Warm – up

Answer the following questions:

1. When was Rostov –on – Don’s history started? What holiday did Moscow celebrate in 2009?

2. What part did Rostov play in Russian history?

3. When and why was the biggest part of Rostov destroyed?

4. How many people do live in Rostov?

5. What can the tourists see on Teatralnaya square?

6. What historical event does the monument on Teatralnaya square commemorate?

7. What theatres do you know in Rostov? Have you ever been to one of them?

8. What is Rostov University famous for?

Temernitzkay customs, the fortress, the border of Russian Empire, the 1-st Russian Revolution, the railway knot, the spirit of revolt, the Cossackes, to be liberated from, to be occupied, to commemorate the victory in the Great battle of the 2-nd World War, more than 100000, the Musical Theatre, the Gorky Theatre, the Theatre of Young spectators, the Puppet Theatre, Warsaw University.

I. Read the text and translate the italicized word combinations.

Rostov – on – Don.

Every city has its own spirit and peculiarities. As Marietta Shaginyan said: “Rostov is a city founded by traders for trade”. In this big southern city people of 130 nationalities live. It’s location is remarkable. It is situated at the cross of all roads leading to the South. “The Gates of the Caucasus” we call it. Its favourable location was the reason of its prosperity.

Rostov is a young city. We have just celebrated its 260 anniversary. There are no many places of historical or architectural interest in Rostov. It’s not only because of the age but because of the Great Patriotic War too. During the last war the city was greatly damaged. But all the same there are some interesting places here. The Gorky Theatre on Teatralnaya square. Built in the 30 of the last century it resembles a tractor in its form. It’s a constructive style fashionable for those years. Old fascinating buildings in Sadovaya street which are worth seeing, are the building of “Duma”, the hotel “Moskovskaya”, the restaurant “Yolky – Palky”. They were designed by academician – architect Pomerantzev at the beginning of the 20 century. The golden domes of the Cathedral draw our attention, too.

Rostov is a big industrial center. “Rostselmash” and “Rostvertol” are famouse all over the country.

It is a big cultural centre. There are 4 theatres here, many libraries, Universities and museums.

Rostov is getting bigger and bigger and it is one of the largest and important cities in Russia.

II. Language work.