TEXT 6. Read and translate the text. Make reports on famous Russians and their achievements
Russians
There are about 145 million people in the country, 13 towns and cities with more than a million inhabitants - the largest of which are Moscow and St. Petersburg. Eighty per cent of the whole population are ethnic Russians (Slavs). More than a hundred different peoples or ethnic groups speak their own languages, but everybody knows Russian as well. Lots of Russians are atheists. Most believers are Orthodox Christians.
The most widespread Russian surnames are Kuznetsov, Ivanov, Petrov, Smirnov and Popov. First names – Elena and Alexey. There are more women in Russia than men. Russian brides are famous in the whole world not only for their looks but also for their household skills. Many foreigners come to Russia with the special aim of finding beautiful Slav wives and taking them away to their homes.
«The Russians harness slowly, but they ride fast». It's interesting to mention that these words, characterizing the Russian style pretty accurately, were said by the prominent German politician Otto von Bismark about one hundred and fifty 7 years ago. The Russians are a talented nation. We are proud of our famous fellow-countrymen. Russia gave the world Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Chekhov. Five Russian authors – Bunin, Sholokhov, Pasternak, Solzhenitsin and Brodsky – were awarded with the Nobel Prize in literature. Music by Russian composers is played throughout the world – Tschaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Shnitke. Malevich and Kandinsky – representatives of the so-called «Russian avantguard» – became famous for their innovations in painting.
Discoveries and achievements by Russian scientists in chemistry, nuclear physics and aviation – they're common knowledge. Some firsts of invention are regarded in Russia in a way different from that generally accepted. For example, foreigners become genuinely surprised when they learn that Russians consider themselves inventors of the first steam locomotive, electric bulb or radio. Nevertheless, there are lots of things where Russian firsts are of no doubt.
In 1961, Russia (then the USSR) first sent a man into space. Russian tanks, battle air-craft and famous Kalashnikov tommy-guns are definitely the best in the world, as well as the Russian classical ballet. The names of Anna Pavlova, Galina Ulanova, Maya Plisetskaya, Rudolf Nuriev and Mikhail Baryshnikov are known to each and every educated person. Equally obvious are the achievements of Russia in sports: traditionally high places in team scores at the Olympic Games, world records and titles of our swimmers, weight-lifters, gymnasts, figure-skaters. Among the world champions in chess there are more Russians than all others put together.
TEXT 7. Learn the info. Name three things you closely associate with Russia.
National Symbols of Russia
The national symbols of Russia are a part of the cultural heritage of the country which has given the country its national identity. These national symbols of Russia represent the significance of the traditional values and customs which have been a part of this country since ancient times.
National Flag of Russia
The national flag of Russia is a tri color flag-white color which lies on the top, blue in the middle and red on the bottom. White stands for nobility and frankness; blue symbolizes loyalty, honesty, chastity and scarlet represents self-sacrifice, generosity and love. While some Russians believe that red means the land, blue stands for sky, and white symbolizes heaven.
National Anthem of Russia
In 1944, the national anthem of Russia was accepted. The music was composed by Alexander Alexandrov and the lyrics were written by Russian Federalist Sergey Mikhalkov. In 2000 some minor changes were made in the Russian national song.
Two-headed Eagle
The two-headed eagle first appeared in Russia, during the time of Moscovia, in the 15th century. Two-headed eagle has been the symbol of the monarchy of Russia for more than four hundred years. But with the advent of Russian revolution and dethroning of the Tsar Empire, it was on the verge of extinction. In 1993, under the initiative of President Boris Yeltsin it was again adopted on 30th November 1993. The two heads of the eagle stands for the two parts of vast Russian empire - European and Asian, which are believed to be an important part of the country of Russia.
Thus, an analysis of the background of the national symbols of Russia gives you an idea of the rich historical heritage of the country.
TEXT 8. Read and translate the text. Answer the questions below.
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia, its political, industrial, scientific, financial and cultural centre. Moscow was founded in 1147 by the prince Yury Dolgoruky. In the 13th century Moscow was the struggle centre with the tartar yoke. In the 16th century under Ivan the Terrible Moscow became the capital of the new united state. Though Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1712, Moscow remained the heart of Russia. That’s why it became the main target of Napoleon’s attack. Three-quarters of the city was destroyed by fire during Napoleon’s occupation, but by the mid-19th century Moscow had been completely restored. After the October revolution Moscow became the capital again.
Now Moscow is one of the largest cities in Europe. Its total area is more than 1000 square kilometers. The population of the city is over 10 and a half million people.
Moscow is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Red Square is considered to be the heart of the capital. The Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral (Vasily Blazheny) are masterpieces of ancient architecture. There are 20 towers on the top of the Kremlin but the most impressive one is Spasskaya Tower which became the symbol of the country. On the territory of the Kremlin one can see old cathedrals, the Bell Tower of Ivan the Great, the Palace of Congresses, the Tsar-Cannon and the Tsar-Bell, the biggest cannon and bell in the world. St. Basil’s Cathedral was built in the mid-16th century. There’s a legend that Ivan the Terrible blinded the architects Barma and Postnik, because he didn’t want them to create another masterpiece. Moscow is also proud of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.
The Kremlin is also the seat of the Russian Federal Government. The city is situated on the banks of the Moskva River. Due to its location in the very centre of European Russia, Moscow is the starting point for all trade routes. There is even a special place called «zero kilometer».
Moscow is surely the main cultural centre of Russia. It’s the seat of the Academy of Sciences. Russia’s biggest University named after Mikhail Lomonosov is also situated in Moscow. Besides, there are numerous scientific research institutions, technical colleges and academies of music and art in Moscow. Therefore it’s recognized as a city of students. This city is the very place one can get acquainted with wonderful masterpieces of art. There are more than 80 museums in Moscow. The most widely-known are The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the State Tretyakov Gallery. One can also find a great number of theatres in Moscow. The most famous one is the Bolshoi Opera House. Drama theatres and studios are also very popular with visitors.
Questions
1. When was Moscow founded? Who founded Moscow?
2. What do you know about the history of Moscow?
3. What places of interest are there in the capital?
4. What legend do you know about the construction of St. Basil’s Cathedral?
5. What museums, galleries and theatres can you recommend to visit?