Taganrog

The emergence of this city (Tagan Rog) is connected with the first steps of the Russian Navy with the struggle of Russia for security of its southern borders. In 1696 Peter the Great visited this place to choose a place for navy harbour.

Taganrog is the second biggest city in the region. It is a large industrial and commercial centre as well as a sea port, popular resort and the birthplace of Anton Pavlovich Chekhov.

Now Taganrog is an important research, cultural and industrial centre in the south of Russia. It has a vast network of higher educational establishments, technical and vocational lyceums. Taganrog is situated on the shore of the Azov Sea about 35 km from Rostov-on-Don.

History can be found almost everywhere in Taganrog. Chekhov Library, Chekhov House, Literary Museum, Durov Museum, Taganrog Museum of Art and other sights stand as hallmarks of the Russian culture.

Text 4

Azov

Azov is a port on the Don River delta near the Sea of Azov. It is a rail junction, a light industrial and fishing centre. Founded as the Greek colony of Tanais (3d cent. B.C.), it was a trading centre and fortress.

The Don Cossacks held the city (1637-1642), but were driven out by the Turks. Peter the Great won the city in 1696 and thus opened southern routes for Russia; he was forced to cede it back to Turkey in 1711.

Task 5. Speak on the new things you learned about Azov.

Task 6. Read Text 5 to answer the questions.

1. How do the houses look in winter?

2. What are houses like? How does the author describe them?

3. Houses look different, don’t they?

4. What kinds of houses does the author describe?

5. How does the author describe houses that he calls dark; proud; whispering?

6. What kind of secrets is hidden behind the walls of houses?

7. Do you like to walk in the streets alone?

8. Do you like to walk in the centre where the houses are old?

9. Do you also think that houses have faces?

10. Do the houses look the same in new districts?

11. Do you think that every town and city has its own character?

12. Are there houses past which you want to hurry?

13. Do you think that in small towns houses are like people?

Text 5