The United State of America
УСТНЫЕ ТЕМЫ
About Myself
I’ll be glad to introduce myself to you. My name is Oleg Belov. I’m 25 years old. I was born on the 15 of February 1985, in the village of Bakino, Slutsk district, Minsk region, I’m Belarusian. I am single. I have blond hair, dark eyes, slender athletic build and I am tall. I work for a large business company in Minsk. I work hard and that’s why it takes me much time to fulfil my duties. I am a first year part-time student of the Russian State Social University, Law Department (Department of Social Work, Department of Social Psychology)
When I’m not busy with my work and studies I like to spend time and relax with my friends. I enjoy gardening, volleyball, cooking, keeping in good physical shape, reading, listening to music. I can add that I’m fond of sport.
The things I hope to achieve in life are to have a successful career, a healthy life, to build the home of my dreams and to become a well-rounded person. I’ll try never stop growing spiritually and learning about the world. Most of all I hope to find someone in life to share all this with.
My Family
My family is not large. There are four of us: my mother, father and elder sister. I’m the youngest in our family. My father is a businessman. It takes him much time to fulfil his duties, that’s why he usually comes home late. My mother is a doctor. She works at a hospital. She is a very busy woman. That’s why my sister and I try to help her about the house. My sister is a nurse. She works at a kindergarten. She likes her work very much. Our family is very friendly.
My mother is about fifty. She looks young for her age. I like her brown eyes, her soft voice and the way she smiles. My mother is patient and warm-hearted.
I admire my father for his character. He’s always quiet and there is strength under his quietness. He has a bright witty mind.
I’m happy that I can share all my troubles and concerns with my parents. They understand and comfort me. My parents give me a good example to follow.
In the evenings we get together and have a good time. We sit and talk or watch TV or listen to music, or read. Sometimes we go to the cinema or theatre. We have a lot of relatives: aunts, uncles, and cousins. They live in different towns and villages. We often go to see them.
1. ОтветЃEЃEъь воЃEъBЃE/i>
What is your name? 2. Where are you from? 3. How old are you? 4. When and where were you born? 5. Do you work? 6. Are you a full-time student? 7. Where do you study? 8. What year student are you? 9. How many people are there in your family? 10. Who is the eldest (the youngest) in your family? 11. What does your mother (father) look like? 12. How old is your father (mother)? 13. What does your father (mother) do? 14. How do you like to spend your free time? 15. Describe yourself. 16. Do you help your mother about the house? 16. Have you got many relatives? 17. Do you often go to see them? 18. Are you single or married? 19. Do you like your work?
My Working Day
My working day begins early. I get up at seven o`clock, air the room, make my bed, do morning exercises. Then I go to the bathroom where I wash myself, brush my teeth. At eight o’clock I have breakfast. It may be a cup of tea or coffee and a sandwich or a roll. .At a quarter past eight I leave home. I go to my work by bus or by tram. It takes me twenty minutes to get there. I come to my work a few minutes to nine. I take off my coat and hat, leave them in the cloakroom and go upstairs to my office. As a rule I have dinner at home but sometimes I go to the nearest cafe. If I have some spare time I look through the latest newspapers and magazines or read an interesting book. The break is over and I have to continue my work. At six o’clock I go home or meet my friends. At eight o’clock in the evening I have supper. Then I watch TV or listen to music. I like Saturday evenings when I can go for a walk with my friends or to the party or to the cinema or theatre. I needn’t get up early next day. Usually I go to bed at eleven o’clock.
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1. When do you get up? 2. What do you do in the morning? 3. Do you do your morning exercises every day? 4. How do you get to your work? 5. How long does it take you to get to your work? 6. Where do you have your dinner? 7. What do you do after your work? 8. What do you do in the evenings? 9. Why do you like Saturday’s evenings? 10. When do you usually go to bed?
My Flat
I live in a nine-storied block in Masherov Avenue. We have a self-contained three room flat with a large balcony. Our flat faces south. The layout of the rooms is very convenient. Two rooms look on to the green yard and the third room and the kitchen face the street. The sitting room is quite a big room. There is a thick carpet on the floor. Some good water-colours are on the walls. There is a divan-bed, two comfortable armchairs, a TV set and a long bookcase filled with books by Russian and English writers and poets. Here we get together in the evenings, watch TV, listen to music or even sing ourselves, play chess or simply talk.
The bedroom is smaller that the sitting room. There are two beds, two bedside tables, a wardrobe and a dressing table. The wall lamps are on the wall over the beds. There is an alarm-clock on one of the bedside tables.
We have all modern conveniences in our flat. There is gas, electricity, running hot and cold water and central heating.
Our kitchen is rather small but clean and bright. Here we have a small table, a gas-cooker, a refrigerator, four stools and a sideboard where we keep plates, cups, saucers, glasses, knives, spoons, forks and other things. We like our flat. It is not large but very cosy.
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1. Where do you live? 2. What is the number of your block and you flat? 3. What is the layout of your flat? 4. Do all the windows of your flat face the street? 5.Is there much furniture in your sitting room? 6. Describe your bedroom. 7. What conveniences do you have in your flat? 8. What do you keep in your sideboard? 9. Is your kitchen large? 10. Do you live in a five-storied block?
The Republic of Belarus
Belarus is situated in the middle of Europe. It borders on Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
The area of Belarus is 207,600 square kilometers. Belarus is much larger than Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece and a number of other countries. The population is more than 10 million people. There are 3,000 rivers and more than 11,000 lakes in Belarus. The largest rivers are the Dnieper, the Pripyat, the Nieman and the Western Dvina. The largest lake is the Naroch and the deepest is the Dolgoye.
Belarus is a broad plain. One third of the Republic’s territory is covered with forests. The climate of the Republic is moderate, with warm summers and mild winters.
A great deal of suffering befell the people of Belarus in its century-old history. During the World War II in the course of German occupation more than 209 cities and towns, 9,200 villages, over 10,000 industrial enterprises were destroyed. Nearly every third citizen of the Republic fell in the fight against fascism. After the War the Republic was rebuilt.
The nation declared its independence as the USSR was coming apart in the summer of 1990. A year later it changed its name to Belarus.
Belarus has great environmental problem because of Chernobyl. It suffered worse more than any other region.
The Republic of Belarus has a developed industry, agriculture, advanced culture, science and technology. The biggest enterprises are the Automobile Works in Minsk, Mogilev and Zhodino, the Minsk Tractor Plant and a number of others. They produce tractors, automobiles, computers, radio equipment, TV sets, refrigerators, watches and other manufactured goods.
Agriculture specializes in milk and meat production, the main crops are potatoes, flax and vegetables.
There are more than 40 higher educational establishments in Belarus. The Republic has its own Academy of Sciences and a number of research institutions.
Belarusian art is successfully developing too. There are a lot of professional and amatour theatres.
The Republic of Belarus is divided into 6 regions: Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Mogilev, Minsk. Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is the newly emerging cosmopolitan centre of the Commonwealth of Independent States
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1. Where is Belarus situated? 2. What countries does it border on?
3. What is the territory of the Republic? 4. Is Belarus a mountainous country? 5. Are there many rivers and lakes in Belarus? 6. How many regions does it consist of? 7. Did the war cause enormous losses in the economy of Belarus? 8. Are there many educational establishments in Belarus? 9. What does Belarusian agriculture specialize in? 10. What do the biggest enterprises of the Republic produce?
MINSK
Minsk is the capital of Belarus. It dates from the 11th century. It was first mentioned in 1067. Its name was Mensk. During its long history Minsk was often destroyed by foreign invaders. Therefore there are few historic sights in the city. During the World War II Minsk was almost fully destroyed. When on July 3, 1944 Minsk was liberated it was difficult to recognize it. There were practically no houses, no streets. In the postwar years the city was rebuilt anew. The residents of Minsk raised the city out of the ashes and made it more beautiful than it was.
Minsk today is the main economic, industrial, scientific and cultural centre. Modern Minsk is a city of numerous plants and factories, modern buildings, broad avenues, beautiful public gardens and parks. The main thoroughfare of Minsk is Nezalezhnosty Avenue.
The goods produced in Minsk have a good reputation not only in the Republic but abroad as well. Minsk is famous not only for its industrial output. It is known as a city of science and students. Important problems in physics, chemistry, biology, economics and other branches of science are studied at the research institutions of the Belarusian Academy of Sciences. There are many higher educational establishments in Minsk.
Our capital is the biggest cultural centre of the Republic. There are many cinemas, theatres, concert halls and other cultural establishments. The Belarusian Opera House and the Ballet Theatre, the Yanka Kupala Academic Drama Theatre, the Russian Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre are well known in the Republic and abroad.
Minsk is a beautiful modern city. It is the pride of the Belarussian people. A lot of tourists from different countries come to Minsk to see its sights.
1. ОтветЃEЃEъь воЃEъBЃE.
1. What is the capital of Belarus? 2. How large is the population of Minsk? 3. When was Minsk first mentioned? 4. Are there many historic sights in Minsk? 5. What is the main street of the city? 6. What theatres in Minsk do you know? 7. What problems are studied at the research institutions of the Academy of Sciences? 8. What reputation do the goods produced in Minsk have? 9. When was Minsk liberated? 10 What can you say about modern Minsk?
MOSCOW
Moscow, the capital of the Russian Federation, is the largest political, industrial, scientific and cultural centre of Russia. It is one of the oldest Russian cities. The oldest manuscripts connect the foundation of Moscow with the name of Yuri Dolgoruki, who founded Moscow in 1147. There is a monument to Yury Dolgoruki in Moscow.
Already in the 13th century Moscow was the centre of the struggle for the unification of the Russian lands. During the whole history of Moscow the city always occupied the leading place in the cultural and scientific life of the Russian people. The first Russian public theatre, the first hand-written Russian newspaper, the first Russian University started their activity in Moscow. World-known writers and poets, scientists and many others lived and worked here. At the end of the 19th century Moscow became a large industrial centre. In 1918 Moscow became the capital of Russia.
There are a lot of places of interest in Moscow. Everyone is impressed by the Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, Moscow’s straight and broad streets and avenues.There are a lot of theatres, museums, big supermarkets, hotels, beautiful squares and parks in Moscow. The size and the beauty of the capital make great impression on Russian and foreign people. The Moscovites are very hospitable and friendly.
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1. Have you ever been to Moscow? 2. Is Moscow an old or young city? 3. When was Moscow founded? 4. Who founded Moscow? 5. Where did the first University start its activity? 6.What famous people lived in Moscow? 7. When did Moscow become the capital of Russia? 8. What are the people who live in Moscow and come to see its sights impressed by? 9. What can you say about the Moscovites. 10. Can you describe the center of Moscow?
Great Britain
The official name of the state is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island. It is situated on the British Isles. They are washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the West, by the North Sea in the East, by the English Channel in the South. The area of the islands is about 120,000 square miles. The largest islands are called Great Britain and Ireland. England, Wales and Scotland are the main parts of Great Britain. The population of Great Britain is over 56,000,000. The total area of the United Kingdom is 244,000 sq.km.
Scotland is the most northern part and it is not so densely populated as England. Wales is a mountainous country. Northern Ireland is the smallest part of the United Kingdom.
The climate of Great Britain is temperate and mild due to the influence of the warm waters of the Gulf-Stream. The summers are usually cool and rainy. There is much rain and fog in autumn and in winter. Great Britain is
a damp country. The weather is very changeable and it is the favourite topic of conversation in Britain.
The United Kingdom was originally an agricultural and sheep-farming country. Nowadays it is a highly developed industrial power. It is one of the most powerful capitalist countries in the world. The main industrial regions are in the North and in the West of the country where there are huge deposits of coal and other minerals.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island is a constitutional (parliamentary) monarchy and the Queen is the head of the state. But the powers of the Queen (or King) are limited by the Constitution and in practice the country is governed by the selected government with a Prime minister at the head. The British Parliament consists of the Queen, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of Commons has at present 630 members. The election to the House of Commons is held every five years. The chief Parliamentary officer of the House of Commons is the Speaker. The House of Lords consists of nearly 1000 peers, lords, dukes, barons, bishops and church officials.
In Great Britain there are two main political parties, the Conservative Party and the Labour Party, which dominate in the British political system. The party that wins the majority of seats at a general election forms the government. The Prime Minister is usually the leader of that party and is appointed by the Queen (or King).
ОтветЃEЃEъь воЃEъBЃE
1.What parts does Great Britain consist of? 2. What is the capital of Great Britain? 3. What are the main islands of Great Britain? 4. Is the Thames the longest river in Great Britain? 5. Are the mountains in Great Britain high? 6. What is the political structure of Great Britain? 7. What kind of state is Great Britain? 8. What chambers does British Parliament consist of? 9. What political parties are the leading in Great Britain? 10. What is the official name of Great Britain?
London
London is the capital of Great Britain. It is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Its population is over 8 million. London is situated on the river Thames. It is a very old city. It has more than 20 century old history.
The most important parts of London are the City, the West End, the East End and Westminster.
The City is the oldest part of London and the heart of all business activity of London. Most of its banks, offices and firms are there. Few people live in the City but more than a million come here to work.
The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. There are fine mansions, theatres, museums and big shops there. Its streets and parks are the most beautiful in the city. Trafalgar Square is the geographical center of the city. It was named in the memory of admiral Nelson’s victory at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. In the middle of the square there is the tall monument (about 185 feet high) with a statue of admiral Nelson on the top. One of the busiest streets in the West End is Oxford street.
The East End is the poorest part of London. There are many factories, workshops and docks there. Working-class people live in this part. The old residents of the East End are proud to be called cockneys which means true Londoners.
Westminster is the central part of London. It is the aristocratic official part of the city. Most governmental buildings are situated there. The building of the Houses of Parliament stands on the left bank of the Thames River and stretches for about 1,000 feet. Well-known Big Ben, the clock Tower, is a part of the building of the Houses of Parliament. The official residence of the Prime Minister is situated in Downing Street No 10. Buckingham Palace where the Queen lives is also situated there. Westminster Abbey is the place where coronation of nearly all kings and queens took place. Most of them as well as many other famous people of the country are buried there (Ch. Dickens, R. Kipling, Newton etc.)
London is the center of Britain’s cultural life. It houses great national collections, the famous British Museum, the National Gallery and so on.
There are many parks and gardens in London. The most famous and loved by Londoners is Hyde Park.
ОтветЃEЃEъь воЃEъBЃE
1. What is the population of London? 2. What river does London stand on? 3.What parts is London divided into? 4. Why is the City called the business center of London? 5. The East End is a working class area, isn’t it? 6. Why is the central square in London named Trafalgar Square? 7. What is Westminster famous for? 8. Where is the official residence of the Prime Minister situated? 9. What is Westminster Abbey famous for? 10. What is situated in the East End?
The United State of America
The USA is situated in the middle part of North America. The area of the country is 9,363,2000 square kilometers. The population of the USA is more than 220 million people. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, the USA borders on Canada in the North and Mexico in the South.
The United States is extremely rich in minerals, especially in coal. The USA is immensely developed industrial power. Agriculture is also a highly developed field of the USA’s national economy.
The United States of America is a bourgeois federal republic. It consists of 50 states. The capital of the USA is Washington.
The federal government is divided into three main branches: the legislative, the executive and the judicial.
The legislative power is vested in the Congress. The Congress consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The Senate consists of 100 members - two from each state, chosen for six years. The House of Representatives consists of 435 members elected every second year. The executive power is vested in the President, Vice-president and the President’s Cabinet.
The President is elected for four years of service and may be elected for four additional years. The presidential elections are held in two stages. First the voters choose the electors who then elect the President. The Vice-President is elected with the President for four years.
The Supreme Court and the system of federal courts represent he judicial power.
There are two major political parties in the United States: the Democratic and Republican parties.
ОтветЃEЃEъь воЃEъBЃE/b>
1. How many states does the US consist of? 2. What branches is the federal government divided into? 3.How many members are there in the Senate (in the House of Representatives)? 4.What term is the President elected for? 5. How are the presidential elections held? 6.What is represented by the Supreme Court? 7.What are the main political parties in the United States? 8. What is the capital of the USA? 9. What is the US rich in? 10. What is the name of the President of the United States of America?
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital of the United States of America (D.C. is the District of Columbia named in honour of Columbus, the discoverer of America). It bears the name of the first US President George Washington and was created to be the seat of the government of the USA. Washington is not the largest city in the country. It cannot be compared in size with New York, Chicago and other cities.
The highest building of the city, the Capitol, rises in the very center of Washington. The Capitol is the seat of the legislative branch of the USA government.
The White House, where the US President lives and works, the Supreme Court, the Pentagon, the Headquarters of the Department of Defense, are located in Washington.
Washington has many famous buildings and monuments - National Gallery of Art, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, Kennedy Center, the Tomb of Unknown Soldier and many others. The tallest stone structure of the city is the Washington Monument. It was set up to commemorate George Washington, the first President of the USA. The monument is 500 feet high and is situated on the hill in Potomac Park behind the White House.
About three quarters of the population of this city are wholly or indirectly involved in the administrative machine and the general process of government.
ОтветЃEЃEъь воЃEъBЃE
1. What famous buildings and monuments in Washington can you name? 2. What is the highest stone structure of the city? 3. It was set up to commemorate G. Washington, wasn’t it? 4.Where is the monument to Washington situated? 5. What part of the population of the city is involved in the administrative machine and the general process of government? 6. What was Washington created for? 7.What is the highest building in the city? 8. Where is the residence of the President of the USA situated? 9. What river does Washington stand on? 10. What places of interest in Washington do you know? 11. Is Washington the largest city in the USA?
Our University
We are the students of the Moscow State Social University (Minsk branch). Our University trains specialists for the work in social sphere. Our University was formed in 1996. It is the first branch developed on the ground of the Russia - Belarus cooperation. There are more than 1000 students at our University. They are full-time and part-time students. At present there are three departments: Law, Psychы‰ogy, Social Work.
The main building of our University is situated in Narodnaya street not far from the largest Minsk supermarket “BelarusЃE Our University is a modern four-storeyed building. We have favourable conditions for studies. Numerous class-rooms, lecture halls, an assembly hall, a well-stocked library with a reading hall, two computer classes are at our disposal.
The University is staffed by highly qualified lecturers, assistant-professors, professors. Many of them are the authors of text books, scientific books and articles. They carry out research and practical work, take part in scientific conferences. We respect our lecturers and like their lectures.
The academic year is divided into two terms. Term examinations are held in January and June. The course of studies lasts four - five or even six years depending on the department. We have morning and afternoon classes. The University provides us with a high standard of theoretical and practical knowledge. We study many different subjects such as Law, Philosophy, History, Mathematics, English, Latin and others. We like our University and are proud of being its students.
ОтветЃEЃEъь воЃEъBЃEЃE теЃEту
1. Where do you study? 2. How is your University called? 3. What ground was the University developed on? 4. How many students are there in the University? 5. What department do you study at? 6. Who studies at the Preparatory department? 7. Where is the University situated? 8. Is the University well-equipped? 9. When are the term examinations held? 10. What subjects do you study? 11. Who is the University staffed by? 12. You like your University, don’t you?
My future profession
There are many Universities and Institutes in this country. Every year hundreds of young people leave school. Some of them only then begin to think what to do in the future. As for me, on leaving school I didn’t hesitate about the choice of my future profession. I firmly decided to become a lawyer (psychologist, social worker). Last year I entered the Moscow State Social University (Minsk branch) and now I’m a second year student of Law department (Psychology, Social work). The course of studies lasts four-five or even six years depending on the department. So in three (four) years I’ll graduate from the University and get a certificate of higher education. My dream to be a lawyer (psychologist, social worker) will come true.
We study a lot of interesting subjects: mathematics, psychology, philosophy, social subjects, a foreign language and many other subjects. All of them stimulate and reinforce my interest to my future profession.
I know that the profession I have chosen is rather difficult. To reach high standards one must work hard day after day. But along with its troubles and disappointments my profession has its merits and joys. It demands that each lawyer (psychologist, social worker) should be a well-educated, kind and at the same time strict person. I like to work with people and my profession gives me the opportunity to work with them.
Our University provides us with high standard of theoretical and practical knowledge; it is staffed by highly qualified lecturers, assistant-professors and professors who help us to become good specialists.
ОтветЃEЃEъь воЃEъBЃEЃE теЃEту
1. Why did you decide to be a lawyer (psychologist, social worker)? 2. Who influenced the choice of your future profession? 3.You are a second year student, aren’t you? 4. When will you graduate from the University? 5. Is your future profession difficult or easy? Why? 6. What does your profession demand? 7. Do you like to work with people or papers? 8. What subjects do you study at the University? 9. What must one do to become a highly qualified person? 10. Do you like your future profession? Why?