The Russian Federation (Part 2)

The history of Russia dates back to the year 862. Russia has always played an important role in the world. It is one of its leading Powers.

Moscow is the capital of Russia. It was first mentioned in the records dated back to the year 1147. At that time it was a small frontier post. The history of Moscow is connected with the history of Russia. In 1237 Moscow fell under the yoke of the Tatars. And it was Moscow Prince Dmitry Donskoy who led the Russian troops to a decisive victory over the invaders in the battle of Kulikovo field in 1380. In 1812 the Napoleonic army entered Moscow. The city was set ablaze. The army had to retreat. That was a poor substitute for the military triumph in Russia, so much desired by Napoleon.

Nowadays Moscow is the largest city of Russia. It is a political, administrative, economic, industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of the country. The Russian Academy of sciences, the oldest university, many schools of higher learning, colleges and scientific institutions are located in Moscow. The Kremlin, the Red Square, the Tretyakov Gallery, the Bolshoi Theatre, Pushkin Museum of Arts, , Armory, Novodevichy Convent, St. Basil Cathedral, Arbat Street attract numerous tourists.

28. Are these sentences true (T) or false (F)? Correct the false sentences.

1. It lies in the Eastern part of Europe and in the Northern part of Asia.

2. Russia is washed by twenty seas and three oceans.

3. The Alps separates Europe from Asia.

4. Moscow is the capital of Russia.

5. The history of Russia dates back to the year 865.

6. Nowadays Moscow is the largest city of Russia.

29. Explain the usage of Grammar forms in the following sentences from the text.

1. Russia is the largest country in the world. It lies in the Eastern part of Europe and in the Northern part of Asia.

2. Russia is washed by twelve seas and three oceans.

3. There are three main mountain chains in Russia. The Urals separates Europe from Asia.

4. Russia is a land of long rivers and deep lakes.

5. Numerous canals join all the rivers in the European part of Russia making it the largest inland water transportation route in Europe.

6. The history of Russia dates back to the year 862.

7. The history of Moscow is connected with the history of Russia.

8. It is a political, administrative, economic, industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of the country.

9. The army had to retreat.

10. That was a poor substitute for the military triumph in Russia, so much desired by Napoleon.

30. Work in pairs. Ask and answer the questions about the Russian Federation. Use Vocabulary. These questions will help you.

1. Where is Russia situated?

2. What is the capital of Russia?

3. What are the main Russian rivers and lakes?

4. What natural resources are there in Russia?

4. What is the history of Russia?

5. What is the date of Moscow’s base?

6. What are the famous places of interest in Moscow?

31. Choose any country (Canada, New Zealand) and get ready to speak about it. Use the plan:

1. Location.

2. The historical events of the country.

3. Population.

4. The capital and main cities.

5. Political, industrial and cultural development.