Canada, Australia, New Zealand

 

Canada is located in North America. It is the second largest country in the world, but the population of the country is only about 30 million people. Most of the population is concentrated along the southern bor­der, in the cities such as Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.

Canada is an independent country, though formally Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom, is recognized as Head of State. The country consists of two territories and ten provinces. There are two official languages in Canada — English, which is the language of about 60% of the population, and French. The majority of French-speaking population is concentrated in the province of Quebec.

The country is mainly agricultural. It is well known as an exporter of wheat and oats. It is also rich in natural resources. It is one of the main producers of electric power.

The continent of Australia is situated between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. The country's official name is Commonwealth of Australia. It is unique, because it is at the same time a continent, the smallest one in the world.

Australia is a very young country. The explorers from Europe unan­imously called it a wonderful continent. There are really a lot of won­ders: strange animals and wildlife, unusually mild weather, warm win­ters, etc. Even the sun rises there in the west, which is strange for Europeans. Besides, there is great stock of mineral resources: gold, oil, coal and much more.

The Commonwealth of Australia is a federation of six states: South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and Western Australia. The central part of the country is scarcely populated. The majority of the inhabitants live along the seashore or on the islands sur­rounding the continent: Tasmania is probably the most famous of them.

There are not very many cities in Australia. Agriculture is very well developed there. It is the world's leading manufacturer of wool. The largest and the most famous city is Sydney. It was the capital of the Olympic Games in 2000. The capital of the country is Canberra, which is a remarkable city, with lakes, parks and skyscrapers.

New Zealand is a country in the Pacific Ocean, situated to the southeast from Australia. The country consists of two main islands and a number of smaller ones. All of them belong to the large group of Polynesian Islands. As one of the former colonies of Great Britain, now New Zealand is a member of the Commonwealth. It is formally the constitutional monarchy, Queen Elizabeth II being Head of State. The Queen appoints the governor who rules in her name. But, as well as in the UK, the Queen and her representatives have little or no power. In fact, the Prime Minister is the ruler.

New Zealand is a rich country, most of its wealth being due to agricultural activities. The rate of life in New Zealand is really high. Auckland is the largest city in the country. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington. English is the official language in the country, though in some schools Maori, which is the language of the native population, is taught as well.

Answer the questions about Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

1. Where is the country situated?

Canada is located in North America

2. What is the size of the country?

It is the second largest country in the world.

3. What are its main cities? What is the capital of the country?

The capital of Canada is Ottawa. Main cities are Toronto, Montreal.

4. Where is the majority of the population concentrated?

Most of the population is concentrated along the southern border.

5. What is the most important sphere of economy of the country?

The country is mainly agricultural. It is one of the main producers of electric power.

6. Is the country rich in natural resources? What are they?

There is great stock of mineral resources: gold, oil, coal and much more.

7. Who is formally recognized as Head of State in Canada?

Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom, is recognized as Head of State.

8. What is the official language of the country?

English and France

Think of the beginning of the following sentences:

1. Canada is located in North America.

2. The continent of Australia between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

3. Canada consists of two territories and ten provinces.

4. The majority of French speaking population is concentrated in the province of Quebec.

5. New Zealand and a number of small islands belong to Polynesian Islands.

6. Canada is an exporter of wheat and oats.

7. Australiais a wonderful continent.

 

Moscow

Moscow was founded in 1147 by Prince Yury Dolgoruky. It stands on the Moskva River. Since the time of its foundation the history of Mos­cow is inseparable from the history of the country. At first it was a little town on the boundary of the Kiev Russia. Some time passed and it developed into a prosperous city. It became the capital of Russia during the rule of Ivan the Third. Peter the Great moved the capital to St Petersburg, but Moscow still played an important role in the life of Rus­sia. In 1918 the Soviet government moved from Petrograd to Moscow, and thus the ancient city became the capital of the country for the second time.

At present Moscow is the largest city in the Russian Federation, the seat of the government, the political, educational and cultural centre of the country. The population of Moscow is over nine million people, and the city is growing from day to day. Moscow being an ancient city, one can come across the sights on every step.

The heart of Moscow is the Kremlin and Red Square. It is not only a historic centre, but also a unique architectural ensemble, famous all over the world. The Kremlin includes over twenty towers joined by the wall. Each tower has its own name; the most famous one is the Spasskaya Tower with its chimes. On the territory of the Kremlin there are beau­tiful ancient cathedrals, Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon and the Armoury Museum — the exhibition of the treasures of the Russian tsars, includ­ing icons, crowns, coaches, presents from monarchs of other countries and ceremonial dresses. The Spasskaya Tower outlooks Red Square and the Pokrovsky Cathedral, which is famous all over the world for its exotic beauty.

Not far from the Kremlin Arbat begins. It is the best-known street of the city. There is no traffic, so one can walk and enjoy watching the crowds of people strolling by. Arbat is the main tourist attraction after the Kremlin.

But Moscow is not only the Kremlin and Arbat. The best way to describe Moscow is probably to say that it is like any other metropolis in the world — lines of cars (and traffic jams! ), hurrying people, tall build-^lngs, elegant restaurants, night clubs and much more. Its appearance is not always attractive, but, beyond any doubt, fascinating and capturing

Answer the following questions:

1. When was Moscow founded?

Moscow was founded in 1147 ( eleven forty- seven).

2. What river does it stand on?

It stands on the Moskva River.

3. When did Moscow become the capital of Russia for the first time?

Moscow became the capital of Russia for the first time during the rule of Ivan the Third.

4. Where was the capital moved under the rule of Peter the Great?

Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg.

5. What did the Soviet government do in 1918?

It moved from Petrograd to Moscow.

6. How large is the population of Moscow?

The population of Moscow is over ten million people. (Население Москвы свыше 10 миллионов человек).

7. What is called the heart of Moscow?

The heart of Moscow is the Kremlin and Red Square.

8. How many towers are there in the Moscow Kremlin?

There are over twenty towers.

9. What sights can visitors see on the territory of the Kremlin?

Visitors can see on the territory of the Kremlin Beautiful ancient cathedrals, Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon and the Armoury Museum.

10.What is Arbat famous for?

There is no traffic, so you can walk and enjoy watching the crowds of people.

Fill in the following blanks with the words from the text:

1. Moscow was founded by Prince Yury Dolgoruky.

2. Moscow developed into a city.

3. St. Petersburg became the capital of Russia, but Moscow still played an important role in the life of the country.

4. Moscow is the largest city of Russia, its population being over nine million people.

5. The Kremlin is the heart of Moscow.

6. On the territory of the Kremlin one can see beautiful ancient cathedrals.

7. Pokrovsky Cathedral is famous for its exotic beauty.

8. Arbat is the best known street of the city.

 

 

London

 

London, the capital of the UK, was founded in AD 43 by the Roman invaders as a settlement and a fortress. At first it had the name of Londinium. Due to its convenient position in the mouth of the river Thames the settlement grew and developed into a city. In the 11th century London became the capital of England. For centuries it was a prominent port through which wealth and prosperity came to the country.

Being an important trade and political centre, the city enjoyed greater independence than the other cities of the medieval England and even had the right to elect the head of the city, Lord Mayor. The picturesque ceremony of the elections of Lord Mayor of London is still held every year and attracts thousands of tourists.

The city was built rather chaotically, the streets being narrow and dirty. It grew and developed together with the developing of the nation. In 1666 the Great Fire of London destroyed the most part of the city, which was rebuilt, but the old planning remained untouched.

Historically and geographically London can be divided into three parts: the City, the West End and the East End. The City is the financial centre of the country, with offices of large firms and banks and the Stock Exchange.

The West End has always been considered a place where aristocrats lived. There is a great number of sights and attractions: the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, the Nelson Column, to mention just a few of them. London's beautiful parks are also there: Hyde Park, St. James' Park, Regent's Park are favourite places for Londoners to visit and relax. One may also go shopping in the West End — Piccadilly Street and Oxford Street both present a wide choice of expensive shops and boutiques.

The East End was previously considered the place where not well-to-do people lived. The identity of the East End as a place of deprivation and poverty persisted until well after the Second World War, becoming overlaid with certain gangster glamour in the 1960s. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, London east of the City is still seen as having a different character, claiming a certain independence of look from the rest of metropolis; but its cultural status has been transformed. Parts of the East End are believed to house the highest population of artists in Europe, and the East End is now considered a bohemian district. The ugly docks, which for years disguised the face of the East End, are now closed, and new hotels, stadiums and apartment houses are being built.

Now London extends much more than the City, the West End and the East End. Its suburbs grow rapidly. London and its suburbs are called Greater London.

As well as it is impossible to say that Moscow is a typical Russian city, nobody can call London a typical British one. In fact, it has become a multinational metropolis, being inhabited by people from all over the world. It is always busy and crowded. It certainly has its own face — millions of faces. Maybe, this is the reason why people say: " When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”

Answer the questions about London.

1. When was London founded?

London was founded in 43 AO

2. What name did it have at first?

At first it had the name of Londinium.

3. Why did the town grow and develop into a city?

Due to its convenient position.

4. When did it become the capital of England?

In the eleventh century it became the capital of England.

5. Prove that London enjoyed more independence than any other city of medieval England.

It was an important trade and political centre.

6. What happened to the city in 1666?

In 1666 (sixteen sixty-six) the Great Fire of London destroyed the most part of the city, which was rebuilt, but the old planning remained untouched.

7. Name the tree parts of London.

London is divided into three parts: the City, the West End and the East End.

8. What part of London is known as the financial centre of the whole country?

The City is the financial centre of the country.

9. Are there many attractions in the West End? What are they?

There is a great number of sights and attractions: the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Nelson Column.

10. Where are Hyde Park, St. James' Park and Regent's Park situated?

Hyde Park, St. James' Park and Regent's Park are situated in the West End.

11. What are the most famous places in London to do the shopping?

Piccadilly Street and Oxford Street in the West End are the most famous places in London to do the shopping.

12. How was the East End transformed recently?

It is now considered as a bohemian district.

13. What is Greater London?

London and its suburbs is Greater London.

14. Prove that London is a multinational city.

It is inhabited of people all over the world.

Washington, DC

 

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States of America. It is situated in the mouth of the Potomac River, in the District of Colum­bia (DC), not belonging to any state. The city is unique in its own way— it was specially designed as the capital of the USA. The archi­tect, who drew up the plan of the city, Pierre L'Enfant, wanted it to be very convenient. The place for the capital was chosen by the first pres­ident, George Washington, and in 1800 the Government moved there.

There are a lot of Governmental offices, but probably the best known, as well as the most important for the country's life are the White House and the Capitol. The White House is the official residence of the Pres­ident of the United States. It was built in 1799. It is a three- storeyed house where the President and his family live. At the same time it is the place where official receptions are held and the administration gathers for the meetings. The Capitol is the seat of the Congress. The corner stone of the Congress was laid by George Washington in 1790. The Congress has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The city of Washington, DC is rather large and very beautiful, being at the same time different from all the other cities in the USA, because there are no skyscrapers. According to the law, no house in Washing­ton, DC must be higher than the Capitol.

Washington, DC has the population of about 900, 000 people. Being the administrative centre of the country, it doesn't have any industry. They say, nothing is produced in Washington, DC except wastepaper. Thousands of documents are drafted, approved or denied in the city every day. People living there either belong to the administration, orare employed in the service industry. Besides, thousands of tourists come to see the capital of the country. There is a lot to be seen: Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Library of Congress, the Washington Monu­ment and much more. The Washington Monument is the most remark­able of these: it is a column rising 160 metres, and from the top of it the visitors can enjoy the view over the city. Among the attractions of the capital it is necessary to mention the museums: the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of History and Technology, and others.

Answer the following questions:

1. Where is Washington, DC situated? Где расположен Вашингтон? It is situated in the mouth of the Potomaс River.

2. Why is the city unique? Почему город уникален? It was specially designed as the capital of the USA.

3. When did the government move to Washington, DC? Когда Правительство переехало в Вашингтон? In 1800.

4. Where is the official residence of the President of the USA situated? Где расположена официальная резиденция президента США? In the White House.

5. What is the Capitol? Что такое Капитолий? The Capitol is the seat of the Congress.

6. How many chambers are there in the Congress? Сколько палат в конгрессе? The Congress has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

7. Why aren't there any skyscrapers in Washington, DC? Почему в Вашингтоне нет небоскребов? According to the law, no house in Washington, PC must be higher that the Capitol.

8. What is the population of the city? Каково население города? The population is 900 000 people. (nine hundred thousand)

9. Is there any industry in Washington, DC? Есть ли в Вашингтоне какая - нибудь промышленность? There is no industry because Washington is the administrative centre.

10. What are the main attractions of the city? Какие главные достопримечательности есть в Вашингтоне? The main attractions of the city are Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Library of Congress, the Washington Monument..

 

 

New York

 

New York, or the Big Apple, as the Americans often call it, is the largest city in the USA and in the whole world. It stands in the mouth of the Hudson River. The people of New York City (NYC) live within five boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Manhattan Island, the oldest part of the city, was bought from the Native Americans for the amount of goods worth $ 26.

Now it is one of the busiest financial and cultural centre in the world, offering the visitors a unique collection of experiences and at­tractions. There is a wide choice of internationally acclaimed theatres, restaurants and museums, historic parks and churches.

Manhattan is also a district of business and finance. In Wall Street there are offices of large companies and banks, as well as New York Stock Exchange, which dominates the business life of the whole world. New York is an international city. On the map of Manhattan one can find Little Italy with the Italian restaurants and its own way of life, Brighton Beach, where the immigrants from the former Soviet Union live and Chinatown, inhabited by the Chinese. NY is also famous for its fine department stores and boutiques. In the evening you can enjoy one of its many nightclubs, the ballet, opera, a show or concert. Broadway is the centre of nightlife. It is the longest street in New York with many sights.

The best way to go around NY is on foot. One word applies to driving your own car in Manhattan: don't! Streets are jammed and the parking is scarce and astronomically expensive. However, NYC is a paradise for walkers, who enjoy the finest window shopping and peo­ple-watching. When proper caution is exercised, most areas are safe. It is best to use well-lighted, busy streets at night. You can also travel anywhere you want by subway and buses. Subway, though rather in attractive and not so well organized as in Moscow, runs 24 hours a day. The fare is $ 1.50 for a single journey, payable with tokens. Free bus and subway system maps are available from hotels, tourist information cen­tres and subway stations.

However one gets around New York, it is important to know some basic geography: Fifth Avenue divides the city between East and West. Street numbers begin at Fifth Avenue, so Two W. (west) 57th Street is just a few steps to the west of the Fifth Avenue, while Two E. (east) 57th Street is just to the east. Most streets in Manhattan are one-way. With a few exceptions, traffic on even-numbered streets travels east, and traffic on odd-numbered streets travels west. To New Yorkers, " downtown" does not connote the city centre. Rather, " downtown" simply means " south" and " uptown" means " north".

Thousands of tourists come to New York every day to see the Statue of Liberty, which is situated on Liberty Island and is a symbol of Amer­ican democracy. It has a torch of Freedom in her right hand.

New York is famous for its skyscrapers, among which are the Chrys­ler Building and the Empire State Building.

The unprecedented terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 disguised the face of New York. Two twin towers, which used to form the World Trade Centre, were destroyed as the result of the planes crash. This was the tragic day for the people of the USA and for the whole world. Two towers were in ruins in the matter of minutes. The life of the big city was paralyzed completely for more than a month. Now the WTC is under reconstruction.

 

Fill in the blanks with the verbs in the proper tense.

1. New York... in the 17th century, (to found) was founded.

2. The city... in the mouth of the Hudson River, (to locate) is located.

3. Manhattan... also a district of business and finance, (be) is.

4. People from all over the world... to live in New York in the 19th and 20th centuries. (come) came.

5. The city... into East and West by the Fifth Avenue, (divide) is devided.

6. The statue of Liberty... to New Yorkers by the people of France. (to present) was presented.

7. Traffic on even-numbered streets... east. (travel) travels.

 

 

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