Part II

Russia occupies a vast territory in two continents, Europe and Asia. It has a dense railway network connecting its industrial centers in Europe with the Urals. But one of the most interesting railways – Trans-Siberian main line – connects Moscow with Vladivostok, a large port in the Pacific Ocean. The total length of the line is nearly 9, 600 km. That is the world’s longest railway.

The construction of the Trans-Siberian line began in 1891 and it was put into operation in 1905. However, the railway was poorly built and accidents often took place.

The reconstruction of the Trans-Siberian Railway began after the Great October Socialist Revolution. Now most of the line is electrified. All freight and passenger trains are operated by powerful diesel and electric locomotives. The trains develop 140 kph on some sections and the journey from Moscow to Vladivostok in the “Rossiya” express takes you only 7 days.

The Trans-Siberian Railway plays a very important part in the economic development of our country because it carries a large volume of traffic. Besides, it runs international container service between Europe and Japan.

Greater changes will take place on the Trans-Siberian Railway in the future. Faster locomotives will be put into service. Automation and efficient electronic computers will provide a safer transportation of freight and passengers.

III. Complete the sentences:

1. The Trans-Siberian Railway unites two continents …

2. There were many accidents on the lines because of …

3. After the Great October Socialist Revolution the Trans-Siberian Railway got a new breath. …

4. The Trans-Siberian Railway is the connection between Europe and Japan.

5. Great achievements take place on the Trans-Siberian Railway nowadays.

IV. Remember the names of rivers, seas, oceans, channels, group of islands, deserts, mountain chains as well as common nouns are always used with the definite article “the”:

The English Channel

The Volga

The West

The Sahara

the Amur River

the Pacific Ocean

the Urals

the Trans-Siberian Railway

V. Learn to pronounce the following words and expressions of every passage:

Cossacks annexation governor – general merchants coal deposits ferry rocky terrain loop marble sooty fame vast dense accident to run container service

казаки присоединение генерал-губернатор меценаты (купцы) залежи угля паром скалистая почва петля мрамор закопчённый, чёрный как смола слава огромный густой, плотный авария, несчастный случай (здесь) выполнять контейнерные перевозки

VI Answer the questions:

1. What caused to construct the Trans Siberian Railway?

2. Who signed a prescript for building the Trans-Siberian Railway?

3. What plan was admitted for construction the main line?

4. What line was chosen to connect the East and the West of the country?

5. What was the reason to construct the Circumbaikal Loop?

6. How many years did it take to build the Trans-Siberian Main Line?

7. What is the total length of the line?

8. Why did many accidents take place on this line? What was the reason?

9. What speed does the locomotive develop on this line?

10. What part does the Trans-Siberian Railway play in the economic development in our country? Comment on your thoughts.

VII. Say if the statements are T (true), F (false), or DS (doesn’t say):

1. The economic development of Russia demanded the construction of the new railroad for transportation goods and getting profits for the country.

2. Foreign engineers and workers were invited to build the main line.

3. To construct the Circumbaikal railway was more economical than to use the ferry system.

4. Some wagons made of gold and platinum were cut into pieces and sent to the Treasury of Russia.

5. Some accidents took place on the main line because of the weather condition.

6. Greater achievements will be contributed into the operation of the Trans-Siberian railway.

VIII. Creative task:

О чём бы Вы рассказали своему гостю, другу из другого региона рассказать или посоветовали посмотреть из достопримечательностей Транс-Сибирской железной дороги? Найдите из текстов эпизод(ы), подтверждающий(е) Ваше высказывание.