Text Exercises

1. Read the text and find in it English equivalents of the following words and word combinations

как аграрная, так и промышленная; основные сельскохозяйственные культуры; рассматриваться; промышленное сырьё; наибольшее количество радиоактивных осадков; потребительские товары; бывшие советские республики, известны во всём мире, можно упомянуть; шерстяные и хлопчатобумажные ткани

2. Read the text and answer the following questions

1. What is the leading economic sector in Belarus?

2. What are principle crops?

3. What lands are among the most fertile and productive in the republic?

4. The forestry industry isn’t developed, is it?

5. What goods does Belarus produce?

6. What is the major railroad in the country?

7. Has Belarus access to seas?

8. Why is the republic dependent on oil and gas supplies from Russia?

9. Why do plans for developing a nuclear power industry meet a big protest among the population?

10. What goods does Belarus export?

11. What is the largest import expenditure in Belarus?

12. What countries does Belarus conduct trade with?

13. What is the largest university in the republic?

14. What are the most famous theatres in Belarus?

3. Agree or disagree with the following statements, in your answers use the expressions of agreement or disagreement

1. Agriculture dominates the economy of Belarus.

2. Forestry industry is developed in the Republic.

3. Industry was almost completely destroyed in World War II.

4. Belarus has four international airports.

5. The Ukraine is the most important trading partner.

6. Belarus’s opera and ballet companies have long-standing reputations.

7. The National Library of Belarus is famous for its selection of foreign literature.

8. Higher education institutions include primary and secondary schools, colleges.

4. Develop the following ideas, use the words and word combinations provided in brackets

1. Agriculture is one of the most important economic sectors (to account for; live-stock breeding, dairy farming, crop cultivation, wetlands – to be drained, to convert into)

2. Industry is the republic’s leading economic sector (to be destroyed; to recover rapidly; to account for; total net material product, to produce, consumer goods, manufacture of fabrics)

3. Plans for developing a nuclear power industry (to generate, energy needs; to be dependent on; to be under consideration; to meet a protest among the population; radiation fall-out)

4. Belarus is a country with a high educational level (to be free and compulsory; to include; higher education institution; specialized academies and institutes)

5. Belarus is a country of ancient culture and traditions (to be world famous; the leading theatre; to be noted for; in addition; among the museums)

5. Extend the following statements, use the text for your reference

1. Crop cultivation is important.

2. Belarus has an extensive transport system.

3. Belarus conducts trade with many countries.

4. Forestry industry is underdeveloped.

6. Speak on:

1. industry of Belarus,

2. its agriculture,

3. transport system,

4. education and culture.