An outline of geography and nature

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland consists of the Island of Great Britain and the northern part of the Island of Ireland (the southern part of which is the Republic of Eire) and a number of small islands especially to the west of Scotland. The country is usually called simply Great Britain.

The Island of Great Britain is divided into three parts – England, Wales and Scotland. England and Wales form the southern part of the island and Scotland occupies its northern part.

From the west Great Britain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, from the east by the stormy North Sea and the southern coast is washed by the English Channel(which separates Great Britain from the continent), the narrower part of which being called the Strait of Dover. It is quite close to the continent, being only 22 miles wide.

Being comparatively small Britain is known for a variety of scenery found on such a small area. One can find here both a low-lying land and hilly areas, flat fields as well as lofty mountains. The surface of Eastern England is flat. Scotland and Wales are hilly and mountainous. The mountains are not very high as compared with those of the world, the loftiest one – Ben Nevis (Scotland) being only 4400 feet (1343 m) in height.

In the west we can see the Cambrian Mountains occupying the greater part of Wales; in the north – the Cheviot Hills separating England from Scotland; the Pennines – to the south of the Cheviot Hills and Cumbrian Mountains famous for the number and beauty of their lakes. There are sixteen lakes here, the largest being Windermere. This part of the country, called the Lake District, is the most beautiful and the wettest part of Great Britain.

There are many rivers in Britain, but none of them being very long as compared with the greatest rivers of the world. Many of the rivers have been connected with each other by means of canals.

The principal rivers are the Severn, the Thames and the Trent. The Severn is the longest river in Britain but the Thames is the most important one. The Severn is 210 miles in length, the Thames is a little over 200 miles. The Thames is rather wide and deep. Its current being slow, it is quite suitable for navigation. Large vessels can get as far as London Bridge – 50 miles from the sea.

The seas surrounding the British Isles are shallow – usually less than 300 feet deep. The shallowness is in some way an advantage. Shallow water is warmer than deep water and helps to keep the shores from extreme cold. It is too the home of plenty of fish, a million tons of which are caught every year.

Perhaps you have also noticed on the map that the coast-line being irregular contains numerous harbours serving as convenient ports, among which are London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Portsmouth and others. It is also an interesting fact that no part of the country is more than seventy miles from the sea.

3. Ответьте на вопросы:

1. What parts does the Island of Great Britain consist of? 2. What are the names of the waters washing the coasts of Great Britain? 3. What are the most important rivers in Great Britain? 4. What is the longest river in Great Britain and what is the most important one? 5. Are the mountains of the British Isles high? 6. Are the rivers in Great Britain connected by means of canals? 7. Is the Thames a navigable river? 8. Are the seas surrounding Great Britain shallow or deep? 9. Is shallowness an advantage in some way? 10. What can you say about the coastline of Great Britain?

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Выполнить устно лексические упражнения

1. Переведите следующие словосочетания и предложения на русский язык:

а) to catch the train, to catch fish, lofty appearance, lofty hills, lofty ideals, a stormy sea, a rainy day, both of my friends, the total area, a slow current, a slow man, current events, by means of, in this way, in such a way, in many different ways, an advantage of education, to keep warm, to keep the shores from extreme cold, in the extreme North, the beauty of nature, the sea shore, half the size of France, suitable clothes for cold weather, deep knowledge, to provide the population with consumer goods.

б) 1. My watch is slow. 2. John is always behind because he is a slow boy. 3. Don’t be slow, you’ll be late for classes. 4. You must go as far as the centre of the city, then go straight along the main street as far as the Palace of Culture, which is situated opposite the new library. 5. The Ostankino Palace and the ancient church situated against the background of an old park form a beautiful architectural ensemble. 6. The British people live on a group of comparatively small islands which form part of Europe. 7. What mountains separate Europe from Asia? 8. Tom is my close friend. 9. English is a comparatively easy language. 10. Where do you keep your books and magazines? 11. I’m sorry, I kept you waiting. 12. Can you keep secrets? 13. My friend made a short report on current events. 14. The current of this river is very fast. 15. Living in a big city also has some advantages – cinemas, theatres, concert halls and libraries. 16.The advantages of a good education are very great. 17. The book contains much useful information. 18. He has served in the army for 30 years. 19. I know Mary as well as her sisters and brothers. 20. Are you learning only German or English as well? 21. Both the teachers and the students took part in sports events. 22. They both are good at geography. 23. Both of them are final-year students. 24. I spoke to them both. 25. The flat surface of the table was covered with a bright plastic. 26. He serves as a gardener.

2. Переведите на английский язык:

береговая линия; важный порт; удобная гавань; низкие и пологие холмы; плоская поверхность; зелёные поля; глубокое озеро; окружающие моря; пролив, отделяющий континент от острова; деревня, окружённая лесом; преимущество благоприятных условий; сравнивать высоту гор; на морском побережье; глубина горных озёр; занимать площадь; образовывать архитектурный ансамбль; ботинки, удобные для дождливой погоды; ехать до центра города.