City problems

Cities are communities where thousands or even millions of people live and work. They are cultural, economic, governmental, transportation and communicational centers of the world. People choose cities to live in for several reasons and the main reason is the number and variety of jobs.

Cities offer many activities for residents and visitors. Art museums display works by famous artists, musicians perform in classical or rock concerts, restaurants offer food from diverse cultures, and department stores sell a wide choice of items.

But cities have many physical, economic and other problems. Motor vehicles, factories and other sources pollute the air with fumes that danger the health of people in cities. Urban wastes pollute waterways.

Social problems in today’s cities include crime, alcoholism, drugs and so on. The poor are often unable to find the jobs they need. They may lack education or training to help them find a good job. And there are many other problems which can’t be solved immediately.

1. What is the main problem of your city? 2. What solution to the city problems can you offer? 3. If you were a mayor of your city, what direction would you prefer: social sphere, air pollution, traffic jams, or something else? 4. Has the appearance of your city changed the last ten years? 5. What makes your city special?

Task 6. Translate the following sentences:

1. Екатеринбург – столица Урала. Город расположен на реке Исеть.

2. В прошлом году мы ездили в Санкт-Петербург и экскурсии по музеям и дворцам произвели на нас огромное впечатление.

3. Подскажите, пожалуйста, где здесь троллейбусная остановка?

4. Нужно пройти прямо до перекрестка, а затем повернуть налево.

5. Движение транспорта в центре города очень оживленное, а в часы пик возникают пробки.

6. Проблемы города, такие как загрязнение воздуха и воды, невозможно решить, не так ли?

7. Москва была основана Юрием Долгоруким в 1147 году.

8. Переходить улицу следует на зеленый сигнал светофора.

Task 7. Read the text, be ready to retell. Make up your own story, use the Tube Map to work out how you would travel.

London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, occupies a great area with the population over seven million people. It is situated upon both banks of the Thames. It is the main port and the most important city. London can be divided into three parts: the City of London, the West End, and the East End.

The City, the heart of London, comprises the area of 2.6 sq. km. Less than 6,000 people live here. After finishing their working day more than 500,000 people leave the City. This part of London with numerous banks and offices has succeeded in remaining the financial centre of the UK for a long time.

The West End, the centre of London, is worth seeing. It includes historical palaces, famous parks, large hotels and shops. Rich people enjoy spending their free time and money there.

The East End, the workers’ region, is made up of great industrial areas that depend on shipping.

So, the English people have a habit of naming the City – the money of London, the West End – the goods of London, and the East End – the hands of London.

London attracts very large numbers of visitors and tourists and can be an expensive place to visit. However, there is still much you can see and do for free. Tourist attractions are mainly in Central London. Plan your day well. London is a big place and if you are not careful you may find yourself spending most of the day travelling.

Unit 8 Culture