Институт Морских технологий, энергетики и транспорта

Институт Морских технологий, энергетики и транспорта

Кафедра «Иностранные языки в инженерно-техническом образовании»

 

 

АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК

Общеобразовательные темы

Методические указания

для студентов 1 курсов

всех направлений и институтов

 

 

 

АСТРАХАНЬ 2016

Автор: старший преподаватель кафедры «Иностранные языки в инженерно-техническом образовании» Айналиева А.Р.

старший преподаватель кафедры «Иностранные языки в инженерно-техническом образовании» Кочегарова Н.А..

 

 

Рецензент: старший преподаватель кафедры «Иностранные языки в инженерно - техническом образовании» Тулепбергенова Д.Ю.

 

 

Методические указания предназначены для слушателей программы бакалавриата 1 курса всех технических направлений. Целью данных методических указаний является создание универсального сборника текстов для совершенствования навыков чтения, перевода, говорения, письма у студентов-бакалавров. В методических указаниях предлагаются обязательные общеобразовательные темы в соответствии с требованиями ФГОС3+ по дисциплине «Иностранный язык»: About myself, Our university, The Russian Federation, The Astrakhan region, English-speaking countries (the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia), Environmental protection, а также дополнительные тексты для чтения.

Данные методические указания содержат языковой материал, включающий аутентичные, научно-популярные тексты, отражающие главные проблемы сегодняшнего дня и рассчитанные на развитие коммуникативных навыков общения по общеразговорным темам, а также дополнительные тексты для самостоятельного изучения.

 

Представленные методические указания могут использоваться как для аудиторной, так и внеаудиторной работы студентов.

 

Пособие одобрено и утверждено на заседании кафедры «ИЯИТО» от

«25» марта 2016 г., протокол № 7

 

 

© Астраханский государственный технический университет

 

CONTENT

Introduction Lesson 1. About myself Lesson 2. Our university Lesson 3. The Russian Federation Lesson 4. The Astrakhan region Lesson 5. The UK Lesson 6 The USA Lesson 7 Canada Lesson 8 New Zealand Lesson 9 Australia Lesson 10 Environmental protection Заключение Используемая литература:

 

 

Introduction

 

Методические указания предназначены для слушателей программы бакалавриата 1 курса всех технических направлений. Целью данных методических указаний является создание универсального сборника текстов для совершенствования навыков чтения, перевода, говорения, письма у студентов-бакалавров.

Данные методические указания предназначены для чтения и развития элементарных навыков устной речи, чтения и перевода текстов на английском языке. Он включает в себя 10 уроков (lessons). Каждый урок сопровождается словарём с незнакомыми выражениями и словами, который подлежит активизации, а также комплексом упражнений, направленных на закрепление и проверку нового лексического материала, овладение навыками перевода и развития устной речи, упражнениями, которые предназначены для самостоятельной работы и тексты для чтения из различных источников в сокращённом, но не в адаптированном варианте без нарушения особенностей стиля языка научно-публицистической статьи.

Представленные методические указания могут быть использованы слушателями программы бакалавриата, как для аудиторной, так и для внеаудиторной работы.

 

Lesson 1. About myself / Знакомство

 

Exercise 1: Read and translate the text, learn the active vocabulary:

Vocabulary

to take after smb. – быть похожим, пойти в кого-либо из родителей

fair-haired – светловолосый

even-tempered – уравновешенный

to be in a good mood – быть в хорошем настроении

to be deeply attached to smb. – быть сильно привязанным к кому-либо

to get on well – быть в хороших отношениях, ладить друг с другом

good-looking – красивый, миловидный

slim – стройный

experienced – опытный, со стажем

broad-shouldered – широкоплечий

to repair – чинить

to be handy with smth. – уметь делать что-либо, быть искусным в чем-либо

she is good at cooking – она хорошо готовит

she is clever with her hands – у нее умелые руки

to tidy – убирать, приводить в порядок

retired – вышедший на пенсию

to run the house – вести хозяйство

to knit – вязать

joint stock company – акционерная компания

scientist – ученый

twins – близнецы

nursery school – детский сад

on the way home – по пути домой

to justify the hopes of my parents – оправдывать надежды моих родителей

Exercise 2: Answer the questions:

1. When was Nikita Kuznetsov born?

2. Has he got a family? Is his family large?

3. Does Nikita have much in common with his mother?

4. What is Nikita’s mother? Where does she work?

5. What is Nikita’s father?

6. What is Nikita’s mother good at?

7. Has Nikita got any brothers or sisters?

8. Does Nikita’s sister live in Astrakhan?

9. Does Nikita like to spend his free time with his friends?

10. What sort of things do they do together?

 

Exercise 3: Find the Russian equivalents for the following English words and word combinations:

To take after his mother; even-tempered; to try to be in a good mood; a lot of relatives; to be deeply attached to one another; to get on very well; a good-looking woman; to look much younger; a computer programmer; an experienced specialist; with fair hair and grey eyes; to repair TV sets; to be handy with many things; hard working people; to take care of her family; to tidy up our flat; retired; to run the house; to be fond of sports; to work in a joint stock company as an accountant; to go to the nursery school; to have a steady girl-friend; to be out of town; on the bank of the river; to skate; to ski; films about adventures; on the way home; to graduate from the University; a well-paid job; to justify the hopes of his parents.

 

Exercise 4: Insert the missing words from the text:

1. Now I’m a student of the … faculty.

2. I’m fond of reading books about … and I’m fond of sports.

3. I always try to be in a good ….

4. We try to spend Sundays together as a … day.

5. My father knows all about new TV sets and likes to repair … ones.

6. My mother is very good at cooking and she is … with her hands.

7. I have many friends and I have a … girl-friend.

8. In winter my friends and I often go to the ….

9. I’ll get a well-paid and interesting … and justify the hopes of my parents.

 

Exercise 5: Translate the following sentences into English:

1. Я родился 23 марта 1995 года в Москве.

2. В прошлом году я поступил в Технический Университет.

3. Я увлекаюсь спортом, особенно я люблю играть в футбол.

4. Мой старший брат похож на отца, он светловолосый и широкоплечий.

5. У меня очень много родственников в Астрахани, и мы в очень хороших отношениях.

6. Моя мама работает бухгалтером, а мой папа – доктор.

7. Я часто езжу к своей бабушке в Волгоград, которая сейчас на пенсии.

8. Моя младшая сестра часто помогает маме с работой по дому.

9. Мой старший брат не живет с нами, он снимает квартиру.

10. Моя младшая сестра закончит школу через год и станет студенткой нашего университета.

11. Я люблю проводить свободное время со своими друзьями, мы часто ходим в кино.

12. Летом, когда погода хорошая, мы любим ездить за город, лежать на солнце, плавать; зимой, мы часто катаемся на коньках и на лыжах.

13. Я хочу стать хорошим специалистом и найти хорошо-оплачиваемую работу после окончания университета.

 

About myself

Hello, friends. Let me first introduce myself. My name is Ann or Anya for my friends. My surname or last name is Sokolova. I was born on the 2^nd of October in Sochi, Krasnodarsky Krai. This is the most beautiful city in Russia situated on the Black Sea coast. Now I am a first-year student at the Technical Academy. In five years I’ll be an engineer.

Now let me describe my appearance. I am tall and slim and have fair hair and blue eyes. My friends say that I am pretty. I think I am just good-looking. I love sports and music. I was very serious about a career in gymnas­tics when I was in the 5^th form. But then I broke my arm and doctors didn’t let me go in for gymnastics. I love to listen to modern music and dance. I dance a lot and I hope I am good at it. I also love swimming. I always swim in the Black sea when I visit my parents, my dear family.

I would like to tell you about my family. There are five people in our family. My father’s name is Vladimir Stepanovich. He is a mathematician by education and businessman by profession. My mother’s name is Tatyana Petrovna. She is a housewife. She has much work about the house because I have a younger sister. She is a schoolgirl. My sister Natasha is in the fifth form. My grandmother, my mother’s mother, lives with us. She is very kind and helps us a lot.

Our family is very friendly, we have many friends. In summer many relatives come to visit us. And, of course, they use a chance to spend several weeks in beautiful Sochi.

In May I have finished school No 5 in Sochi. I did well in all the subjects but my favourite subjects at school were Physics and Computer Science. I also enjoyed English lessons.

I am very interested in learning English because I always wanted to become a programmer or maybe a businesswoman. I also think that the knowledge of foreign languages helps in everyday life and career.

Two years ago I travelled much around Europe. I have visited France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. There the knowledge of English helped me a lot.

 

Vocabulary.

Black Sea coast – побережье Черного моря

a first-year student – студент(ка) первого курса

to describe – описывать

appearance – внешность

career – карьера

to go in for gymnastics – заниматься гимнастикой

mathematician – математик

housewife – домохозяйка

to do well – зд. успевать

the Netherlands – Нидерланды

 

Exercise 11: Answer the questions:

1. Where and when was Ann Sokolova born?

2. How old is she?

3. Can you describe Ann’s appearance?

4. Has she got a family?

5. How many people are there in her family?

6. Did she study well at school?

7. What school did she finish?

8. What were her favourite subjects at school?

9. What sport did she go in for when she was in the 5^th form?

10. What does she want to become?

11. Is Ann interested in learning English? Why is she interested in it?

 

Exercise 12: Translate the following English words and word combinations into Russian:

To introduce smb.; surname; the most beautiful city; in some years; to describe smb’s appearance; tall and slim; to go in for gymnastics; to be good at smth.; mathematician by education; a housewife; to have much work about the house; to help a lot; to spend several weeks in Sochi; to do well in all the subjects; to be interested in learning English; the knowledge of foreign languages; to travel much around Europe.

Vocabulary

Ph.D. degree in economics — кандидат экономических наук

to assign — назначать на должность

to be responsible for smth. — быть ответственным за что-л.

position — положение; должность

to appoint — назначать (на должность), утверждать (в должности)

to promote — выдвигать; продвигать; повышать в чине/звании

 

Lesson 2 Our university / Наш Университет

Exercise 1: Read and translate the text, learn the active vocabulary:

Vocabulary

to be situated - располагаться

fisheries – зд. рыбная промышленность и хозяйство

to rename into - переименовать,

generation - поколение

campus = academic town - университетский городок

to cover – охватывать

medical aid centre - зд. медпункт

to hold - проводить (собрание, конференцию)

assembly hall - актовый зал

up-to date = modern - современный

swimming pool - плавательный бассейн

to be trained - обучаться

teaching staff - преподаватели

master – магистр, з д.кандидат наук

extra-mural = correspondencestudent - студент- заочник

time-table - расписание

undergraduate = student - студент

attendance - посещаемость

obligatory - обязательный

to fail in exam(ination) - провалиться на экзамене

attempt - попытка

to submit course paper - защищать курсовую работу

graduate - зд. студент последнего года обучения

to defend diploma project - защищать дипломный проект

to work out - разрабатывать

supervisor - руководитель

postgraduate - аспирант

bachelor - бакалавр

 

Exercise 2. Give English equivalents of the following words and phrases:

Располагаться, быть основанным, выпускник, охватывать (территорию), чудесный, медпункт, актовый зал, деканат, хорошо оборудованные лаборатории, плавательный бассейн, подготовительный факультет, ректор, преподаватель, лектор, студент заочного отделения, учебный год, практическое занятие, зачет, посещение лекций, обязательный, провалиться на экзамене, вступительные экзамены, диплом, подготовить специалистов, практика на борту судна, степень бакалавра.

Exercise 3. Answer the following questions:

1. What University do you study at?

2. When was it founded?

3. The University campus covers a large territory, doesn’t it?

4. Why have you chosen our University?

5. What can you say about teaching buildings and administrative block?

7. Do you live in Astrakhan? You live in a student’s hostel, don’t you?

8. How many Institutes are there at your University?

9. Who is at the head of the University? Who is at the head of your Institute?

10. Many experienced lecturers and assistants work in the ASTU, don’t they?

11. What is your favourite subject?

12. Is the attendance of lectures and seminars obligatory at your University?

13. Have you got any difficulties with English? Why?

 

Vocabulary

 

to border on – граничить с

highlands – горные возвышенности

desert – пустыня

the Urals – Уральские горы

the Caucasus – Кавказ

moderate – умеренный

ore – руда

ferrous and non-ferrous metals – чёрные и цветные металлы

banner – знамя, флаг

legislative – законодательный

executive – исполнительный

judicial – судебный

Federal Assembly – Федеральное Собрание

the Council of Federation – Совет Федерации

Supreme Court – Верховный суд

foreign policy – международная политика

irrespective of – независимо от

 

Exercise 2. Answer the following questions:

1. Is Russia the largest country in the world?

2. What oceans wash the borders of the Russian Federa­tion?

3. How many countries have borders with Russia?

4. Are Russian flora and fauna various?

5. What are the highest mountains in Russia?

6. What is Baikal famous for?

7. What is the climate in Russia like?

8. What is the national symbol of Russia?

9. What can you say about the Russian economy?

10. What does the Federal Assembly consist of?

11.Who is the head of each Chamber of the Federal Assembly?

 

Exercise 3. Insert the prepositions:

 

1. The country is washed … 12 seas.

2. … the south Russia borders … China and Mongolia.

3. It also has a sea – border … the USA.

4. The Urals separates Europe … Asia.

5. The Volga flows … the Caspian sea.

6. The Yenisei and the Lena flow … the south … the north.

7. Russia is rich … beautiful lakes.

8. If you look down you can count the stones … the bottom.

9. There are various types … climate: … arctic … subtropical.

10. The Russian Federation is headed … the President.

11. The country government consists … three branches.

12. The legislative power belongs … the Federal Assembly.

 

Exercise 4. Ask the questions to the underlined words:

1. Russia covers the eastern part of Europe and the northern part of Asia.

2. The Russian Federation borders on Finland, China, Korea.

3. The largest mountain chain, the Urals separates Europe from Asia.

4. Russian forests are concentrated in the European north of the country.

5. The legislative power in Russia is exercised by the Duma.

6. The Russian Federation produces machines, airplanes, ships, TV sets, refrigerators and other things.

7. The depth of Lake Baikal is 1600 metres.

8 In the middle of the country the climate is continental.

9. The President controls only the executive branch.

10. The population of the country is over 140 million people.

Exercise 5. Put the verbs in brackets into the right form:

1. I (to be) a citizen of the Russian Federation.

2. The Russian Federation (to occupy) about one seventh of the Earth surface.

3. The Russian Federation (to border) on fourteen countries.

4. It (to have) a sea –border with the USA.

5. The highest mountains in our land (to be) the Altai, the Urals, the Caucasus.

6. Our country (to have) a multiparty system.

7. The Black sea (to be) a very popular place for people who (to prefer) to spend their holidays at the seaside.

8. As for me, I (to visit) a lot of places in my country.

 

Exercise 6. Translate into English:

1. Общая площадь Российской Федерации составляет более 17 миллионов километров.

2. В мире нет стран с такой разнообразной флорой и фауной.

3. Озеро Байкал — самое глубокое озеро на земном шаре.

4. На территории Российской Федерации 11 часовых поясов.

5. Россия является конституционной республикой, с президентом во главе.

6. Законодательная власть принадлежит Федерально­му Собранию, состоящему из двух палат.

7. Президент контролирует только исполнительную ветвь власти.

 

Exercise 7. Read and translate the text “Moscow”: Moscow

Moscow was founded in 1147 by the prince Yuri Dolgoruky. Moscow is the capital and the largest city of Russia. It is also the capital of Moscow region. It stands on the banks of the Moskva River. More than nine million people live in the city. Moscow is the economic, political and cultural centre of Russia. Railways and numerous airlines link the city with all parts of Russia. Moscow Canal, the Moskva River, and Volga-Don Canal link Moscow with the Baltic Sea, the White Sea, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Moscow covers the area of about 880 square kilometres.

The Kremlin has the shape of a triangle with one side along the north bank of the Moskva River. A stone wall, up to 21 metres in height with 19 towers, surrounds this triangular complex of former palaces, cathedrals, and other monuments. The Great Kremlin Palace, completed in 1849, is the most impressive structure inside the Kremlin. Other famous Kremlin palaces are the Grano-vitaya Palace (built in 1491) and the Terem (built in 1636).

Among many cathedrals, now used mainly as museums, are the Cathedral of the Assumption (Успения) and the Archangel Cathedral, each with five gilded domes, and the Cathedral of the Annunciation (Благовещения) (built in 13th-14th century), with nine gilded domes. The bell tower of Ivan the Great has the height of 98 metres. On a nearby pedestal is the Tsar Bell (nearly 200 tons), one of the largest in the world. A recent addition to the Kremlin is the Palace of Congresses, completed in 1961.

St. Basil's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Russian architecture with coloured domes, stands at one end of Red Square and at the other end there is Historical Museum.

Other points of interest in Moscow include the Central Lenin Stadium, comprising about 130 buildings for various sports and the tall Ostankino TV tower, which contains a revolving restaurant and an observation platform. Moscow has a modern railway underground system (Metro) famous for its marble-walled stations.

Moscow is a scientific and cultural center with a lot of institutes, universities, libraries and museums. The city leads a vast cultural life. It has a lot of cinemas, clubs, concert halls, more than 40 drama and musical theatres, including the Bolshoi Theatre, the Art Theatre, the Maly Theatre, the Vakhtangov Theatre.

Muscovites are proud of their museums: the Tretyakov Art Gallery, the A. S. Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the State Historical Museum. Crowds of people visit Tretyakov Gallery to see beautiful pictures of Russian painters.

There are a lot of big plants and factories in Moscow. Among the products are aircraft, high-quality steel, ball bearings, cars and other motor vehicles, machine tools, electrical equipment, precision instruments, radios, chemicals, textiles, shoes, paper, furniture. Food processing, printing, and the repair of rail equipment are important industries.

Vocabulary:

prince – князь

bank – брег (реки)

cathedral – кафедральный собор

masterpiece – шедевр

palace – дворец

fortress – крепость

bell tower – колокольня

dome – купол

crowd – толпа

marble – мрамор

vast – обширный

 

printing – печатание, печать

machine tool – станок

precision instruments – точные приборы

repair – ремонт

observation – наблюдение

rail – рельс, железнодорожный путь

ball bearing – шарикоподшипник

processing – обработка

furniture – мебель

 

Exercise 8. Answer the following questions:

1. When was Moscow founded?

2. Who founded Moscow?

3. Where is Moscow located?

4. Is Moscow a port city?

5. What is Moscow Metro famous for?

6. What are the places of interest in Moscow?

7. Why the Kremlin is the most important place of inter­est for tourists?

8. What cathedrals are situated inside the Kremlin?

9. What is Palace of Congresses used for at present time?

 

Exercise 9. Translate the following sentences into English:

1. Старинные церкви, соборы и монастыри привлекают тысячи туристов со всего света.

2. Москва знаменита своими художественными музеями, в которых размещаются уникальные коллекции произведений русских и зарубежных художников.

3. Башни Кремля были построены для украшения, когда Москва перестала быть крепостью.

4. В соборах Кремля короновали и хоронили (bury) царей и императоров.

5. Соборы и колокольня Ивана Великого были построены между 15 и 17 веками.

6. Сначала Москва была посёлком (settlement), позже город был укреплён (to be fortified) и стал торговым центром.

7. Москва – промышленный и торговый центр, местонахождение правительства Российской федерации.

8. Официальная дата основания Москвы – 1147 год.

Lesson 4. The Astrakhan region / Астраханская область

I. Read the words:

region	sturgeon
south	enterprise
major	unique
junction	hydrogen
the Caspian Sea	entrepreneurship
Kazakhstan	lyceum
Central Asia	affiliate
Northern Caucasus	mosque
Iran	church
neighboring	masterpiece
climatic	bio-sphere preserve
semi-desert	environmental
ambient	research
temperature	deposit
nationality	gypsum
foreign	ceramzites
primarily

 

II. Read the text.

The Astrakhan Region

The Astrakhan Region is located in the South-West part of Russia in the lower reaches of the Volga River and the North coast of the Caspian Sea. In the west the Region borders on the Kalmykia republic, in the north on the Volgograd region, in the east on the republic of Kazakhstan, in the south it is washed by the waters of the Caspian Sea. Its area is 44,1 thousand square kilometres.

The Region has 11 administrative Areas. There are 5 cities and towns, 13 townships and 140 rural settlements in the Region.

Astrakhan is a city in southern Russia and the administrative center of Astrakhan region. The city lies on two banks of the Volga River, close to where it discharges into the Caspian Sea at an altitude of 28 meters (92 ft) below sea level. As of the 2010 Census, its population was 520,339. It is a major industrial and cultural center, a sea and river port. It is also a major transport junction linking Russia, to Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Northern Caucasus and Iran (via the Caspian Sea).

Natural conditions of the Region are mainly determined by the joint influence of the Delta rivers and the Caspian Sea. A large number of sunny days during the year and the neighbouring steppes of Kalmykia and Kazakhstan make the climate of the Region continental despite the proximity of the sea. Three climatic zones can be singled out in the Region territory: zone of hot and dry semi-desert climate, zone of extremely dry and hot desert climate, zone of moderate intermediate climate in the Volga River delta. Astrakhan features a temperate continental "Aralian" semi-arid climate with cold winters and hot summers. Astrakhan is one of the driest cities in Europe. Rainfall is scarce but relatively evenly distributed throughout the course of the year with, however, more precipitation (58%) in the hot season (six hottest months of the year), which determines the "Aralian" type.

It is this even distribution of rainfall and the relatively low annual temperature that causes the city to fall under this climate category as opposed to an arid climate.

Winters tend to be cold in the city, though by Russian standards, Astrakhan features relatively balmy winters. Summers in the city can be hot, with high temperatures in excess of +40 °C (104 °F). The mean annual temperature amplitude (difference between the mean monthly temperatures of the hottest and coldest months) is thus equal to 29.2 °C (52.6 °F) (+25.6 °C (78.1 °F) in July and −3.6 °C (25.5 °F) in January), so the climate is truly continental (amplitudes superior or equal to 21 °C (38 °F) determines continental climates, while in semi-continental climates amplitudes vary between 18 °C (32 °F) and 21 °C (38 °F)). Spring and fall are basically transitional seasons between summer and winter. The summers are much hotter than found further west on similar parallels in Europe and worldwide for the 46th parallel.

The Astrakhan Region is a multinational one. There are over one million inhabitants including Russians, Kazakhs, Tatars and Ukrainians. Besides there are over 100 less numerous nationalities in the Region.

The Region’s economic development and foreign economic activities are primarily determined by the geographic situation and natural resources.

Large deposits of oil and gas, silica clays, construction materials such as gypsum, lime-stone, clays, ceramzites, silica sands, etc. are found in the Astrakhan Region territory.

In terms of fish resources and seafood, Astrakhan ranks high among Russian regions. It is also the major producer of sturgeon and caviar.

The Astrakhan Region is one of the most industrialized regions in Russia. There are many enterprises here. The most important of them are shipyards, ship-repairing plants, paper mill the gas processing complex which is about 80 km to the North of the city. The Astrakhan gas-condensate field is the largest in Europe. The gas has a high condensate content and it is unique as for its hydrogen sulfide content.

Fishing industry is also well developed in our Region. Tinned fish famous delicious caviar, smoked and dried fish find many other fish products are produced at the fish processing plants.

Our Region is famous for its vegetables growing. The Astrakhan fresh tomatoes and water-melons are well-known for their taste while their tinned products are in great demand in our country.

Astrakhan is a city of high cultural level. Shaliapin and Sobinov were singing in its theatres. Famous Russian singers – Maksakova, Barsova, Petrov; Milashkina were born here..Astrakhan had one of the first Russian universities which helped the development of scientific activities in the Region.

Nowadays Astrakhan is an educational centre. At present the education and training system is reoriented for the new situation in the social sphere. Specialized study groups arc formed and operate at schools and institutions of further education for training in the basics of entrepreneurship, business and management. In the vocational training system schools arc reorganized as Lyceums and polytechnic colleges. There are five institutions of higher learning, two affiliate, of such institutions, one affiliate of die Volgograd Academy of Management,, two non-state institutions of higher learning a 31 research institutes operating in the Astrakhan Region.

The Astrakhan Region is a promising area for tourism and recreation.

There are many places of interest in Astrakhan, for example, a wonderful Kremlin, an architectural monument of the 16-th century, a lot of churches, monastery and mosque ensembles, civic buildings with very interesting architectural designs. Five museums of various specializations (local nature, history and economy, historical, devoted to famous people) are located here.

The Astrakhan Kustodiev picture gallery is one of the oldest galleries in Russia. Now it has a unique collection which includes masterpieces by famous Russian artists, such as Levitan, Nesterov, Korovin, Rerikh, Serov and other famous painters. There is also a large collection of works by the "Russian avant-garde artists, such well-know names Kandinsky, Malevich and Shagal.

The Astrakhan Region has favourable conditions for rest and recreation.

It is necessary to mention the Astrakhan state bio-sphere preserve, located in the Volga River delta. It is a center of international environmental tourism and a major research, institution At present there are about 50 preserve zones in the Region protected hy the State, which are used от can be used for organizing bird-watching, fishing and hunting tours.

 

 

Vocabulary

in terms of – с точки зрении

mountainous – гористый

temperate – умеренный

maritime – морской

harbor – гавань

yard – верфь

goods – товары

farming – сельское хозяйство, фермерское хозяйство

oats – овёс

barley – ячмень

temporal – временный

church – церковь

executive power – исполнительная власть

hereditary – наследственный

measure – мера

bill – законопроект, билль

to preside – председательствовать

Lord Chancellor – Лорд-канцлер

to alternate – чередоваться

to hold government office – быть у власти,

занимать правительственный пост

cross – крест

background – фон

anthem – гимн

constitutional monarchy конституционная монархия

 

to command a majority – обладать большинством

 

Exercise 2. Answer the following questions:

1. What is the political name of the country?

2.What countries is it made of?

3.What is the capital of UK?

4.What is the area of UK?

5.What is the population of it?

6.Where is UK situated?

7.How is the country separated from the Continent?

8.What sea separates Great Britain from Ireland?

9.Where are the Cheviot Bills?

10. Which is the highest point in the British Isles?

11.Which is the longest river in England?

12.What can you say about the climate?

13.What natural resources are there in Britain?

14.Is Britain a highly developed industrial country?

15.What ports of Britain do you know?

16.What types of farmingdoes Britain have?

17.What is Britain’s political system?

18.How many Houses does the British parliament consist of?

19.How many members of Parliament does the House of Commons consist of?

20.How is the Government formed?

21.What is made up hereditary?

22.What political partiesare there in Britain?

 

Exercise 3. Read the sentences and translate them into Russian. Comment on the use of Tenses and Voices:

1. Great Britain lies on the Atlantic coast of Western Europe.

2. It is separated from France by only 34 km of water.

3. The west of the island has a higher rainfall.

4. Britain has been many centuries in the making.

5. To become a law, a new bill must be approved by both houses of the Parliament.

6. Since 1945 Government in Britain has alternated between the Conservatives and Labour Party.

7. Before the United Kingdom was formed it took centuries.

8. Britain lives by industry and trade.

9. British manufactured goods are sent all over the world.

10. Over 200 years ago the first industrial revolution began in Britain.

11. The British people have also been known as superior, snobbish and unsociable.

12. Since 1945 there have been 27 British scientists who have received Nobel awards.

 

Exercise 4. Insert the missing words from the text:

1. The rivers...... into the North Sea.

2. The British Isles lie off the...... of Europe.

3.... is the highest mountain in England.

4. The most important...... of Englandare iron and coal.

5. The largest shipbuilding... are in Glasgow.

6. The House of Commons is presided over by.......

7....... is temporal head of the Church of England.

8. Today Britain is one of the great...... of the world.

9. The Severnis...... river in England.

10. The heavy... of England are famous.

 

Exercise 5. Translate the following sentences into English:

1. Соединенное Королевство состоит из четырех частей.

2. Северная Ирландия занимает северо-восточную часть острова Ирландии.

3. Английский Канал отделяет Соединенное Королевство от континентальной Европы.

4. Климат Великобритании умеренный. Зимы не холодные, а лето не жаркое.

5. Соединенное Королевство - высокоразвитая промышленная страна, которая производит и экспортирует различную продукцию.

6. Британия является конституционной монархией.

7. Соединенное Королевство управляется монархом (the sovereign) выборной Палатой Общин, а также наследственной Палатой Лордов.

8. Соединенное Королевство омывается Северным морем, Атлантическим океаном и теплым течением Гольфстрим.

9. Палата Общин - правящий орган Соединенного Королевства.

10. Исполнительская власть осуществляется Кабинетом министров.

11. Премьер-министр - лидер партии, которая имеет большинство в Палате Общин.

12. Страна расположена на Британских островах.

13. Британия богата углем, железом, медью, цинком и свинцом.

14. Самые крупные порты Британии: Ливерпуль, Лондон, Глазго.

15. Самые крупные города Британии: Лондон, Бирмингем, Кардиф, Манчестер, Дублин.

16. Самые известные университеты находятся в Кембридже и Оксфорде.

17. Шеффилд – крупнейший промышленный центр.

18. Члены Парламента избираются каждые пять лет.

19. Власть монарха ограничена Парламентом.

20. Британия – производитель и экспортер станков, электроники, текстиля.

21. Судостроение – главная отрасль промышленности.

 

Exercise 6. Read and translate the text “London”:

London

London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and commercial centre. It's one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe. Its population is about 8 million.

London is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world.

Traditionally it's divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. They are very different from each other and seem to belong to different towns and epochs.

The heart of London is the City, its financial and business centre.

Numerous banks, offices and firms are situated there, including the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange and the Old Bailey. Few people live here, but over a million people come to the City to work. There are some famous ancient buildings within the City. Perhaps the most striking of them is St Paul's Cathedral, the greatest of British churches. It was built in the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren. The Tower of London was founded by Julius Caesar and in 1066 rebuilt by William the Conqueror. It was used as a fortress, a royal palace and a prison. Now it's a museum.

Westminster is the historic, the governmental part of London.

Westminster Abbey has more historic associations than any other building in Britain. Nearly all English kings and queens have been crowned here. Many outstanding statesmen, scientists, writers, poets and painters are buried here: Newton, Darwin, Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling.

Across the road from Westminster Abbey is Westminster Palace, or the Houses of Parliament, the seat of the British Parliament. The Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament is famous for its big hour bell, known as "Big Ben".

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen.

The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. It's the symbol of wealth and luxury. The best hotels, shops, restaurants, clubs, and theatres are situated there. There are splendid houses and lovely gardens belonging to wealthy people.

Trafalgar Square is the geographical centre of London. It was named in memory of Admiral Nelson's victory in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The tall Nelson's Column stands in the middle of the square.

On the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Not far away is the British Museum - - the biggest museum in London. It contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures, etc, and is famous for its library.

The East End was once the poorest district of London — with lots of factories and docks, narrow streets and unimpressive buildings. Today, the district is changing very fast. There are huge offices and new blocks of flats in the East End.

Vocabulary

the Bank of England - Английский банк

the Stock Exchange - Лондонская фондовая биржа

the Old Bailey - Центральный уголовный суд, находящийся в Олд-Бейли

St Paul's Cathedral - собор св. Павла (главный собор англиканской церкви)

Sir Christopher Wren - Кристофер Рен

the Tower of London - Лондонский Тауэр

Julius Caesar - Юлий Цезарь

William the Conqueror - Вильгельм Завоеватель, Вильгельм I (первый король из норманнов в Англии)

Westminster Abbey - Вестминстерское аббатство

Westminster Palace (the Houses of Parliament) Вестминстерский дворец (здание английского парламента)

Big Ben "Биг Бен", "Большой Бен" (колокол часов-курантов на здании парламента, бой

которых передается ежедневно как сигнал точного времени)

Buckingham Palace - Букингемский дворец (главная королевская резиденция в Лондоне)

Trafalgar Square - Трафальгарская площадь

Nelson's Column - колонна Нельсона (памятник адмиралу Нельсону)

the National Gallery - Национальная галерея (крупнейшее в Великобритании собрание

картин)

the National Portrait Gallery - Национальная портретная галерея

the British Museum - Британский музей (один из крупнейших в мире)

commercial - торговый

to belong - принадлежать

ancient - древний

striking - поразительный, замечательный

church - церковь

to found - основывать

to rebuild - перестраивать

fortress - крепость

royal - королевский

palace - дворец

prison - тюрьма

governmental - правительственный

association - ассоциация

to crown - короновать

outstanding - выдающийся

statesman - государственный деятель

to bury - хоронить

tower - башня

official residence - официальная резиденция

wealth - богатство

wealthy - богатый

luxury - роскошь

splendid - великолепный

in memory of - в память о

to contain - содержать

priceless - бесценный

manuscript - рукопись

coin - монета

to be famous for - быть знаменитым..., славиться

narrow - узкий

unimpressive - невпечатляющий, невыразительный

huge - огромный

 

Exercise 7. Answer the following questions:

1. Is London the largest city in the world?

2. What's the population of London?

3. Traditionally London is divided into several parts. Can you name them?

4. What do you know about the City?

5. Who was St Paul's Cathedral built by?

6. Who founded the Tower of London? When was it rebuilt?

7. What is Westminster Abbey famous for?

8. Where does the British Parliament sit?

9. What is Big Ben?

10. Why was Trafalgar Square named so?

11. Why does Buckingham Palace attract so many tourists?

12. What are the most famous London museums and art galleries?

 

Exercise 8. Read and translate the following text:

Vocabulary

due to - благодаря, вследствие

changeable - изменчивый, неустойчивый

nasty - мерзкий, противный

comparison - сравнение

mood - настроение

remark - замечание

to go abroad - поехать за границу

tendency - тенденция

damp - влажный, сырой

fire - камин

to look forward to - с нетерпением ждать

aspect - аспект, сторона

fog - туман

smog (smoke + fog) - смог

extremely - чрезвычайно

to spread - распространять(ся), расстилать(ся)

to creep - ползти, красться

accident - несчастный случай

frequent - частый

to lose way - заблудиться

to be run over by a car - попасть под машину

Exercise 9. Answer the following questions:

1. Why is the climate in Britain mild?

2. The weather in Britain is very changeable, isn't it?

3. What comparison do the British use when they want to describe a person whose mood and opinion changes very often?

4. How often does it rain in Britain?

5. The weather is the favorite conversational topic in England, isn't it? Do you find this topic of conversation interesting?

6. What is the best time of the year in Britain?

7. When do the British prefer to stay at home by the big fire?

8. How do the British spend their short British summer?

9. What do you know about London fogs?

10. What kind of weather do you like best of all?

11. Where do you get the weather forecast (прогноз погоды) from? Do you always believe it?

12. Which do you like better: when it's cold or hot?

13. What is the weather like today?

14. Do you know the weather forecast for tomorrow?

15. What is the weather like in Russia in winter (summer, autumn, spring)?

Lesson 6.The USA / США.

Exercise 1: Read and translate the text, learn the active vocabulary:

The USA

The USA is the third largest country in the world in population and it is the fourth largest country in area.

The USA, commonly called the US or simply America, lies in the central part of the North American continent with the Atlantic Ocean to the East, the Pacific to the West, Canada to the North and Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico to the South. It also includes Alaska in the north and Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. The USA covers an area of 3,618,780 square miles and has a population of more than 349,6 mln. Some parts of the country are crowded with people, while other areas are deserted.

The USA is so big that parts of it are in different time zones. The clocks go back one hour for each zone you cross going west. So when it is 9 a.m. in New York, it is only 6 a.m. in Los Angeles.

The USA has several different climatic regions. The coldest regions are in the north and north-east. The south has a subtropical climate. The climate of Alaska is arctic; the climate of the central part is continental. Hot winds blowing from the Gulf of Mexico often brings typhoons. The climate along the Pacific coast is much warmer than that of the Atlantic coast. Humidity is higher in the East than in the West. West coast winters are mild and rainy except in southern California, where they are mild but drier. In central and eastern regions the weather is very changeable in winter. It may rain in the morning and snow in the evening when the north wind begins blowing. Summer temperatures also vary from region to region. In many places in southern Arizona and California the average daily temperature is above 40 degrees Centigrade. Summers are very hot and humid on the eastern coast; they are dry and hot in most continental areas and cool along the western coast.

There are many valleys, hills and mountains in the country. The highest and the most important mountains are the Rockies in the west and the Appalachian Mountains in the east, the Cordillera and the Sierra Nevada. The highest peak is Mount McKinley which is located in Alaska.

The United States is a land of rivers and lakes. The northern state of Minnesota is the land of 1000 lakes. The longest rivers in the USA are the Mississippi with its tributories the Missouri and the Ohio, the Rio Grande and the Columbia. The Great Lakes on the border with Canada are the largest and the deepest in the USA. They are the Ontario, the Superior, the Erie, the Huron and the Michigan.

Grassland and scrub dominate the western part of the country, forest covers the eastern part.

The United States is rich in natural and mineral resources: coal, oil, iron ore, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, salt, gas, etc. It is a highly-developed industrial and agricultural coun­try. Farmers grow wheat, oats, cotton, tobacco, all kinds of ve­getables and fruit. The USA holds the leading position in the production of aircraft, ships, automobiles, machine-tools, farm and household machinery, electronic devices, textiles, armaments, furniture, paper industries and other goods.

The largest cities of the USA are: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, San Francisco, and others. The national capital is Washington, D.C.

The USA is divided into 50 states and the District of Colum­bia, (the territory under the capital Washington), the seat of the national government.

It is important to recognize that political power in the United States can be viewed as consisting of three levels, each of them having executive, legislative and judicial branches.

First of all there is the Federal government which is located in Washington D.C. and consists of the President and the Congress and the Federal Court. These bodies create Federal legislation. Federal government is structured by the U.S.A. constitution ado­pted in 1787. According to this Constitution the legislative power belongs to the Congress which consists of the Senate and the Ho­use of Representatives. The Senate is composed of 100 members, two from each state who are elected for a term of six years. One thi­rd of the Senate is elected every two years.

The House of Representatives comprises 435 members elected for a two year term. The number of Representatives from each sta­te is determined by population, but every state must have at le­ast one Representative in the House. Both the Senators and Repre­sentatives must be residents of the state from which they are cho­sen. The presiding officer of the Senate is the Vice President. The House of Representatives is headed by the Speaker.

The work of preparing and considering legislation is done by Committees of both Houses of the Congress. There are 15 standing Committees in the Senate and 19 in the House of Representatives. The Congress assembles at least once a year.

The President may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses or either of them. The executive power belongs to the President of' the USA, he holds his office during the term of four years, together with the Vice President nominated with the President. The President is also the head of Cabinet - the executive body of the Government. The Cabinet is composed of the heads of the ten executive departments - the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Treasury, the Secretary of Defence and others.

The judicial branch of the Government is headed by the Suprene Court which settles disputes between states. The Supreme Court may veto any law passed by the Congress if it contradicts the Constitution of the USA.

The second level of government in the USA lies within the 50 states. Each state differs in terms of their legislature and the executive power which is held by the Governor of the state. Each state also has its own judicial system and has its own con­stitution. In addition each state has its own law enforcement agency such as the police.

The third level consists of the government of cities and towns and also the government of counties.

As the example of this tripartite division there are federal taxes, state taxes and local taxes in the USA. Also reflecting the three divisions there are elections in the US at the Federal level (for President and members of Congress), at the state level (for state officers) and at the local level there are elections for local officials (town, city and county) and sometimes voting for or against issues that affect the community.

Elections in the US are based primarily on a two-party system: Democrats and Republicans. From time to time other parties have appeared but rarely have they had a permanent influence in the political system.

The US national flag - Stars and Stripes - is red, white and blue. Thirteen stripes represent the original 13 states of the USA the 50 stars represent the current number of states.

Vocabulary

valley – долина

tributory – приток реки

grassland – пастбище, сенокосное угодье

scrub – кустарник

oats – овёс

the legislative power – законодательная власть

the executive power – исполнительная власть

the judicial power – судебная власть

the Senate – Сенат

the House of Representatives – Палата Представителей

the presiding officer – председатель

standing committees – постоянные комитеты

to convene – созывать, собирать

to nominate – выставлять, предлагать кандидата на должность

to vote for (against) smth. (smb.) – голосовать за или против

to assemble – собираться

to vest – облекать властью, наделять правом

to veto a law – наложить вето на закон

to impeach the President – подвергнуть Президента импичменту

to settle a dispute between the states – решать спор между штатами

to contradict – противоречить

bill – законопроект, билль

a Justice – Судья

tripartite division – тройственное деление

Secretary of State – Государственный Секретарь

Secretary of Treasury – Министр Финансов

Sec