Tatarstan

LONDON

London is one of the biggest cities of the world. It is the capital of Great Britain. Its population is more than 11 million people. London is situated on the river Thames. It is divided into three main parts: the City, the West End and the East End.

London is where the invading Romans first crossed the River Thames. They built a city, surrounded it with a wall and called it Londinium. This original site of London is now called the City of London and is Britain’s main financial and business centre.

The saying “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” (Dr. Johnson) is a cliche, but you can’t be bored in London. There are hundreds of historic buildings, galleries and museums. There are parks and street markets, over 80 theatres and even more cinemas.

If you want to discover London, it is best to start with a tour on a sightseeing bus. It is also fun to go on a guided walk.

The West End is the part where rich people live. The main streets and squares, historical monuments and beautiful parks are in the West End. Theatres, clubs, museums, restaurants, shops and hotels are situated there. The East End is the part of London where poor people live.

There are many places of interest in London: Buckingham Palace - the residence of the Queen, Trafalgar Square with a tall Nelson Column in it, Saint Paul`s Cathedral, the Highgate Cemetery where many famous people were buried and, of course, the British Museum.

Whitehall is the political centre. The Houses of Parliament - the seat of the British Government- are situated here. There one can see a famous Clock Tower- Big Ben, the symbol of London. Big Ben is really the bell which strikes the hour. Not far from the Houses of Parliament there is Westminster Abbey where many great Englishmen such as Darwin and Dickens are buried.

New words and expressions:

the invading Romans	римляне-захватчики
population	население
to be divided	быть разделённым
cliche	избитая фраза
can’t be bored	зд.: не заскучаешь
place of interest	достопримечательность
to be situated	быть расположенным
symbol	символ
famous	известный
cemetery	кладбище
to be buried	быть похороненным
government	правительство

Дайте ответы на следующие вопросы:

1. What is the capital of Great Britain?

2. Where is London situated?

3. London is one of the biggest cities of the world, isn`t it?

4. What is its population?

5. What are the three main parts of London?

6. What is the City of London?

7. What can one find in the West End?

8. Where do the poor of London live?

9. What is Whitehall?

10. Where is the seat of the British Government?

11. What can you say about Big Ben?

12. What is the Queen`s residence?

13. What places of interest of London do you know?

Dialogue:

A: Is it possible to see anything of London in one or two days?

B: It is very difficult, but the main sights you can see.

A: What do you think I ought to see first?

B: If you are interested in historical places you should go to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul`s Cathedral and the Tower. Do you like Art Galleries?

A: Rather.

B: Then why not to go to the National Gallery?

A: Is it far from here?

B: Not very. But if you hurry take a taxi. In a few minutes you will be there.

A: Thank you very much.

B: You are welcome.

to be possible	быть возможным
ought to	следует
to be interested	интересоваться
rather	довольно-таки
to hurry	спешить

The Republic of Tatarstan is a subject of the Russian Federation. The Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Republic was signed on the 30^th of August, 1990. The official languages are Tatar and Russian.

The population of the Republic of Tatarstan is around 3.8 million people. 2.7 million people live in towns and cities. One million people live in the countryside. The are 19 cities and towns and more than 3000 settlements in Tatarstan. The largest cities are: Kazan, Naberezhnye Chelny, Nizhnekamsk, Almetyevsk, Zelenodolsk and Bugulma.

Tatarstan is one of the largest economic, scientific and political centres of the Volga Region. It is located at the center of the Russian Federation. It connects East and West, North and South of the country. Its area is more that 67 thousand square kilometers.

The geographical position of Tatarstan is favourable for the development of industry, agriculture, trade and other economic fields.

Tatarstan is a multinational republic. People of 115 nationalities live there in peace and harmony. The two main nationalities are the Tatars and the Russians. The important national values are tolerance, consensus and compromise.

Tatar cuisine is a result of the historical development of the nation and its geographical location. Long relationships between the local people and their neighbours, trade partners influenced the people’s taste. The Bulgars were good cattlemen, hunters, fishermen and farmers. This is the basis of the food traditions in modern Tatarstan.

Meat is widely used in Tatar national dishes: beef, lamb and horseflesh. The Tatars like the pastries of all kinds very much. One of their favourite ones is, perhaps, “ishpishmak”. And, no doubt, sweet pastries: “chuk-chuk”, “kosh tele”, “talkysh keleve” and much more. But the main thing about the Tatar cuisine is not only that it’s varied and very delicious. It is more than only food. It’s a meal that unites family and friends.

New words and expressions:

countryside	сельская местность
settlement	поселение
scientific	научный
to connect	соединять
area	площадь
tolerance	терпимость
development	развитие
local people	местные жители
to influence	влиять
cattleman	скотовод
hunter	охотник
beef	говядина
lamb	баранина
horseflesh	конина
pastry	изделия из теста
varied	разнообразный

Дайте ответы на следующие вопросы:

1. When was the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Republic of Tatarstan signed?

2. What can you say about the population of the Republic of Tatarstan?

3. How many cities, towns and settlements are there in Tatarstan?

4. Where is the Republic of Tatarstan located?

5. The geographical position of Tatarstan is favourable, isn’t it?

6. Is Tatarstan a multinational republic?

7. What are the official languages of the Republic of Tatarstan?

8. Tatar cuisine is a result of the historical development of the nation and its geographical location, isn`t it?

9. What is the basis of the food traditions in modern Tatarstan?

10. What is widely used in Tatar national dishes?

11. What are favourite dishes of the tatars?

12. The Tatar cuisine is more than only food, isn`t it?

Dialogue: At the Restaurant

Hostess: Hi! Welcome to Paradise. Do you have a reservation?

Smirnov: Yes, I do.

Hostess: Your name, please?

Smirnov: Igor Smirnov.

Hostess: OK, Mr. Smirnov. Right this way, please. (Shows a table) Have a nice time.

Waiter: Welcome to Paradise. Here are your menus. Are you ready to order?

Smirnov: Not yet, give me a second, please. I’ll have the grilled salmon.

Waiter: Would you like anything to drink?

Smirnov: Yes, I`ll have juice. What kind of juice do you have?

Waiter: Orange, mango, apple and pineapple.

Smirnov: I prefer orange juce.

Waiter: Here you are. Enjoy your meal.

(After a time). How was everything?

Smirnov: Delicious, thanks!

Waiter: Would you like anything for dessert?

Smirnov: No, thank you.

Waiter: Can I get you anything else?

Smirnov: No, just the bill please. Thanks a lot.

hostess	хостесс, администратор
waiter	официант
grilled salmon	жареный лосось
bill	счёт

Дата добавления: 2014-12-10