Great britain
The country, the language of which we study, is situated on the British Isles. Officially it is called "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland". But more often it is called Great Britain or simply England. The British Isles lie to the north-west coast of Europe.
Historically the country consists of England, Scotland, Wales and the Northern part of Ireland. Their capitals are London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast respectively.
The UK is one of the world’s smaller countries. Its population is over 58 million. About 80% of the population live in cities.
The British Isles are separated from the continent by the North Sea and the English Channel, the narrowest part of which is called the Strait of Dover. The western coast of Great Britain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea.
The greater part of the country has a gently sloping surface. The highest mountains are in the North-West. There are fine lakes there. This part of England is called the Lake District.
There are many rivers in Britain, but they are not long. The principal rivers are the Severn, the Thames and the Trent. The most important river is the Thames which is rather wide, deep and suitable for navigation.
The climate of Great Britain is mild. The Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream influence the weather of the British Isles. There is much rain and fog. The weather is changeable.
Britain has the richest energy sources in the European Union (EU). Its abundant resources of oil and natural gas are of vital importance to the British economy. Britain also has a number of nuclear energy facilities. Recently much research has been devoted to developing biofuels, solar energy, wind power, and waterpower.
According to its system of government Great Britain is a parliamentary monarchy. There is a parliament and a monarch - a king or a queen (now queen Elizabeth the Second). British monarchs do not really rule the country. Power in the country belongs to the Parliament. The British Parliament consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
The Government forms the Cabinet of ministers which is headed by the Prime Minister.
London is the capital of Great Britain. It is one of the largest cities in the world.
Vocabulary notes
to be situated - находиться, располагаться
to call - называть
coast - побережье
to consist of- состоять из
to divide into - делить на
to wash - омывать
mild - мягкий
to separate from - отделять от
high - высокий
principal=main - главный, основной
suitable - пригодный
isle - остров
changeable - изменчивый
according to - в соответствии с
monarchy - монархия
King - король
Queen - королева
to rule - править
to belong to - принадлежать
to obtain - получать
majority - большинство
power - власть
to head - руководить
country - графство
abundant - изобильный
biofuels - биотопливо
to devote -посвящать
respectively - соответственно
vital importance – жизненно важный
Exercise 1. Answer the questions.
The UK is an island state, isn’t it? Where is it situated?
What countries is the UK made up of? What are their capitals?
What are the names of the waters washing the coasts of the British Isles?
Why is the climate of Great Britain mild?
What are the mineral and natural resources of Great Britain?
How many people live in Great Britain?
Has the Queen any power in the country?
What does the Parliament consist of?
Has a highly developed industry?
Exercise 2. Translate into English.
а) король, королева, остров, высокий, власть, большинство, монархия, правительство, хлопок, нефть, Ирландия, Уэльс, Шотландия, королевство, главный, побережье, парламент, туман;
б) находиться на островах, называться страной, северо-западное побережье, делиться на графства, омываться морем, воды Атлантического океана, отделяться от континента, самая узкая часть, наклонная поверхность, самые высокие горы, красивые озера, главные реки, пригодная для навигации, мягкий климат, изменчивая погода, обилие дождей, высокоразвитая промышленность, полезные ископаемые, конституционная монархия, кабинет министров.
Exercise 3. Translate into English.
А). То consist of
Парламент состоит из двух палат. Доклад состоит из двух частей. Лондон состоит из многих частей. Вода состоит из водорода и кислорода.
Б). То belong to
Власть принадлежит народу. В Англии власть принадлежит Парламенту. Эта книга принадлежит мне. Власть принадлежит Королю.
В). То divide into
Река делит город на две части. Страна делится на графства. Темза делит Лондон на две части. Учебный год делится на два семестра.
Г). То separate from
Пролив отделяет материк от острова. Горы отделяют город от моря. Промышленные предприятия удаляются за черту города и отделяются от него лесом и парковой зоной.
Exercise 4. Read and translate