UNIT 7. LONDON

Read, translate and retell the text:

LONDON

London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and cultural centre. London is an ancient city. The population of London is about 8 million people. London is one of the biggest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe. It is situated on the banks of the river Thames. London consists of four important sections: the West End, the East End, the City, and Westminster.

The City is a small part of London but it is the financial and the business centre of the country. There are a lot of banks and various offices here. We can also see here one of the greatest English churches – Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Many famous people are buried here.

Not far away is Westminster – the administrative centre of London. The Houses of Parliament are situated here. It is the seat of the British Government. The building is very beautiful with its two towers and a big clock called Big Ben.

Westminster Abbey where kings and queens are crowned is opposite the Houses of Parliament.

The West End is the part of London where the rich people live. Fine houses, wide street, numerous parks are to be found here. The best cinemas, theatres, famous shops, comfortable hotels, large museums are situated here. The most beautiful London park – Hyde Park – is in this district too.

The East End is the poorest part of London. It includes the port, docks. The workers and the unemployed live here.

London is famous for its outstanding places of interest. There are many architectural, art and historic monuments in London such as the British Museum, the Tower of London, the National Gallery, Buckingham Palace and many others.

ADD TO YOUR ACTIVE VOCABULARY:

ancient – древний

population – население

business – деловой, коммерческий

Saint Paul’s Cathedral – Собор Святого Павла

to bury – хоронить

not far away – недалеко

seat – зд. местопребывание

to crown – короновать

tower – башня

district – район

unemployed – безработный

outstanding – выдающийся

Ex. 1. Answer the questions:

1. What is London?

2. What can you say about its population?

3. Where is it situated?

4. How many parts are there in London?

5. What are they?

6. What can we see in the City?

7. Where are the Houses of Parliament situated?

8. Where do the rich people do?

9. What is the most beautiful park?

10. Will you name the famous places of interest in London?

Ex. 2. Take equivalents to the underlined words from the text and write down new sentences:

1. Many spectators were waiting for the well-known actor near the theatre.

2. The high grey modern building is the commercial centre of the oil company.

3. This very old part of Rome is often shown in many feature films.

4. We were greatly impressed by the beautiful sights of Paris.

5. This new arm-chair is very convenient to have a rest in.