Climate

Due to the moderating influence of the sea and the Gulf Stream, Great Britain has an insular climate. It is rather humid, cool, temperate and mild, without striking differences between seasons. This humid and mild climate is good for plants. The trees and flowers begin to blossom early in spring. The southwest winds carry the warmth and moisture into Britain.

The British climate has 3 main features: it is mild, humid and changeable. It is never too hot or too cold. The weather is so changeable that the English often say that they have no climate but only weather.

Rainfall is more or less even throughout the year. The driest period is from March to June and the wettest months are from October to January. The average range of temperature (from winter to summer) is from 15-23 degrees above zero. Winter temperatures below 10 degrees are rare. Winters are extremely mild. There may be snow but it melts quickly. January and February are usually the coldest months, July and August the warmest. Still the wind may bring winter cold in spring or summer days. Sometimes it brings the whirlwinds or hurricanes. Droughts are rare.

UNIT 4

LONDON

London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and commercial centre. It is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe. Its population is about 8 million. Today the metropolis of Greater London covers some 1,580 sq. km and the suburbs of London continue even beyond this area.

Traditionally the historical centre of London is divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. They are very different from each other and seem to belong to different epochs.

The heart of London is the City, its financial and business center with the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange, numerous banks, offices and firms. About 6 000 people live here, but about half a million people come to the City to work. There are some famous sights in the City including: the Monument commemorating the Great Fire of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the greatest of English churches, designed by Christopher Wren in the 17^th century; the Mansion House, an official residence of the Lord Mayor and, of course, the Tower of London. Its history is closely connected with the Tower of London which was built by William the Conqueror in 1066 to protect and control the city. In the past it was a fortress, a palace and a state prison. Now it is a popular museum.

Westminster is the part of London that has long been connected with royalty and government. Buckingham Palace is the British monarch’s main residence in London. It has been the royal residence since 1762.

The Houses of Parliament is the seat of the British Parliament. This architectural complex contains the universal symbol of London, Big Ben.

Close to the Houses of Parliament stands Westminster Abbey. In Westminster Abbey most British monarchs have been crowned and here you may see the ancient Coronation Chair. Many outstanding statesmen, scientists, writers, poets and painters are buried here: Newton, Darwin, Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling and others.

The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. It is the symbol of wealth and luxury. The largest department stores, cinemas and hotels are situated here. There are about 40 theaters, several concert halls, many museums and the best galleries. It is in the West End where the University of London is centred with Bloomsbury as London’s student quarter.

Trafalgar Square is the geographical center of London. It was named in memory of Admiral Nelson’s victory in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. On the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery and the national Portrait Gallery. Not far away is the British Museum – the biggest museum in London which contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures and is famous for its library.

London can be proud of its many green parks and open spaces, where the English countryside comes to the centre of the city. Some of the famous parks are in the West End such as Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park and the Zoo.

The East End grew with the spread of industries to the east of the city and the expansion of the Port of London. The East End of London is very important to the country’s commerce. It is also known as the centre of the clothing industry, the East End markets are famous throughout the world.

I. Ответьте на следующие вопросы по тексту.

1) What new facts about London have you learned?

2) What parts is London divided into?

3) Where is Big Ben situated?

4) Where is the City?

5) What is the symbol of wealth and luxury?

6) What is the governmental part of London?

7) What is Bloomsbury?

8) What memory was the Trafalgar Square named in?

9) What is the British Museum famous for?

10) What is there in the East End?

II. Повторите степени сравнения прилагательных и поставьте следующие слова в срав­нительную и превосходную степени.

large, interesting, good, big, ancient, rich, beautiful, poor, much, great.

III. Выберите утверждение, соответствующее содержанию текста.

1) The capital of Great Britain is

a) London; b) New York; c) Edinburgh.

2) Traditionally London is divided into

a) two parts; b) six parts; c) four parts.

3) The heart of London is

a) Westminster; b) the City; c) St. Paul's Cathedral.

4) The Houses of Parliament is situated in

a) the West End; b) Scotland; c) Westminster.

5) The official residence of the Queen is

a) the Buckingham Palace; b) Westminster Abbey; c) the Westminster Palace.

6) The Trafalgar Square was named in memory of the victory

a) over Germany in World War II; b) of Admiral Trafalgar; c) of Admiral Nelson.

7) The West End is

a) the place where working people live; b) the heart of London; c) the symbol of wealth and luxury.

8) The London’s student corner is

a) the Mansion House; b) Bloomsbury; c) Westminster Abbey.

IV. Переведите следующие предложения на английский язык.

1) Лондон – столица Великобритании, её экономический, политический и торговый центр.

2) Лондон – один из старейших и интереснейших городов мира.

3) Традиционно он делится на четыре части.

4) В Сити расположены многочисленные банки, офисы и фирмы, включая Банк Англии и Фондовую биржу.

5) Лондонский Тауэр – одно из древнейших зданий Великобритании. Оно было основано Юлием Цезарем.

6) Трафальгарская площадь – географический центр Лондона.

7) Британский музей – крупнейший музей Лондона.

8) В нём находится бесценная коллекция древних рукописей.

9) В Ист-Энд – много фабрик, доков и мастерских.

10) Рынки района Ист-Энд известны по всему миру.

V. Переведите предложения на русский язык, обращая внимание на неличные формы глагола:

1) London is considered to be the largest city in Europe, its population being over 8 million.

2) Being the heart of London the City has numerous banks, offices and firms.

3) Having been founded by Julius Caesar the Tower of London was used as a fortress.

4) Big Ben known as the big hour bell is situated on the Houses of Parliament.

5) The British Museum is the biggest museum containing the priceless collection of ancient manuscripts.

6) The East End being the place of docks and factories is a working class family’s district.

7) St. Paul's Cathedral being the famous ancient building is the greatest of English churches.

8) While staying in London he visited the British Museum.

VI. Задайте все возможные вопросы к следующему предложению.

The Trafalgar Square was named in memory of Admiral Nelson's Victory in 1805.

VII. Прочитайте и переведите текст без словаря.