TEXT London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is an ancient city. London was founded more than two thousand years go. Today it is one of the largest cities in the world. Julius Ceasar named it Londinium. It became the state's capital in 1066.

London is situated in the South-Eastern part of Great Britain on the banks of the Thames river. Its population is over 9 million.

Traditionally it is divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. They differ much from each other.

The City is the oldest part of London, its financial and business centre. Numerous banks, offices and companies are concentrated here. Few people live here, but over a million come to work to the City.

Two famous buildings are situated within the City: St.Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Sir Christopher Wren built the Cathedral in the 17^th century. The Tower was created in the 11^th century and was used as a fortress, a palace and a prison. Now it is a museum.

Westm inster is the aristocratic official part of London. It includes Buckingham Palace where the Queen resides and the Houses of Parliament.

The Clock Tower of the Houses of the Parliament is famous for its big hour bell, known as "Big Ben".

Westminster Abbey is the church where nearly all British kings were crowned and buried after their death. Charles Dickens, Isaac Newton, Redyard Kipling, are buried here too.

Whitehall is the street of Britain's ministers. It runs between Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square. The British government itself is often called Whitehall because there are many government officies in this street.

The Prime Minister has his official residence there at number 10 Downing Street.

The West End is the place where rich and famous people live. It is the symbol of wealth and luxury. The best hotels, restaurants, shops, clubs, parks and houses are situated here. English aristocracy lives in this area.

One of the busiest streets in the West End is Oxford Street.

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

The East End is the industrial district of the capital. There are many factories and plants here.

Words and word combinations:

ancient – древний, старинный;

to divide – делить, разделять;

financial – финансовый;

numerous – многочисленный;

prison – тюрьма;

to reside – проживать,жить, находиться;

to crown – короновать;

wealth – богатство;

luxury – роскошь;

aristocracy – аристократия;

to include – включать;

district – район, округ;

peninsula – полуостров.

ASSIGMENT:

1. Phonetic difficulties. Practise the following:

a) Which is this switch?

Which switch is which?

b) Does George enjoy teaching geography?

Teaching geography is the joy of his life.

2. Find in the text the English equivalents to the following words and word combinations:

Расположен в юго-восточной части; несколько частей; финансовый и деловой центр; Собор св. Павла; официальная часть; промышленный район; после их смерти; богатство и роскошь в память о победе адмирала Нельсона; в середине площади; был основан; традиционно.

3. Fill in the gaps:

2. London is an …… city.

3. It is situated in the ……. part …. of …….

4. Julius Ceasar …… London Londinium.

5. Traditionally London is ….. into ….. parts: the City, Westminster, the West-End and the East- End.

6. The ….. is the oldest part of London.

7. The Tower of London was …… in the eleventh century.

8. The Prime Minister has his …… …… there at number 10 Downing Street.

9. English ….. lives in this area.

10.It was named in ……. of Admiral Nelson’s victory at the battle of …….. in 1805.

11.……. ……. is the church where nearly all British kings were crowned and …… after their death.

Retell the text.

Read the dialogues and learn them by heart.

Excuse me, can you tell me the way to Trafalgar Square?
Certainly,go down Regent Street into Piccadilly Circus, then go down the Haymarket.
Thank you very much. Is it very far?
Oh, no. It will take you ten minutes or a quarter of an hour.
Is there a bus?
I expect so. There’s a policeman over there, go and ask him. He will giveyouall the information you want.
I’m very much obliged to you.

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1. What’s Whitehall? Is it a building?

2. A building? But it isn’t. It’s a street.

3. Oh, it’s a street, isn’t it? What is it famous for?

4. It’s the street where all the government offices are.

5. By the way, what’s the beautiful building over there?

6. It’s the Houses of Parliament.

7. The Houses? But there is only one house there, isn’t there?

8. Quite right. But it’s the Houses because British Parliament has two Houses - the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

- Good.

6. Choose the right answer:

1. Great Britain is…..