Данная подборка материалов посвящена англо-говорящим странам. Целью разработки является совершенствование навыков устной и письменной речи на английском языке, повышения интереса к обучению, расширение и углубление знаний страноведческого характера за пределами учебной программы по английскому языку для обучающихся старших классов средней школы. English speaking countries
Contents
Предисловие Part I 1.1 THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND 1.2 Supplementary texts for reading 1.3 London 1.4 BRITISH TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS Part II 2.1 THE USA 2.2 USA City Centers 2.3 Supplementary texts for reading 2.4 The Stereotypes of Americans Part III 3.1 CANADA 3.2 Ottawa 3.3 Aboriginal Peoples 3.4 Supplementary texts for reading Part IV 4.1 Australia 4.2 Canberra 4.3 Supplementary texts for reading Part V 5.1 NEW ZEALAND Список литературы

Part I

1.1 THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on the British Isles. It consists of four parts: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. England, Wales and Scotland occupy the territory of Great Britain. Northern Ireland is situated in the northern part of Ireland. The territory of the United Kingdom is about 244,000 square kilometres, it takes the 75th place among other countries in the world. The population is more than 57 million. About 80% of the population is urban. The capital of the country is London. Great Britain is separated from the continent by the English Channel which is 34 km wide in its narrowest point. The country is also washed by the North Sea, the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The surface of Great Britain varies greatly. The northern and western parts of the country is mountainous and is called the Highlands. All the rest (south, east and centre) is a vast plain which is called the Lowlands. The mountains are not very high. The rivers are not long. The most important of them are the Severn, the Thames, the Trent . There are many beautiful lakes in the mountainous parts of the country. The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream influence the climate of Great Britain. It is mild the whole year round. Great Britain is a highly developed industrial country. It is known as one of the world's largest producers and exporters of iron and steel products, machinery and electronics, chemicals and textile, aircraft and navigation equipment. One of the chief industries of the country is ship building. 7 per cent of the population is engaged in farming. Great Britain is a country with old cultural traditions and customs. The most famous educational centres are Oxford and Cambridge universities. They are considered to be the intellectual centres of Europe. The education is not free, it is very expensive. The United Kingdom is a monarchy and the Queen is the head of the state. But in practice it is ruled by the elected government with a Prime Minister at the head. The British Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. It sits in the House of Parliament in Westminster. There are three main political parties in Great Britain: the Labour, the Conservative and the Liberal parties. The Labour party with Antony Blair at the head is the ruling party nowadays. There's no written constitution in Great Britain only precedents and traditions.
Tasks
I. Ответьте на вопросы 1.What is the official name of Great Britain? 2. Where is the U. K. situated? 3. What parts does it consist of? 4.What is the territory and the population of the United Kingdom? 5. What city is the capital of the U. K.? 6. What is the surface of the country? 7. Are there any big rivers and lakes? 8. Why is the climate of the British Isles milder than that of the Continent? 9. The United Kingdom is a highly developed industrial country, isn't it? 10. What goods does the British industry produce? 11. What industrial cities are there in Great Britain? 12. What outstanding people of Great Britain do you know? 13. Are there any big educational establishments in Great Britain? 14. Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy, isn't it? 15. What is the name of the Queen of Great Britain? 16. Is her power limited by Parliament? 17. How many chambers does the British Parliament consist of? What are they? 18. What are the main political parties in Great Britain? 19. Who is the Prime Minister of Great Britain? 20. Which political party does he represent?
II. Составьте предложения, употребляя выделенные слова и словосочетания. 1. The British I s l e s
are

washed
by the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. 2. On the continent the country
borders on
France. 3. I t
occupies the territory
of about 244,000 square kilometres. 1. Great Britain is
a highly

developed
industrial country. 4. The power in the country
belongs to
the Queen and the two Houses of Parliament. III.Спросите своего друга: знает ли он официальное название Великобритании; знает ли он, почему страну часто называют Англия; знает ли он, кто является премьер-министром Великобритании; интересуется ли он политическим устройством страны; что он думает о системе образования в стране; что он думает о промышленном развитии Великобритании; что он думает об уровне жизни англичан. IV.Закончите следующие предложения. 1. The United Kingdom consists of ... 2. The British Parliament consists of ... 3. There are the following political parties in Great Britain ... 4. There are some famous educational establishments such as ... 5. The United Kingdom is situated on ... 6. The British Isles are washed by ... 7. The Queen's rights are limited by ... 8. The territory of Great Britain is ... 9. The population is ... V.Переведите предложения на английский язык. 1. Британские острова расположены на континентальном шельфе (shelf). 2. Пролив Ла-Манш отделяет Великобританию от континента. 3. Пролив неширокий, не более 32 километров. 4. Великобритания — одна из наиболее густонаселенных стран мира. 5. Считается, что Шотландия такая же красивая, как и Швейцария. 6. Туристы со всего мира приезжают в эти страны, чтобы полюбоваться красотой пейзажа. 7. Уэльс — один из крупнейших шахтерских районов страны. 8. Великобритания получила большую прибыль (gain profit) от эксплуатации своих колоний. 9. Северная Ирландия была первой колонией Англии. 10. Сегодня Великобритания — крупный производитель железа и стали, электронного и машинного оборудования, текстиля. VI. Выразите свое согласие или несогласие со следующими утверждениями. 1. Great Britain lies about the same distance from the equator as the Crimea. 2. The climate of the country is much milder than that of Belarus. 3. The English Channel separates England from France. On a clear day the French coast can be easily seen from the Downs. 4. The waters of the English Channel are very shallow, and there are many fishing villages along the coast. 5. The highest body of state power in the United Kingdom is the Congress which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. 6. Wales is one of the big mining districts in Great Britain. In the towns and villages of Wales you can see thousands of miners. VII. Прочитайте диалог и скажите, что нового вы узнали о Великобритании.

Teacher:
I've told you that the scenery of Great Britain is very diverse. You can find the fine combi - nations of low- and highlands, plains and mountains. And what are the highest regions in the country?
Student 1:
The highest regions are in Scotland and in the North Wales. The highest peak in Scotland is Ben Nevis, 1343 m. In Wales the highest peak is Snowdon. There is also the Pennine chain in North England with some wild mountains for climbing. Here is Lake District which consists of 16 lakes or «lochs» as they call them. The largest lake is Windermere and the deepest one — West water.
Teacher:
That's right. Lakes and rivers are roads of water which are not less important as railways or roads. And now who'd like to speak about English rivers?
Student 2:
There are many rivers in Great Britain, but the greatest rivers are the Thames flowing to the East, the Severn to the West and the Trent to the North. The longest river is the Severn — about 200 miles. The busiest river is the Thames. It is also the most beautiful river. The Trent is the fastest.
Teacher:
And who can tell me about the most beautiful lowlands in Britain?
Student 3:
I think the South English plain is very attractive. It is not only beautiful but the richest, the most fertile and that's why the most populated in the country. VIII. Прочитайте текст и расскажите об истории и достопримечательностях Великобритании.
ACROSS ENGLAND TO SCOTLAND
Britain is a small, beautiful and crowded country, separated from the continent by the English Channel and the Strait of Dover. Numerous historical and cultural places of interest on its territory remind of the tremendous past of the country. The island, inhabited by the Celtic tribes (the name Britain probably derives from one of them) long before our era survived the Roman conquest from the first till the fifth centuries of our era, the Anglo- Saxon occupation in the middle of the fifth century, the Danish attacks in the 8th—10th centuries and the Norman invasion in 1066. All these contributed to the evolution of the people who became the English and to the formation of the language that became the English language. Let's start our tour from the score of Britain, England, from its nearest to the continent part, the Chalk country. The striking feature of this part of England is the gleaming whiteness of the Kentish shore which made the Roman invaders name Britain Albion (Lat. — the white land). It is here that the most ancient building of England, Dover Castle, is situated. Within a few miles there is the jewel of medieval architecture, Bodian Castle, now it is turned into an observatory. Here you can see Pevensey, a Roman fortress. It was here that William of Normandy pitched his tent in the year 1066. From here he marched to Hastings to meet Harold, the Saxon King, and it was here that William became the Conqueror and the Normans became the rulers of England. If you leave the crowded seashore, you'll soon be in the country. The flowers are so bright here, the fields so rich. The villages are kept like models of bygone days or like museums. Wherever you go, there is a tower or an ancient church outlined against the sky. One of the oldest cities of England is ancient Canterbury. Canterbury stands on the road of invaders and saw the Romans, the Danes and the Normans passing that way to colonize the country. It is Canterbury and its Cathedral that is the seat of the Archbishop of the Anglican Church. The Cathedral was built by the monks who in 597 of our era came from Rome to peach the Christian faith in the country. The Danes destroyed the cathedral, then the Normans rebuilt it. The names of famous men Chaucer and his Canterbury Tales and Dickens associate with this ancient place. Bath is of the greatest interest too as it is the most important Roman relic in England. Bath is the oldest spa (курорт с минеральными водами) in Britain, created by the Romans in the 1st century of our era. The architectural ensemble of the town is unique not only in England but in all Europe. Oxford and Cambridge are the two Great Universities known all over the world. They are situated in the beautiful cities of Oxford and Cambridge and date back to 12 and 13 centuries. The industrial England is chiefly in the Midlands with the largest cities of Birmingham, Coventry, Wolver hapton, Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds. At last we are in Scotland, the land of mountains lost in clouds, valleys, plains and famous lochs. This is the land of romance and most eventful history. Scotland has her own national heroes, they fought in endless battles against the English. The Romans never managed to conquer the territory of Scotland and they had to build the Great Roman Wall to protect their camps in the northern part of England. One can see this wall separating England from Scotland even now.
Almost all Scotland's history is associated with and reflected in many castles and forts that are to be seen all over the country. Mary Stuart, the Queen of Scots, was born in one of them, Robert Bruce defeated the English here. Scotland has her own national dress, the kilt, that should be worn only by men, national instruments and dances, national drink, Scotch. It has its own system of education and law. Edinburgh and Glasgo are the two great centres of Scotland. Robert Burns and Walter Scott sang of the beauty of Scotland and its people in their works.
1.2 Supplementary texts for reading

WALES
Wales is a part of Great Britain. It is the country of lakes and mountains. It is about a half size of Switzerland and it has the population more than three million inhabitants. There are very beautiful mountains on the north of Wales. They are Britain's second highest mountains. In 1292, the English king, Edward, invaded Wales and built fourteen huge castles to control the Welsh. His son became the first Prince of Wales, since then all the kings and queens of England have given their eldest sons the title, Prince of Wales. Prince Charles became the twenty-first Prince of Wales. Having been ruled by Britain for many centuries, Wales still has its own flag, culture and its own language. In the towns and villages of North Wales, many people speak English only as a second language. Their first language is Welsh. At the local primary school children have nearly all their lessons in Welsh. So, the population is bilingual. It is not a problem for children to learn two languages at the same time. Welsh is one of the oldest languages in Europe. It is a Celtic language, like Breton in France, Gaelic in Ireland or Gaelic in Scotland. Two and a half thousand years before, these languages were spoken in many parts of Europe. They died out when the Romans invaded these areas, but some of them survived in some corners of Europe. But over the last hundred years, the number of Welsh-speakers has fallen very quickly. Now, only twenty per cent of all Welsh people speak Welsh. The reason is that in the nineteenth century people thought that Welsh language was an uncivilized language and if you wanted to be successful in life, you had to learn English, the language of the British Empire. At the beginning of the twentieth century, many English and Irish people moved to South Wales to work in the coalmines and steel works. They did not speak Welsh and did not learn Welsh. So, English day by day pushed Welsh away. In the 1960s and 1970s many English people bought cottages and estate houses in villages in Wales. Most of them did not speak Welsh. Also, English comes into every Welsh home through the television; both cable and satellite TV, radio, newspapers, books, etc. There are some Welsh-language TVs and radio stations, but it is not enough. Local authorities try to reanimate the situation. Some positive things have already done: road signs, documentation are in Welsh language in this area. The future of Welsh is uncertain. The problem is that Welsh has to survive next door to English but we all know very well, English is a very successful language. VOCABULARY Switzerland — Швейцария inhabitant — житель to invade — вторгаться; захватывать, оккупировать huge — большой, гигантский, громадный, огромный bilingual — двуязычный; говорящий на двух языках Welsh — валлийский/уэльский язык Celtic — кельтский язык Breton — бретонский язык (относится к кельтской группе языков, распространен во Франции, носителей — 1 млн чел) Gaelic — гэльский язык (особ, язык шотландских кельтов) to fall (past fell, p.p. fallen) — зд. упасть, уменьшиться to push away — вытеснять to buy (bought) cottage — купить коттедж estate house — загородный домик local authorities — местная власть, местные чиновники road signs — дорожные знаки to survive — выжить, выживать QUESTIONS 1. Is Wales an independent country? 2. Is it a big country? 3. When was Wales invaded by the English? 4. Who is given the title of Prince of Wales nowadays? 5. Who became the twenty-first Prince of Wales?
6. Has Wales got its own flag, culture and language? 7. Is Welsh a young language? 8. How many people speak Welsh? 9. Why did English push Welsh away? 10. How do local authorities try to reanimate the situation?
SCOTLAND
Scotland is a very small country. It is 274 miles (441 kilometres) long. The coastline is so jagged that it adds up to 2000 miles (3218 kilometres). At its widest point it is 154 miles (248 kilome tres). At its narrowest it is only 25 miles (40 kilometres). Due to Scotland's narrowness and its deep inlets, it is hardly possible to get far away from the sea. Scotland occupies the northern third of the islands of Great Britain. The river Tweed and the Cheviot Hills form Scotland's southern border with England. The Northwest Channel separates south-western Scotland from Northern Ireland. The northwest coast faces the Atlantic Ocean. The eastern coast is washed by the North Sea, which separates Scotland from the mainland of Europe. Scotland has three main land regions. They are, from north to south, the Highlands, the Central Lowlands and the Southern Uplands. The Highlands is a barren region that covers the northern two thirds of Scotland. There are two major mountain ranges. The highest peak on the British Isles is 4406 feet (1343 meters). It is Ben Nevis. Much of the land in the Highlands is a treeless area called a moor or a heath. Most Highlanders live on the narrow coastal plains. To the south of the Highlands lies the Central Lowlands, a narrow belt comprising about one-tenth of the area of Scotland, but containing the majority of the country's population. The Central Lowlands are traversed by several chains of hills. The Central Lowlands and the Southern Uplands consist of moors broken in some places by rocky cliffs. The tops of the hills are rich pasture land. Many sheep and cattle are raised in the southern uplands. Like the climate of the rest of Great Britain, that of Scotland is subjected to the moderating influences of the surrounding seas. As a result of these influences, extreme seasonal variations of climate are rare and temperate winters and cool summers are the outstanding climatic features. Low temperatures, however, are common during the winter season in the mountainous districts of the interior. The river Clyde is Scotland's most important river. Ships from the Atlantic Ocean can sail up the Clyde to Glasgow. The Clyde was narrow and shallow until the 1700's when engineers widened and deepened the river to make it navigable. Scotland's longest rivers flow eastward into the North Sea. Many of Scotland's rivers flow into wide bays called firths. Scotland has hundreds of islands. A large group of islands called the Hebrides lie off the western coast of Scotland's mainland. Population of Scotland was about 5 million people. The highest density of population is in the Central Lowlands, where nearly three-quarters of the Scots live, and the lowest is in the Highlands. The most populous city in Scotland is Glasgow. It has the population of about 655 000 people. There are two languages spoken. English is generally spoken and fewer than 100,000 Scots, who are mainly inhabitants of the Highlands and island groups, also speak the Scottish form of Gaelic. Scotland is an integral part of Great Britain. It is represented by 72 members in the House of Commons and by 16 Scottish peers in the House of Lords. Scottish affairs are administered by a British cabinet ministry, headed by the secretary of state for Scotland. VOCABULARY coastline — береговая линия to jag — кромсать; делать зазубрины, вырезать зубцами inlet — узкий морской залив; фьорд, небольшая бухта to occupy — занимать border — граница to separate — отделять, разделять; разъединять to wash — омывать the Highlands — высокогорье; нагорье, горная местность the Central Lowlands — центральные низменности the Southern Uplands — Южное нагорье, Южное плоскогорье barren — бесплодный, малоплодородный, неплодородный range — цепь, гряда moor — участок, поросший вереском; торфянистая местность, торфяник heath — пустошь, заброшенный участок земли
Highlander — горец, житель нагорья coastal plain — прибрежная равнина to comprise — включать, заключать в себе, содержать to traverse — пересекать, проходить, преодолевать, проезжать chains of hills — цепь холмов rocky cliffs — скалистые утесы pasture land — пастбища sheep — овца; баран cattle — крупный рогатый скот moderating — смягчая; делая умеренным surrounding — окружающий outstanding — выдающийся; знаменитый to sail up — зд. подниматься/плыть вверх по реке to flow into — впадать в eastward — на восток, к востоку, в восточном направлении bay — бухта, залив the Hebrides — острова Гебриды density — плотность inhabitant — житель the House of Commons — Палата Общин peer — пэр, лорд the House of Lords — Палата Лордов QUESTIONS 1. Is Scotland a big country? 2. Is it easy to get far from the sea in Scotland? 3. What part of the islands of Great Britain does Scotland occupy? 4. How many main land regions does Scotland have? 5. What is the Highlands? 6. What is the highest peak of the British Isles? 7. What is the Central Lowlands? 8. What climate does Scotland have? 9. What is Scotland's most important river? 10. What is the population of Scotland? 11. Where is the highest density of population located? 12. Where is the lowest density of population located? 13. What is the most populous city in Scotland? 14. How many Scots speak the Scottish form of Gaelic? 15. Is Scotland an integral part of Great Britain or an independent state? 16. How many representatives does Scotland have in the House of Commons and in the House of Lords?
1.3 LONDON
London is the capital of Great Britain or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is an old city, its history counts more than two thousand years. London is both the capital of the country and a huge port. London is situated upon both banks of the Thames, about forty miles from the mouth and is divided into two parts by the river: north and south. There are 17 bridges that cross the river. The population of London is more than 9 million people. The history of London goes back to Roman times. Due to favourable geographical position, soon after the Roman conquest, a small town became an important trade centre. Actually, London can be divided into several parts: the City or Downtown of London, Westminster, the West End and the East End. The City is the oldest part of London with narrow streets and pavements. There are many offices, companies and banks in this part of London. The City of London is the financial centre of the United Kingdom. Only a few thousand people live there, but in the day-time it is full of people: as about half a million people come to work there. The biggest Banks and offices are concentrated in the City. The West End is the centre of London. It is full of richest hotels, largest super-markets, best cinemas and concert-halls. There are a lot of beautiful houses and gardens. Only well-to-do people can live there. Another important district of London is Westminster, where most of Government buildings are situated. Westminster Palace is the seat of the British Parliament. Westminster Palace was founded in 1050.
It is situated in the centre of London. Many great Englishmen were buried in the Abbey: Newton, Darwin and others. The Towers of the Houses of Parliament stand high above the city. On the highest tower there is the largest clock in the country which is known to the whole world as Big Ben. One can hear Big Ben strike every quarter of an hour. The clock «Big Ben» came into service in 1859. Big Ben is the biggest clock bell in Britain. The official London residence of the Queen is Buckingham Palace. It was built in the 18th century. There are many nice squares in London. Trafalgar Square is one of them and it is in the centre of the West End. One can see a statue of Lord Nelson in the middle of this square. There are many museums, libraries and galleries in London. The Tate Gallery is one of the well-known galleries in London. Henry Tate was a sugar manufacturer. He was fond of paintings and collected many pictures. The British Museum is a very interesting place in London. It was founded in 1753. The library of this museum has lots of books. The East End of London is the industrial area and the place where the working people live. There are many factories, workshops and docks there. The East End, lying eastwards from the City is very large and crowded. There are many cars and buses in London. There is the Tube (an underground) in London too. The underground, constructed in London, was the first underground in the World. VOCABULARY to count — насчитывать huge — большой, гигантский, громадный, огромный bank — берег (реки) mouth — устье due to — благодаря; вследствие; в результате favourable — благоприятный conquest — завоевание (процесс покорения народов, земель и т. д.) trade — торговля downtown — деловой район, деловая часть города, бизнесцентр narrow — узкий, тесный pavement — мостовая, тротуар well-to-do people — преуспевающие, обеспеченые люди district — район; округ; область to be buried — быть похороненным, захороненным to strike — ударять, бить (о часах) quarter — четверть, пятнадцать минут eastwards — на восток, в восточном направлении crowded — переполненный, перенаселенный the Tube — Труба (Лондонское метро) QUESTIONS 1. Is London a young city? 2. Where is London situated? 3. How many bridges cross the river Thames? 4. What was that favourable feature which made London to be an important trade centre soon after the Roman conquest? 5. What is the oldest part of London? 6. What is situated in the West End? 7. Can poor people afford to live in the West End? 8. Where are most of Government buildings situated? 9. Where is the largest clock in the country located? 10. How often does Big Ben strike? 11. When did the clock « Big Ben » come into service? 12. What is the official London residence of the Queen? 13. What square is in the centre of the West End situated? 14. When was the British Museum founded? 15. How is the area where most working people live called? 16. How is London underground called?
1.4 BRITISH TRADITIONS

AND CUSTOMS

British nation is considered to be the most conservative in Europe. It is not a secret that every nation and every country has its own customs and traditions. In Great Britain people attach greater importance to traditions and customs than in other European countries. Englishmen are proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up. The best examples are their queen, money system, their weights and measures. There are many customs and some of them are very old. There is, for example, the Marble Championship, where the British Champion is crowned; he wins a silver cup known among folk dancers as Morris Dancing. Morris Dancing is an event where people, worn in beautiful clothes with ribbons and bells, dance with handkerchiefs or big sticks in their hands, while traditional music sounds. Another example is the Boat Race, which takes place on the river Thames, often on Easter Sunday. A boat with a team from Oxford University and one with a team from Cambridge University hold a race. British people think that the Grand National horse race is the most exciting horse race in the world. It takes place near Liverpool every year. Sometimes it happens the same day as the Boat Race takes place, sometimes a week later. Amateur riders as well as professional jockeys can participate. It is a very famous event. There are many celebrations in May, especially in the countryside. Halloween is a day on which many children dress up in unusual I costumes. In fact, this holiday has a Celtic origin. The day was I originally called Halloween's Eve, because it happens on October I 31, the eve of all Saint's Day. The name was later shortened to I Halloween. The Celts celebrated the coming of New Year on that day. Another tradition is the holiday called Bonfire Night. On November 5, 1605, a man called Guy Fawkes planned to I blow up the Houses of Parliament where the king James 1st was to I open Parliament on that day. But Guy Fawkes was unable to realize I his plan and was caught and later, hanged. The British still I remember that Guy Fawkes' Night. It is another name for this I holiday. This day one can see children with figures, made of sacks I and straw and dressed in old clothes. On November 5th, children I put their figures on the bonfire, burn them, and light their fireworks. In the end of the year, there is the most famous New Year celebration. In London, many people go to Trafalgar Square on New Year's Eve. There is singing and dancing at 12 o'clock on December 31st. A popular Scottish event is the Edinburgh Festival of music and drama, which takes place every year. A truly Welsh event is the Eisteddfod, a national festival of traditional poetry and music, with a competition for the best new poem in Welsh. If we look at English weights and measures, we can be convinced that the British are very conservative people. They do not use the internationally accepted measurements. They have conserved their old measures. There are nine essential measures. For general use, the smallest weight is one ounce, then 16 ounce is equal to a pound. Fourteen pounds is one stone. The English always give people's weight in pounds and stones. Liquids they measure in pints, quarts and gallons. There are two pints in a quart and four quarts or eight pints are in one gallon. For length, they have inches, feet, yards and miles. If we have always been used to the metric system therefore the English monetary system could be found rather difficult for us. VOCABULARY to be considered — считаться, рассматриваться как customs — традиции to attach — уделять proud — гордый to keep (past kept, p.p. kept) up — поддерживать, хранить to crown — короновать folk — народный (относящийся к обычаям, традициям простого народа) to wear (past wore, p.p. worn) — одевать, носить ribbon — лента, ленточка; тесьма handkerchief — носовой платок Boat Race — лодочные гонки Easter Sunday — Пасхальное Воскресение exciting — возбуждающий, волнующий amateur — любитель; поклонник; любительский rider — всадник, наездник; жокей event — событие countryside — сельская местность Celtic — кельтский
origin — происхождение; начало All Halloween's Eve — Канун Всех Святых (сокр. Хэллоуин) Bonfire Night — Ночь Костров to blow up — взорвать, подорвать to catch (caught) — схватить, арестовать to hang (past hung, p.p. hung) — повесить straw — солома bonfire — костер firework — обыкн. мн. фейерверк truly — действительно, по-настоящему Eisteddfod — ежегодный фестиваль бардов (в Уэльсе) competition — соревнование to convince — убеждать, уверять essential — важнейший; необходимый; основной ounce — унция (= 28,3 г) pound — фунт, современная мера веса, используемая в англоговорящих странах; = 453,6 г stone — мн. обыкн. неизм. стоун (мера веса, равен 14 фунтам, или 6.34 кг) pint — пинта (мера емкости; в Англии = 0,57 л; в США = = 0,47 л для жидкостей) quart — кварта (единица измерения объема жидкости; равняется V 4 галлона = 2 пинтам) gallon — галлон (мера жидких и сыпучих тел, = 4,54 л) inch — дюйм (= 2,5 см) foot — фут (мера длины, равная 30,48 см) yard — ярд (мера длины, равная 3 футам или 914,4 мм) mile — английская миля (= 1609 м) metric system — метрическая система pound sterling — фунт стерлингов (денежная единица Великобритании, равнялась 20 шиллингам, или 240 пенсам; с 1971 г. равная 100 пенсам) shilling — шиллинг (англ. серебряная монета = V фунта стерлингов = 12 пенсам) half-crown — полкроны (монета в 2 шиллинга 6 пенсов) penny — мн. репсе, pennies (об отдельных монетах) пенни, пенс halfpenny — полпенни QUESTIONS: 1. What nation is considered to be the most conservative in Europe? 2. What are the best examples of their conservatism? 3. What are the most popular English traditions? 4. What is the original name of Halloween? 5. What is a popular Scottish event? 6. What is the Eisteddfod? 7. What peculiarities of the English monetary system do you know?
Part II

2.1 THE USA
What do you know about the USA? What associations and ideas first come to you when we say "America”?
The USA: Physical Features
The United States of America is considered to be the fourth largest country in the world. Stretching 4.400 kilometres from east to west and 2.500 kilometres from north to south, the main land mass of the United States offers almost every variety of climate and physical feature. The country covers an area of 9,4 million square kilometres almost all of which is on the American continent. Its overseas possessions are mainly small Pacific Islands plus Puerto Rico. The USA is a federal republic of fifty states. Besides the 48 conterminous states that occupy the middle latitudes of the continent, the USA includes the states of Alaska and Hawaii, which are respectively situated near the Arctic Circle and in the tropical part of the Pacific Ocean. Besides, there is the Federal District of Columbia, created as a site for the Federal Capital, Washington. The major characteristic of the USA is probably its great variety. Its physical environment ranges from moist rain forest areas to arid desert regions and bald mountain peaks. Mount McKinley in Alaska of 6.194 metres above sea level is the highest point in the USA, while part of Death Valley in California is 89 metres below sea level. The West is an extensive mountain area occupying approximately one-third of the USA and
is a region of tremendous variety. It consists of high ranges of the Cordillera parallel to the Pacific Coast culminating on its eastern border in the Rocky Mountains. The latter is a high, discontinuous chain of mountains with peaks of 13.000 and 14.000 feet, stretching from mountainous Alaska down to Mexico. These mountains are rich in resources such as gold, lead and uranium. Among the high mountains at the western edge of the Cordillera - the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades and the Coastal Ranges ~ there are broad, fertile valleys and large plateau regions with canyons, cliffs and basins that contain many important metals, oil and natural gas. The heart of the United States is a vast plain, which extends from Central Canada southwards to Mexico and from the Cordillera eastwards to the Appalachian Mountains, These interior plains, which rise gradually like a saucer to higher land on all sides, are divided into two major parts: the eastern portion is called the Central Plains and the western portion - the Great Plains, both of which have good soil. The Appalachian Mountains - a chain of low, almost unbroken mountains - are extremely rich in coal and iron. These mountains are at the western edge of the Atlantic coastal plain, which is a long, gently rolling lowland area. These coastal plains are very flat and the soil is very poor, except in the fertile southern part - the Cotton Belt of the Old South and the citrus country of Central Florida. Hawaii is a chain of twenty islands, only seven of which are inhabited. The mountainous islands were formed by volcanic activity and there are still a number of active volcanoes. The USA has several immensely long rivers. There are a large number of rivers in the eastern part of the country, the longest of which is the Missouri (4.470 km), a tributary of the Mississippi (3.970 km). The Mississippi-Missouri system extends for over 6.000 kilometres before entering the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans. Two other tributaries of the Mississippi - the Ohio and Tennessee - are more than 1.500 km long. In the west the Rio Grande, which forms part of the United States-Mexico border, flows for 3.016 km and only the Colorado and Columbia river systems reach the Pacific. As for the climate, virtually every type of it can be found somewhere in the USA - from arctic in Alaska to subtropical in Florida. Most of the country has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, while the lack of natural barriers either to the north or south allows cold, dry air to flow south from Canada and warm, humid air north from the Gulf of Mexico, giving rise to spectacular weather of every type in the Great Plains and Midwest. In the Pacific coast the climate is generally warm and dry, especially in California. The eastern part of the country is moderately rainy, with the precipitation fairly well distributed throughout the year. The USA also is a land of lakes. Part of the boundary between the USA and Canada is formed by four of the five Great Lakes. The largest of them is Lake Superior, which is the highest above sea level. South of it is Lake Michigan, entirely in the US territory; to the east are Lake Huron and Lake Erie. From Lake Erie the Niagara River rushes over the famous Niagara Falls into Lake Ontario, out of which the St. Lawrence River flows. All the lakes are connected and form the largest body of fresh water in the world and the most important unit of inland waterway. In the west of the USA there are famous salt lakes: the Great Salt Lake and the Salmon Sea. Though the USA is relatively young, it is the world's greatest economic power. The nation's wealth is partly a reflection of its rich natural resources and its enormous agricultural output, but it owes more to the country's highly developed industry.
TASKS
I . Answer the following questions: 1.Where is the United States of America situated? 2.What parts does the country consist of? 3.What makes the USA the fourth largest country in the world? 4.The USA is a federal republic of fifty states, isn't it? 5.What is the major characteristic of the USA? 6.Why do they call the USA a country of extremes? 7.How can the physical features of the West be characterized? 8.Show on the map all the mountain ranges located on the territory of the USA. Which are the highest? 9.What part of the USA is compared with a saucer? Why? 10.Is the south of the USA very different from the north? 11.What is special about Hawaii? 12.Show the rivers of the USA on the map. Which is the longest river? 13.How can you characterize the climate of the country? 14.What lakes form part of the boundary between the USA and Canada? Which lake is entirely in the US territory?
15.If you could take a trip to the United States, which part would you like to visit? Why? 16.Why is the USA considered to be the world's greatest economic power? 17.What does the nation owe its wealth to? II. Piск out all proper names and arrange them into two groups - nouns with the definite article and without it. Explain the use of the article. Ill Match the definitions with the proper names: 1. The longest river in the USA 2. The chain of twenty islands in the Pacific ocean 3. The chain of low, almost unbroken mountains at the western edge of the Atlantic coastal plain 4. A tributary of the Mississippi 5. The largest of the five Great Lakes 6. The eastern portion of the interior plains 7. The area in California which is 89 metres below sea level 8. The highest point in the USA 9. The high, discontinuous chain of mountains with bald peaks 10. The high mountains at the western edge of the Cordillera a) the Sierra Nevada f) the Appalachians b) the Mississippi g) the Central Plains c) Lake Superior h) the Missouri d) Death Valley i) Mount McKinley e) Hawaii j) the Rockies IV. Write English equivalents of the following words and phrases. Use them in sentences of your own: считаться четвертой по размеру страной в мире, представлять большое разнообразие, заокеанские владения, «смежные» штаты, соответственно, основная характерная черта, ниже уровня моря, приблизительно, обширный, потрясающий, состоять из, быть обязанным, отражение, полностью, умеренный, осадки, отсутствие естественной преграды, захватывающий, приток (реки), вулканическая активность, почва, цепь островов, постепенный, плодородная долина, достигать высшей точки, прерывистый, цитрусовый, фактически, распределять. V. Complete the sentences: Part of the boundary between the USA and Canada is formed by ... 2.The names of the five Great Lakes are ... 3. The largest lake is... 4. The country covers an area of... 5. The 48 conterminous states occupy ... 6. The USA physical environment ranges from ... 7. The West is ... 8. The Rocky Mountains are ... 9. The heart of the United States is ... 10. The Appalachian Mountains are ... 11. Hawaii were formed by ... 12. The Mississippi- Missouri system ... 13. As for the climate, most of the country has ... 14. The lack of natural barriers either to the north or south allows VI. S u p p l y s u i t a b l e w o r d s : 1. An active ... may erupt anytime. 2. A river forms the ... between the two countries. 3. The West is a ... area. 4. They ... up the stairs. 5. The plants died for ... of water. 6. The exam was ... easy. 7. The people had to I gather up their few ... and escape. 8. We looked at our ... in the lake. 9. She did not like her work because it jacked ..., she was doing the same things all the time. 10. The main ... of the British climate is changeability. 11. These years of work ... in the discovery of a cure. 12. The ... of the island is 20 degrees south. 13. The USA is Britain's former ... possession. I 14. The storm caused ... damage. 15. She led an expedition into the ... part of the country. \6. ... all the members were in agreement with the proposal. 17. The plane will be landing in ... 15 minutes. 18. The children's ages ... from 5 to 15. 19. People say that Britain is no longer a world ... . 20. We've had a ... amount of rain recently. 21. He ... his wealth to his father. 22. The mountain system of Armenia ... in Ararat. VII. M a k e u p a s i t u a t i o n u s i n g t h e f o l l o w i n g e x p r e s s i o n s : virtually, lack of money, owing to smth, to come into possession of smth, a reflection of smth, to rush, a spectacular sight, an enormous house, a moderate price, to look tremendous, the main characteristic. VIII.Supply articles where necessary: ... territory of... United States of... America stretches from ... Atlantic seaboard, across ... central plains, over ... Rocky mountains to ... densely populated west coast, and then to ... island state of... Hawaii. ... America is ... land of physical contrasts, including ... weather. ... southern parts of ... Florida, ...Texas, ...California and ... state of ... Hawaii have ... warm temperatures year round. ... northern states and ... Alaska have ... extremely cold winters.
... United States is also ... land of ... rivers and ... lakes. ... northern state of ... Minnesota is known as a land of 10,000 lakes. ... broad Mississippi River is ... world's third river after ... Nile and ...Amazon. A canal ... south of ... Chicago joins one of ... tributaries of ... Mississippi to ... five Great Lakes. IX.Decide whether the following statements are true or false; correct those that are wrong: 1. The United States of America is considered to be the fourteenth largest country in the world. 2. The USA is a federal republic of forty states. 3. Alaska and Hawaii occupy the middle latitudes of the continent. 4. Ben Nevis is the highest point in the USA. 5. The Cordillera is a high, discontinuous chain Of mountains stretching from mountainous Alaska down to Mexico. 6. The heart of the United States is a vast plain. 7. The western portion of the interior plains is called the Great Plains. 8. The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanic activity. 9. The Rio Grande forms part of the United States-Canada border. 10. Most of the country has a humid continental climate. 11. In the east of the USA there are famous salt lakes: the Great Salt Lake and the Salmon Sea. 12. The USA is the oldest capitalist country in the world. 13. The Cordillera is a high, discontinuous chain Of mountains stretching from mountainous Alaska down to Mexico. 14. The heart of the United States is a vast plain. 15. The western portion of the interior plains is called the Great Plains. 16. The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanic activity. 17. The Rio Grande forms part of the United States-Canada border. 18. Most of the country has a humid continental climate. 19. In the east of the USA there are famous salt lakes: the Great Salt Lake and the Salmon Sea. 20. The USA is the oldest capitalist country in the world. X. Arrange micro-dialogues on the following topics: 1. The diversity of the USA physical environment. 2. The diversity of the USA climate. 3. The states of the USA. 4. The West. 5. The mountains of the USA. 6. The USA is a land of lakes. 7. The rivers of the USA. XI. Translate the following sentences into English: 1. США имеет территорию 9,4 миллиона квадратных километров. 2. Заокеанские владения США это, в основном, маленькие тихоокеанские острова. 3. Аляска находится возле полярного круга, а Гавайи - в тропической части Тихого океана. 4. Благосостояние страны проистекает из обилия полезных ископаемых и высокой производительности сельского хозяйства. 5. Скалистые горы, должно быть, богаты такими полезными ископаемыми как золото и железо. 6. Скалистые горы - это непрерывная цепь высоких гор. 7. Широкие, плодородные долины содержат нефть и природный газ. 8. Его владения простираются от Тихого до Атлантического океана. 9. Гавайи - это острова, сформированные вулканической активностью. 10. Равнины в центре США имеют плодородную почву. 11. Только семь из двадцати островов заселены. 12. США - это федеративная республика, состоящая из пятидесяти штатов и федерального округа Колумбия. 13. Кордильеры находятся в Северной Америке. 14. Из озера Эри Ниагара устремляется через Ниагарский водопад в озеро Онтарио. 15. Все Великие озера связаны и образуют крупнейший резервуар пресной воды в мире. 16. Часть границы США с Канадой образуют четыре из пяти Великих озер. 17. Отсутствие естественных преград на юге и севере страны позволяет проникать холодным и сухим воздушным массам из Канады, и теплым и влажным с Мексиканского залива. 18. Фактически, в различных регионах США можно обнаружить любой из типов климата. 19. «Сердце» США это обширная равнина, простирающаяся от центральной Канады до Мексики и от Кордильер до Аппалачей. 20. Запад - это обширный гористый район, занимающий одну треть страны.
2.2 USA City Centers
Today three out of four Americans live in towns, cities or suburbs and there are 24 cities of more than 500.000 inhabitants. Most of the urban centres lie along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes.
The nation's capital, Washington, D.C., is the nineteenth in population with about 607,000 residents. Specially planned and built as national capital, Washington was laid out by French architect Pierre L'Enfant late in the eighteenth century. It lies on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. The original plan of the city anticipated its future growth. Washington is the site of impressive government buildings, magnificent monuments, important historical landmarks, fine museums and broad, tree-shaded avenues and malls. Every year the city is visited by more than 18 million tourists from all over the world. But it is also home to a large number of people - the place where they live, work and raise families. As such, it is confronted by the same problems facing most large cities. The Capitol is the "heart" of Washington. Because of its great size, central location and elevated position on Capitol Hill, the Capitol dominates the Washington skyline. The USA Congress meets in this building, which is constructed of white sandstone and marble and crowned by an impressive dome. On top of the dome stands a bronze Statue of Freedom. The Capitol is set in a small park around which there are a number of impressive government buildings, such as the Supreme Court Building and the Library of Congress, one of the largest libraries in the world. The White House stands north-west of the Capitol. Every four years the parade for the newly inaugurated president travels the historic route along Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House. The latter has been the official residence of the President of the USA since 1800. Tourists may visit portions of the White House, including the Blue Room, the State Dining Room and the East Room. You will see no skyscrapers in Washington, because they would hide the city's many monuments from view. In fact no building can be more than forty metres high. Monuments to three presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln - are among the most popular sights of the city. Washington's museums and art galleries are among the finest in the world. The Smithsonian Institution, a scientific and cultural organization sponsored by the USA government, consists of museums or similar units in the areas of science, technology, history and art. The best-known are the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and the Museum of History and Technology. The National Gallery of Art houses a wonderful collection of American and European art. There are five universities in Washington. The Big Apple has become a symbol for America's largest city - New York. The city is situated at the mouth of the Hudson River and it has been the gateway for many immigrants who see, as they sail through the harbour, the immense Statue of Liberty holding high her torch of freedom. There are five boroughs in New York - Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. The city has always been the centre of political events. Thanks to its geographical position and historical past New York has grown into a big financial, commercial and industrial centre with the heart, in Manhattan. America's business and culture are also here. The Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller Centre, Central Park, Harlem, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Broadway -~ all these world famous sights are in Manhattan. A small street that unites them is the financial centre of the whole United States - Wall Street. Los Angeles is America's second largest city. Its name comes from Spanish for "the City of Angels", because the land was originally claimed for Spain. Approximately 3.5 million people live in Los Angeles. It is a popular place because of its pleasant semi-tropical climate and the beautiful Pacific Coast. Almost everyone drives to work on the miles of freeways that connect the different areas of this sprawling city. Suburbs like Hollywood, the centre of the movie industry, and Beverly Hills where famous actors and celebrities live, have also made Los Angeles a tourist attraction. The third largest city in the USA, Chicago, is on the shore of Lake Michigan. Two rivers, the Chicago and the Calumet, run through the city, and canals link them with the Mississippi River. Ships can sail from Chicago to the Great lakes and along the Saint Lawrence Seaway to the Atlantic Ocean. Chicago is called "the Windy City" because of the strong winds that blow through it. Chicago is an industrial centre. The city has always attracted a diverse population of Americans and new immigrants in search of jobs. Its steel mills are the most productive in the world. Chicago is also a railroad and a trucking hub. Other important and well-known American cities are: San Francisco, famous for the Golden Gate Bridge; Las Vegas, a centre of gambling in America; Atlanta, the "capital" of the New South; New Orleans, an important river and seaport and the birthplace of jazz; Miami, a popular holiday centre: Detroit, the home of the American automobile industry; Seattle, the gateway to Alaska and many others.
TASKS
I. Answer the following questions: 1.Where are most of the American urban centres located? 2.What is the capital of the USA?
3.Is Washington the largest city in the USA? 4.What places of interest in Washington attract tourists from all over the world? 5.Why are there no skyscrapers in Washington? 6.What is the largest city of the USA? 7.What is New York famous for? What is its nickname? What nickname does your city have? 8.What borough of New York is considered to be the heart of New York? 9.What do you think of skyscrapers? Do you like them or do you prefer buildings with a different design? 10.How can you characterise Los Angeles? 11.What suburbs made Los Angeles famous? 12.Why is Chicago considered to be an industrial centre? 13.What other famous cities can you name? II. Match the parts of the sentences: 1. Today three out of four Americans live in... 2.The Capitol is in... 3.You will see no skyscrapers in ... 4. The Big Apple has become a symbol for... 5. Wall Street is... 6. Famous actors and celebrities live in... 7. Chicago... 8. New Orleans is... 9. The Statue of Liberty is in... 10. The official residence of the President of the USA is... 11.Detroit is... a)New York. g)the home of the American b) Washington. h) New York, whole United States. c)the financial centre of the automobile industry. i) the White House. d) the "heart" of Washington. j)the birthplace of jazz. e)Beverly Hills. k) towns, cities or suburbs. f) has always attracted new immigrants in search of jobs. Ill. Write English equivalents of the following words and phrases. Use them in sentences of your own: пригород, парад, житель, увенчанный, первоначальный план, предвосхищать, поддерживать (субсидировать), тенистая аллея, впечатляющий, господствовать, купол, скрыть из поля зрения, место для гуляния, приподнятое положение, играть в азартные игры, небоскрёб, гавань, факел, район, благодаря чему-либо, претендовать (заявлять права на что-либо), растягивать, киноиндустрия, колыбель джаза. IV. Complete the sentences: 1. Most of the urban centres ... 2. Washington lies ... 3. Every year Washington is ... 4. The USA Congress ... 5. The newly inaugurated president... 6. Suburbs like Hollywood and Beverly Hills ... 7. Manhattan ... 8. The Smithsonian Institution ... 9. The Capitol ... 10. New York is ... 11. Tourists may visit ... 12. Wall Street is ... 13. 'The City of Angels" ... "The Windy City".... V. Supply suitable words : 1. Stratford~on~Avon was Shakespeare's ... 2. He ... and lost the fortune his grandmother left him. 3. I tried to ... the kind of questions they were likely to ask me at the interview. 4. The building ... north. 5. The Olympic ... is carried by runners to the place where the Games are being held. 6. The city ... for miles in each direction.7. The great cathedral ... the centre of the city. 8. The program deals with subjects as ... as pop music and ancient Greek drama. 9. New York is made up of five ... 10. The baseball match is being ... by a cigarette company. 11. His task was to interview the ... at the party. 12, If no one ... the lost umbrella, the person who found it can keep it. 13. Success has ... her years of effort. 14. ... is a very tall modern city building. VII. Make up a situation using the following expressions: to live in a suburb, laid out by, the original plan of the house, magnificent, to raise one's family, to confront, to be set in a small park, hide smth from view, to house a wonderful collection, a celebrity. VIII.Supply articles where necessary: ... Times Square was ... first place of... interest I saw in ... Big Apple. Formerly, I thought, that this square is called "Times" because of ...tradition to celebrate ... changing to ... New Year held here. Ehit, as it turned out, when ... "New York Times" newspaper erected ... new building on 43 rd Street at... turn of ...20 th century, ... neighbourhood took ... name ... "Times Square". Now ... Times Square is ... flash of different lights, neon ads - it is probably ... brightest place in the world. Possibly that is why we call ...New York "... city that never sleeps". IX. Decide whether the following statements are true or false; correct those that are wrong: 1. The second largest city in the USA., Chicago, is on the Lake Ontario. 2. Approximately 3.5 million people live in Los Angeles. 3. The Big Apple has become a symbol for Washington. 4. Monuments to three presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln - are
among the most popular sights of New York. 5. Today three out of four Americans live in towns, cities or suburbs. 6. Most of the urban centres lie along the Great Lakes. 7. The nation's capital, Washington, D.C., is America's largest city. 8. The Smithsonian Institution is a scientific and cultural organisation sponsored by the USA government. 9. You will see many skyscrapers in Washington. 10. Washington is the site of impressive government buildings. 11. The Capitol dominates the New York skyline. 12. Every four years the parade for the newly inaugurated president travels the historic route along Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House. 13. There are six boroughs in New York. 14. Chicago is called "the Windy City" because of the light-minded people living here. X. Read the following text and translate it into English. Suggest a possible title for the text: В Америке есть свои Лондоны, Парижи, Римы, Берлины, Афины, Мадриды. Немало на американской карте и русских названий. Одна лишь Москва встречается более десяти раз. В Миннесоте - самая маленькая Москва. В штате Айдахо - самая большая: 15 тысяч населения и университет. В каких штатах есть Москва? В Айове, Техасе, Мичигане, Оклахоме, Миссисипи, Огайо, Пенсильвании, Арканзасе, Индиане. В большинстве случаев, эти тезки (namesake) Москвы возникли вскоре после 1812 года. Тогда же возникло и Бородино в штате Нью-Йорк. Во время Крымской войны 1853-1856 гг. в США появились пять или шесть Севастополей ~ дань (tribute) мужеству защитников города на Черном море. В конце 19-го века бывший гвардейский (Guard's) офицер Дементьев переселился в США. Вместе с американским бизнесменом Уильямсом (Williams) он построил железную дорогу во Флориде. Возник поселок. Как назвать? Уильяме предлагал Новый Детройт, Дементьев - Санкт- Петербург. С тех пор стоит на Мексиканском заливе город Сент-Питесберг. Есть в Америке девять Одесс. Лишь около двух американских Одесс плещется море. Остальные стоят в степях. В калифорнийской пустыне есть полустанок (railway halt) Сибирь. Люди, давшие ему такое название, были с юмором: это самое жаркое место на западе США. XI. Arrange dialogues on the following topics: 1. A man from Russia comes to his friend in New York and asks him about the sights that are worth seeing. 2. Two friends are choosing the cities in the USA that are worth visiting during their holidays. 3. A New Yorker comes to his friend in Washington. They discuss and compare their native cities. XII. Speak on the following topics: a) Washington; c) Los Angeles; b) New York; d) Chicago. XIII. Translate the following sentences into English: 1. Белый Дом - это официальная резиденция президента США. 2. Туристы могут посещать некоторые части Белого Дома. 3. Из-за сильных ветров с озера Мичиган Чикаго называют «городом ветров». 4. Чикаго всегда привлекал людей, ищущих работу. 5. Известные актеры и знаменитости проживают в Беверли Хиллз, пригороде Лос-Анджелеса. 6. Благодаря своему географическому положению и богатому историческому прошлому Нью-Йорк превратился в крупный промышленный и коммерческий центр. 7. Первое, что видят люди, приезжающие в Нью-Йорк, это Статуя Свободы. 8. Если бы в Вашингтоне построили небоскрёбы, Капитолий стал бы незаметен. 9. Вашингтон планировался и строился как столица. 10. Первоначальный план города предвосхищал его будущий рост. 11. Как крупный город, он сталкивается с теми же проблемами, что и большинство американских городов. 12. Капитолий построен из белого песчаника и мрамора, на самом верху его массивного купола находится бронзовая статуя Свободы. 13. В небольшом парке возле Капитолия находится одна из крупнейших библиотек мира -библиотека Конгресса. 14. Многих туристов привлекает Лас-Вегас -город азартных игр и казино.
2.3 Supplementary texts for reading

Chicago
Chicago is the centre of the Midwest and a typical American city. It is situated on Lake Michigan. Waterways (and later railroad lines) have made Chicago a natural link between the products of the Midwest and the markets of the East. For a long time now Chicago has been an
important centre of meatpacking and grain storage. There are also many factories in Chi cago which produce farm equipment. Chicago has played a great role in the growth of the Midwest and of the United States. The population of Chicago has also grown rapidly. In 1850 its population was 50 thousand people. Now it is one of the most populated cities in the United States. In 1871 there was a great fire, which destroyed nearly the whole of Chicago. The city needed re- building. The skyscraper — a typical feature of America — appeared in the course of this rebuilding. In the 1880's and 1890's Chicago attracted engineers and architects from America and Europe. These men are now known as the Chicago school. In later years, the traditions which they began have been developed by others who worked in Chicago and other places. Like New York, Chicago is a city of skyscrapers. Chicago's tallest buildings are the John Hancock Tower (or "Big John", as they call it), the Standard Oil Building ("Big Stan") and the Sears Tower 2 , which is the tallest building in the world. Although Chicago is situated far away from any ocean, it is famous for its beaches. Most of the area along Lake Michigan is taken up by beaches and parks. QUESTIONS. 1. Where is Chicago situated? 2. .In what way did Chicago play a great role in the growth of the Midwest and the whole of the United States in the 19th century? 3. When did the Great Chicago Fire occur? What pos itive role did it play in the development of the city? 4. What is the Chicago school of architects? 5. Which are the tallest buildings in Chicago? 6. What is Chicago famous for in spite of its being situated far from any ocean? Where are the beaches?
New Orleans
New Orleans is not a typical American city. It is a city, the main business of which is pleasure. New Orleans was founded by the French in 1718. It became part of the United States only in 1803. So, for nearly a hundred years, it was more like a city of the French Caribbean than of North America. By taking many elements of different cultures, it has created its own unique culture. The city began with what is now the French Quarter. The beautiful houses of the French Quarter, which the rich planters of the South built for their pleasure and comfort, have spacious courtyards and cosy patios, richly decorated interiors with high ceilings and large windows. New Orleans is the place where jazz and the blues really began. There are still many jazz clubs in New Orleans, for example the club in Bourbon Street 2 in the French Quarter. If you visit New Orleans in spring, you can go to the New Orleans Jazz Festival. There you will hear everything from fiddlers to large jazz bands, from street musicians to "big names" in music. At lunch time a visitor can taste local traditional dishes: alligator soup and crawfish pie. The city's most famous festival is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). It is held the week before Lent (the period of fasting before Easter). During the Mardi Gras Festival many parades are organized, and even spectators dress in fancy costumes. In recent years they also hold a traditional costume contest during Mardi Gras. QUESTIONS. 1. What is unusual about New Orleans as an American city? 2. How does the history of New Orleans explain its being different from typical American cities? 3. What is the French Quarter? 4. What is characteristic of the district's architecture? 5. What is New Orleans famous for in the way of music? 6. What is the New Orleans Jazz Festival? 7. Name two traditional New Orleans dishes. 8. Which is New Orleans' most famous festival? How is it held?
San Francisco
Until the 1840's San Francisco was a settlement of 200 people. It grew and became important thanks to the Gold Rush. Forty-niners, who came to California by ship, passed San Francisco on their way. Many of them returned to San Francisco and stayed there. In a few years the population of the city was 50 thousand. In 1906 San Francisco was hit by a destructive earthquake. Eye-witnesses described buildings dancing and falling to pieces, whole streets moving like ocean waves. The earthquake was followed by fires that
could not be stopped because the water supply of the city was destroyed. Only on the fifth day it started raining, and the rains put out the fires. Three-fourths of the city had burned down. San Francisco is an unusual and very picturesque city. It is surrounded by water on three sides. It stands on forty hills. The city is also famous for its cable cars, which climb up and down the hills, and for its fine houses along steep and narrow streets. San Francisco has a reputation of an intellectual, liberal and slightly crazy city — a city where you come across new and different ideas. In the 1950's San Francisco's North Beach was a centre for "beat poets". In the mid-1960's one of the districts of San Francisco gave rise to hippies. In the late 1960's America was swept by college protests. These protests also began in the San Fran- cisco area — at Berkeley
,
the University of California, which has always been known for academic excellence. The symbol of San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge, which opened in 1937 — a beautiful suspension bridge over the Golden Gate, a strait connecting San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Oceans. QUESTIONS. 1. How did San Francisco grow? 2. What disaster hit San Francisco in 1906? 3. What are the peculiarities of San Francisco's geographical position? 4. What means of public transportation is San Francisco famous for? 5. What reputation does San Francisco have? 6. What is Berkeley? What is it known for? 7. What structure has been the symbol of San Francisco since 1937?
Los Angeles
In the first place, Los Angeles is known as the centre of movie industry. Many film stars live in or near Los Angeles. Los Angeles is a rich and glamorous place. The Beverly Hillsarea is famous for its beautiful mansions and high-priced shops. Los Angeles is a rapidly-growing city. Its suburbs are not really suburbs: they have developed many businesses of their own. Los Angeles keeps spreading out into farmland and even desert. Los Angeles's growth is supported by its diverse economy. The city is not only a centre of entertain- ment and tourism. It is also a big centre of manufacturing, finance, oil and trade. The port of Los Angeles handles more cargo than New York. The growth of trade is due to close contacts with Asian countries. Asian companies have invested a lot of money in Los Angeles; as a result, three-fourths of downtown Los Angeles is owned by foreign companies, mostly by Japanese. With the growth of distances in Los Angeles, the importance of the car has greatly increased. Los Angeles's highways are busiest in North America. There are days, when the "rush hour" lasts not an hour, but the whole day. Los Angeles faces some other serious problems. The traffic is so heavy, that the city has the dirtiest air in the United States: very often people cannot see the sun though the sky is cloudless — the sun is completely hidden by smog. The other problems of the city are crime and violence. Police say that there are at least 500 gangs in Los Angeles. Experts insist that these problems must be solved if Los Angeles wants to keep to 1 the Southern Californian lifestyle for which it is famous. QUESTIONS. 1. What do you think of in the first place when you think of Los Angeles? 2. How is Los Angeles growing? What is the peculiarity of its suburbs? 3. What is Los Angeles's growth supported by? 4. What serious problems does Los Angeles face in connection with the rapid growth of its economy, territory and population?
CHAPTER REVIEW
I. Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the list: smog, link, forty-niners, criss-crossed, earthquake, markets, spacious, unique, mansions, beaches. 1. The capital city Washington D.C. is_____ by broad avenues which meet in_____ squares and circles. 2. New Orleans has taken elements of many cultures and created its own _____culture. 3. Waterways made Chicago a natural______ between the products of the Midwest and the ____of the East.
4. Though miles from any ocean, Chicago is famous for its______ . 5. ______ who came to California by ship passed through San Francisco. 6. In 1906 San Francisco was hit by a destructive_________. 7. The Beverly Hills area is famous for its________ and high-priced shops. 8. Very often the sunshine in Los Angeles is hidden by_________ . II. Write a detailed answer to the following question: Who was James Smithson? What is Smithsonian Institution? Where is it located?
2.4 The Stereotypes of Americans

Personal Details

Warm-up activities:
I. Read the essay below and choose from the sentences (A-D) the one which fits each gap (1-4). A. Since the USA is such a large country that encompasses so many different nationalities, races, and cultures, making stereotypes about Americans will most likely offend someone. B. Others may look down on the newest "rave" obtained through the movies or televised news; they see the "Yankee craze" as a possible threat to their own culture(s). C. How many Russians, for example, would feel comfortable with the idea that other nationalities see all Russians as heavy smokers and vodka drinkers? D. The set of conventions that "dictate" mainstream American life include: It is difficult to define exactly what the stereotypical American is. Are all Americans really the incurable optimists others think of them to be? Do all Americans eat Hamburgers and French Fries? Do they all have barbecue parties on Friday evenings with rock'n'roll blasting in the background? What about this American smile? Is it as superficial as others think it to be? Nobody really likes to be labeled as typically American, Russian, or French. [ 1.___] For a bit of humor, there is even a joke that states heaven is a place where all the cooks are French, all the mechanics are Germans, all the police are English, all the lovers are Italian, and everything is organized by the Swiss; hell, on the other hand, is a place where all the cooks are English, all the mechanics are French, all the police are German, all the lovers are Swiss, and everything is organized by the Italians. If you can see the humor in the joke, then you will note that making sweeping judgments about a nationality can be both somewhat accurate and also dangerous at the same time. [ 2.____] Yet, there are some values that most American would probably agree on. [ 3.___] individuality above all else, the importance of privacy, the Protestant Work Ethic ("if you work hard, you will succeed which many interpret as the dollar sign), being self-confident (sometimes confused with arrogance), being as informal as a situation will allow, concise and to the point, and yes, optimistic. The majority of Americans would also agree that "all men (AND WOMEN) are created equal that the free market enables high living standards, and that there should always be a strong sense of commu nity. The rest of the world often looks to the USA with varying points of view. Many people in Europe will automatically take hold of some new trend, fashion, or moral judgments that originated in the USA. [ 4.___] Both types of people, however, would probably agree that the USA is indeed a trend-setting source. II. Match words from the text with their definitions. 1.blast a. not caring very deeply, not interested in anything serious or important 2.superficial b. the ways of thinking and behaving that are believed to be normal and right by most people in a particular society 3.sweeping c. a general and obvious development of events, fashion, attitudes, etc. 4. encompass d. produce a very loud noise 5.majority e. have a wide range that includes something 6.trend f a group of people or ideas that most people belong to or agree with 7. convention g. very general, without considering specific facts or details carefully 8. mainstream h. a number of somebody or something that form more than half of the larger group. III. The explanations of the phrases in the frame are listed below. Match the right pairs. 1. define exactly 2. set of conventions 3. be labeled 4. to the point 5. make sweeping judgment 6. take hold of some new trend 7. at the same time 8. the newest 'rave'
9. make stereotypes 10. trend-setting source a. give a very general opinion after thinking carefully b. make generalizations c. give the correct and accurate explanation d. expressed neatly without wasting words or time e. be described briefly using a word or a short phrase f. something very up-to-date, popular and fashionable for a short time, especially with young people g. a list of common and normal ways of thinking and behaving h. the place where a new fashion starts from i. follow the latest fashion j. simultaneously IV. Fill in the blanks with the given phrases. in fact confident of look after by means of feed on operate on content with stand by go blind 1. Good nurses ... their patients like mothers. 2. Tim is ... finding the picnic spot. 3. He said the job was hard, but,..., it was easy. 4. Zoo keepers are usually ... their jobs. 5. A team of surgeons ... the patient. 6. Rich people ... their dogs ... the best cuts of meat. 7. The police ... in case of trouble. 8. You can do almost anything ... hard work. 9. Our cat... when he was very old V. Find the correct variant of pronunciation. bowler (hats): extrovert: umbrella: official: VI. Give the antonyms. an acquaintance sociable introvert generous lively in the centre of the city raw vegetables VII. Give the English equivalents for the Russian expressions. иметь репутацию шляпа-котелок костюм в тонкую полоску скупой тратить деньги шутить зарабатывать деньги выглядеть мрачно запас свежей воды быть довольным чем-либо слепнуть с помощью / при помощи сделать укол кому-либо оперировать кого-либо на случай (если) непривычная обстановка менять что-либо на что-либо намного хуже возражать чему-либо высоко ценить придавать особое значение чему-либо делать что-либо по-своему ухватить(ся)/схватить(ся) соблюдать условности/обычаи
Part III

3.1 CANADA
Canada is situated on the north of Northern America, washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Pacific Ocean in the west, and the Arctic Ocean in the north and in the northeast by the Baffi Bay and the Davis Strait, which separate it from Greenland. On the south and on the north Canada borders on the USA. It is a land of vast distances and rich natural resources. Canada became a self, governing dominion in 1867
while retaining ties to the British crown. Canada's territory is the world's second largest country, surpassed in size only by Russia. It includes many islands, notably the Canadian Arctic Islands, also called Arctic Archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbour to the south. The total area is about 10 million sq km. Canada is slightly larger than the US. It is an important manufacturer, and its major cities, such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg are centres of commerce and industry. The climate of Canada varies from temperate in the south to subarctic and arctic in the north. The highest Canadian point is Mount Logan 5,959 m. The population of Canada is about 32 million people. There are two state languages: English and French. English is spoken by 60 % of population; French is spoken by 23 % of people. Most of Canada's inhabitants live in the southern part of the country and vast areas of the north are sparsely inhabited. The country is divided into ten provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan) and three territories (Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory, Nunavut Territory). The third territory called Nunavut, to be carved from the present Northwest Territories, was created in 1999. The name Canada is derived from an Iroquoian term meaning «village». Among the great rivers of Canada there are the Saint Lawrence River, draining the Great Lakes and emptying into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence; the Ottawa and the Saguenay rivers, the principal effluents of the Saint Lawrence River; the Saint John River, emptying into the Bay of Fundy. The government type is confederation with parliamentary democracy. The capital of Canada is Ottawa. Canada became independent from the United Kingdom on July, 1867. Legal system is based on the English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system based on the French law prevails. The racial and ethnic makeup of the Canadian people is diversified. About 35 percent of the population is composed of people of the British origin. People of the French origin total about 25 percent of the population. The vast majority of French-speaking Canadians reside in Quebec, where they make up about three-fourths of the population; large numbers also live in Ontario and New Brunswick. French-speaking Canadians maintain their language, culture, and traditions, and the federal government follows the policy of a bilingual and bicultural nation. During the 1970s and 1980s the proportion of Asians among the Canadian population increased, and today those who count their ancestry as wholly Asian make up 8 to 10 percent of the population. More than two-thirds of the Asian immigrants live in Ontario or British Columbia. The remainder of the population is composed of people of various ethnic groups, such as German, Italian, Ukrainian, Netherlands Dutch, Scandinavian, Polish, Hungarian, Greek, and Native American. Blacks have never constituted a major segment of the Canadian population. Indigenous people make up nearly 4 percent of Canada's inhabitants. The largest religious community in Canada is Roman Catholic. Nearly half of Canadians who are Roman Catholic live in Quebec. Of the Protestant denominations in Canada the largest is the United Church of Canada, followed by the Anglican Church of Canada. Other important Protestant groups are the Baptist, Presbyterian and Lutheran. Nearly 2 percent of the population are Orthodox. Muslim and Jewish adherents each number about 1 percent. A substantial number of Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs have been brought to the country in recent years by immigration. Nearly 13 percent of Canadians claim no religion. VOCABULARY: the Arctic Ocean — Северный Ледовитый океан self-governing dominion — доминион под самоуправлением crown — корона notably — весьма, заметно, очень, сильно commerce — коммерция, торговля to vary — изменять(ся), менять(ся); отличаться sparsely — редко, негусто Iroquoian — ирокезский to empty into — зд. впадать the Gulf of Saint Lawrence — залив Святого Лаврентия the Ottawa — река Оттава the Saguenay — река Сагенай confederation — конфедерация to prevail — преобладать, господствовать to diversify — разнообразить; изменять majority — большинство to reside — пребывать, находиться
to increase — возрастать, увеличивать(ся); расти indigenous — аборигенный, местный, туземный Roman Catholic — римско-католический; католик the United Church of Canada — Объединенная Церковь Канады the Anglican Church of Canada — Англиканская Церковь Канады the Baptist — баптисты Presbyterian — пресвитерианин (представитель пресвитерианства — религиозного течения, являющегося разновидностью кальвинизма в англоязычных странах) Lutheran — лютеране Muslim — мусульманин Jewish — иудей adherent — приверженец; сторонник Buddhist — буддист Sikh — сикх (последователи сикхизма, секты в индуизме) to claim — заявлять, утверждать
Tasks
I. Answer the following questions: 1. Where is Canada situated? 2. When did Canada become an independent dominion? 3. What size does Canada have? 4. What is the highest Canadian point? 5. How many people live in Canada? 6. How many people speak English? 7. How many people speak French? 8. How many provinces are there in Canada? 9. Are there indigenous people in Canada? 10. What is the largest religious community in Canada? III. Find the following Russian words in the text: Омывать, обширный, природные ресурсы, сосед, населять, происходить от, приток (реки), состоять из, поддерживать, предки, состав, незначительно, граница, происхождение, двуязычный, отводить воду, субарктический, умеренный (о климате и т. п.), превышать , индус, православный. IV. Translate into English: 1. Канада расположена в северной части Северной Америки . 2. Канада является землей огромных расстояний и богатых природных ресурсов. 3. Канада является второй по величине страной в мире, уступая по размеру только России. 4. Общая площадь территории — приблизительно 10 миллионов кв. км. 5. Самая высокая точка Канады — гора Маунт Логан. 6. На английском языке говорят 60 % населения, на французском языке говорят 23 % населения. 7. Название Канада происходит от ирокезского термина «деревня ». 8. Среди самых больших рек Канады — река Святого Лаврентия, Оттава и Сагенай, река Сейнт Джон (Святой Джон). 9. Столица Канады — Оттава. 10. Согласно административному делению в Канаде есть 10 провинций и 3 территории. 11. Говорящие на французском языке канадцы хранят свой язык, культуру и традиции. 12. Более двух третьих иммигрантов-азиатов живут в Онтарио или Британской Колумбии. V. Sum up the information about a) seas and oceans, which wash Canada; b) national parks; c) the area of Canada; d) mountains; e) rivers; f) lakes. VI. Ask five types of questions to the following sentences: 1. Canada is situated on the north of Northern America 2. The climate of Canada varies from temperate in the south to subarctic and arctic in the north. 3. The capital of Canada is Ottawa. 4. Canada became independent from the United Kingdom on July, 1867. VII. Read and translate the dialogue. Dick: How many levels of government are there in Canada? Mary: There are three levels of government in Canada: federal, provincial and municipal. Each level has specific responsibilities.
Dick: Well, I know that the federal government is responsible for immigration, citizenship, income tax, unemployment, insurance and defence. Mary: That's right. The provincial government is responsible for education, health, labour and social services. Dick: What is the municipal government responsible for? Mary: The municipal government is responsible for such things as water, street lights, parks, local roads and local transportation. VIII. Find the following words and word combinations in the text and dialogue. Translate them into Russian. Vast, actually, area, to border, population, along, to flow into, to connect, waterway, very short especially, humid, maple-tree, leaves, windy, the Commonwealth, to consist, to head, the Senate, the House of Commons, to elect, originally, two official languages, ore, paper-making, agriculture, one should mention, hydro-electric industry, wheat, dairy products, maple leaf, specific responsibilities, citizenship, income tax, unemployment, insurance, defence, health, labour, social services, local roads, is washed by, is concentrated, is appointed, high living standard, represented by, a system of locks, heavy snowfalls. IX. Fill in the blanks. 1.________ developed industry 2._________________________the main agricultural 3.________________high living 4.____________maple 5.___________________is responsible 6._________________represented Parliament 7.______the north 8._________________________is the world's second country 9.______________________ten million square 10._________________thirty million 11._______________the borderthe United States 12.__________________to run parallel 13.____________________________the Mackenzie flows the Rocky Mountains 14._______________________one of the most __ sights in the world 15._____________________from the Atlantic to the central part of Canada 16._______toto35°C 17.____________________________it is often 25-30 °C below 18.__________levels government 16.___________________________________the headthe state 19.___________________________________the leading figure in the political 20.____________is rich mineral resources 21. the _____ of the party 22.___________________multi-national X. Translate into English. 1. Население Канады составляет около 30 миллионов человек. 2. На севере Канада омывается Северным Ледовитым океаном. 3. На юге и северо-западе Канада граничит с Соединёнными Штатами Америки. 4. Скалистые горы находятся на западе. 5. Река Св. Лаврентия впадает в Атлантический океан. 6. Ниагарский водопад, одно из красивейших мест на земном шаре, расположен на реке Ниагаре. 7. В Канаде континентальный климат. 8. Летом в Онтарио температура может подняться до 35°С. 9. Канада - член Содружества Наций. 10. Главой государство в Канаде является королева или король Великобритании. 11. Члены Палаты общин избираются на пять лет. 12. Канада богата полезными ископаемыми, такими как нефть, газ и руда. 13. Символом Канады является кленовый лист. XI. Read the text and the dialogue once again and speak about Canada.
3.2 Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada. It is situated in the south-east of the province of Ontario. It stands on the bank of the Ottawa River. Ottawa is not big. The population of the capital is about three hundred thousand people. It is a very beautiful and green city. There are lots of parks, gardens, and even two farms in it. There is an experimental farm with a field not far from the downtown area, and a cattle farm in the Museum of Agriculture. In spring, which is rather short there, the trees are in blossom. One can see them everywhere. Not far from the Museum of Agriculture there is an alley of lilac. The colour of the flowers varies from white and pale lilac to a very dark shade. In May and June the citizens of Ottawa hold a tulip festival. They plant tulips in the form of ornaments. Each year the Queen of Netherlands sends thousands of tulip bulbs to Ottawa as a present, and in memory of her stay in Canada during the Second World War, when she was a small girl. Shows and concerts are organized during the tulip festival. The landscape of Ottawa, the banks of the rivers are very picturesque. There are lots of falls in the city. In winter the citizens of the capital skate and toboggan on the Ottawa River. The Rideau River flows into the Ottawa River. Ducks with ducklings swim there in spring. In the evening you can see nocturnal animals like raccoons and skunks. They often go for a walk with their little ones. The Rideau River is not navigable because of the numerous rapids. That is why there was built a canal at the beginning of the 19th century. The Rideau Canal is a chain of beautiful lakes, rivers and locks. It connects Lake Ontario with Canada's capital city. The museums of Ottawa are very interesting. In the Museum of Agriculture one can see cows, sheep, pigs and poultry. The Canadian Museum of Nature holds a large collection of plants, insects, birds and mammals. In front of the museum there are sculptures of mammoths. The Currency Museum contains an amazing collection of money and things used as money at different periods of time. The Royal Canadian Mint is the oldest and one of the largest mints in the Western Hemisphere. It has been producing coins in Ottawa since 1908. The Mint also produces commemorative coins. An exhibition of all kinds of coins is on the first floor. The National Gallery of Canada is situated in a beautiful modern building. Its walls are made of glass. It is the country's best art museum. European and national art collections contain a lot of masterpieces. At the National Aviation Museum you can explore the principles of aerodynamics. The plane will also take you on its board for a one-hour flight over Ottawa and the surrounding area. There are no theatres in Ottawa. Concerts, music competitions and performances are held in the National Art Center. In the downtown area of Ottawa one can see a big building that looks like a castle. It is the best hotel - the Chateau Laurier. The Queen of Great Britain stays there when she comes to Ottawa. There is a dancing hall with live music and a restaurant on the ground floor. Anyone can go there and spend an enjoyable evening. The Parliament Buildings are situated on a hill above the Ottawa River. The Center Block of Parliament with its famous Peace Tower is familiar to the Canadians and people around the world. The House of Commons, the Senate and the Library of Parliament are situated there. The Peace Tower rises above the Parliament Buildings. It was built to commemorate the end of the First World War. There is an observation deck at the top of the Tower. One can enjoy a splendid view of Ottawa and its surroundings from it. There are two universities in Ottawa. In the downtown area one can see skyscrapers. Banks and offices are situated there. People live in manor houses and blocks of apartments outside downtown. The only means of public transportation in Ottawa is the bus.
Tasks
I.Read and translate the dialogue. Act it out.
Alex:
You know, Clara, yesterday I was in the Currency Museum. It's just great.
Clara:
Really? What did you see there?
Alex:
Various things used as money at different periods of time.
Clara:
What things?
Alex:
Well, there are shells, glass beads, fish-hooks, teeth of animals, grain, cattle, cocoa beans, paper and metal.
Clara:
How interesting!

Alex:
Yes. Even playing cards were used as money in New France in the 18th century.
Clara:
Oh, I'd like to go there. Where is the museum? What's the admission fee?
Alex:
It's in Sparks Street. The admission is free.
Clara:
Thanks a lot.
Alex:
You’re welcome. II. Fill in the blanks. 1._______in south-east 2.____________the of Ontario 3.___________________it stands on the of the Ottawa River 4._______________________a very beautiful and city 5.___________________the trees are in 6. the citizens of Ottawa hold a _____ festival 7. thousands of tulip _______ 8.__________flowsthe Ottawa River 9._______is navigable 10. In front of the museum there are sculptures of 11._______________things used money 12.__________________at different of time 13._____________________It has been coins in Ottawa since 1908 14.___________________commemorative 15.________________Its walls are of glass 16._____________There are theatres in Ottawa 17._________________on the ground 18.________the Tower 19._________rises the Parliament Buildings 20.__________a view 21._______________________________was built to commemorate the of the First World War 22.________________________What's the admission ? 23. The________ is free III. Translate into English. 1. Оттава стоит на берегу реки Оттавы. 2. Недалеко от центральной части находится экспериментальная ферма. 3. В мае и июне жители Оттавы проводят фестиваль тюльпанов. 4. Ландшафт Оттавы очень живописный. 5. На реке Ридо есть пороги и водопады. 6. Национальная галерея Канады хранит удивительную коллекцию шедевров. 7. Ночью еноты и скунсы выходят на прогулку со своими малышами. 8. Королевский канадский монетный двор выпускает монеты с 1908 года. 9. Здание Парламента находится на холме. 10. Единственным видом общественного транспорта в Оттаве является автобус. IV.Answer the questions. 1. What is the capital of Canada? Where is it situated? 1. What is the population of Ottawa? 2. What is there not far from the downtown area? 3. What is there not far from the Museum of Agriculture? 4. When do the citizens of Ottawa hold a tulip festival? 5. Who sends tulip bulbs to Ottawa each year? Why? 6. What do the citizens of the capital do on the Ottawa River in winter? 7. What animals can you see in Ottawa in the I evening? 8. Why is the Rideau River not navigable? 10. What do you know about the Rideau Canal? 11. What can one see in the Museum of Agriculture? 12. What is there in front of the Canadian Museum of Nature? 13. What does the Currency Museum contain? 14. What exhibition is situated on the first floor of the Royal Canadian Mint? 15. What can one see in the National Gallery of Canada? 16. What can you do at the National Aviation I Museum? 17. Are there theatres in Ottawa?
18 Where are concerts, music competitions and performances held? 19. What building looks like a castle? 20. Who stays there? 21. What is situated on a hill above the Ottawa River? 22. Where are the House of Commons, the Senate and the Library of Parliament situated ? 23. Why was the Peace Tower built? 24. How many universities are there in Ottawa? 25. Are there sky-scrapers in Ottawa? 26. Where do the citizens of Ottawa live? 27. What is the only means of public transportation in Ottawa?
3.3 Aboriginal Peoples
These now number about 330,000 Native Indians and .27,000 Inuit, roughly a third more than when Europeans first arrived. There are also approximately 400,000 fedetis, the name used to denote those of mixed aboriginal and European blood. All together the three groups make up about 4% of Canada's total population. The majority are found in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Ontario but every province has some aboriginal communities. Inuit is the general name for the Eskimo peoples in Can ada. This is their preferred name, as it distinguishes them from the Eskimo of Asia or the Aleuts of the Aleutian Islands. Collectively the Indians, Inuit and Metis are also called Native Canadians. Another term which has gained currency is 'First Nations' which recognises the one-time independent status of individual aboriginal groups. Since the early pioneering days the Native Indians' lot has been marked by sadness and tragedy. At first their numbers dropped dramatically with the influx of European diseases. Then they lost not only their power and traditions but also their land and eventually, in many cases, their self-respect. There are about 2250 reserves scattered across Canada and 600 government registered Native Indian 'bands' which has become a political and organisational term. Every Na tive Indian is officially affiliated with a band. Some bands can own more than one reserve. About 72% of Native Indians now live on these government reserves, most in poverty and on some form of government assistance. In the cities, with little education and few modern skills, many end up on the streets without a job or a place to live. Infant mortality, life expectancy, literacy, income and incarceration rates all compare unfavourably with those of other Canadians. Native Indian leaders have, since the early 1980s, become more political, making stands on constitutional matters, land claims and mineral rights. A range of national organisations such as the Assembly of First Nations keep Native Indian interests from being pushed aside. It is through these channels, however slow-moving, that the Native Indian voice will make the changes they feel necessary. Most Canadians now feel the aboriginal peoples have had a raw deal and sympathise with many of their complaints. This, however, has not so far resulted in the introduction of many concrete attempts to improve the situation. Increasingly, ugly, highly-publicised and potentially deadly confrontations have arisen across the country. Each summer Native Indian road-blocks and armed camps have erupted and disrupted the status quo. Accordingly, both provincial and federal governments are finding it less and less possible to ignore the state of affairs, and many issues regarding Native Indian rights and claims are currently be fore the courts. Among the many issues to be dealt with is some form of self-government for aboriginal peoples. Native Indian schools to provide control over religious and language instruction and a Native Indian justice system are being discussed and slowly implemented on a district by district basis. Fishing and hunting rights and taxation are other debated subjects. Native Indians have also become more active in revitalisation movements which encourage original spirituality, culture, language and a respect for their history. Celebratory powwows, to which non-Native Indians are welcome, are now a regular cultural occurrence.
Note
In North America, Indians from the Asian subcontinent are often called East Indians to distinguish them from the indigenous peoples. People from the Caribbean countries are sometimes referred to as West Indians.
Tasks
I.Write out all unknown words and translate them. II. Use the dictionary to translate the text, then sum up all information and prepare a short report about aboriginal peoples in Canada.
3.4Supplementary texts for reading


Canada's Main Cities
Canada's people are city dwellers and most of the cities are close to the southern border. About one third of the population in the three large cities of Toronto (4.3 million people), Montreal (3.3 million people) and Vancouver(1.6 million people). Other most important Canadian cities are Ottawa-Hull, the National Capital Region (1.6 million people) and Edmonton (less than a million people). Ottawa, Ontario, the centre of the Ottawa-Hull metropolitan area is the national capital and an emerging centre of high-technology research. It sits at the junction of the Gatineau, Rideau and Ottawa rivers. Its population is over 302,000 people. It was founded in 1826-1832 as Bytown and was renamed in 1854 after the Outaouac Indians. Ottawa is the bilingual, bicultural national capital. It is the site of Ottawa University, with classes in English and French. Ottawa's features include the .National Museum of Science and Technology, National Art Gallery, Observatory, Redeau Hall (the Governor-General's residence); the National Arts Centre 1969(with an orchestra and English/French theatre) and the Canadian War Museum. Ottawa is a picturesque federal capital. The Parliament sits in the three beautiful parliament buildings on Parliament Hill. In 1916 the Peace Tower was added to the main buildings. It is a memorial for the Canadians who lost their lives on military duty World War I and World War II. People can watch Change of the Guard by guards in scarlet tunics and bearskin busbies on a summer day. There is also the National Peacekeeping Monument there, the world's only monument to honour peacekeepers. A "surged grove" of 12 oak trees is intended to remind visitors of the peacekeepers from 10 provinces and 2 territories who served during the past 40 years. One of Ottawa's prominent features is Rideau Canal. In Mау the parkways beside the canal bloom with tulips: in summer, they are thronged with cyclists, joggers, and picnickers: in winter, the canal turns into the "World's Longest Ice Scatting Rink". It becomes the centre of Waterslide, 10-day winter carnival with sporting activities, entertainment, fireworks and ice sculptures. Quebec is the capital of the province Quebec with a population of about 700.000 people. It is an old French walled city on the St.Lawrence River. The centre of the city has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Like Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia, Montreal and Toronto have been rivals for many years. Montreal, Quebec, is a major manufacturing and commercial centre, the world's largest French-speaking city outside France. The four universities and numerous colleges make it a major academic centre as well. It is the chief seaport in Canada, industrial and financial centre. The city sits on an island in the middle of which is Mont Royal, a 233-metre high extinct volcano. Toronto is the capital of the province Ontario and the second largest city in Canada. It is the country's leading financial and manufacturing centre and one of the most ethnically varied cities in the world: its local government provides services in 70 languages. The CN Tower in Toronto is the world's freestanding structure at 533 metres. In Ontario there are many significant cities. Hamilton with a population of over 600.000 is a steel and industrial centre. It is an agricultural market. It has a fine harbour. McMaster University, one of the best universities in Canada is located here. London (400.000 people) houses the University of Western Ontario. Windsor is an automobile centre and a busy point of entry from the USA. Vancouver, British Columbia, (over 1.8 million people) is a beautiful, rapidly growing commercial, transportation, and forest-products manufacturing centre. Vancouver is Canada's chief Pacific port and it has a considerable Chinese population and a Chinatown. Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is a petroleum and farming centre, gateway to the North. University of Alberta is situated here. Edmonton is the site of the West Edmonton Mall, one of the world's largest indoor malls. Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, is a major wheat and live stock market, railroad centre. Halifax in Nova Scotia is a seaport and commercial centre of the Atlantic region. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a fish and lumber centre. Questions. 1. Where are the most Canadian cities situated? 2. Name the most developed industrial city. 3. What specific traits does Ottawa have? 4. What province is French by origin? 5. Explain why Toronto and Montreal have been rivals for many years? 6. What other cities of Canada can you remember? Characterize them.
Part IV

4.1Australia
When we hear the word Australia, we imagine boomerang, kangaroo, crocodiles, snakes, etc.
Australia is a vast sub-continental land. It is today an independent member of the Commonwealth, self-governing since January 1, 1901. There are 6 states and an island Tasmania: New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. The capital of the country is Canberra. The biggest city of Australia is Sydney. It is located in the state of New South Wales. It's the best-known place in Australia. But New South Wales has more than cities. There are, for example, the Blue Mountains. They are covered with forests of blue colored eucalyptus trees. The air above the forest contains millions of microscopic drops of eucalyptus oil. When the sun shines, the air of the Blue Mountains is a real, beautiful blue colour. South Australia is the driest of all the states. The only big river in this place is the Murray River. In the early of the Australian history, the Murray River was South Australia's main road. Before real roads and railways came, the river carried people and goods from the east up into the country. Some towns on the Murray still keep the old riverboats, and visitors can ride them. Tasmania is an island in south part of Australia. It is not big. It's the same size as England. It also differs from the other Australian states. There are no deserts in Tasmania. It often rains, both in winter and summer. Only a half of million people live in Tasmania, and a large part of the island is still covered with wild, beautiful wild forests. These forests are full of wonderful flowers and interesting animals. Once upon a time, there was living a nation of Tasmanian people. They spoke their own language, had own culture. In a few decades after arrival of white people, they disappeared as a nation. Talking about the history of Australia, I should add that Australia as a whole has always been within the British sphere of influence. Firstly, it was the big colony for prisoners. It is a ridiculous fact but it is true. Later, it became an ordinary south country. Every year, thousands of tourists visit Ayers Rock that is located in the Northern Territory and a strange group of huge red stones, which are holy to the aboriginals. VOCABULARY: boomerang — бумеранг kangaroo — кенгуру vast — обширный Commonwealth — содружество наций to be covered with — быть покрытым чем-либо eucalyptus — эвкалипт real roads — наземные дороги to differ from — отличаться от чего-либо desert — пустыня once upon a time — однажды decade — десятилетие to disappear — исчезнуть influence — влияние prisoner — заключенный ridiculous — смехотворный, смешной
Tasks
I.Answer the questions: 1. What do we imagine when we hear the word Australia? 2. What parts does Australia consist of? 3. What is the capital of the country? 4. Where is Sydney located? 5. What are the Blue Mountains covered with? 6. What is the Murray River known for? 7. Where is Tasmania situated? 8. What is the climate in Tasmania? 9. How many people live in Tasmania? 10. What is a large part of the island still covered with? 11. Why did Tasmanian people disappear as a nation? 12. Who were sent to Australia until it became an ordinary south country? 13. What places do thousands of tourists visit every year? II. Translate into English: 1. Австралия — это обширный субконтинент. 2. Самый большой город Австралии, расположен в штате Новый Южный Уэльс — Сидней. 3. Голубые горы покрыты лесами голубоватого эвкалипта.
4. Когда светит солнце, воздух Голубых гор действительно кажется прекрасного голубоватого цвета. 5. Hа реке Мюррей все еще есть старые речные суда, и посетители могут покататься на них. 6. На Тасмании живет только полмиллиона человек, большая часть острова все еще покрыта дикими, красивыми лесами. 7. Говоря об истории Австралии, следует отметить, что Австралия в целом всегда находилась в сфере британского влияния. 8. Официальное название страны - Австралийский Союз. 9. Австралия расположена к югу от Индонезии. 10. В Австралийской пустыне можно встретить солёные озёра и крики. 11. Ландшафт Австралии довольно плоский. 12. Самые высокие горы - Австралийские Альпы на юге. 13. Австралийский Союз - самоуправляющееся федеральное государство. 14. Главой Австралийского Союза является королева Великобритании. 15. Европейцы открыли Австралию намного позже, чем Америку. 16. Австралийские фермеры разводят много овец. 17. Они также выращивают пшеницу, овощи и фрукты. 18. Кенгуру и страус эму не встречаются ни одной другой части света. Они являются символами Австралии. III. Read and translate the dialogue. Tell about the government of Australia.
Dick:
What is the federal government of Australia responsible for?
Mary;
Well, it looks after the army, post and telegraph.
Pete:
Well, I know that the federal government is also responsible for immigration, citizenship, and relations with other countries.
Mary:
That's right.
Dick:
What does the state government run?
Mary:
The state government runs such things as education, health, and social services.
Pete:
It is also responsible for roads and railway.
Dick:
Thank you very much. IV. Read the sentences and translate them into Russian.
1. the official name - официальное название
 The official name of the country is the Commonwealth of Australia.  The official name of America is the United States of America.  The official name of Great Britain is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
2. to the south of - к югу от
 Australia lies to the south of Indonesia.  New Zealand lies to the south-east of Australia.  Finland lies to the east of Sweden.
3. a desert - пустыня
 The middle of the continent is a vast desert.  In the Australian desert one can find salt lakes and creeks.  The Sahara is a vast desert.
4.the landscape - ландшафт
 The landscape of Australia is rather flat.  The landscape of Andorra is mountainous.  The landscape is a desert.
5.the highest mountains
-
самые высокие горы
 The highest mountains are the Australian Alps the south.  Everest is the highest mountain in the world.  Kilimanjaro is one of the highest mountains.

6. a state

- государство, штат
 The Commonwealth of Australia is a self-governing federal state.  The Commonwealth of Australia consists of six states and two internal territories.  Queensland is one of the Australian states.
7. the head of the state -

глава государства
 The head of the Co mmonwealth of Australia is the q ueen of Great Britain.  The head of Canada is the Queen of Great Britain.  The Governor-General represents the head of the state.
8. to discover
-
открыть новую землю
 The Europeans discovered Australia much later than America.  The Dutch discovered Australia. James Cook discovered the east coast of Australia.
9.They are not found in any other part of the world - Они не встречаются ни в одной другой

части света
 The animals that live in Australia are very interesting. They are not found in any other part of the world.  The kangaroo is not found in any other part of the world.  The emu is not found in any other part of the world.
4.2 Canberra
Canberra is the federal capital of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is situated on the Molongo River, in the Australian Capital Territory. The population is about 300,000 people. In 1824 a small settlement of stockmen was formed on the Molongo River. It was called Canberra, which means a meeting place in the language of the Aborigines. The settlement grew into a town. The government of Australia chose it for the new capital in 1909. The Australian Capital Territory was formed around it. In 1911 it was decided to hold a competition. The aim of the competition was to find a design for the new federal capital city. Architects all over the world took part in it. Walter Burley Griffin, an architect from the USA, won the competition. His plan was the best. In fact, Canberra became the capital of Australia only in 1927. There was an official ceremony, and the federal Parliament moved from Melbourne to the new capital. Canberra is situated on a plain at the foot of the Australian Alps. The climate is rather mild there. Summer is warm and winter is cool. There is less rainfall there. Canberra than in the surrounding mountains. In 1963 a dam was built across the Molongo River. The dam formed a lake. It is called Lake Burley Griffin, in memory O f the architect who had built the new capital. The city is growing and changing. The people live mainly in satellite towns. The growth of the city is controlled by a special commission. Canberra is the seat of the federal parliament and the High Court of Australia. The Australian National University was founded in 1936. It is also situated in the capital. There are schools and a number of colleges of technical and further education. One can see a lot of places of interest in Canberra. It is famous for its Observatory and the Australian National War Memorial, the National Library of Australia and the Church of Saint John the Baptist. Scientific and Industrial Research Organization and the Australian Defence Force Academy are situated in Canberra. There are no big industrial plants or factories in the capital. Light industry and tourism are developed there.
Tasks
I.Answer the questions. 1. What is the federal capital of the Commonwealth of Australia? 1. Where is it situated? 2. What is the population of Canberra? 3. What was formed on the Molongo River in 1824? 1. What does the word stockman mean? 4. What was the new settlement called? What does it mean? 5. When did the government of Australia choose Canberra for the new capital? 6. What was formed around it? 7. What was decided to do in 1911?
10. What was the aim of the competition? 11. Who took part in the competition? 12. Who won the competition? 13. When did Canberra become the official capital of Australia? 14. Did the federal Parliament move to the new capital from Sydney? 15. Is Canberra situated in the Australian Alps? 16. What do you know about the climate of Canberra? 17. What was built across the Molongo River in 1963? 18. What did the dam form? 19. What was it called? Why? 20. Where do the people live? 21. Canberra is the seat of the federal Parliament and the High Court of Australia, isn't it? 22. When was the Australian National University founded? Where is it situated? 23. What colleges are there in Canberra? 24. What places of interest can one see in Canberra? 25. Are there big industrial plants and factories in Canberra? 26. What is developed in Canberra? II. Translate into English. 1. В результате строительства плотины образовалось озеро. 2. Канберра - федеральная столица Австралийского Союза. 3. Было решено провести конкурс. 4. Правительство устроило конкурс на лучший проект застройки. 5. Он принял участие в конкурсе и победил. 6. Канберра расположена у подножия Австралийских Альп. 7. Климат Канберры довольно мягкий. 8. Канберра была основана в 1824 г. 9. В Канберре находится Верховный Суд Австралии. 10. Столица Австралии известна своей обсерваторией. III. Read the dialogue and then act it out.
Kate:
Do you know the history of Canberra?
Helen:
Just a little.
Kate:
When was it founded?
Helen:
It was founded in 1824, when a small settlement of stockmen was formed on the Molongo River.
Kate:
What does the word stockman mean?
Helen:
A stockman is a worker on a cattle farm. The word is often used in Australia.
Kate:
Does the word Canberra mean anything?
Helen:
Oh yes. It means a meeting place in the language of the Aborigines.
Kate:
When did Canberra become the capital of the country?
Helen:
The government of Australia chose it for the new capital in 1909. In fact Canberra became the capital of Australia only in 1927.
Kate:
Why?
Helen:
It was necessary to find a design for the new federal capital. That is why they held a com - petition. Burley Griffin, an architect from the USA, won it. His project was the best.
Kate:
I see. Thank you very much. IV. Read the text and the dialogue once again . Tell what you knew about the history of Canberra and its sights.
4.3 Supplementary texts for reading

THE COMMONWEALTH

OF AUSTRALIA
The Commonwealth of Australia is a self-governing federal country, divided into six states: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and two internal territories. It is situated in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. The total area of the country contains 7 000 000 square kilometers. Australia is the smallest continent, it is often called subcontinent. The Dutch were the first Europeans to visit Australia. In 1770, the English captain James Cook discovered the East Coast of Australia. Today about 20 million people live in Australia. The capital of the country is Canberra, this city became capital in 1927. Federal government works in Canberra. There are no industrial plants in the city.
The population of Canberra is about 300 000 people. There we can find the buildings of Australian academy of Science, the Australian National University and others. The biggest industrial cities of Australia are Sydney and Melbourne. Australian climate is dry and warm, even hot. Australia is situated in the Southern Hemisphere and that is why it has summer when we have winter and vice versa. January is the hottest month in Australia. Australia is separated from other countries. The animals in Australia have developed differently. They are called marsupial. They are interesting. You can see the dingo, wild dog which kills other animals at night, the kangaroo and many parrots there. There are many lakes in the country, although this country is called the country of deserts. There are many deserts in central and western part of the continent. Australia is an industrial country. They extract there coal, nickel, zinc and gold. Australia is one of the most important producers of metals and minerals. It exports wool production, meat, fruit and sugar. Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are the biggest cities and ports of the country. VOCABULARY: commonwealth — содружество, федерация self-governing — самоуправляемая the Dutch — датчане to discover — открывать, делать открытие industrial plants — промышленные предприятия the Southern Hemisphere — Южное Полушарие vice versa — лат. парен, наоборот; обратно, противоположно to separate — отделять, разделять; разъединять to develop — развивать marsupial — сумчатое животное; сумчатый dingo — зоол. динго kangaroo — кенгуру parrot — попугай desert — пустыня to extract — добывать, извлекать coal — уголь nickel — никель QUESTIONS: 1. How many states are there in the Commonwealth of Australia? 2. Where is Australia located? 3. What is the total area of the country? 4. How is Australia often called? 5. Who were the first Europeans to visit Australia? 6. How many people live in Australia today? 7. What is the capital of the state? 8. What is the population of Canberra? 9. What are the biggest cities of Australia? 10. What climate does Australia have? 11. What is the hottest month in Australia? 12. How are the animals of Australia called?
STATES OF AUSTRALIA
New South Wales 802,000 sq km Victoria 228,000 sq km Queensland 1,727,000 sq km South Australia 984,000 sq km Northern Territory 1,346,000 sq km Western Australia 2,526,000 sq km Tasmania 68,000 sq km Australian Capital Territory 2,400 sq km The Northern Territory, appropriately situated in the north, is a tropical area that runs into desert in the south. The State is very sparsely populated, and is mainly made up of wilderness areas and stations (huge farms). In the extreme north lies the biggest city, Darwin. It is not a big city by Australian standards, but Darwin is the main gateway to this vast state, and is also the closest city to Asia. The other main city is
Alice Springs. This city lies in the heart of the Australian Outback, and is the departure point to Ayers Rock and the Olgas. Queensland is situated in the north-eastern corner of Australia, and lies in the tropical and subtropical climatic zones. The largest city is Brisbane which has a population of 1.2 million people. South of Brisbane lies the famous Gold Coast, another major populated area. The eastern coastline of this state contains the best beaches in Australia. Queensland also contains areas of rainforest, including the world's oldest rainforest, at Dain-tree and Cape Tribulation National Parks. Inland Queensland consists of large tracts of desert. The most impressive geographical feature in Queensland is the Great Barrier Reef which is the world's largest reef and also the world’s largest structure made from living organisms. It is just over 2,000 km in length. This area contains hundreds of tropical islands and is one of the best diving areas on Earth. New South Wales to the south of Queensland is situated in the Subtropical to Temperate climatic Zones. This state is Australia's most populated, and is also home to the biggest city in Australia. That city is Sydney and is considered by many to be the most beautiful big city in the world. The New South Wales coastline is blessed with many superb beaches, and contains many famous surf breaks such as Byron Bay. There are also many gorges and canyonswithin the Great Dividing Range to the west to explore. Eucalypti forests are abundant, but there are also pockets of temperate and subtropical rain forests within the Eucalypti Forests. Further to the south again and within the State of New South Wales, lies the Australian Capital Ter- ritory, which is home to the nation's capital city Canberra. Canberra was planned before the first stone was laid, and was chosen as the site of the new capital city as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, who both competed for this title. Across the New South Wales border lies the state of Victoria. Victoria is the smallest mainland state in Australia, but has the highest density of population. Australia’s second largest city Melbourne is located near the south coast of the state. Melbourne is quit different from other Australian cities, as many parts of the city look like they belong to Europe rather than Australia. In fact Melbourne has the world's largest Greek population outside of Athens, and a very large Italian population. Melbourne doesn't have an abundance of beaches close to the city like Sydney or Perth, but St Kildas beach is worth a visit, and within a few hours you can also visit some spectacular coastline to the west toward the Great Ocean Road, and also to the east there are some secluded beaches. Inland Victoria is mainly parched farmland. Much of this land is irrigated, and supports a large fruit growing industry. Northern Victoria runs into the Australian Alps, an area that is ideal for skiing in the winter. The Australian Alps or Snowy Mountains as they are commonly known, are part of the Great Dividing Range. If you continue west from Victoria you will eventually cross the border into South Australia. South Australia is bordered by the Southern Ocean and all the other mainland states. South Australia is sometimes referred to as the driest state in the driest continent on earth. This is true as there are vast tracts of desert, but the southern tip of the state has a Mediterranean climate and receives enough rainfall to support a reasonably large population. It is precisely here that you will find Adelaide the capital city of South Australia. To the south of Adelaide lies the Barrossa Valley which is a famous wine producing region. Further to the north lies the scenic Flinders Ranges. Toward the west of South Australia lies Western Australia. This state covers one third of the continent and is approximately five times the size of Texas. Yet there are only аbout 1.4 million people here. This makes Western Australia the most sparsely populated of all states especially when you consider that over 1 million people live in the sate's capital city, Perth. Perth is the world's most isolated city and you would need to travel east through thousands of kilometres of desert to reach Adelaide or Darwin. Western Australia is still very much a frontier state, yet Perth is a very modem and well-organised city, and considered by some to be the most beautiful city in Australia. There is no doubting that Perth is a well-organised and clean city, with beautiful parks and beaches to enjoy. Perth is also Australian’s sunniest city. The only State in Australia that is not found on the mainland is the island state of Tasmania. Tasmania is south of Victoria, and sits on the same latitude as central New Zealand. The State is roughly the size of Ireland, or Sri Lanka, and is one of the most mountainous islands on earth. Tasmania’s climate is temperate and the island is covered in wildness. In fact about one quarter of Tasmania is protected wildness.
Part V

5.1 NEW ZEALAND

The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907. It supported the UK militarily in both World Wars. New Zealand is a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia. The total territory of New Zealand is 268,680 square kilometers. Its climate is temperate with sharp regional contrasts. The landscape of the country is mountainous with some large coastal plains. The highest point is Mount Cook 3,764 meters. Natural resources are natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, gold, limestone. The population of New Zealand is about 3,910,000. About 80% of the population lives in cities . English, Maori are both official state languages of the country. Talking about natural hazards, I should notice that earthquakes are common, though usually not severe and there is a volcanic activity in New Zealand. Independence Day is celebrated on September, 26. Government type is parliamentary democracy. Administrative divisions is the following: 93 counties, 9 districts, and 3 town districts. Legal system is based on the English law, with special land legislation and land courts for Maoris. Since 6 February 1952 the chief of the state is Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright since 4 April 2001. Since 10 December 1999, the Head of the government is Prime Minister Helen Clark and Deputy Prime Minister James Anderton. Since 1984 the government has accomplished major economic restructuring, transforming New Zealand from an agrarian economy to a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. New Zealand is heavily dependent on trade — particularly in agricultural products. The main industries are mining, food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment. New Zealand's currency is New Zealand dollar. New Zealand is the name of the country that has volcanoes, mountains, tropical forests and rivers of ice. New Zealand is an insular country. It is made up of two big islands: the North and South Islands and many small islands around. The aborigines of New Zealand are the Maoris. They call New Zealand the Land of the Long White Cloud. The Maoris are one of the Polynesian nations, who made their great journey to New Zealand from Indonesia and the South Pacific in the middle of the 14th century. They sailed in double canoes, open to all weathers. They knew the winds, the ocean flows and the star navigation that is why they reached this land, later called New Zealand and we can call them the Vikings of the Sunrise. Most population of New Zealand lives on the North Island. Here you can also find big volcanoes like Egmont and Tongariro, geysers and lakes of bubbling mud. The biggest cities of New Zealand are Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. Wellington is the present capital of New Zealand since 1865, and one of its busiest ports, located at the southern end of North Island, lying among hills on the western side of a natural harbour. It is the third largest city of New Zealand. Auckland or former capital of New Zealand is the largest city of the state. Christchurch is the second largest city. South Island is larger than North Island. There are the highest mountains in this part of the country. There you can find the snowcapped Southern Alps, rising 3 764 meters to the tip of Mount Cook (named after Captain Cook, who visited the islands before sailing westwards and discovering the eastern coast of Australia). South Island is very beautiful with its mountains, called Alps, lakes, glaciers and fiords. Here you can see the Sunderland Falls, where water drops from the height of six hundred meters, making these falls one of the highest waterfalls in the world. The climate is mild at all seasons. There is no much difference of temperature between winter and summer. Notwithstanding New Zealand is close to Australia, New Zealand does not have such terrible heat of Australian summers, because the ocean tempers its climate. North Island is where you can find the Maoris, fine people who had lived on these islands hundreds of years before the white man came. Most of them live near Auckland. The first colonist or settler appeared on the present territory of Wellington in 1840. They called their settlement Britannia. By the year 1842, there were 3 700 colonists in the settlement of Britannia and later it was renamed into Wellington. VOCABULARY: to support — поддерживать
temperate — умеренный landscape — ландшафт, пейзаж coastal plain — прибрежная равнина iron ore — железная руда timber — древесина limestone — известняк hazard — стихийное бедствие earthquake — землетрясение severe — суровый, сильный legislation — законодательство chief of state — глава государства to accomplish — выполнять to transform — превращать, преобразовывать to be dependent on — зависеть mining — добыча полезных ископаемых food processing — пищевая промышленность currency — валюта volcano — вулкан to make (past made, p.p. made) up — составлять aborigine — туземец, абориген, представитель коренного населения Polynesian — полинезийский Indonesia — Индонезия to sail — плавать, совершать плавание double canoe — двойное каноэ to reach — достичь the Vikings of the Sunrise — викинги страны Восходящего Солнца bubbling mud — булькающая грязь fiord — фьорд drop — капля mild — умеренный (о погоде, климате и т. п.) notwithstanding — тем не менее, однако, все же settler — поселенец settlement — поселение, селение, небольшой городишко
Tasks
I. Answer the questions: 1. When did the British colony of New Zealand become an independent dominion? 2. What does New Zealand consist of? 3. What is the total territory of the country? 4. What is the climate like in New Zealand? 5. What is the predominate landscape of the country? 6. What is the population of New Zealand? 7. When do people celebrate Independence Day in New Zealand? 8. What is the government type of the country? 9. What is the legal system based on? 10. Who is considered to be the chief of the state since 6 February 1952? 11. How did economic restructuring influence New Zealand's economy? 12. What is New Zealand heavily dependent on? 13. What are the main industries of the state? 14. What is New Zealand's currency? 15. Is New Zealand a peninsular country? 16. Who are considered to be native people of New Zealand? 17. What is another name for New Zealand used by the Maori? 18. When did the Maoris appear on the islands? 19. What are the biggest cities of New Zealand? 20. What is the capital of the country? 21. What is the highest mountain of the country? 22. Who discovered New Zealand? 23. Where can you see high waterfalls, mountains, called Alps, lakes, glaciers and fiords?
24. What is the climate of New Zealand? 25. Is the climate of New Zealand as hot as that of Australia? II. Decide whether the following statements are true or false; correct those that are wrong: 1. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 18 07 . 2. The landscape of the country is mountainous with some large coastal plains. 3. New Zealand is an island in the South Atlantic Ocean . 4. The climate is mild at all seasons. 5. The highest point is Mount Logan 3,764 meters. 6. About 8 % of the population lives in cities . 7. Government type is parliamentary monarchy . 8. T he chief of the state is the president. 9. New Zealand's currency is New Zealand dollar. 10. The biggest cities of New Zealand are Auckland, Chicago, Christchurch and Wellington. 11. New Zealand is the name of the country that has volcanoes, mountains, tropical forests and rivers of ice. III. Translate into English: 1. Новая Зеландия — эт о группа островов в южной части Тихого океана . Английский язык и язык маори являются официальными государственными языками страны. 2. Землетрясения в Новой Зеландии являются обычным явлением, хотя обычно они не представляют большой опасности. 3. П равительство страны провело большую экономическую перестройку по превращению Новой Зеландии из аграрной страны в промышленно развитую, со свободной рыночной экономикой . 4. Новая Зеландия — название страны, в которой есть вулканы, горы, тропические леса и реки со льдом. 5.Большинство населения Новой Зеландии живет на Северном острове. 6. Остров Южный очень красив своими горами, названными Альпами, озерами, ледниками и фьордами. 7. Несмотря на то что Новая Зеландия находится близко к Австралии, у нее нет такой ужасно высокой температуры летом, какая бывает в Австралии, из-за того что океан смягчает ее климат. IV.Make up sentences using the following expressions: Temperate , landscape , hazard, earthquake , severe , chief of state , mining currency, volcano, to make , mild , notwithstanding , settlement V. Arrange micro-dialogues on the following topics: 1. The diversity of physical environment. 2. The diversity of climate. 3. Population and language. 4. Government. Список литературы 1. Бережная О.А. 300 современных тем по английскому языку. Ростов н/Д.:Феникс; Донецк: Кредо,2007. 416 с. 2. Голицинский Ю.Б. Соединенные Штаты Америки: Пособие по страноведению. СПб.: Каро,2006. 448 с. 3. Зайцева О.А., Меликян А.А. Овладейте настоящим английским: учебное пособие. М.: АСТ: Восток-Запад, 2006. 256 с. 4. Сатинова В.Ф. Читаем и говорим о Британии и британцах. 5-е изд. Мн.: Высш. шк., 2000. 255 с. 5. Хведченя Л.В., Хорень Р.В. Английский язык. 19-е изд. Мн.: Соврем. шк., 2006. 463 с.