Task 1.Answer the questions
1) What city is the capital of the UK?
2) What is the surface of theUK?
3) Are there any big rivers and lakes in the UK?
4) Why is the climate of the British Isles milder than that of the Continent?
5) The United Kingdom is a highly developed industrial country, isn't it?
6) What goods do the British industries produce?
7) What industrial cities are there in Great Britain?
8) What outstanding people of Great Britain do you know?
9) Are there any big educational establishments in Great Britain? What are they?
10) Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy, isn't it?
11) What is the name of the Queen of Great Britain? What is her surname?
12) Is Queen`spower limited by Parliament?
13) How many chambers does the British Parliament consist of?
14) What are the main political parties in Great Britain?
Task 2. Complete the sentences.
1) The United Kingdom consists of ...
2) The British Parliament consists of ... .
3) There are … political parties in Great Britain. They are …, … and … .
4) There are some famous educational establishments such as ... .
5) The United Kingdom is situated on ... .
6) The British Isles are washed by ... .
7) The Queen's rights are limited by ... .
8) The territory of Great Britain is … .
9) The population of Great Britain is ...
Task 3. Can you guess the proper answer?
1) The history of Monarchy goes back to
a) 9-th century b) 13-th century c) 19-th century
2) The present Queen of England is … in the world.
a) the youngest b)the smallest c)the oldest
3) Monarchy is founded on …..
a) the democratic principle b) the parliamentary principle c)the hereditary principle
4) The coronation service is usually held at …
a) Canterbury Abby b) Westminster Abby c) Buckingham palace
5) Queen’s home residence is ….
a) Canterbury Abby b) Westminster Abby c) Buckingham palace
6) It is often said that the monarch reigns, but doesn’t …
a) struggle b) right c) rule
7) The Queen’s speech in the opening of Parliament is prepared by …..
a) the Queen herself b) the Archbishop c) the Prime Minister
8) Monarch is a symbol of ….
a) unity of nation b) national character c) national power
Task 4.Complete a dialogue aboutthe UK. Use the questions to the text(Task 1.).
CONVERSATIONAL TOPIC
«London is the capital of the UK»
Pre-reading task. Can you answer these questions?
1. How many parts is London divided into?
2.What masterpieces are there in London?
Vocabulary
commercial–коммерческийcentury - век
financial–финансовыйnumerous- многочисленный
masterpiece–шедеврfortress- крепость
prison–тюрьмаtheClockTower–часоваябашня
takeplace–случатьсяwealth - богатство
luxury–роскошьvictory - победа
monument–памятник district -район
densely–плотно inhabitant -житель
be proud - гордиться
London is the capital of the United Kingdom, its political, economic and commercial center. It is one of the largest cities in the world (together with Tokyo and New York) and the largest city in Europe. Its population is about 8 million.
London is situated on the river Thames. The city is very old. It has more than a 20-centuries history. Traditionally London is divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West and the East End.
The City is the oldest part of London, its financial and business center. It is called “a square mile of money” because numerous banks, including the Bank of England, offices and firms are concentrated here. Two masterpieces are situated in the City: St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. St. Paul’s Cathedral was built in the 17thcentury by Sir Christopher Wren. The Tower of London was built in the 11thcentury. It was used as a fortress, a palace and a prison. Now it is a museum.
Westminster is the aristocratic official part of London. It includes Buckingham Palace where the Queen lives and the House of Parliament. The Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament is famous for its big bell known as a “Big Ben”. Westminster Abbey is the place where coronation of all kings and queens has taken place. In the Poet’s Corner many famous people of Great Britain are buried (Newton, Ch. Dickens, R. Kipling and others).
The West End is the richest and the most beautiful part of London. It is a symbol of wealth and luxury. The best hotels, restaurants, shops, clubs and houses of English aristocracy are situated there. The busiest street of the West End is Oxford Street.
Trafalgar Square is the geographical center of London. It was named in the memory of Admiral Nelson’s victory at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The tall Nelson’s Column stands in the middle of the square. Opposite the Nelson monument is the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. They contain the finest art collections in the world. The British Museum that is famous for its rich library (about 7,000,000 books) is near them.
The East End is an industrial district of London. There are many factories and the port of London there. The district is densely populated by working class families. Old inhabitants of the East End are proud to be called “cockneys” which mean true Londoners.