_ПРАВКА_лексика разг.речи_. _ПРАВКА_лексика разг. Министерство образования и науки
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The Scarlet Sails The Scarlet Sails is a celebration in St. Petersburg, Russia, the most massive and famous public event during the White Nights Festival. The tradition is highly popular for spectacular fireworks, numerous music concerts, and a massive water-show including battle among tens of boats full of pirates on the waters of Neva river. Millions people visit the event, among the entertainers were such stars as Cirque du Soleil, Mariinsky Ballet, Antonio Banderas and others. Entertainment also includes appearances by popular rock stars, as well as St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, ballet, and other classical acts, performing on several stages simultaneously during the days of the event. The show also includes rowing and motorboat races, and a massive battle with pirates culminating with appearance of a tall ship sporting spectacular «Scarlet sails». Yo-mobile The Yo-mobile is a planned hybrid electric car that will be produced by Yo-auto, a Russian company. The car will be powered by an engine that can burn both gasoline and natural gas and is connected to a pair of electric motors. Fuel economy of the car is expected to be around 67 mpg-US (3.5 L/100 km; 80 mpg-imp), with a range of 680 miles (1,090 km) and a top speed of 80 mph (130 km/h). However, no tests were conducted due to the lack of working examples. TEXT 5. Read and translate the article. Be ready to discuss. Name some more Russian personal qualities. Make a list of Russian good and bad character features, strengths and weaknesses, if any. Russian Character Most Russians are not very different from most westerners in the way they perceive things or in their desired lifestyle. However, there are certain peculiarities, which may emerge when you get to know your Russian friends closer. Below we tried to list the most common traits of the Russian character. • We are a free nation. Here we despise all the rules. It’s an honor for our drivers to move on the red light or to bother other drivers and scorn pedestrians. • It’s cool to do nothing and to just lie on the sofa thinking about how great you are. Really, Russia is such an amazing but lazy country. • We value generosity. We can give you the last piece of bread we have if we believe you really need it. And we expect the same in return. • Some of us are naturally indifferent; we don’t care too much about dirt on the streets, saving money, breaking the rules, risking without particular reason, drinking too much... • Some of us are quite emotional, but somehow it’s all kept inside most of the time. We may seem a bit cold and too much to ourselves at first, but when you get to know us better, we're like a volcano. • We don't feel easy about talking to strangers on the street, but if you start conversation saying that you're from another country or ask for some help, there's a good chance we will be very open, because we are naturally curious about foreigners. • Women and old women are very respected here. It’s considered polite if while being in the metro and seeing a woman or an old woman coming in and there’re no free seats, man offers her his seat. • Beware of the babushkas (old women). They are active, pushy and very proud of themselves, so if you do something not the way they think you should’ve done, better disappear. • If you invited a girl or a woman somewhere be prepared to pay for her everywhere. If you invited a man, he’ll pay for himself, and there's a good chance he'll pay for you as well without telling you about it. • Yes, we love vodka, but we're not alcoholics. Despite what some people think, Russians are not drunkards, they just have a special resistance to alchohol, that's why they can drink so much. And we actually get our strength from it and it warms us during the cold winters. By the way, if you drink with us, you'll have to drink as much as we do, or we will be offended. • Russians are hooligans. It's not because we're bad - we just like everything extraordinary. That's why you hear our tourists singing folk songs at 3am and that's why we make a revolution every 80 years. • We believe in magnetism. The thing is, that every so often the sun sends some electro-magnetic signals and this affects the whole course of events on the earth, including our mood and feelings. So, if you see two housewives discussing how bad their day went because of the electro-magnetic storm that happened in the afternoon - don't think they are adepts of some sort of new age philosophy, it's completely normal here. • Yes, we are superstitious. And if you want to shake our hand, you can never ever do it through the door: you have to come in, otherwise we will quarrel. If you come back to your house just after you left - look at the mirror, it's for your own good. If you're sitting at the corner of the table, you won't be married for 7 years. If a fork falls, a woman is going to come, if a knife falls, a man will certainly appear. • Most of us know a few words in English, but we are too shy to speak - no practice, you see... However, you will be surprised at how many things are written in English on the streets: it is used to show a shop or a cafe, to advertise a new product, and there's a lot of foreign goods. Also, almost more than a half of Russian products have their ingredients listed in English. Questions
TEXT 6. Read and translate the text. Make reports on famous Russians and their achievements. Russians There are about 145 million people in the country, 13 towns and cities with more than a million inhabitants - the largest of which are Moscow and St. Petersburg. Eighty per cent of the whole population are ethnic Russians (Slavs). More than a hundred different peoples or ethnic groups speak their own languages, but everybody knows Russian as well. Lots of Russians are atheists. Most believers are Orthodox Christians. The most widespread Russian surnames are Kuznetsov, Ivanov, Petrov, Smirnov and Popov. First names – Elena and Alexey. There are more women in Russia than men. Russian brides are famous in the whole world not only for their looks but also for their household skills. Many foreigners come to Russia with the special aim of finding beautiful Slav wives and taking them away to their homes. «The Russians harness slowly, but they ride fast». It's interesting to mention that these words, characterizing the Russian style pretty accurately, were said by the prominent German politician Otto von Bismark about one hundred and fifty 7 years ago. The Russians are a talented nation. We are proud of our famous fellow-countrymen. Russia gave the world Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Chekhov. Five Russian authors – Bunin, Sholokhov, Pasternak, Solzhenitsin and Brodsky – were awarded with the Nobel Prize in literature. Music by Russian composers is played throughout the world – Tschaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Shnitke. Malevich and Kandinsky – representatives of the so-called «Russian avantguard» – became famous for their innovations in painting. Discoveries and achievements by Russian scientists in chemistry, nuclear physics and aviation – they're common knowledge. Some firsts of invention are regarded in Russia in a way different from that generally accepted. For example, foreigners become genuinely surprised when they learn that Russians consider themselves inventors of the first steam locomotive, electric bulb or radio. Nevertheless, there are lots of things where Russian firsts are of no doubt. In 1961, Russia (then the USSR) first sent a man into space. Russian tanks, battle air-craft and famous Kalashnikov tommy-guns are definitely the best in the world, as well as the Russian classical ballet. The names of Anna Pavlova, Galina Ulanova, Maya Plisetskaya, Rudolf Nuriev and Mikhail Baryshnikov are known to each and every educated person. Equally obvious are the achievements of Russia in sports: traditionally high places in team scores at the Olympic Games, world records and titles of our swimmers, weight-lifters, gymnasts, figure-skaters. Among the world champions in chess there are more Russians than all others put together. TEXT 7. Learn the info. Name three things you closely associate with Russia. National Symbols of Russia The national symbols of Russia are a part of the cultural heritage of the country which has given the country its national identity. These national symbols of Russia represent the significance of the traditional values and customs which have been a part of this country since ancient times. National Flag of Russia The national flag of Russia is a tri color flag-white color which lies on the top, blue in the middle and red on the bottom. White stands for nobility and frankness; blue symbolizes loyalty, honesty, chastity and scarlet represents self-sacrifice, generosity and love. While some Russians believe that red means the land, blue stands for sky, and white symbolizes heaven. National Anthem of Russia In 1944, the national anthem of Russia was accepted. The music was composed by Alexander Alexandrov and the lyrics were written by Russian Federalist Sergey Mikhalkov. In 2000 some minor changes were made in the Russian national song. Two-headed Eagle The two-headed eagle first appeared in Russia, during the time of Moscovia, in the 15th century. Two-headed eagle has been the symbol of the monarchy of Russia for more than four hundred years. But with the advent of Russian revolution and dethroning of the Tsar Empire, it was on the verge of extinction. In 1993, under the initiative of President Boris Yeltsin it was again adopted on 30th November 1993. The two heads of the eagle stands for the two parts of vast Russian empire - European and Asian, which are believed to be an important part of the country of Russia. Thus, an analysis of the background of the national symbols of Russia gives you an idea of the rich historical heritage of the country. TEXT 8. Read and translate the text. Answer the questions below. Moscow Moscow is the capital of Russia, its political, industrial, scientific, financial and cultural centre. Moscow was founded in 1147 by the prince Yury Dolgoruky. In the 13th century Moscow was the struggle centre with the tartar yoke. In the 16th century under Ivan the Terrible Moscow became the capital of the new united state. Though Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1712, Moscow remained the heart of Russia. That’s why it became the main target of Napoleon’s attack. Three-quarters of the city was destroyed by fire during Napoleon’s occupation, but by the mid-19th century Moscow had been completely restored. After the October revolution Moscow became the capital again. Now Moscow is one of the largest cities in Europe. Its total area is more than 1000 square kilometers. The population of the city is over 10 and a half million people. Moscow is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Red Square is considered to be the heart of the capital. The Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral (Vasily Blazheny) are masterpieces of ancient architecture. There are 20 towers on the top of the Kremlin but the most impressive one is Spasskaya Tower which became the symbol of the country. On the territory of the Kremlin one can see old cathedrals, the Bell Tower of Ivan the Great, the Palace of Congresses, the Tsar-Cannon and the Tsar-Bell, the biggest cannon and bell in the world. St. Basil’s Cathedral was built in the mid-16th century. There’s a legend that Ivan the Terrible blinded the architects Barma and Postnik, because he didn’t want them to create another masterpiece. Moscow is also proud of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The Kremlin is also the seat of the Russian Federal Government. The city is situated on the banks of the Moskva River. Due to its location in the very centre of European Russia, Moscow is the starting point for all trade routes. There is even a special place called «zero kilometer». Moscow is surely the main cultural centre of Russia. It’s the seat of the Academy of Sciences. Russia’s biggest University named after Mikhail Lomonosov is also situated in Moscow. Besides, there are numerous scientific research institutions, technical colleges and academies of music and art in Moscow. Therefore it’s recognized as a city of students. This city is the very place one can get acquainted with wonderful masterpieces of art. There are more than 80 museums in Moscow. The most widely-known are The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the State Tretyakov Gallery. One can also find a great number of theatres in Moscow. The most famous one is the Bolshoi Opera House. Drama theatres and studios are also very popular with visitors. Questions 1. When was Moscow founded? Who founded Moscow? 2. What do you know about the history of Moscow? 3. What places of interest are there in the capital? 4. What legend do you know about the construction of St. Basil’s Cathedral? 5. What museums, galleries and theatres can you recommend to visit? TEXT 9. Read and translate the interviews. Be ready to discuss. Foreigners in Moscow John McDugall, 32 years old, USA, PR manager (1 month in Moscow) - How would you describe Moscow with a single word? - Cold. And I include all possible meanings in this word. - What do you think about Russian cuisine? - It’s good, particularly soups, pancakes and pies. Hot soups do help to reanimate oneself after a working day or a long walk. Hard to imagine, but after three weeks of training I can pronounce schi and borsch almost without an accent! But the only way to try it (as it should be) is to find friends in Russia and hopefully they will be competent and qualified in cooking something typical. I’d recommend to avoid the so-called restaurants of national cuisine as they are mostly a fake and attraction for tourists, in my opinion. - What was your biggest shock in Moscow? - Moscow is a 24 hour city where you can find regardless of place and time, open markets and services. Moscow never sleeps! - Did you get lost in Moscow? - Yes I did many times. One of the reasons is the subway. To foreigner’s ear, many of stations’ names sound similar and it’s not always easy to recognize the right station especially if you don’t have its name written on paper but were just told. Also it’s not easy to find an apartment house on the street. It makes me mad when one side of it there are buildings number 5, then 7, then 10, then 26, then 13 and finally 3! I’m not kidding! This is the order of houses on one of the lanes near Prospect Mira! No logic, just you need to know where that very building is. And as I had problems finding I had to ask people on the streets. Unfortunately, not many of them speak English. To tell you the truth – hardly 10% of Muscovites do and it’s better to have aside someone who can translate for you. Hanna Swenson, 36 years old, Norway, designer (6 weeks in Moscow) - What was your first impression of Moscow? - It’s a melting pot of cultures not less than NY, London or Berlin. I travelled a lot, and comparing to many other cities and towns Moscow has both advantages and drawbacks. But anyway it’s not possible to say what kind of people Muscovites are in general. There are people who are friendly, lively and joyful but meanwhile there are also churlish ones. I can’t understand what the difference is because it doesn’t seem to be concerned with education or income or nationality. Chances to meet kind-hearted and open-minded people are quite high. I’d say that the key-factor in Moscow is people. If you have friends here, you will be protected from 90% of problems. Anyway, even if you are alone somewhere don’t hesitate to ask people questions. Here in Moscow you have to be curious and brave all the time as mentality differs from European and you have to accept conditions of the local game. - Is there anything you can’t get used to in Moscow? - That practically every car can be transformed into a taxi. When I was younger, I used to hitch-hike. So when I decided to catch a taxi the first time here and an ordinary car stopped I expected it to be for free, a kind of urban hitch-hiking. Later I realized it is just an additional source of money even if the driver owns a Volkswagen, BMW or Mercedes. - Did you have problems with the police? - They stopped me for a couple of times to check registration. But you just do not have to be afraid, simply look straight and behave with confidence. - Are there any habits you’ve obtained in Moscow and would like to keep them when back home? - Yes there are some. One habit is to present flowers to my friends. Another point is drinking cheap beer! That’s a thing I do really like in Moscow! Questions
TEXT 10. Read and translate the text. Answer the questions below. St. Petersburg The beautiful city of St. Petersburg is built on water, which gives a magical and romantic atmosphere. Poets and writers often call it «The Northern Venice», «The Pearl of the Baltics». The city was born and grew up on 42 islands. Now they are linked by 363 bridges. It stretches along the Neva River. It was the Tsar’s fancy to build a city on a swampy land at the mouth of the Neva River. Peter the Great believed that the new city would provide a port for trade through the Baltic Sea giving Russia a «window on Europe». In May, 1703 tsar Peter I founded a fortress on a small island called Zayachy. The fortress was named after saint Peter and it gave its name to the future northern capital of Russia. Many famous European and Russian masters did their best while constructing the city. Palaces, cathedrals, buildings of rare beauty rose along straight avenues and streets, squares and parks. The first monumental ensemble of the city, Peter and Paul fortress, attracts lots of tourists. The Cathedral of Peter and Paul fortress built by architect Tresini in 1712-1733 became the necropolis of Russian tsars. St. Petersburg displays a remarkable richness of architecture. Its Winter palace, the Kazan and St. Isaac’s Cathedrals, Vorontsov and Stroganov Palaces are world famous. Museums are city’s pride. One of the most famous museums, the State Hermitage, is situated here. Its collection boasts of tsars treasures, works of the world-known artists, and paintings from private galleries of Yusoupovs, Stroganovs, Sheremetevs, Shuvalovs and others. Some 2,5 million masterpieces of various epochs, countries and nations are located in more than one thousand halls. St. Petersburg has played a vital role in Russian history. It was the scene of the February and October Revolutions in 1917 and was fiercely defended during World War II. It was renamed three times – Petrograd, Leningrad and, again, St. Petersburg. Now, the city plays an important role in Russian economy, culture and international cooperation. Great Federico Fellini, who once visited St. Petersburg said, «I’m happy that I was born in Italy and worked in Rome, but, probably, I would be twice as happy if fate would let me have a nook in Russia, in St. Petersburg. I fell in love with this city. Somehow, I understand it». Questions 1. How is St. Petersburg called by poets and writers? 2. Why was St. Petersburg a «window on Europe»? 3. How many times was the city renamed? What are the names? 4. What sights are there in the city? 5. Have you ever been to St. Petersburg? Do you agree with the opinion of Federico Fellini? TEXT 11. Read and translate the text. Be ready to speak on the topic. The Russian Federation The Russian Federation is the largest country in the world covering more than a ninth of the Earth's land area. It is situated in the eastern part of Europe and the northern part of Asia. The total area of the country is over 17 million square kilometers. The population of Russia is more than 140 million people. It is washed by the Arctic Ocean in the North, the Atlantic Ocean in the West and the Pacific Ocean in the East. It is known to be washed by 12 seas: the White Sea, the Laptevs' Sea, the Barents Sea, the Baltic Sea, etc. On the vast territory of Russia one can find forests, steppes, lowlands and high-lands, mountains and valleys. The main mountain chains are the Altai, the Caucasus, the Urals (the natural border between the European and the Asian parts of Russia). There are over two million rivers in Russia, the Volga which flows into the Caspian Sea being the longest river in Europe. Most of the rivers are suitable for navigation, many of them produce electric power. Russia is rich in beautiful lakes as well. The famous Russian lake Baikal is considered to be the deepest and the most beautiful lake in the world. It is 1,620 metres deep, more than any other lake in the world. Thousands of tourists coming to Russia try to visit the lake, to see its picturesque scenery. There are different types of climate in Russia. It varies from arctic in the North to subtropical in the South. In the middle of the country the climate is temperate and continental. Russia has a market economy with enormous natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas. Oil, natural gas and timber account for more than 80% of Russian exports abroad. It also has deposits of coal, iron ores, gold, nickel, silver, etc. Three quarters of the country's minerals and fuels are concentrated in Siberia and the Far East. Recently, Russia has been described in the media as an energy superpower. The country has more higher education graduates than any other country in Europe. The capital of Russia is Moscow. Moscow is the political, economic, commercial and cultural centre of Russia. It occupies the territory of about 1000 square kilometers. It is also the centre of political life in Russia. According to the Constitution, Russia is a Federal Republic. The Head of the state is the President. The Federal Government consists of three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. The legislative power is represented by the Federal Assembly which consists of 2 chambers - the Council of Federation and the State Duma. The executive power belongs to the Government with the Prime minister at the head. The judicial branch is represented by the Constitutional Court. The state symbol of Russia is a three-coloured flag (tricolour). Russia, as any other country in the world has its national and religious holidays. The main Russian national holidays are Victory Day, New Year's Day, Day of Fatherland's Defender, Women's Day, May Day, Day of Russia and Unity Day. The main religious holidays are Christmas, Easter and some others. TEXT 12. Learn the info. Make an advertisement of Smolensk for tourist attraction. About Smolensk So what is Smolensk? It’s an ancient Russian city, founded in 863 AD, lying over the Dnieper River not far from Moscow and St. Petersburg. The city stands on seven hills, spanning a large area. Smolensk is a key-town, a strategic fortress city, a valiant defender of Russia on the western frontier. Smolensk is a hero city honored for its determined defence against the Nazis. Smolensk is the birthplace of such outstanding people as Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, Mikhail Glinka, the great Russian composer of music, and the prolific writer Isaac Asimov. Smolensk is proud of its great and eventful history which is reflected in museums, monuments, churches, theatres, galleries (in the Smolensk Art Gallery you can see works of Aivazovsky and original works of other famous artists). There are many different views of the city to be enjoyed from the Fortress Wall that was build in 1602, crowned with 38 towers. The present wall rings the center of Smolensk and includes many interesting places that reflect the history of the city. The original wall was 6.4 km long. Now its length is 3 km and it has 17 towers. Smolensk, while ancient, is at the same time a very young and up-to-date city. Much of Smolensk was rebuilt after the destruction of wars and many modern new buildings are constructed each year. Smolensk, with several universities, offers a wide variety of opportunities for Russian and international students. A vibrant youth culture includes nightclubs, cinema, cafes and parks where young people meet. Smolensk is a city of youth. Young people choose from a variety of entertainments ranging from adventure of extreme sports to the casual enjoyment of strolls through green parks with winding paths, fountains and stately trees. If you are fond of eating out, Smolensk offers a great number of cafes and restaurants representing the different cuisines of the world, including the delicious and unique western Russian dishes like bliny, pelmeni and our distinguished local vodka. Visitors also find a wealth of shopping in Smolensk. Visitors buy typical Russian souvenirs and many products of very high quality representing Smolensk industry (flax, diamonds and ceramics) and different goods of well-known brands. The markets are full of great bargains. Smolensk has great natural beauty in every season. The unique nature of this region, with its deep lakes and green forests, present a variety of outdoor activities. Sportsmen find fishing and hunting in the area great. Every season has its own charm and unforgettable atmosphere. The Smolensk region is famous for its nature. In its green forests and nature reserves one can find a wide choice of plants and wild animals. The lakes and rivers are full of fish, and fishing is possible in spring, summer, autumn and even in winter. TEXT 13. Read and translate the text. Play a situation when you are a guide about museums of Smolensk. Museums of Smolensk The Museum «Smolensk Flax» Flax industry is one of the most wide-spread industries in Smolensk Region. Only here in Smolensk Region you can find such a wide selection of flax goods. In Smolensk Museum of Flax one can see equipment that was used for growing flax and for making goods out of it many centuries ago. You can also find here original flax clothes that were popular with our ancestors. The Museum «Smolensk Flax» is a perfect place for getting acquainted with authentic Russian culture. The Museum of Russian Vodka Smolensk Museum of Russian Vodka is located in Pjatnizkaya tower – one of the 17 towers of the Smolensk Fortress Wall. The exposition contains the key points of wine production development in Russia. Besides, all the visitors can taste production of Smolensk company «Bahus» in the restaurant “Smolensk Fortress”. The Museum of Fairy Tale If you want to get acquainted with popular heroes of Russian fairy tales; if your wish is to learn more about ancient Russian customs and traditions – you should visit Smolensk Museum of Fairy Tale. There you’ll find yourself in the magic world of Russian fairy tales; you’ll feel the fantastic atmosphere of past centuries. In Smolensk Museum of Fairy Tale one can see the original pieces of furniture, toys, clothes and kitchen utensils of old Russia. Visit the Museum of Fairy Tale and get in touch with unique Russian culture. The Burial-Mounds in Gnezdovo The biggest in Europe pre-Christian burial-mounds of Slavic tribes are located in Smolensk district Gnezdovo. It’s planned to take those burial-mounds under control of UNESCO as important historical objects. This place is famous for archeological excavations that give us information about the life of Slavic tribes many centuries ago. The Historical-Architectural complex «Teremok» «Teremok» is one of the most interesting sites of Smolensk Region. There one can get in touch with unique Russian culture. «Teremok» is a famous art centre, created in the 19th century by the outstanding patron of arts, collector and artist – M.K. Tenesheva. Various well-known artists worked here in different epochs: Repin, Vrubel, Rerich; their original works you can see in «Teremok». The atmosphere of «Teremok» is the atmosphere of old Russia and fairy tale. The Museums «Hmelita» and «Novospasskoe» «Hmelita» and «Novospasskoe» are two famous museums located in Smolensk Region. They are connected with the names of two world-famous Russians: writer Griboedov spent his young years in Hmelita and composer Glinka was born in Novospasskoe. Those places are real art centers, popular with Russian people and foreigners. The museums of «Hmelita» and «Novospasskoe» can give you a lot of information not only about Griboedov and Glinka but also about the life of Russian nobility in 18-19 centuries. And besides, those places are a paradise for nature-lovers. The Historical museum Long-running exhibitions can acquaint you with the most interesting events of the Russian history. The third floor of the museum is occupied by exposition of natural resources. Various exhibitions on different topics regularly take place in the Historical museum. The Museum «Smolensk Region during the Great patriotic War of 1941-1945» The museum displays original documents, awards and weaponry of that time period. There is also an open-air exposition of military equipment on the territory of the museum. Nakhimov Centre-Museum The exposition is devoted to seamen, shipbuilders, admirals and ordinary sailors, submariners and pilots of naval aviation who were born and lived in Smolensk. An important part of the exposition is dedicated to the life and heroic deed of Smolensk admiral Nakhimov. In the museum there are about 100 models of various ships from sailing boats to modern Russian surface and submarine ships. The Museum of Konenkov’s sculpture The museum was opened with the help of the national artist of the USSR – S.T. Konenkov (1874 – 1971). There are more than 80 original works of the great artist in the museum. The Exhibition Hall It is the main exhibition hall of the city, where you can enjoy various exhibitions on different topics. The Hall exhibits works of Smolensk artists. Besides, various expositions from the leading museums of Russia and Belarus take place in the Hall. Expositions of design, photo and modern art are particularly popular. TEXT 14. Read and translate the text. Render its contents into Russian. Churches of Smolensk The Cathedral of Assumption The Cathedral of Assumption stands on the top of one of the highest Smolensk hills and can be seen from many parts of the city. It was built in several stages from 1676 to 1740. For ten years a team of wood-carvers worked at the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral and created an outstanding work of art of the 18th century. If you see it once in your life, you’ll never forget its majestic beauty. The Temples of the 12th century In the 12-13th centuries there were more than 30 temples in Smolensk. Three churches of the 12th century have remained in Smolensk up to now. The Church of St. Peter and Paul is the most ancient of them. It is situated on the right bank of the Dnieper River. Two other churches – the Church of St. John the Theologian and the Church of the Archangel Michael surprise visitors with the exquisiteness of the forms and richness of the inner decoration. The Church of Holy Spirit The Church was built in 1900-1905 in settlement Talashkino – in the estate of famous patron M. K. Tenisheva. World-famous artist N. K. Rerich was invited to paint the church. He decorated it from 1908 till 1914. The Church of Holy Spirit is a model of unique ecclesiastical painting. Spaso-Preobrazhensky Church Spaso-Preobrazhensky Church is a stone baroque church, built in 1766 by a priest F. Shupinski and a college assessor S. Korsakov. Varvara’s Church Varvara’s Church, buit in the 18th century, is located to the west of St. Peter and Paul’s Church. It is a two-storey rectangular building with a bell tower. Varvara’s Church is a place where the Christian youth of the city have meetings. The Catholic Church The Catholic Church is one of the most interesting architectural monuments in Smolensk. It diversifies view of the city and mystifies local people. And a polish cemetery around it adds to the enigma. TEXT 15. Read and translate the text. Answer the questions below. Speak on the topic. Smolensk Smolensk is one of the oldest cities in the Russian Federation. It was first mentioned in history in 863. Smolensk is situated on the Dnieper river. The city is located not far from Moscow and like Moscow it stands on seven hills. Smolensk is divided into three districts: Leninsky, Zadneprovsky and Promyshlenny. The population of the city is more than 320 thousand people. Lots of events of Russian history are associated with the city. Some historians call Smolensk a key-town and it is and has always been of great strategic importance for the country. During the Second World War the city was almost completely ruined. Only seven per cent of its buildings were not destroyed. After the war it was restored. The symbol of Smolensk is Phoenix which is pictured on the coat-of-arms of the city. Smolensk is a Hero-city, the city of Russian bravery and military glory. Nowadays Smolensk is the economic, financial, industrial and cultural centre of the Smolensk Region. Besides, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Russia. Smolensk can boast numerous masterpieces of ancient Russian architecture. It is famous for the Fortress Wall, «the necklace of the Russian State», designed by Fyodor Kon. There are a lot of sights and monuments in Smolensk. The most impressive and best-known of them are the Assumption Cathedral, the Church of Peter and Paul, the monument with eagles, the monument in commemoration of 1812 battle, the monument to the great Russian field-marshal Kutuzov and to the great composer Glinka, etc. A lot of outstanding people are connected with the Smolensk Region. Among them are Glinka, Isakovsky, Tvardovsky, Rylenkov, Konenkov, Gagarin and others. The people of Smolensk are proud of their countrymen. Smolensk has some large enterprises such as Kristall, plants, producing measuring devices, electric bulbs, alcoholic drinks, etc. Smolensk is a cultural and sporting centre of the Region. There is a Drama Theatre, many museums, art galleries and cinemas here. There are some stadiums, swimming pools, skating-rings and the Ice Palace in Smolensk. The city is full of shops, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Smolensk is a city of students. There are many universities, institutes, gymnasiums and colleges here. Questions 1. What events of Russian history are associated with Smolensk? 2. What is the symbol of the city? 3. What sights is Smolensk famous for? 4. What countrymen are the people of Smolensk proud of? 5. What enterprises are there in the city? Литература 1. Шевцова Г.В., Москалец Л.Е. Английский язык для технических вузов: учеб. пособие. – 2-е изд. – М: Флинта: Наука, 2010. – 392 с. 2. Любимцева С.Н. Английский язык для студентов финансово-экономических вузов. Начальный курс: учебник. – М: Высш. шк., 2004. – 296 с. 3. Макерова Н.В. Лексический материал по страноведению для студентов всех специальностей: методическая разработка по курсу «Английский язык». – Смоленск: РИО филиала ГОУВПО «МЭИ (ТУ)» в г. Смоленске, 2011. – 48 с. 4. Тобольская С.И. English-speaking countries: страноведческий справочник. – Саратов: Лицей, 2004. – 176 с. 5. Speak Out: Журнал для изучающих английский язык – М: «Глосса-Пресс». 6. www.wikipedia.com Учебно-практическое издание Волкова Ирина Владимировна Макерова Наталья Владимировна Петрова Тамара Ивановна Суровнева Галина Альбертовна Выпрямители Учебно-наглядное пособие по курсу «Силовые преобразователи электроэнергии» Технический редактор М.А. АндреевКорректор Л.И. Чурлина_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Темплан издания филиала МЭИ в г. Смоленске, 2012 г., практикумПодписано в печать 05.10.2012 г.Формат бумаги 6084 1/16 . Тираж 200 экз. Печ. л. 7,0. Усл. печ. л. 6,51. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Издательский сектор филиала МЭИ в г. Смоленске 214013 г. Смоленск, Энергетический проезд, 1 |