6. Read the text: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on the British Isles. The larger island is Great Britain and the smaller is Ireland. The country consists of four parts: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. England, Wales and Scotland occupy Great Britain. Northern Ireland is situated in the Northern part of Ireland. Southern Ireland, now called the Irish Republic, is independent of the UK.

The country is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea and the Irish Sea, which is between Great Britain and Ireland. Great Britain is separated from the continent by the English Channel which is 34 kilometres wide in its narrowest point. The territory of the United Kingdom is about 2444,000 square kilometers. The population is more than 57 million. About 80% of the population is urban. The capital of the country is London.

The surface of Great Britain varies greatly. The northern and western parts of the country are mountainous and are called the Highlands. There are mountain chains in Scotland, Wales and North-West England, but they are not very high. North-West England is famous for its beautiful lakes. All the rest territory is a vast plain which is called Lowlands. The rivers are not long, too. The longest river is the Severn, and the deepest is the Thames, on which stands London.

The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream influence the climate of Great Britain. It is mild the whole year round.

Great Britain is a highly developed industrial country. It is known as one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of iron and steel products, machinery and electronics, chemicals and textile, aircraft and navigation equipment. One of the chief industries of the country is shipbuilding. 7 per cent of the population is engaged in farming. The UK buys more goods than she sells because she has to import food products and raw materials from many countries of the world.

Great Britain is a country with old cultural traditions and customs. The most famous educational centres are Oxford and Cambridge universities.

The UK is a monarchy and the Queen is the head of the state. But in practice it is ruled by the elected government with a Prime Minister at the head. The British Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. There are three main political parties in Great Britain: the Labour, the Conservative and the Liberal parties. There’s no written constitution in Great Britain only precedents and traditions.

7. Find the sentences with active words read and translate them.

8. Prepare the outlined passage of the text for good reading.

10. Finish the following sentences:

1. The United Kingdom consists of … .

2. The British Parliament consists of … .

3. There are the following political parties in Great Britain … .

4. There are some famous educational establishments such as … .

5. The United Kingdom is situated on … .

6. The British Isles are washed by … .

7. The Queen’s rights are limited by … .

8. The territory of Great Britain is … .

9. The population is … .

10. The UK is known as a producer and exporter of … .