание

a chamber - палата

the Council of Federation – Совет Федерации

the State Duma – Государственная Дума

to be headed by smb. – возглавляться кем-либо

the Speaker - спикер

to introduce a bill – внести законопроект

to become a law – стать законом

to be approved by smb., smth. – быть одобренным кем-либо

to be signed by smb. – быть подписанным кем-либо

to veto a bill – наложить вето на законопроект

to make an international treaty – заключить международный договор

to appoint a minister – назначить министра

to be elected by the people – избираться народом

to belong to smb. – принадлежать кому-либо

the Cabinet of Ministers - кабинет министров

the Prime Minister – премьер-министр

a system of courts – система судов

the Constitutional Court – Конституционный суд

the Supreme Court – Верховный суд

a banner - знамя

 

 

Answer the questions:

1. What branches does the Government consist of?

2. What is the legislative power exercised by?

3. How is a law made?

4. What body does the executive power belong to?

5. What does the system of courts consist of?

6. What are the national symbols of Russia?

 

Translate into English:

1. Глава парламентской республики России - президент.

2. Законопроект становится законом, если президент не наложит на него вето.

3. Законопроект должен быть одобрен обеими палатами и подписан президентом.

4. Исполнительную власть представляет кабинет министров, возглав­ляемый премьер-министром.

5. Судебная власть осуществляется Конституционным судом, Вер­ховным судом и другими судами.

 

Bashkortostan

The Republic of Bashkortostan - a sovereign republic within the Russian Federation - is located along the South Urals and the adjacent plains. Its territory is 143,600 square kilometers and the population is over 4 million people. In terms of population, Bashkortostan ranks seventh among Russian's republics, territories and regions. About a hundred nationalities inhabit the Republic. The indigenous population is Bashkirs.

From the point of natural conditions Bashkortostan can be divided into three parts -western, mountains and Bashkir Trans-Urals, The western part is located upon the Russian Plains. It is most favorable for life and business activities. It is here that the majority of the population lives. Highland Bashkortostan encompasses the South Urals Mountains least auspicious to farming and manufacturing and thus least developed. Bashkir Trans-Urals form a narrow strip to the east of the Urals Mountains along the Republic's eastern border merging with the West Siberian Plains.

Bashkortostan’s climate is continental with moderately warm, sometimes hot summers and cold winters.

More than 600 rivers and 800 lakes trim the beauty of the Republic's nature. Many of the rivers, including the Urals and the Aghidel belong to the Caspian Sea basin.

Bashkortostan is rich in forests, the predominant species being birch-tree conifers, lime - tree, oak and maple. About 6 million cubic meters of timber are annually procured and more than half of these are subsequently processed. The Republic accounts for nearly of all lime - tree forests of Russia. It is the lime - tree that makes Bashkir honey world-famous.

The mineral riches of Bashkortostan include iron ore, copper, gold, zinc, aluminum, chromium, brown coal, natural gas, salt, manganese, gypsum, lime-stone and many other deposits numbering well over three thousand.

Oil is the main mineral resource of the land. Oil-related industries - power generation, oil refining, chemical, gas and petrochemical - have become most prominent.

Diverse natural riches and a convenient geographical location promote the development of manufacturing and agri­business. Bashkortostan ranks second in the Urals region as regards its manufacturing potential, and outstrips Russia's republics and many of the CIS countries in terms of national income.

The Republic of Bashkortostan offers extensive facilities for exports and import of raw materials, fuel and manufactured items, maintaining trade and business ties with both the West and the East.

The BAL (Bashkir Airlines) carrier connect Ufa with the largest cities in Russia, the post - Soviet republics and abroad.

The length of railways is 2.900 km. and that of navigable river routes is 960 km.

 

Topical Vocabulary

 

adjacent – примыкающий, близлежащий

in terms of population - по численности населения

to rank – занимать

to inhabit – населять

to divide – делить

favorable – благоприятный

to encompass – окружать

auspicious – благоприятный

strip – полоса

to merge – сливать(ся), соединять(ся)

continental – континентальный

moderately – умеренно

to trim – украшать

predominant – преобладающий, господствующий

birch-tree – береза

lime-tree – липа

oak – дуб

timber – строевой лес

to procure – доставать, добывать

prominent – известный, видный

diverse – разнообразный

to promote – способствовать, содействовать

to outstrip – обгонять, превосходить

income - доход

 

Answer the questions:

  1. Where is the Republic of Bashkortostan situated?

2. What is its population?

3. What parts is Bashkortostan divided into?

4. What mineral riches does Bashkortostan include?

5. What makes Bashkortostan world-famous?

Translate into English:

1. Республика Башкортостан является суверенной республикой в составе Российской Федерации.

2. Западная часть страны является благоприятной для жизни и предпринимательской деятельности.

3. Республика насчитывает почти все липовые леса России.

4. Нефть является главным богатством страны.

5. Башкортостан занимает второе место в Уральском регионе по промышленному потенциалу.

 

Topical Vocabulary

 

adoption – принятие

reliable – надежный

to determine – определить

benefit – выгодa

the joint session – объединенная сессия

concurrently – одновременно

in accordance with – в соответствии с

to be entitled to smth. – иметь право на что-либо

provision - положение

amendment – поправка, исправление

supplement – дополнение, добавление

to endorse – одобрять, поддерживать

to supervise – смотреть, наблюдать

commissioner – специальный уполномоченный

thereto – кроме того, к тому же

wield – владеть

codes – кодекс, свод законов, моральные нормы

to stand out – выделяться, выступать

competence – полномочия, компетенция

set up - распорядок

spell out - указывать

continuous - постоянный

eliminate – устранять

 

Answer the questions:

1. When was State Sovereignty of Bashkortostan adopted?

2. What has Sovereignty given to the Republic?

3. What is the supreme representative and legislative body of the Republic?

4. Who determines the domestic and foreign policies of the Republic?

5. What Chamber makes Codes and Law?

 


Translate into English:

1. Принятие Декларации о государственном суверенитете Башкортостана открыло новую эпоху в развитии республики.

2. Суверенитет дал республике возможность независимо определять свою экономическую политику.

3. Государственное Собрание – Курултай республики Башкортостан является верховным законодательным органом республики.

4. Объединенная сессия обеих палат избирает председателя Государственного Собрания.

5. Государственное Собрание имеет право принять Конституцию, свод законов, любые поправки.

 

Sterlitamak

I live in Russia, in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Our Republic is located along the South Urals forming a natural border between Europe and Asia. There are over 20 cities and towns in the Republic. Sterlitamak is the second largest city of Bashkortostan after Ufa. It was founded in 1766. It stands on the banks of the rivers Sterlya, Belaya, Ashkadar. More than 260 thousand people live there.

Sterlitamak is a main industrial and cultural centre. It is a major centre of chemical industry not only of the Republic of Bashkortostan, but of the whole of Russia.

More than 50 thousand employees engage at 500 hundred industries and construction sites.

The largest factories are: the "Soda" Joint-Stock Company, the Petrochemical Plant Joint-Stock Company, the "Kaustik" Joint-Stock Company, and the «Avangard» Joint-Stock Company, the "Kauchuk" Joint-Stock Company.

Machine building also remains the main branch of industry. The "Machine-tool Building Factory" Joint-Stock Company produces not only machines, but quite a lot of consumer goods.

The "Inmash" Concern is known as the "factory of the future". It produces industrial robots, wood-cutting machines, shoe-making machines, mini-motors and other machines.

There is also the Leather-Processing Plant, the Foot wear factory, the Garment Factory, the Food industry companies.

Sterlitamak can be called a city of students. There are 9 industrial vocational schools, 8 secondary specialized educational institutions, the Pedagogical Academy, the branch of the Ufa Oil University, the Sterlitamak Law Department of the Bashkir State University, the branch of Al l-Russia Financial Institute.

Sterlitamak is a city of Sports. Sportsmen and sport fans can make use of 4 stadiums, 2 Physical Culture Houses with swimming pools, a ski-jump, gum halls, the city chess and draughts club, physical-training and fitness centre, the city tourist centre, numerous sport grounds, three children's and teenager's sport schools. There is the Physical Training College and the Physical Training Academy.

Sterlitamak is a big cultural centre. There are some theaters there: the Russian Drama Theatre, the Bashkir Theatre, the Dance Theatre, the Bashkir-Tatar Philharmonic Society.

There are some museums, cinema-theatres, the Park of Culture and Recreation, three Culture Palaces, the Republican Culture College.

The city becomes cleaner and more beautiful and very attractive.

I like my native town very much.

 

Topical Vocabulary

border – граница

bank – берег

employee - служащий, работающий по найму

engage - нанимать, занимать

construction site – строительная площадка

Joint-Stock Company – Открытое Акционерное Общество

remain – оставаться

cosumer goods – потребительские товары

leather – кожа

garment – одежда

attractive – привлекательный

 

Answer the questions:

  1. Where is Sterlitamak situated?
  2. How many people live here?
  3. What industries are developed in Sterlitamak?
  4. Why do you call Sterlitamak as a city of students?
  5. Is Sterlitamak a city of sports?
  6. Is Sterlitamak a big cultural centre?

 

Translate into English:

1. Стерлитамак является вторым по величине городом Башкортостана после Уфы.

2. Он был основан в 1766 году.

3. Стерлитамак является главным центром химической промышленности не только в Башкортостане, но и во всей России.

4. Машиностроение остается также главной отраслью промышленности.

5. Стерлитамак можно назвать городом студентов.

 

The United Kingdom

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 thousands small islands. Their total area is over 244 000 square kilometers.

The United Kingdom is one of the world's smaller countries. Its population is over 57 million. About 80 percent of the population is urban.

The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast respectively. Great Britain consists of England, Scotland and Wales and does not include Northern Ireland. But in everyday speech «Great Britain» is used in the meaning of the «United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland». The capital of the UK is London.

The British Isles are separated from the Continent by the North Sea, the English Channel and the Strait of Dover. The western coast of Great Britain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea.

The surface of the British Isles varies very much. The north of Scotland is mountainous and is called Highlands. The south, which has beautiful valleys and plains, is called Lowlands. The north and west of England are mountainous, but the eastern, central and south­eastern parts of England are a vast plain. Mountains are not very high. Ben Nevis in Scotland is the highest mountain (1343m). There are a lot of rivers in Great Britain, but they are not very long. The Severn is the longest river, while the Thames is the deepest and the most important one. The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream influence the climate of the British Isles. It is mild the whole year round.

The UK is a highly developed industrial country. It produces and exports machinery, electronics, and textile. One of the chief industries of the country is shipbuilding.

The UK is a constitutional monarchy with a parliament and the Queen as Head of State.

Topical Vocabulary

 

the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – Соединенное Королевство Великобритании и Северной Ирландии

to be situated on – быть расположенным на

to consist of smth. – состоять из чего-либо

total area – общая площадь

population - население

urban - городской

to be made up of smth. – состоять из чего-либо

to include smth. – включать что-либо

to be separated from... by - oтделяться от (чего-либо чем-либо)

to be washed by –омываться (чем-либо)

surface - поверхность

to vary - варьироваться, меняться

mountainous - гористый

a valley - долина

a plain - равнина

to influence smth. – оказывать влияние на что-либо

mild - умеренный

a highly developed industrial country – высокоразвитая промышленная страна

to produce smth. – производить что-либо

to export smth. – экспортировать что-либо

machinery - станки

electronics - электроника

textile - текстиль

the chief industry - ведущая отрасль промышленности

shipbuilding - судостроение

a constitutional monarchy – конституционная монархия

Head of State - глава государства

the Queen – королева

 

Answer the questions:

 

1. What islands is the United Kingdom situated on?

2. What is the country's population?

3. What is the United Kingdom made up of?

4. What is the United Kingdom washed by?

5. How can you characterize the surface of the British Isles?

6. What is the climate of Great Britain?

7. What are Britain's chief industries?

8. What is Britain's political system?

Translate into English:

 

1. Соединенное Королевство Великобритании и Северной Ирландии расположено на Британских островах, состоящих из двух больших и тысяч малых островов.

2. Население Великобритании в основном (mostly) городское и со­ставляет более 57 миллионов человек.

3. Соединенное Королевство состоит из четырех частей: Англии, Шотландии, Уэльса и Северной Ирландии.

4. Британские острова омываются Атлантическим океаном, Ирланд­ским морем, Северным морем и проливами Ла-Манш и Па-де-Кале.

5. Британские острова состоят из гористой части и низин.

6. Реки в Великобритании не очень длинные.

7. На климат Великобритании оказывает влияние Гольфстрим.

8. Великобритания производит и экспортирует станки, электронику, текстиль, суда.

9. Великобритания - конституционная монархия.


 

UK Political System

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a constitutional monarchy. This means that Great Britain is governed by the Parliament and the Queen is Head of State.

The legislative power in the country is exercised by the Houses of Parliament. The British Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of Lords is composed of hereditary and life peers and peeresses The members of the House of Commons are elected by the people They are elected from the constituencies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The House of Commons is the real governing body of the United Kingdom.

The executive power is exercised by Prime Minister and his Cabinet. The government is usually formed by the political party which is supported by the majority in the House of Commons. Prime Minister is the majority party leader and is appointed by the Queen. Prime Minister chooses a team of ministers; twenty of the ministers are in the Cabinet.

The second largest party becomes the official opposition with its own leader and the Shadow Cabinet. The two leading parties in Great Britain are the Conservative Party (the Tories) and the Labour Party.

The judiciary branch of the government determines common law and is independent of both the legislative and the executive branches.

There is no written constitution in Great Britain, only precedents and traditions.

 

Topical Vocabulary

 

a constitutional monarchy - конституционная монархия

the Queen - королева

Head of State – глава государства

the legislative power - законодательная власть

to be exercised by – осуществляться чем-либо

the Houses of Parliament - парламент

the House of Lords – палата лордов

the House of Commons - палата общин

to be composed of – состоять из

hereditary and life peers – наследственные и пожизненные лорды, пэры

a peeress - пэресса

a member of – член (чего-либо)

to be elected by the people – избираться народом

to be elected from a constituency – избираться от избирательного округа

the real governing body – реальный правящий орган

the executive power –исполнительная власть

Prime Minister - премьер-министр

the Cabinet - кабинет

to be formed by smth. – образовываться, формироваться чем-либо

to be supported by the majority – поддерживаться большинством

the majority party leader – лидер партии большинства

to be appointed by – назначаться (кем-либо)

to choose a team of ministers – создавать команду министров

the official opposition - официальная оппозиция

the Shadow Cabinet – теневой кабинет

the judiciary branch of the government - судебная власть

to determine common law - определять гражданское право

to be independent of smth. – не зависеть от чего-либо

a written constitution - «письменная» конституция

a precedent – прецедент

 

 

Answer the questions:

 

l. What does the term «constitutional monarchy» mean?

2. What body exercises the legislative power in the country?

3. How are the chambers of the Parliament composed?

4. What body exercises the executive power?

5. How is the executive branch of the government formed?

6. What is the official opposition?

7. What does the judiciary branch of the government do?

8. Is there a written Constitution in Great Britain?

Translate into English:

 

1. Термин «конституционная монархия» означает, что Великобритания управляется парламентом, а главой государства является королева.

2. Законодательная власть принадлежит парламенту, состоящему из двух палат.

3. Члены палаты общин, реального органа управления страной, из­бираются народом.

4. Премьер-министр назначается королевой и сам назначает кабинет.

5. Исполнительная власть в стране осуществляется премьер-мини­стром и его кабинетом.

6. Партия, имеющая большинство в палате общин, формирует пра­вительство.

7. Члены палаты общин избираются от округов в Англии, Шотлан­дии, Уэльсе и Северной Ирландии.

8. Официальная оппозиция формирует свой теневой кабинет.

9. Судебная власть определяет гражданское право.

10. В Англии вместо письменной конституции существуют преце­денты и традиции.


 

London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, its economic, political and cultural centre. It is one of the world's most important ports and one of the largest cities in the world. London with its suburbs has a population of about 11 million people.

London has been a capital for nearly a thousand years. Many of its ancient buildings still stand. The most famous of them are the Tower of London, where the crown jewels are kept, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral. Most visitors also want to see the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace (the Queen's home with its Changing of the Guards) and the many magnificent museums.

Different areas of London seem like different cities. The West End is a rich man's world of shops, offices and theatres. The City of London is the district where most offices and banks are concentrated; the Royal Exchange and the Bank of England are here, too. The East End is the district where mostly working people live. The old port area is now called «Docklands». Now there are new office buildings in Docklands, and thousands of new flats and houses.

By the day the whole of London is busy. At night offices are quiet and empty, but the West End stays alive, because this is where Londoners come to enjoy themselves. There are two Opera Houses here, several concert halls and many theatres, as well as cinemas.

Like all big cities, London has streets and concrete buildings, but it also has many big parks, full of trees, flowers and grass. In the middle of Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens you will think that you are in the country, miles away.

Many people live outside the centre of London in the suburbs, and they travel to work in shops and offices by train, bus or underground (“The Tube”).

 

Topical Vocabulary

an economic, political and cultural centre – экономический, политический и культурный центр

a suburb - пригород

to have a population of – иметь население (количество)

an ancient building – древнее здание

the crown jewels – королевские драгоценности

Changing of the Guards – смена караула

a magnificent museum – великолепный музей

on the north bank of the Thames – на северном берегу Темзы

one of the world’s major cities – один из крупнейших городов мира

an area of – район чего-либо

a rich man’s world – мир богатых

a district – район (города)

to be concentrated – быть сконцентрированным

the Royal Exchange – Лондонская биржа

the Bank of England – Банк Англии

working people – рабочий класс

a port area – портовый район

to be quiet and empty – быть тихим и пустынным

to stay alive – быть оживленным

to come to enjoy oneself – приходить отдыхать, развлекаться

an opera house – оперный театр

a pub – кабачок, пивная

a restaurant - ресторан

a night club – ночной клуб

a concrete building – бетонное здание

to be full of trees, flowers and grass – быть полным деревьев, цветов и травы

to live outside the centre - жить вне центра

to travel to work by train, bus or underground - ездить на работу на поезде, автобусе или метро

Answer the questions:

 

1. What part does London play in the life of the United Kingdom?

2. What are the most famous ancient buildings of London?

3. What are different districts of London famous for?

4. Why do some districts of London stay alive at night?

5. What has London except concrete buildings?

6. Where do many people live?

Translate into English:

 

1. Лондон - экономический, политический и культурный центр, один из крупнейших портов страны и один из крупнейших городов в мире.

2. Самые знаменитые древние здания - Лондонский Тауэр, Вестмин­стерское аббатство, собор Святого Павла, Парламент, Букингемский дворец.

3. Лондон был небольшим римским городом.

4. Вест-Энд - район магазинов, офисов и театров, район богатых людей.

5. В Сити сконцентрированы банки, офисы, в том числе Лондонская биржа и Банк Англии.

6. В Ист-Энде живут рабочие.

7. В Докланде, бывшем районе портов, сейчас много новых офисов.

8. В Вест-Энд лондонцы приезжают развлекаться.

 


 

London’s Places of Interest

London is not only the political, economic and cultural centre of the United Kingdom. It is the main tourist attraction of the country. There are a lot of places of interest in London which attract thousands of tourists every year. They usually want to see Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London.

Westminster is now the political centre of London. In the 11th century King Edward the Confessor decided to build a great abbey church there. There are many royal tombs in the Abbey, like the tomb of Edward the Confessor himself, and memorials to famous men and women. The most popular ones are those to writers, poets and musicians in the Poet's Corner. William the Conqueror was crowned there, and since then all the coronations have taken place in the Abbey.

During the reign of Edward the Confessor the Palace of Westminster was built, too. It was the royal residence and also the country's main court. The Parliament met here since the 16th till the 19th century. The present Houses of Parliament were built after the fire in the Palace of Westminster in 1834. There are two houses in the Parliament, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. St. Stephen's Tower of the Houses of Parliament contains the famous Big Ben.

Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official London residence. Londoners usually watch the Changing of the Guards in the forecourt of the palace. It lasts about 30 minutes.

St Paul's Cathedral is Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece. It was built since 1675 until 1709. It is crowned with a huge dome. Inside the dome there is the famous Whispering Gallery. There are many memorials in the Cathedral, including memorials to Wellington and Nelson.

The Tower of London is associated with many important events in the British history. It has been a fortress, a palace, a prison, a mint. The Tower of London is famous for its prisoners, like Sir Thomas More and Guy Fawkes. The White Tower was built by William the Conqueror to protect the city. The Tower is guarded by «Beefeaters», the Yeomen Guards.

London is noted for its museums and art galleries. Among them are the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the Tate, the Museum of London, the Museum of Moving Image, Madame Tussau's Museum and many others.

 

 

Topical Vocabulary

 

the main tourist attraction – главный предмет интереса туристов

to attract thousands of tourists – привлекать тысячи туристов

King Edward the Confessor - король Эдуард Исповедник

an abbey church – церковь аббатства

aroyal tomb – гробница короля или королевы

memorials to famous men and women - мемориалы известных людей

the Poet's Corner - Уголок поэтов

William the Conqueror - Вильгельм Завоеватель

to be crowned - короноваться

a coronation - коронация

during the reign of smb. – во время правления кого-либо

the royal residence – королевская резиденция

the country's main court – верховный суд страны

to contain smth – содержать что-либо

the Queen's official residence – официальная резиденция королевы

the Changing of the Guards - смена караула

in the forecourt of the palace - перед дворцом

a masterpiece - шедевр

to be crowned with a huge dome – быть увенчанным огромным куполом

the Whispering Gallery – Галерея шепота

to be associated with smth. – быть связанным с чем-либо

an event - событие

a fortress - крепость

a mint – монетный двор

to protect smth. – защищать что-либо

to be guarded by smb. – охраняться кем-либо

a Beefeater - бифитер

a Yeoman Guard – стражник-йомен

to be noted for smth. – быть знаменитым чем-либо

an art gallery – художественная галерея

the Museum of Moving Image – Музей кино

 

 

Answer the questions:

 

1. What are the main tourist attractions in London?

2. What is Westminster Abbey noted for?

3. What is the history of the Houses of Parliament?

4. What is Buckingham Palace?

5. What is St. Paul's Cathedral famous for?

6. What is the Tower of London associated with?

7. What world-famous museums are there in London?

 

 

Translate into English:

1. Предметами интереса туристов в Лондоне являются Вестминстер­ское аббатство, Парламент, Букингемский дворец, собор Святого Павла.

2. В Вестминстерском аббатстве, построенном Эдуардом Испо­ведником, находятся гробницы королей и мемориалы известных людей.

3. Все коронации проводятся в Вестминстерском аббатстве.

4. Во время правления Эдуарда Исповедника дворец был королевс­кой резиденцией; там также располагался верховный суд.

5. Букингемский дворец - официальная лондонская резиденция анг­лийской королевы; он известен также сменой караула.

6. Шедевр сэра Кристофера Рена, собор Святого Павла, увенчан ог­ромным куполом.

7. Лондонский Тауэр, построенный для защиты Лондона, был крепо­стью, дворцом, тюрьмой и монетным двором.

8. Тауэр известен также стражниками - иоменами, или бифитерами.

 


 

Topical Vocabulary

 

to be situated in - находиться в

tobe washed by – омываться (чем-либо)

the total area – общая площадь

population - население

aclimatic region – климатический регион

subtropical –субтропический

aland of rivers and lakes – страна рек и озер

to be rich in smth. – иметь большие запасы чего-либо

natural and mineral resources – природные ресурсы и полезные ископаемые

to produce smth. – производить что-либо

copper - медь

oil - нефть

iron ore - железная руда

coal - уголь

a highly-developed industrial and agricultural country – страна с высокоразвитой промышленностью и сельским хозяйством

the national capital – столица страны

the centre of government – правительственный центр

to be named after smb. – быть названным в честь кого-либо

the world leading country – ведущая мировая держава

 

 

Answer the questions:

 

1. What can you say about the geographical position of the United States of America?

2. What is the total area and the population of the United States?

3. What is the climate of the United States like?

4. Why is the United States called a land of rivers and lakes?

5. How can you characterize the natural and mineral resources of the country?

6. What are the major cities of the United States?

 

 

Translate into English:

1. Соединенные Штаты Америки расположены в центральной части

материка Северная Америка и омываются Тихим и Атлантическим океанами.

2. Население США, составляющее более 300 миллионов человек, жи­вет, в основном (mostly), в городах.

3. США - высокоразвитая промышленная и аграрная страна с бога­тыми природными ресурсами.

4. США богаты полезными ископаемыми: медью, нефтью, железной рудой и углем.

5. Столица страны, Вашингтон, получила название в честь Джорджа Вашингтона.

6. США - одна из ведущих стран мира.


 

 

US Government

The USA is a presidential republic.

The legislative branch of the US Government, or the Congress, represents all of the American states. It consists of two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each state has two senators, who are elected every 6 years. A senator must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States for 9 years, and live in the state she or he will represent. A representative must be at least 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years, and live in the state.

The job of the Congress is to make laws. The President can veto a bill. The Congress can pass the law anyway if it gets a two-thirds majority vote. The Congress can also declare war. The House of Representatives can also impeach the President. This means that the House can charge the President with a crime. In this case, the Senate will put the President on trial. The Senate votes to approve the justices that the President appoints to the Supreme Court.

The executive branch of the government puts the country's laws into effect. The President of the United States is a member of the executive branch. The President must be at least 35 years old, and be a natural citizen of the USA. In addition, he must have lived in the US for at least 14 years, and be a civilian. The President is elected every four years and cannot serve more than two terms. The Vice-President of the USA is the president of the Senate. When the President receives a bill from the Congress, he must sign it, and then the bill becomes a law. However, if he disagrees with the law, he can veto it. The President can also ask the Congress to declare war. He also appoints the justices to the Supreme Court. He must do his job according to the Constitution, or he may be impeached.

The judicial branch of the government is the system of courts in the United States. Its job is to enforce laws. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country. It consists of 9 justices: one Chief Justice and 8 associate justices. The President appoints the justices, but the Senate must approve them. The justices are appointed for life. The Supreme Court makes sure that people obey the laws. The Supreme Court can also decide if a law is constitutional, that is, if it is in agreement with the Constitution. The judicial branch works together with the legislative and executive branches to protect the Constitution and the rights of people.

 

Topical Vocabulary

 

a presidential republic – президентская республика

the legislative branch of the government - законодательная власть

the Congress - конгресс

to represent smb., smth. – представлять кого-либо, что-либо

the House of Representatives - палата представителей

the Senate - сенат

asenator - сенатор

to be elected - быть избранным

to be a citizen of – быть гражданином (какой-либо страны)

arepresentative - представитель

to make a law - создавать закон

to veto a bill – наложить вето на законопроект

to pass the law – провести закон

to get a two-thirds majority vote – получить большинство голосов в 2/3

to declare war – объявить войну

to charge the President with a crime – обвинить президента в совершении преступления

to put the President on trial - судить президента

to vote - голосовать

to approve the justices - утвердить судей

to appoint a justice to the Supreme Court – назначит судью верховного суда

the executive branch of the govern­ment – исполнительная власть

to put the country's laws into effect – приводить в исполнение законы страны

to be a natural citizen of the USA – родиться в США и быть гражданином США

to be a civilian – быть штатским

to serve - служить

a term – срок службы

the Vice-President – вице-президент

to sign smth. – подписать что-либо

the judicial branch of the government - судебная власть

a system of courts - система судов

to enforce laws - проводить законы в жизнь

a justice - судья

Chief Justice - верховный судья

an associate justice - судья (помощник судьи)

to be appointed for life – назначаться пожизненно

to obey a law - подчиниться закону

constitutional - конституционный

to protect the Constitution and the rights of people - защищать конституцию и права граждан

 

 

Answer the questions:

 

1. What is the legislative branch of the US government?

2. Who can be elected a senator?

3. Who can be elected a representative?

4. What are the jobs of the Congress?

5. What are the jobs of each chamber?

6. What does the executive branch do?

7. Who can be elected the President of the USA?

8. What is the President's term of office?

9. What can and must the President do?

10. What is the judicial branch and what is its job?

11. How are the justices of the Supreme Court appointed?

 

 

Translate into English:

 

1. Законодательная власть США, или конгресс, состоит из палаты пред­ставителей и сената.

2. Конгресс может объявить войну или провести закон, на который президент наложил вето.

3. Для этого конгресс должен получить большинство в две трети голосов.

4. Конгресс может также подвергнуть президента импичменту.

5. Исполнительная власть состоит из президента, вице-президента и кабинета министров.

6. Исполнительная власть претворяет в жизнь законы.

7. Президент подписывает законопроект и может наложить на него вето.

8. Президент может обратиться к конгрессу с просьбой объявить войну, назначает судей в Верховный суд.

9. Вице-президент является президентом сената.

10. Судебная власть следит за соблюдением законов и представляет собой систему судов.

11. Верховный суд может решить, является ли закон конституцион­ным.

12. Цель правительства - защита конституции и прав человека в США.


Washington D.C.

The United States is a federal union which is made up of fifty states and one independent district - the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia is the territory of the national capital of the USA, Washington, with its own laws and regulations. Washington, D.C. is situated on both banks of the Potomac River, between the two states, Maryland and Virginia.

This place was chosen by the first American President George Washington. The plot of land of a hundred square miles was bought from private owners by the state. In 1790 George Washington laid the corner-stone of the Capitol where the Congress sits. The place was called the District of Columbia in honor of Columbus, the discoverer of America. The capital got the name of Washington after the name of its founder. Washington has been the federal capital since 1800.

Washington is sometimes called the heart of America. It is the place where the federal government works and where each President of the United States lives. Washington is smaller in size than the largest cities of the USA, such as New York, Chicago, Detroit or Los Angeles. The population of Washington is about 11 million people. The buildings in Washington are not very tall because no building must be taller than the Capitol. But in political sense Washington is the centre of the country and the most important city of the United States.

 

Topical Vocabulary

to be made upof smth. – состоять из чего-либо

independent - независимый

the District of Columbia – округ Колумбия

with its own laws and regulations – со своими собственными законами и установлениями

to be situated on both banks of the river – быть расположенным по обеим берегам реки

a plot of land - участок земли

the state - государство

to lay the corner-stone – заложить (о городе)

the Capitol - Капитолий

the Congress - конгресс

in honor of smb. – в честь кого-либо

adiscoverer - первооткрыватель

after the name of smb. – по имени кого-либо

afounder - основатель

the federal capital – федеральная столица

to be smaller in size than - быть меньше по размеру, чем

in political sense – в политическом смысле

 

Answer the questions:

 

1. How many parts is the USA made up of?

2. What is the District of Columbia?

3. How was Washington, D.C. founded?

4. What is Washington famous for?

5. In what sense is Washington the most important city in the USA?

Translate into English:

 

1. США состоят из 50 штатов и независимого округа Колумбия.

2. Округ Колумбия имеет собственные законы и установления.

3. Место для Вашингтона, расположенного по обoим берегам реки Потомак, было выбрано Джорджем Вашингтоном.

4. Город получил свое название в честь Джорджа Вашингтона.

5. В Вашингтоне работает правительство США и живут американ­ские президенты.

6. С 1800 года Вашингтон является федеральной столицей.

7. Вашингтон - политический центр США.

 

II. Education

Education in Russia

Russians have always shown a great concern for education. The right to education is stated in the Constitution of the Russian Federation. It is ensured by compulsory secondary schools, vocational schools, and higher education establishments. It is also ensured by the development of extramural and evening courses and the system of state scholarships and grants.

Education in Russia is compulsory up to the 9th form inclusive. The stages of compulsory schooling in Russia are: primary education for ages 6-7 to 9-10 inclusive; secondary education including intermediate school for ages 10-11 to 12-13 inclusive, and senior school for ages 13-14 to 14-15 inclusive. If a pupil of a secondary school wishes to go on in higher education, he or she must stay at school for two more years. Primary and secondary school together comprise 11 years of study. Every school has a «core curriculum» of academic subjects, such as Russian, Literature, Mathematics, History, a foreign language and others. Lyceums and gymnasiums offer programs giving a profound knowledge in some field of study.

After finishing the 9th form one can go on to a vocational school which offers programmes of academic subjects and a programme of training in a technical field, or a profession.

After finishing the 11th form of a secondary school, a lyceum or a gymnasium one can go on in higher education. All applicants must take competitive examinations. Higher education institutions, that is, institutes or universities, offer a 5-year programme of academic subjects for undergraduates in a variety of fields, as well as a graduate course. If one finishes a graduate course and writes a thesis, he or she receives a candidate's degree or a doctoral degree.

Higher educational establishments are headed by Rectors. Prorectors are in charge of academic and scientific work. An institute or a university has a number of faculties, each specializing in a field of study. Faculties have specialized councils which confer candidate and doctoral degrees.

The system of secondary and higher education in Russia is going through a transitional period. The main objectives of the reform are: to decentralize the higher education system, to develop a new financial mechanism, to give more academic freedoms to faculties and students. All secondary schools, institutes and universities until recently have been funded by the state. Now there is quite a number of private fee-paying primary and secondary schools; some universities have fee-paying departments.

 

Topical Vocabulary

 

 

to show a great concern for education – придавать большое значение образованию

the right to education – право на образование

to be ensured by smth. – обеспечиваться чем-либо

compulsory -обязательный

a secondary school – средняя школа

a vocational school - училище

a higher education establishment - вуз

an extramural course – заочное обучение

an evening course – вечернее обучение

state scholarships and grants – государственные стипендии

inclusive - включительно

a stage - этап

compulsory schooling - обязательное школьное обучение

primary education - начальное образование

secondary education - среднее образование

intermediate school - средние классы

senior school – старшие классы

to go on in higher education – продолжать образование в вузе

core curriculum - основная программа

an academic subject – академический предмет

lyceum - лицей

agymnasium - гимназия

to give a profound knowledge – давать углубленные знания

a programme of training in smth. – программа подготовки по какому-либо предмету

an applicant - абитуриент

totake competitive examinations – сдавать конкурсные экзамены

a higher education institution - вуз

an undergraduate - студент

a graduate course - аспирантура

a thesis - диссертация

a candidate degree – степень кандидата наук

a doctoral degree – степень доктора наук

to be headed by Rector –







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