Active vocabulary. The British Isles to influence the climate

the British Isles to influence the climate

to consist of the whole year round

Great Britain urban

Ireland / Northern Ireland a highly developed industrial country

total area machinery, electronics,

to be made up of. textile, aircraft

respectively navigation equipment

to include shipbuilding

in everyday speech a constitutional monarchy

to be separated from... by... in law / in practice

the European continent the Head of State

the English Channel to reign// to rule/to be ruled by

to be washed by the elected government

the Atlantic Ocean with the Prime Minister at the head

the Irish Sea chambers: the House of Lords and

the surface of the British the House of Commons

Isles main political parties:

mountainous / the highest mountain the Labour, the Conservative

the Highlands / the Lowlands the Liberal

beautiful valleys and plains the ruling party

the Severn // Gulf Stream the Prime Minister

I. Answer the questions:

1. Where is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland situated?

2. What islands do the British Isles consist of?

3. What is their total area?

4. What countries is the United Kingdom made up?

5. What are their capitals?

6. What name is used to mean the United Kingdom?

7. What is the capital of the UK?

8. What are the British Isles separated from the European continent by?

9. What is the western coast of Great Britain washed by?

10.What do you know about the surface of the British Isles?

11.What is the highest mountain?

12.What can you say about the rivers of Great Britain?

13.What factors influence the climate of the British Isles?

14.What is its population?

15 What is it known as?

l6. Who is the Head of State in law and in practice?

17. What is the country ruled by?

18. What are the names of the British Parliament chambers?

19. What political parties are there in Great Britain?

20. Who is the Prime Minister?

Text B: LONDON

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

London is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world. Traditionally it is divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. They are very different from each other and seem to belong to different towns and epochs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The East End is the poorest district of London. There are a lot of factories, workshops and docks here. The streets are narrow, the buildings are unimpressive. The East End is densely populated by working class families.