VII. Основные экономические регионы страны. Часть 6.

Прочтите текст G и выполните тестовые задания после текста. Тестовые задания включают информацию текстов C, D, E, F и G.

Text g. Northern ireland

Northern Ireland is a unique region within the United Kingdom, for in addition to economic problems there are political divisions, which reflect the unsettled Irish problem. In the past Northern Ireland depended • almost completely upon three activities — farming, shipbuilding and the manufacture of textiles. Today great changes took place in these sectors. In agriculture which is mainly char­acterized by mixed farming and dairying there has been a large reduction of farmers because many owners of small farms became ruined and left the land. The textile industry depended mainly on linen which was made from flax, but today flax-growing has died out. Man-made fibres have taken the place of the linen industry. Northern Ireland has one of the largest concentrations of man-made fibre production in Western Europe. Textile manufacture is concentrated not only in Belfast, but in several smaller towns nearby. The manufacture of clothing and footwear is also developed in Northern Ireland. Londonderry, the second major town in Northern Ireland, specializes in the manufacture of shirts. Belfast is the main administrative, economic and cultural centre of Northern Ireland. It is the province's main port. Belfast is a major centre of textile manufacture, shipbuilding, aircraft production, electrical engineering and food processing. Though shipbuilding has declined, it still remains an important industry, and the shipbuilding firm Harland and Wolf is known all over the world. The aerospace firm of Short Brothers employs many workers and is known throughout the country. The beautiful scenery of Northern Ireland, the unspoilt environment mean that this province has many opportunities to attract more and more tourists.

Тестовые задания

I. Заполните пропуски.

1. Birmingham, Coventry and several other larger towns make the … of the Midlands.

2. Birmingham makes everything from a pin to a … .

3. Nottingham … Minsk and different contacts are maintained between the two cities.

4. Lancashire is a historic centre of British industry, it is the … and it was here that the Industrial Revolution started.

5. Sheffield produces a wide range of steel goods besides … .

6. Bradford has long been the leading centre of … and woolen manufacture.

7. The … of the Humber is one of the most spacious in Britain, and it is well located for trade with Europe.

8. … of water was an important factor in building the Calder Hall nuclear power station.

9. Due to the … of the iron ores the steel industry in Wales faces serious problems.

10. Sheep raising is the main … of the population in North Wales.

II. Закончите предложения, выбрав один из вариантов.

1. Scotland due to its physical features which influence the development of the economy…

a) may be divided into two parts;

b) is divided into the Scottish Highlands, the Central Lowlands and the Southern Uplands;

c) is regarded as one mountainous region.

2. An activity which is extremely important in Scotland's export trade…

a) is connected with the textile industry;

b) is the blending of Scotch whisky, produced in the distilleries located in the Highlands;

c) is connected with the export of coal and oil.

3. Edinburgh is often called "The Athens of the North"…

a) because of its beauty and lots of tourists visit the city;

b) because of its architecture which resembles the capital of Greece;

c) because of its historical monuments.

4. Aberdeen's industry is expanding…

a) because of the abundance of oil in the valleys nearby;

b) due to its electronics industry;

c) because of the rich resources of oil in the North Sea.

5. Northern Ireland is a unique region within the United Kingdom…

a) due to its geographical position;

b) for in addition to economic problems there are political divisisons, which reflect the unsettled Irish problem;

c) because of the number of lakes located in this part of the U.K.

6. Quite often the Midlands was called the Black Country…

a) because of the dark colour of the mountains of this region of England;

b) due to its mass industrialization in the 19th and early 20th century;

c) because of the bad weather when heavy rain clouds cover the sky most of the time of the year.

7. In the south-west of the Midlands lies a district known as the Potteries…

a) because of the great number of ancient pots found by archaeologists during excavations;

b) with its centre Stoke-upon-Trent famous for its pottery and ceramics industry;

c) because annual pot fairs are held here when pots are brought and sold from different regions of Britain.