Unit 4. Political system of the USA

 

8.4.1 Read and translate the text

 

Political system of the USA

 

The United States of America is a parliamen­tary republic. The people rule the country through the representatives they elect. Today any citizen who is at least 18 years old can vote. The Consti­tution of the USA was written in 1787. It is the basis for its laws.

The United States has a federalist system. There are fifty states in the USA. Each state has its own government and there is a federal or national government. Each state has its own constitution and can collect taxes. But only the national gov­ernment can print money.

The national government is divided into three branches. They are the legislative branch, the executive branch and the judicial branch.

The legislative branch is represented by the US Congress. The US Congress consists of two parts. They are the House of Representatives and the Senate. The congress's main function is to make laws. There are 100 senators (two from each state) and 435 representatives. The number of the rep­resentatives from each state depends on the size of the state's population.

Senators are chosen for six years. But one-third is re-elected or retired every two years.

The executive branch is headed by the Presi­dent and his Administration. The president of the USA is the head of the country. The executive branch administers the laws. The executive branch consists of departments and agencies. The US President is elected for a 4-year term. The US President commands the armed forces, conducts foreign affairs and recommends laws to the Congress.

The judicial branch is headed by the US Su­preme Court. The US Supreme Court has nine members. They are Chief Justice and 8 Associ­ate Justices. They are appointed for life. The ju­dicial branch interprets the laws and makes sure that new laws are in keeping with the Constitu­tion.

Each branch has certain controls over other branches. The US Congress makes laws, but the President can veto a law, and the Supreme Court can decide that the law is unconstitutional.

There are two main political parties in the USA. They are the Democtatic Party and the Republi­can Party. The Democratic Party is symbolized by a "donkey." The Republican Party is symbol­ized by an "elephant." There are no clear differ­ences between these parties. The Republicans are more conservative. They have more support among the upper classes. The Democrats are more liberal. They have more support among the work­ing class and the poor.

 

8.4.2 Post -Text Exercises

 

8.4.2.1 Pronounce the following words and geographic names

 

the United States of America (the USA) - Соединенные Штаты Америки

the US Congress - Конгресс Соединенных Штатов Америки

the Senate - Сенат

the US Supreme Court - Верховный Суд Соединенных Штатов

Chief Justice - председатель суда

parliamentary republic - парламентская республика

to rule - управлять

representative - представитель

to elect - выбирать

at least - по крайней мере

to vote - голосовать

law - закон

tax - налог

to print - печатать

to divide - разделять

function - функция

to depend on - зависеть от

to re-elect - перевыбирать

to retire - уходить в отставку

executive - исполнительный

legislative - законодательный

judicial - судебный

to head - возглавлять

to administer - управлять

department - министерство (амер.)

agency - учреждение

armed forces - вооруженные силы

to conduct - руководить

foreign affairs - иностранные дела

to appoint - назначать

associate justice - помощ­ник судьи

to interpret - объяснять

certain - определенный

to veto - наложить вето

support - поддержка

the upper classes – аристократия

 

8.4.2.2 Answer the questions

 

1 The USA is a parliamentary republic. What does it mean?

2 When was the Constitution of the USA written?

3 How many states are there in the USA?

4 How many parts is the national government divided into? What are they?

5 What is the US Congress? What does it con­sist of?

6 What is the main function of the US Congress?

7 How many senators and representatives are there in the US Congress?

8 What does the number of the representatives from each state depend on?

9 How many years are senators chosen for?

10 Who heads the executive branch?

11 What does the executive branch consist of?

12 For how many years is the US President elected?

13 What are the functions of the US President?

14 What is the third branch of the US government?

15 How many members does the US Supreme Court have? What are they?

16 How many years are the members of the US Supreme Court appointed for?

17 What are the functions of the judicial branch?

18 How many main political parties are there in the USA? What are they?

19 What is the symbol of the Democratic Party?

20 What is the symbol of the Republic Party?

21 What differences are there between the main parties of the USA?

 

8.4.2.3 Match the two parts of the sentences

 

1 The Democratic Party is symbolized by...   2 The number of the representatives from each state depends on... 3 The Constitution of the USA was written... 4 The executive branch is headed by... 5 The Republican Party is symbolized by... 6 The US Congress makes laws, but... 7 The US President commands...   8 The national government is divided into...

- the president can veto a law and the Supreme Court can decide that the law is unconstitutional. - the President and his Administration.   - a "donkey."   - three branches. - an "elephant."   - the size of the state's population. - the armed forces, conducts foreign affairs, re­commends laws to Congress. - in 1787.

 

8.4.2.4 Choose the right version

 

1 Senators are chosen for... years.

2, 6, 10

2 The US Supreme Court has... members.

three, eight, nine

 

3 The national government is divided into... branches.

four, three, five

 

4 Today any citizen who is at least... years old can vote.

18, 21, 16

 

5 There are... senators and 435 representatives in the US Congress.

71, 100, 80

 

6 The Constitution of the USA was written in....

1787, 1878, 1978

 

8.4.2.5 Read the beginning of the sentence and find its end in the text

 

1 The Congress's main function is...

2 Each branch has certain controls over...

3 The US Congress consists of two parts. They are...

4 There are no clear differences...

5 The judicial branch interprets...

6 There are two main political parties in the USA. They are...

 

8.4.2.6 Put in the missing words according to the text

 

1 The Republicans are more....

2 But one-third is... or... every two years.

3 Each state has its own constitution and can collect....

4 They have more... among the working class and....

5 The United States of America is....

6 The Democrats are more....

7 There are no clear... between these parties.

 

 

8.4.2.7 Choose the correct verb for each blank: recommends, has, depends, is elected, conducts, commands, interprets, rule, are chosen

 

1 The people... the country through the repre­sentatives which they elect.

2 The US President... for a 4-year term.

3 The number of the representatives from each state... on the size of the state's population.

4 The judicial branch... the laws.

5 The United States... a federalist system.

6 Senators... for six years.

7 The US President... the armed forces,... for­eign affairs,... laws to the Congress.

 

8.4.2.8 Read and learn the dialogue by heart. Then act it out

 

Mark: May I speak to Fred?

Fred: Speaking. Is that Mark?

Mark: Yes, it's me. How are you?

Fred: It's OK. And how are you?

Mark: Fine. Are you free now?

Fred: Oh, yes. Why do you ask?

Mark: I know that you are very good at History. If it's not much of a trouble, can you tell me about the political system of the USA?

Fred: What exactly do you want to know?

Mark: Can I ask you several questions? I'm sure it'll be enough for my short report.

Fred: Yes, of course.

Mark: I know that the president is the head of the USA. Tell me please, what are his main functions?

Fred: Let me think for a moment. As far as I re­member, he commands the armed forces, conducts foreign affairs and recommends laws to the Congress...

Mark: For how many years is the US President elected?

Fred: I know for sure — every four years.

Mark: By the way, would I be able to elect the President if I were American?

Fred: If I'm not mistaken, any citizen who is at least 18 years old can vote.

Mark: What a pity! I'm sixteen.

Fred: Don't worry! You can elect the President of Russia.

Mark: OK. I think I have enough information for my short report. Thanks.

Fred: You're welcome.

 

 

Unit 5. George Washington

 

8.5.1 Read and translate the text

 

George Washington

 

George Washington was the first president of the United States. He was born in the family of a Virginian planter on the 22nd of February 1732. His father died when he was only eleven years old. George went to a little country school where he learned to read and to do sums in arithmethic. He was a good student and a great fa­vourite with his playmates.

When George was 20 years old he was appointed major of Virginia militia. Three years later George Washington was made colonel and commander of all Virginia's forces.

He took part in the French War of 1754-1763. This war was called the French or Indian war. It lasted several years and resulted in the English getting possession of the land from the Atlantic to the Mississippi River. George Wash­ington distinguished himself by capturing Fort Duquesne.

A few years later the American colonies had a war with England. Getting independence from Britain became the major problem of the Ameri­can colonies.

In 1774 George Washington was chosen one of Virginia's delegates to the First and in 1775 to the Second Continental Congress.

When the War of Independence began (1775), Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of all the colonial forces.

Washington clearly understood the difficulty of fighting a powerful enemy with a badly equipped and poorly trained army. The colonists were not accustomed to taking orders. Washington faced great difficulties in his efforts to establish strict dis­cipline. He insisted that it was necessary to im­press upon the mind of every soldier the impor­tance of the cause they were fighting for.

By 1781 he had managed to build up a strong army which won a victory in the war. The war lasted eight years and resulted in the independ­ence of the colonies. The colonies formed a new nation. In 1783 the Treaty of Paris recognized the independence of the USA. In 1787 the Con­stitution of the USA was written. By common con­sent on the 6th of April in 1789 George Wash­ington was elected President of the United States of America. He served two terms from 1789 till 1797.

George Washington died in 1799. In honour of the first president the newly-built capital of the country was named Washington.

 

8.5.2 Post -Text Exercises

 

8.5.2.1 Pronounce the following words and geographic names

 

Virginia militia - Вирджинская милиция, ополчение

Duquesne - Дьюкейн

planter - плантатор

delegate - делегат

to die - умирать

chief - начальник, лидер

to do sums - решать примеры

clearly - очевидно

playmate - одноклассник

difficulty - трудность

to appoint - назначать

to fight (fought, fought) - сражаться

major - майор

powerful - сильный, могучий

colonel - полковник

enemy - враг

commander - командир

to equip - снаряжать, экипировать

force - сила

poorly - скудно

to take part - принимать участие

to train - тренировать

to result - кончаться

to accustom - приучать

to take possession of - вступать во владение

to order - приказывать;

order - порядок, приказ

to distinguish - выделиться

to face -сталкиваться

to capture - захватывать силой

effort – усилие

to establish - создавать, устанав­ливать

strict - строгий

discipline - дисциплина

to insist - настаивать

necessary - необходимый

to impress - внушать

mind – мысль, разум

soldier - солдат

cause - мотив, основание

to manage - суметь (сделать)

to form - формировать

treaty - договор

to recognize - признавать

common - общий

consent - согласие

to elect - выбирать

to serve -служить

honour - честь

newly-built - вновь построенный, пере­строенный

to name – называть

 

8.5.2.2 Answer the questions

 

1 Who was the first president of the US?

2 When and where was George Washington born?

3 What was his father? When did he die?

4 Did George go to school? Was he a good stu­dent?

5 What was George appointed when he was 20 years old? Was his career successful?

6 What was the war in 1754-1763 called? Did Washington take part in this war?

7 How long did this war last? What were the re­sults of this war?

8 A few years later the American colonies had a war again, didn't they?

9 With whom did they have a war? What did they want to get?

10 What was George Washington chosen in 1774?

11 When did the War of Independence begin?

12 How did Washington manage to build up a strong army?

13 How long did the War of Independence last? What was the result of this war?

14 What did the colonies form after the War of Independence?

15 When was George Washington elected Presi­dent of the USA?

16 How many terms did he serve?

17 When did Washington die?

18 When did the Treaty of Paris recognize the independence of the USA?

19 When was the constitution of the USA written?

20 Why was the capital of the USA named after George Washington?

 

8.5.2.3 Match the two parts of the sentences

 

1 He insisted that it was necessary 2 Getting independence from Britain 3 George Washington was   4 By 1781 he had managed to build up a strong army   5 When George was 20 years old   6 He served two terms   7 Washington clearly understood the difficulty of 8 The War of Independence lasted 9 George went to a little country school where

... from 1789 till 1797.   ... he learned to read and to do sums in arithmetic. ... he was appointed major of Virginia militia. ... to impress upon the mind of every soldier the importance of the cause they were fighting for. ... eight years and resulted in the independence of the colonies. ... became the major problem of the American colo­nies. ... which won a victory in the war.   ... fighting a powerful enemy with a badly equipped and poorly trained army. ... the first president of the USA.

 

8.5.2.4 Put in the missing words according to the text

 

1 Three years later George Washington was made... and... of all Virginia's forces.

2 By common... on the 6th of April in 1789 George Washington was elected President of the USA.

3 In... of the first President the newly-built capi­tal of the country was named Washington.

4 He was a good student and a great favourite with his....

5 It lasted several years and resulted in the Eng­lish getting... of the land from the Atlantic to the Mississippi.

6 When George was 20 years old he was appointed... of Virginia....

7 George Washington distinguished himself by... Fort Duquesne.

8 Washington faced great difficulties in his ef­forts to establish strict....

 

8.5.2.5 Choose the correct verb for each blank: was chosen, formed, was written, served, was appointed, died, recognized, took part, was born

 

1 In 1787 the Constitution of the USA....

2 George Washington... in 1799.

3 In 1774 George Washington... one of Virgin­ia's delegates to the First and in 1775 to the Second Continental Congress.

4 He... in the French War in 1754-1763.

5 The colonies... a new nation.

6 Washington... commander-in-chief of all the colonial forces.

7 He... in the family of a Virginian planter on 22nd of February 1732.

8 In 1783 the Treaty of Paris... the independ­ence of the USA.

9 He... two terms from 1789 till 1797.

 

8.5.2.6 Read and learn the dialogue by heart. Then act it out

 

Olga: Sorry to interrupt you.

Frank: That's all right. Can I help you?

Olga: It seems to me that I've just lost my way. Can you tell me how to get to the Washing­ton Monument?

Frank: Don't worry! It's as easy as ABC. Go along this street, then turn to the right and go down the street until you get there. You can't miss it.

Olga: Thank you very much.

Frank: Excuse me, you are from Russia, aren't you?

Olga: Yes, you are right. You have certainly heard about St. Petersburg. This is the city I live in.

Frank: Of course I have. I visited your wonderful city last year. Our cities have much in com­mon, don't they?

Olga: You don't say so!

Frank: If I'm not mistaken, the place for St. Peter­sburg was chosen by Russian Tsar, Peter I.

Olga: Exactly. As far as I remember, George Wash­ington chose the place for your city, didn't he?

Frank: Right you are. And St Petersburg was named in honour of the greatest Russian Tsar.

Olga: And Washington D. C. was named after the first President of the USA. By the way, did George Washington live and work in the White House?

Frank No, he didn't. It was built from 1792 to 1800 and Washington died in 1799, but he took part in its building. Have you visited the White House yet?

Olga: No, we haven't. But we are going there to­morrow. Thanks.

Frank: Not at all. All the best!

 

Unit 6 Washington D. C.

 

8.6.1 Read and translate the text

 

Washington D.C.

 

Washington is the capital of the United States of America. It is situated on the Potomac River in the District of Columbia. The population of the city is 900,000 people. Washington was named after the first US president George Washington. He selected the place for the capital. It was founded in 1790.

Since 1800 Washington D. C. has been the federal capital. The French engi­neer, Pierre L'Enfant designed the city. Washing­ton D. С. isn't like other cities of the USA. It has long wide avenues, gardens, beautiful parks and no skyscrapers at all, because no other building must be taller then the Capitol.

The Capitol is the seat of the American Con­gress. The 535 members of the Congress meet here to discuss the nation's affairs. It is situated in the centre of the city. The Capitol has a big white dome standing on a circle of pillars. It is a huge building, full of paintings and statues.

The White House is the official residence of the US President. It was built in 1799. The US Presi­dent works and lives there.

Washington is a large scientific and cultural centre. There are many museums, theatres, re­search institutes, five universities, the National Academy of Science and the Library of Congress there.

The Library of Congress is situated not far from the Capitol. It is the largest library in the States. It contains more than 13 million books, more than 19 million manuscripts, including the personal papers of the US presidents.

There is one more well-known building in Wa­shington — Pentagon. It is the residence of the US Military department. It is situated in the sub­urbs to the south of the Potomac.

There are many monuments in the city. The most impressive and the best-known ones are the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial. Thousands of tour­ists visit Washington every day. Washington D. С. is the city where you think about the glo­rious history of the USA.

 

8.6.2 Post -Text Exercises

 

8.6.2.1 Pronounce the following words and proper names

 

Potomac - p. Потомак

District of Columbia - округ Колумбия

Washington D. С. - Вашингтон

Pierre L'enfant - Пьер Ланфан

the Capitol - Капитолий

the Congress - Конгресс

the Library of Congress - Библиотека конгресса

the Lincoln Memorial - памятник Линкольну

the Washington Monument - памятник Вашингтону

the Jefferson Memorial — памятник Джефферсону

to name - называть

to select - выбирать

to found - основывать

to design - проектировать, создавать

avenue - проспект

skyscraper - небоскреб

affair - дело

dome - купол

circle - круг

pillar - столб, колонна

huge - огромный

research - исследовательский

to contain - содержать

manuscript - рукопись

suburb - пригород

impressive – производящий впечатление

glorious - славный, знаменитый

 

8.6.2.2 Answer the questions

 

1 What is the capital of the USA?

2 Where is Washington situated?

3 What is the population of the city?

4 Who was Washington named after?

5 Who selected the place for the capital?

6 When was the city founded?

7 Who designed the city?

8 Since what time has Washington D. С. been the federal capital?

9 Why isn't Washington D. C. like other cities of the USA?

10 Where is the seat of the American Congress? Where is this building situated?

11 Can you describe the Capitol?

12 Where is the official residence of the US Presi­dent? When was it built?

13 What is Washington D. C. famous for?

14 What is the largest library in the states? Where is it situated?

15 How many books and manuscripts does the Library of Congress contain?

16 What building is the residence of the US Mili­tary department? Where is it situated?

17 What monuments do you know in Washington D. C.?

18 Do you want to visit Washington D. C.? Why?

 

8.6.2.3 Match the two parts of the sentences

 

1 The White House is 2 The Library of Congress contains 3 Since 1800 Washington D.С. has been 4 Washington was named after 5 The Capitol has 6 Pentagon is 7 Washington D. С. has 8 Washington D. С. was founded in

... the residence of the US Military department. ... 1790. ... the official residence of the US President. ... a big white dome standing on a circle of pillars. ... more than 13 million books, more than 19 million manuscripts, including the personal pa­pers of the US presidents. ... long wide avenues, gardens, beautiful parks and no skyscrapers at all. ... the first US president George Washington. ... the Federal capital.

 

8.6.2.4 Put in the missing words according to the text

 

1 The 535 members of the Congress meet here to discuss the nation's...

2 Pentagon is situated in the... to the south of the Potomac.

3 There are many museums, theatres,..., five universities, the National Academy of Science and the Library of Congress there..

4 The Capitol is... building, full of... and stat­ues.

5 Washington D. C. has long wide... gardens, beautiful parks and no... at all.

6 Washington is situated on... in the District of Columbia.

7 The Library of Congress contains more than 13 million books, more than 19 million... in­cluding the personal... of the US presidents.

8 The Capitol has a big white... standing on a circle of....

 

8.6.2.5 Choose the correct verb for each blank: is, meet, has been, is situated, selected, contains, has designed, was built

 

1 The White House... in 1799.

2 Pentagon... in the suburbs to the south of the Potomac.

3 Since 1800 Washington D. С.... the federal capital.

4 The French engineer, Pierre L'Enfant,... Wash­ington D. С.

5 The Capitol... a big white dome standing on a circle of pillars.

6 The Library of Congress... more than 13 mil­ lion books, more than 19 million manuscripts, including the personal papers of the US presi­dents.

7 George Washington... the place for the capital.

8 The 535 members of the Congress... here to discuss the nation's affairs.

9 Pentagon... the residence of the US Military department.

 

8.6.2.6 Read and learn the dialogues by heart. Then act them out

 

Dialogue 1

 

- Well, Donald, could you do me a favour?

- Yes, what is it, Ronald?

- I know you have been living in Washington for about five years. You must know it very well. Could you tell me something about the capital of the USA?

- With great pleasure, Ronald. George Washington, the first President of the USA, after whom the city was named, se­lected the area for the capital. A hundred square miles were taken from the states of Maryland and Virginia. It was called
the District of Columbia (D.C.).

- Is the city well planned?

- Yes, it is. The city is divided into four sections: NW (north-west), NE (north-east), SW (south-west) and SE (south-east). Numbered streets run north and south: First Street, Second Street... Lettered streets such as A-street, B-
street run east and west.

- I'll try to remember it.

- Bear it in mind that every section has an independent street division. If you are looking for Third Street, you should know in what section of the city it is.

- What's the heart of Washington?

- The Capitol is. All the tourists begin sightseeing from the Capitol and see the Senate Chamber, the Representative Hall, the Statuary Hall and so on.

- Are there any monuments in the city?

- Of course. The Washington Monument which is 555 feet tall is called "Pencil" because of its shape. It is three blocks south of the White House. There is an elevator which will carry you to 500 foot level observation windows. You should
also see the Lincoln memorial which is west of the Washington
monument and the Jefferson memorial which is south of the
Washington monument near the Potomac River.

- I'll follow your advice. I hear the Library of Congress is worth seeing.

- That's right. It contains millions of books and manuscripts. Are you interested in churches and cathedrals?

- Yes, I am.

- You should see the Washington Cathedral in Massachusetts Avenue, the Arlington National Cemetery which is outside the city limits. John F. Kennedy was buried there. The famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is worth seeing too.

 

Dialogue 2

 

Alice: Hi! Glad to meet you. You look wonder­ful.

Mary: Hi! Thanks.

Alice: Had good holidays?

Mary: Yes, I travelled about the USA.

Alice: Oh? What was it like?

Mary: It was great!

Alice: What cities did you visit?

Mary: A lot. New York, Los Angeles, San-Fran­cisco and Washington.

Alice: You are lucky! I'm going to Washington next holidays, too. What would you advise me to see in Washington in the first place?

Mary: Oh! Washington is one of the most beauti­ful and unusual cities in the United States.

Alice: Unusual! Why?

Mary: First, it's the capital of the country. Wash­ington is very green and you can hardly find a park, a square or an open area in Washington without a monument or a me­morial.

Alice: I see. I'm looking forward to my holidays and visiting Washington.

Unit 7 New York

 

8.7.1 Read and translate the text

 

New York

 

New York is the largest city in the United States and one of the largest cities in the world. Its population is over eight million. It is situated in New York State, at the mouth of the Hudson River. In early times the New York area was populated by Indians. In 1626 the Dutch Trade Company bought Manhattan Island from the local Indians for twenty four dollars. Here the Dutch founded their colony and gave it the name New Amster­dam. Forty years later the English fleet entered the habour, captured the city and renamed it New York.

New York consists of five parts, called boroughs. They are Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Richmond. All districts of New York are linked together by numerous bridges.

Manhattan is an island 13 miles long and 2 miles wide. It is the centre of American finance, adver­tising, art, theatre, publishing, fashion and eve­rything else. It is the real centre of the city. Man­hattan is divided into the East Side and the West Side. The dividing line is Fifth Avenue. Manhat­tan is also divided into Lower (Downtown) Man­hattan and Upper (Uptown) Manhattan.

1,500,000 people live in Manhattan but five million people work here every day. Many of New York offices, the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the Empire State Building are situated here.

New York is a city of "skyscrapers." The first skyscraper in New York was built in 1902. It was twenty storeys high.

Now you can have a good view of New York City from the top of the Empire State Building (102 storeys). The Empire State Building is one of the tallest buildings in the world. It was built in 1931. It has become a symbol of New York.

The Statue of Liberty is the symbol of Ameri­can democracy. It stands on Liberty Island in New York port. France gave the statue to Ame­rica in 1884 as a symbol of friendship. Liberty carries the torch of freedom in her right hand. In her left hand she is holding a tablet with the inscription "July 4, 1776" — American Independ­ence Day.

Today New York City is nicknamed "the Big Apple," because it has an energy that few other cities can equal.

New York is an industrial and cultural centre of the country. The most important branches of in­dustry are producing vehicles, glass, and chemicals. There are many museums, art galleries, theatres here. There are two world-famous streets in New York — Broadway and Fifth Avenue. Broadway is the centre of the theatres and night life. Fifth Avenue is the great shopping, hotel and club av­enue.

8.7.2 Post -Text Exercises

 

8.7.2.1 Pronounce the following words and proper names

 

New York -Нью-Йорк

Hudson River – р. Гудзон

the Dutch Trade Company - Голландская торговая компания

Manhattan - Манхэттэн

New Amsterdam - Нью-Амстердам

Brooklyn - Бруклин

Queens - Квинс

the Bronx - Бронкс

Richmond – Ричмонд

the New York Stock Exchange - Фондовая биржа Нью-Йорка

the Empire State Building - Эмпайер Стейт Билдинг

Broadway - Бродвей

the Statue of Liberty - Статуя Свободы

Fifth Avenue - Пятая Авеню

to populate - населять

local - местный

to enter - входить

harbour - гавань

to capture - захватывать силой

to rename - переименовать

to consist of - состоять из

borough - небольшой город, район

numerous - многочисленный

wide - широкий

advertising - реклама

publishing - издательский бизнес

fashion - мода

to divide - разделять

lower - нижний

upper - верхний

skyscraper - небоскреб

view - вид

democracy - демократия

to carry - нести

torch - факел

freedom - свобода

tablet - дощечка (с надписью)

inscription - надпись

to nickname - давать прозвище

energy - энергия

equal - равный;

to equal - сравниться

branch - отрасль

vehicle - транспортное средство

chemical – химический

 

8.7.2.2 Answer the questions

 

1 What is the largest city in the USA?

2 What is the population of New York?

3 Where is New York situated?

4 Who was the New York area populated by in early times?

5 When was Manhattan bought from the local Indians? How much did it cost?

6 When did the English fleet enter the harbour and capture the city?

7 How many parts does New York consist of? What are they?

8 How are the districts of New York linked together?

9 What is the real centre of the city?

10 How many parts is Manhattan divided into?

11 What avenue of Manhattan is the dividing line?

12 How many people live in Manhattan? How many people work there?

13 When was the first skyscraper in New York built?

14 What statue is the symbol of American democ­racy?

15 Where does the Statue of Liberty stand?

16 What country gave this statue to America as a present? When? Why?

17 What is there in the hands of Liberty?

18 Why is the nickname of New York "the Big Apple"?

19 New York is an industrial and cultural centre of the USA, isn't it?

20 What most important branches of industry are there?

21 What two world-famous streets in New York do you know?

22 What are they famous for?

 

8.7.2.3 Put in the missing words according to the text

1 Manhattan is an island 13 miles... and 2 miles.

2 In early times the New York area was popu­lated by....

3 In her left hand she is holding... with... "July 4, 1776" – American Independence Day.

4 The first... in New York was built in 1902.

5 New York consists of five parts, called....

6 All districts of New York are linked together by... bridges.

7 New York has an energy that few other cities can....

8 The Statue of Liberty is the symbol of Ameri­can....

9 The most important... of industry are produc­ing....

10 New York is the centre of American...,.... art, theatre and everything else.

11 The first skyscraper in New York was twenty... high.

 

8.7.2.4 Read the beginning of the sentence and find its end in the text

 

1 Manhattan is the centre of American...

2 The Statue of Liberty is the symbol...

3 New York consists of five parts, called boroughs. They are...

4 In 1626 the Dutch Trade Company bought...

5 Today New York City is nicknamed...

6 Liberty carries... in her left hand she...

7 It is situated in New York State...

8 Forty years later the English fleet...

9 There are two world-famous streets in New York

10 Manhattan is divided...

11 New York is a city of...

12 Manhattan is the centre of....

 

8.7.2.5 Choose the correct verb for each blank renamed, carries, gave, has, is divided, entered, is nicknamed, has, are linked, bought, captured

 

1 Manhattan... into the East Side and the West Side.

2 All districts of New York... together by numer­ous bridges.

3 France... the statue to America in 1884 as a symbol of friendship.

4 In 1626 the Dutch Trade Company... Manhat­tan Island from the local Indians for twenty four dollars.

5 Liberty... the torch of freedom in her right hand.

6 Today New York City... "the Big Apple", because it... an energy that few other cities can equal.

7 Forty years later the English fleet... the har­bour,... the city and... it New York.

8 New York City... an energy that few other cit­ies can equal.

 

8.7.2.6 Read and learn the dialogues by heart. Then act them out

 

Dialogue 1

 

- I say, Mike, what are your plans for today?

- Nothing special. Why?

- I want you to show me round. You have been living in New York for almost eight years, so you know better what is worth seeing.

- All right. You'll come for a ride with me and I'll show you some of the sights.

- It will be very kind of you.

- So we can start from Washington Square and go along Fifth Avenue. We shall pass Greenwich Village and Union Square.

- The only thing I know is that Fifth Avenue is the place where very rich people live.

- That's right. Do you know what Times Square is famous for?

- No idea.

- It's famous for its theaters and movies. If you are interested in skyscrapers you should pay attention to the Empire State Building.

- There must be your famous Central Park nearby.

- Yes, it is a pleasure ground and besides there are a number of museums there.

- We'll go to the museums tomorrow. Agreed?

- Sure. Now I want you to see Park Avenue which is a fashionable residential section of the city. It's on the opposite side of Central Park from Broadway.

- I hear the Frick Museum and the famous Metropolitan Museum are there.

- That's right. Do you want to watch a game of baseball?

- Yes, I do.

- In that case I'll take you to the Stadium. Tomorrow I'll show you some other sights: Rockefeller Center Radio City, George Washington Bridge and Bronx Zoological Gardens.

- I am looking forward to visiting those places.

Dialogue 2

 

Alex: Hello, Steve! Nice meeting you again. How have you been?

Steve: Hi! I've been quite well and I'm happy to see you too. Where have you been all this time?

Alex: I was having my vacation in New York.

Steve: Did you like it there?

Alex: "Like" is not the right word. It was great!

Steve: How long were you in New York, Alex?

Alex: About two weeks.

Steve: What have you seen?

Alex: Not much, I'm afraid. I've been on a sight­seeing tour, through squares, monuments, historical buildings and all that.

Steve: Have you visited the Museum of Modern Art?

Alex: Not yet. But I've read a lot about it.

Steve: What a pity! Their Impressionists are very good.

Alex: Yes, Cezanne is my favourite. But between you and me, I don't understand abstrac­tionists. I mean I don't know what people see in them.

Steve: Tastes differ.

 

Unit 8 Holidays in the USA

 

8.8.1 Read and translate the text

 

Holidays in the USA

 

Americans celebrate Christmas and New Year's Day, Easter, Halloween, St. Valentine's Day as the English do. But there are some American holidays. They are Martin Luther King's Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labour Day, Columbus Day and Thanks­giving.

Independence Day is the most important Ameri­can holiday. They celebrate it on the 4th of July. On the 4th of July in 1776 the American colonies declared their independence from Britain. Ameri­cans usually have picnics on this day.

Martin Luther King's Day is celebrated in Janu­ary; Martin Luther King was a famous fighter for civil rights for Afro-Americans. In the 1950s and 1960s he organized the civil rights movement. In 1968 he was assassinated.

Presidents' Day is celebrated in February, It is the day on which George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are honoured. They were born in Febru­ary. George Washington was the first American president. Abraham Lincoln headed the country during the Civil War and put an end to slavery.

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. On this day Americans honour the sol­diers killed in war. There are always parades on this day.

On the first Monday in September Americans celebrate Labour Day. They honour the Ameri­can worker.

Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October. Americans mark the coming of Columbus's ship to America. They honour the man who was the discoverer of their country.

On the 31st of October Americans celebrate Halloween. On this day children dress in fancy costumes as witches, ghosts and other monsters or characters from TV programs. They go from house to house, knock at the door and say: "Trick or treat." People give them sweets, fruit or cakes. If they don't get something tasty, they play a trick on people.

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thurs­day of November. People go to church and fami­lies come together for the day. They decorate their houses with fruit and flowers of autumn and pre­pare traditional American food: roast turkey, po­tatoes and pumpkin. They thank God for many things. This holiday was first celebrated in 1621 by the colonists after their first good harvest.

Washington's Birthday is celebrated on the 22nd of February. It's a great day for shoppers. The department stores of Washington D. C. started a national tradition of sales marked by unusual bargains.

 

HOLIDAY	DATE
1 New Year's Day	January, 1st
2 Martin Luther King's Day	January, third Monday
3 St. Valentine's Day	February, 14th
4 Presidents' Day	February, third Monday
5 Washington's Birthday	February, 22nd
6 St. Patrick's Day	March, 17th
7 April Fool's Day	April, 1st
8 Easter	late March or early April
9 Memorial Day	May, last Monday
10 Mother's Day	May, one Sunday
11 Father's Day	June, one Sunday
12 Flag Day	June, 14th
13 Independence Day	July, 4th
14 Labour Day	September, first Monday
15 Columbus Day 16 Halloween 17 Veterans' Day 18 Thanksgiving 19 Christmas Day 20 New Year's Eve	October, second Monday October, 31st November, 11th November, fourth Thursday December, 25th December, 31st

 

8.8.2 Post -Text Exercises

 

8.8.2.1 Pronounce the following words and the names of the holidays

 

Christmas - Рождество

New Year's Day - Новый год

Easter - Пасха

Halloween - Канун дня всех святых

St Valentine's Day — День св. Валентина

Martin Luther King's Day - День Мартина Лютера Кинга

President's Day - День Президента

Memorial Day - День Памяти

Independence Day - День Независимости

Labour Day - День Труда

Columbus Day - День Колумба

Thanksgiving Day - День Благодарения

George Washington - Джордж Вашингтон

Abraham Lincoln - Авраам Линкольн

the Civil War - Гражданская война

Washington's Birthday - День рождения Вашингтона

to declare - объявлять

fighter - борец, боец

civil rights - гражданские права

movement - движение

to assassinate - (предательски) убивать

to honour - чтить, почитать

to head - возглавлять

parade - парад

to mark - отмечать

fancy - причудливый, маскарадный

witch - ведьма

ghost - привидение, призрак

trick - фокус, трюк

treat - угощение

bargain - сделка, удачная покупка

pumpkin - тыква

harvest - урожай

8.8.2.2 Answer the questions

 

1 What holidays do Americans celebrate as the English do?

2 What is the most important American holiday? When is this holiday celebrated?

3 Why do Americans celebrate Independence Day? What do they usually do on this day?

4 What was Martin Luther King? What move­ment did he organize? When was he assassi­nated?

5 Why do Americans celebrate Presidents' Day in February? What were George Washington and Abraham Lincoln?

6 When is Washington's Birthday celebrated?

7 Who do Americans honour on Memorial Day?

8 When do Americans celebrate Labour Day?

9 What was Columbus? Why do Americans hon­our Columbus?

10 Why do people in America dress in fancy cos­tumes on the 31st of October? What do they usually do on this day?

11 When was Thanksgiving Day first celebrated? Why? What do Americans thank God for on this day? What do they usually have for Thanks­
giving dinner?

 

8.8.2.3 Read and learn the dialogue by heart. Then act it out

 

- I say, Maggie, could you tell us what are the main public holidays in the USA?

- January 1st should be mentioned. It is New Year's Day. All banks, stores, factories and schools are closed. People see the old year out and the New Year in. They go to bed after midnight. New Year's Day is celebrated throughout the
country.

- I hear that Decoration Day is marked on the last Monday of May. What is it dedicated to?

- Decoration Day is sometimes called Memorial Day. It is dedicated to those who fell in the War of Independence, in World War I and World War II.

- I see. The greatest holiday is July 4, isn't it?

- Yes, it is. The Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776 when the American colonies were fighting for independence against England. July 4 has become the greatest holiday since.

- What do the Americans mark on November 11?

- November 11 is Veterans' Day. All Americans who died in the antifascist struggle are honoured.

- It is so difficult for me to remember when Thanksgiving Day is celebrated.

- That is a great holiday. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It has been celebrated since the autumn of 1621, that was the first harvest festival in America.

- You want to say that the Pilgrim Fathers celebrated the first harvest festival in America.

- That's exactly what I mean to say.

- Don't you think that Christmas is a great holiday?

- Christmas is a religious holiday. It is always celebrated on December 25. Schools and colleges are closed between Christmas and New Year's Day. It is customary to stay at home and spend time with one's families.

- Thank you for the information.

Unit 9 Mark Twain

8.9.1 Read and translate the text

Mark Twain (1835-1910)

 

All modern American literature comes

from one book by Mark Twain

called Huckleberry Finn.

Ernest Hemingway

 

Mark Twain is a famous American writer. His real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens. "Mark Twain" was his pen name. On the river Samuel often heard the boatmen shout "Mark twain." This meant the water was twelve feet deep. When Samuel began to write he chose for himself the name Mark Twain.

Samuel Clemens was born in 1835 in a small town in the State of Missouri in the USA. When the boy was five years old, he was sent to school. Little Samuel did not like school, but he had many friends at school. Samuel was their leader. In sum­mer, when school was over, the boys spent many happy hours on the Missouri River. When he be­came a writer he wrote about his friends in his stories. Tom Sawyer was very often a portrait of the writer; Huckleberry Finn was his friend Tom Blankenship; Aunt Polly was his mother; Tom's brother Sid was like Mark Twain's brother Henry.

When Samuel was 11 years old, his father died, leaving nothing to his wife and four children. Samuel had to leave school and look for work. His elder brother was working as a printer and he helped Samuel to learn printing. For some years Samuel worked as a printer for the town newspaper and wrote short humorous stories for the newspaper.

In 1853 Samuel decided to leave home. He wanted to be a sailor. First, he went to St. Louis, then to New York, then to Philadelphia. When Samuel was 20 years old he found a job on a boat travelling up and down the Mississippi. On that boat he learned the work of a pilot. The pilot had to know the river very well when he took a ship along it.

Then Samuel Clemens went to California and worked on gold-mines for a year. There he con­tinued writing humorous stories. He sent them to newspapers under the pen name of Mark Twain. The publishers and readers liked his stories. Mark Twain was invited to work as a journalist for a newspaper.

In 1870 he got married, and a new and happy life began for him. He had one son and three daughters. He loved his family very much.

In 1876 Mark Twain published his best novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and in 1884 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

These novels are known and loved by children and grown-ups all over the world.

 

8.9.2 Post -Text Exercises

 

8.9.2.1 Pronounce the following words and proper names

 

Mark Twain - Марк Твен

Ernest Hemingway - Эрнест Хемингуэй

Samuel Langhorne Clemens - Сэмюэль Лэнгхорн Клеменс

the State of Missouri - штат Миссури

the Missouri River - река Миссури

New York – Нью- Йорк

St. Louis – Сен- Луи

Philadelphia - Филадельфия

the Mississippi - Миссисипи

California - Калифорния

Tom Sawyer - Том Сойер

Huckleberry Finn - Гекельбери Финн

real - настоящий

pen name - псевдоним

portrait - описание, портрет

to look for - искать

printer - печатник

printing - печатание

humorous - юмористический

sailor - моряк

boat - лодка

pilot - лоцман

gold-mine - золотой рудник, прииск

to publish - публиковать

journalist - журналист

to get married - жениться

adventure - приключение

grown-up - взрослый

boatman - лодочник

shout - крик

deep – глубина

 

8.9.2.2 Answer the questions

 

1 What was Mark Twain's real name? Why did he choose such a pen name?

2 Where and when was the famous American writer born?

3 At what age did he begin to go to school?

4 Did Samuel like to go to school?

5 Who were the prototypes of the heroes of his stories?

6 What happened to Samuel's family when his father died?

7 Who helped Samuel to learn printing?

8 Where did Samuel work as a printer?

9. What stories did he write when he worked as a printer?

9 Why did Samuel decide to leave home in 1853? Where did he go?

10 What job did Samuel find when he was 20 years old?

11 Where did Samuel go then? Where did he work for a year?

12 Where was Mark Twain invited to work as a journalist?

13 When did he get married? Was he happy with his family? How many children did he have?

14 When did Mark Twain publish his best novels?

 

8.9.2.3 Read the beginning of the sentence and find its end in the text

 

1 In 1870 he got married and...

2 The pilot had to know...

3 This meant...

4 In summer, when school was over,...

5 Samuel Clemens was born in...

6 For some years Samuel worked as...

7 In 1876 Mark Twain published his best no­vel...

8 When Samuel was 20 years old...

9 These novels are known and...

10 When he became a writer,...

11 First, he went to St. Louis...

 

8.9.2.4 Put in the missing words according to the text

 

1 Samuel was their....

2 "Mark Twain" was his... name.

3 Then Samuel Clemens went to California and worked on... for a year.

4 On the river... Samuel often heard the boat­ men... "Mark twain." This meant the water was twelve....

5 On that boat he learned the work of a....

6 His elder brother was working as... and he helped Samuel to learn....

7 His... name was Samuel Langhorne Cle­mens.

8 Samuel was their....

 

8.9.2.5 Choose the correct verb for each blank: was invited, was sent, had, took, decided, began, was, was, published, spent

 

1 In summer, when school... over, the boys... many happy hours on the Missouri River.

2 Mark Twain... to work as a journalist for a newspaper.

3 In 1876 Mark Twain... his best novel The Ad­ventures of Tom Sawyerand in 1884 The Adven­tures of Huckleberry Finn.

4 When Samuel... to write he chose for himself the name Mark Twain.

5 When the boy... five years old, he... to school.

6 The pilot... to know the river very well when he... a ship along it.

7 In 1853 Samuel... to leave home.

 

8.9.2.6 Read and learn the dialogue by heart. Then act it out

Carol: 4827086.

Cathy: Carol? It's Cathy speaking. How are you getting on?

Carol: I am well. And you?

Cathy: Not too bad. Can you help me, Carol?

Carol: Certainly. What's the problem?

Cathy: I need your advice. My younger brother has read all books for children we have at home. Now I'm going to the library be­cause I want to borrow some books for him. He can't go there himself because he is ill.

Carol: What kind of books does he prefer? As far as I remember, he is in the 6th form, isn't he?

Cathy: Yes, you are quite right. If I'm not mis­taken, he enjoys reading adventure novels and different detective stories.

Carol: It seems to me that a detective story isn't a good reading for him. What do you think about The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain? Has he read this novel yet?

Cathy: I know for sure he hasn't. What a good idea! This novel is loved by children and grown-ups all over the world. As for me, I've read this novel several times.

Carol: OK. Come to me right now and I'll give you this book. Is that OK with you?

Cathy: Oh, it's great! Thanks for your help, Carol. I knew you would give me good advice and help me.

Carol: You're welcome.