2015-10-22
598
Read the following text.
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 situated on the river Thames. The city is very old. It has more than 20 centuries old history. Traditionally it is divided into several parts, the City, Westminster, the West End and the East. End. They are very different from each other.
The City is the oldest part of London, its financial and business centre. Numerous banks, offices and firms are concentrated here. Few people live in the City but over a million come to work here. There are two places of interest in the City: St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London. St. Paul's Cathedral was built in the 17th century by the architect Christopher Wren. The Tower of London was built in the 15th century. It was used as a fortress, a palace and a prison. Now it's a museum.
Westminster is the aristocratic official part of London. There are Buckingham Palace where the Queen lives and the Houses of Parliament along the north bank of the Thames.
The clock tower of the Houses of Parliament is famous for its big hour bell known as «Big Ben». Westminster Abbey is the place where the coronation of nearly all kings and queens has taken place. Many of them are buried here as well as some other famous people of the country.
The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. The best hotels, restaurants, shops, clubs, parks and houses are situated there. There are many tourists there from different countries of the world.
Trafalgar Square is the geographical centre of London; it was named in the 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.
The East End is an industrial district of London. There are many factories there. It is densely populated by working class families.
6. Answer the questions:
1. What is the capital of Great Britain?
2. Is London a big city?
3. What is London's population?
4. On what river does London stand?
5. Into what parts is London divided?
6. What places of interest does Westminster include?
7. Who was buried in Westminster Abbey?
8. What is the West End famous for?
9. Why is the central square in London named Trafalgar Square?
10. Who lives in the East End?
Read and translate the following dialogue.
TALK ABOUT LONDON
– I say, Ronald, I am going lo London one of these days.
– You don't say so! I hope you will enjoy your trip to London.
– Let's hope for the best. I would like you to tell me something about London.
– With great pleasure. I have been to London several times. Is it your first trip to London?
– Yes, it is. I have never been there before.
– How long are you going to stay there?
– For three days. Then we shall go to Glasgow and Manchester for a couple of days.
– I must tell you that there are many places of interest in the capital of Great Britain.
– What do you advise me to begin with?
– The Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar square, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace are a must. People who come to London always go to those places of interest.
– Is Buckingham Palace the residence of the Queen?
– Sure. You should watch Changing of the Guard which takes place in front of Buckingham Palace every day. It is a very old ceremony.
– I'll follow you advice.
– If you are keen on ancient architecture you should see St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower.
– Are they in the center of London? -
– Yes, they are. The Tower guarded the entry to London from the North Sea for many centuries. Besides don't forget to go to Hyde Park which is the place where mass meetings and demonstrations take place.
– Thank you for the information.
