Foreign Trade of the UK

1. The prominent position of British commerce in world trade during the 18^th and 19^th centuries resulted largely from the geographical isolation of the British Isles from the wars and political troubles. The development of the great trading companies, colonial expansion, and naval control of the high seas* were main factors. Before the 17^th century the foreign trade of England was almost completely in the hands of foreigners. Wool was the principal export, and manufactured goods were the chief imports. Under the mercantile system the government fostered British foreign trade, the development of shipping, and trading companies. As British overseas possessions increased, the raising of sheep for wool and mutton became a major occupation in the colonies. The practice of exporting wool from England was gradually replaced by the import of wool and the manufacture and export of fabrics. Cotton textiles, iron, steel, and coal soon became significant British exports.

2. In the early 1990s Britain remained one of the world’s leading trading nations. Its major exports were road vehicles and other transportation equipment, industrial machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, etc. Exports were valued at $190 billion annually in the early 1990s. In the same period, annual imports totaled $221 billion. Trade with other Commonwealth members and with the sterling area (a group of countries whose currencies are tied to the British pound sterling) declined after Great Britain joined the European Economic Community (now the European Union) in 1973. Trade with Western Europe has become more important.

3. Most domestic retail trade is conducted through independently owned shops, although the number of chain stores and supermarkets is increasing. More than half of all wholesale trade is carried out in London.

 

 

VI. Определите, являются ли приведенные ниже утверждения (1, 2, 3)

а) истинными (true)

б) ложными (false)

в) в тексте нет информации (no information)

 

1) As British overseas possessions increased, the raising of sheep for wool and mutton became a minor occupation in the colonies

2) In the early 1990s the major exports in Britain were road vehicles and other transportation equipment.

3) UK trade with USA is increasing fast.

 

VII. Прочитайте абзац 2 и ответьте письменно на следующий вопрос:

 

When did trade with other Commonwealth members and with the sterling area decline?

Вариант №2

 

I. Переведите письменно существительные (1-10). Выберите определения

(a – j), соответствующие существительным:

1) economics	a) investigation undertaken in order to discover new facts, get additional information, etc.
2) self-interest	b) debate, argument
3) prize	c) science of the production, distribution and using up of goods
4) research	d) analyzing, e.g. a book, a situation, information, etc, possibly with comment and judgment
5) resolution	e) resolving, solution (of a doubt, question, etc)
6) price	f) one’s own interests and personal advantage
7) dispute	g) number of persons united for business or commerce
8) company	h) the activity of controlling and organizing
9) analysis	i) something (to be) awarded to one who succeeds in a competition, etc.
10) affair	j) sum of money for which something is (to be) sold or bought

II. a) Выполните КОПР № 3, 5.

б) В следующих предложениях подчеркните глагол-сказуемое, определите его видовременную форму и залог. Переведите предложения на русский язык.

 

1) Thousands of new products are being presented at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

2) More companies are using 3-D printing to directly manufacture some products.

3) The Committee on Banking Supervision has been working on a set of recommendations.

III. a) Выполните КОПР № 1.

б) В следующих предложениях подчеркните герундий и инфинитив. Переведите предложения на русский язык.

1) Consumer spending is seventy percent of the economic activity in the United States.

2) Commercial properties face two serious problems: falling prices and refinancing.

3) After the recession jobs have continued to disappear, though at slower rates.

IV. Перепишите и письменно переведите на русский язык следующие предложения. Помните, что инфинитивные обороты часто соответствуют придаточным предложениям.

 

1) Growth in the United States is expected to reach about two and a half percent in two thousand ten.

2) Experts say the situation is likely to continue until investors feel more sure about signs of economic recovery.

3) The Delegation is reported to have left London.

V. Прочитайте и устно переведите на русский язык весь текст. Перепишите и письменно переведите абзацы 3, 4.