Read and translate the text. Say which facts given in the text were known to you

Novosibirsk is the largest city in the eastern part of Russia between the Urals and the Pacific Ocean. It is big not only in size and population but it is also has great scientific, economic and cultural significance.

Novosibirsk was founded late in the 19^th century during the construction of the Great Siberian Railway (Trans-Siberian Railway). The talented Russian writer N.Garin-Michailovsky played an important role in the foundation of the city. The construction of the bridge began in 1893 and the foundation or Novosibirsk is considered to date back to this year.

Novosibirsk is a transport, trade, financial and administrative centre of the Novosibirsk Region. The region’s scientific potential is represented by 43 institutes of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The heart of Novosibirsk is Lenin Square. The most prominent building in Lenin Square is the Novosibirsk Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The theatre frequently goes on tour and is well known both in Russia and abroad. Lenin Square is crossed by the cities main street – Krasny Prospect. This is a main road, ten kilometers long and straight as an arrow. It begins at the Ob embankment and runs north to the Central Airport of Novosibirsk.

Today the Novosibirsk Picture Gallery is one of the most famous collections in Siberia. The Gallery’s collection is now rich and varied, including works of art from 16^th – century icons to contemporary paintings. The city has several theatres, a conservatoire, a circus, a zoo, many palaces of culture, libraries, recreation parks, stadiums and swimming pools.

The State Public Scientific and Technical Library in Novosibirsk is one of the world’s biggest book repositories.

The Metro is being built in the city now. There are 11 stations. The stations are built in a modern style and are today the places of interest in Novosibirsk. New buildings of architectural interest, modern supermarkets and skyscrapers go up in Novosibirsk every year. Novosibirsk is a wonderful city indeed.

WORDLIST

significance – значение

construction – строительство

arrow – стрела

embankment – набережная

recreation park – парк отдыха

Answer the questions.

1. What is Novosibirsk?

2. When was it founded?

3. How many scientific institutes are there in Novosibirsk?

4. What is the heart of Novosibirsk?

5. Is there the Metro in the city?