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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the UK) occupies most of the territory of the British Isles. It consists of four main parts: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the official name of the state. The UK is one of the world’s smaller countries with an area of some 244,100 square kilometers. The UK is situated to the north-west of Europe between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea and is separated from the European continent by the English Channel and the Strait of Dover.

The climate of Britain is mild and warm because of the warm Gulf Stream. Most of the mountains are in the north, in Scotland, but they are not very high. The rivers in Great Britain are not long but many of them are deep. The longest rivers are the Clyde and the Thames.

London, the capital of the country, is situated on the Thames. The most industrial cities are Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh and others. Cambridge and Oxford are famous university cities.

The population of the United Kingdom is over 57 million. The official language of Great Britain is English. It is now spoken in many countries of the world: the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India and others. Some people in the UK also speak Gaelic in western Scotland, Welsh – in parts of northern and central Wales.

Answer these questions:

1. What are the main countries of the UK and their capitals? 2. What is the area of the UK? 3. Where is the UK situated? 4. What are the longest rivers? 5. What are the most industrial cities? 6. What is the population of the UK? 7. What is the official language of Great Britain?

Text 2

Climate of Great Britain

Due to the geographic location of Great Britain the type of the climate is oceanic. There are no extreme contrasts in temperature in Britain because of the current of warm water flowing from the Gulf of Mexico called the Gulf Stream.

The prevailing winds from the ocean to the south-west bring rainfall throughout the year. The total national rainfall average is over 1100 mm annually. March to June tend to be the driest months, September to January the wettest.

The fogs of London, often made severe by mixture with city smoke, have a worldwide reputation.

The rivers of the Great Britain are abundant, and they never freeze. The main rivers are the Thames, the Tyne, the Severn, the Mersey; the biggest lakes are the Loch Lomond, the Lough Neagh. A considerable area of land is covered by meadows and heaths. The grass remains green all the year round. Thanks to its climate conditions, Britain in truth looks like one great well-ordered park with its old trees, green meadows and hedges.

Answer these questions:

1. What kind of climate does Great Britain have? 2. Are there extreme contrasts in temperature in Britain? Why? 3. What are the driest (the wettest) months? 4. What are the main rivers and lakes?

Text 3

North South East West

Britain is only a small country, but every part is different. Scotland is a land of mountains, lakes and romantic castles. The winters are cold, with plenty of snow, but the summers are often warm and sunny. Most farmers keep sheep, and there are many small factories which make fine sweaters from their wool. In some parts of Scotland, there are very few people. Deer live in the hills, and the rivers are full of salmon. But Glasgow and Edinburgh are large and busy, with all that is good (and bad) in modern cities.

Northern Ireland has its problems, but it has beauty too. In the warm, wet climate, the grass grows a brilliant green, and much of the land is а farming country. Belfast is a large industrial city with many fine buildings and a big port from which ships come and go to Scotland and England.

In the north of England there are many old industrial towns. Outside the towns there is beautiful countryside, with green hills, lakes and sandy beaches. Fishing is an important industry in the North East, and every night, except Sunday, the fishing boats go out to sea.

The centre of England is also an important industrial area, especially near the huge cities of Coventry and Birmingham, the centre of the car industry. But everywhere, even in the heart of a modern city, there are buildings from an older Britain – cathedrals, and houses built hundreds of years ago.

Wales is a special place, a country of high mountains and very pretty valleys. But Wales has plenty of industry too, with many factories and coal mines. The people of Wales are very musical. Every year they have a festival of Welsh music and poetry called «Eisteddfod».

The west of England is a rich farming country. It produces milk, cream, butter, cheese and apples. In the villages, country people often grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Britain is an island, of course, and you are never far from the sea. Some of the coast, especially in the west, is wild and rocky, with small, sandy beaches, and romantic old harbours. Other parts are industrial. The east coast of Scotland is busy with oil rigs and fishing boats. The most popular beaches are near the many holiday towns on the south coast, where the weather is usually warmer. It is here that Londoners come to relax.

Answer these questions:

1. What is Scotland famous for? 2. Why is Northern Ireland good for farming? 3. What is the difference between the north of England, the west and the east? 4. What is the centre of the car industry? 5. Why is Wales a special place? 6. Where are the most popular beaches situated?

Text 4

England

England is the largest and the richest country of Great Britain. The capital of England is London but there are other large industrial cities, such as Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and other famous and interesting cities such as York, Chester, Oxford and Cambridge.

Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric places in the world. This ancient circle of stones stands in Southwest England. It measures 80 metres high. Why it was built is a mystery.

Not far from Stonehenge stands Salisbury Cathedral. It is a splendid example of an English Gothic Cathedral; inside there is the oldest clock in England.

Chester is a very important town in the north-west of England. In Chester there is a famous museum which contains over 5000 ancient and modern toys.

Oxford is the home of the oldest university of England. The most famous college is Christ Church. It has a great hall which was built during the reign of Henry VIII and its chapel has become the Cathedral of Oxford.

Cambridge is the home of Britain’s second oldest university.

Birmingham is often called the “City of 1500 trades” because of the great variety of its industries.

Answer these questions:

1. What are large industrial cities of England? 2. What is one of the famous prehistoric places in the world? 3. Where is the oldest clock in England? 4. What is Chester interesting for? 5. What are two oldest universities in England? 6. Why is Birmingham often called the “City of 1500 trades”?

Text 5

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.

London is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world.

Traditionally it 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 towns and epochs.

The heart of London is the City, its financial and business centre. Numerous banks, offices and firms are situated there, including the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange and the Old Bailey. Few people live here, but over a million people come to the City to work. There are some famous ancient buildings within the City. Perhaps the most striking of them is St. Paul’s Cathedral, the greatest of British churches. It was built in the 17th century by sir Christopher Wren. The Tower of London was founded by Julius Caesar and in 1066 rebuilt by William the Conqueror. It was used as a fortress, a royal palace and a prison. Now it is a museum.

Westminster is the historic, the governmental part of London. Westminster Abbey has more historic associations than any other building in Britain. Nearly all English kings and queens have been crowned here. Many outstanding statesmen, scientists, writers, poets and painters are buried here: Newton, Darwin, Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling.

Across the road from Westminster Abbey is Westminster Palace, or the Houses of Parliament, the seat of the British Parliament. The Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament is famous for its big hour bell, known as «Big Ben». Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen.

The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. It is the symbol of wealth and luxury. The best hotels, shops, restaurants, clubs, and theatres are situated there. There are splendid houses and lovely gardens belonging to wealthy people.

Trafalgar Square is the geographical centre of London. It was named in memory of Admiral Nelson’s victory in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The tall Nelson’s Column stands in the middle of the square.

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. It contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures and is famous for its library.

The East End was once the poorest district of London – with lots of factories and docks, narrow streets and unimpressive buildings. Today, the district is changing very fast. There are huge offices and new blocks of flats in the East End.

Answer these questions:

1. What is the capital of the UK? 2. Is it one of the largest cities in the world? 3. What is the population of London? 4. Is London traditionally divided into several parts? Can you name them? 5. What is there in the City? 6. Who was St. Paul’s Cathedral built by? 7. Who founded the Tower of London? When was it rebuilt? 8. What is Westminster Abbey famous for? 9. Where does the British Parliament sit? 10. What is Big Ben? 11. Why was Trafalgar Square named so? 12. Why does Buckingham Palace attract so many tourists? 13. What are the most famous London museums and art galleries?

Text 6

Westminster

Tourists in London always want to visit Westminster and see «Big Ben». They want to see the clock in its tower, and they want to hear the bells.

«Big Ben» is really a bell. You hear it every hour. It is the big bell with a deep voice, and it counts the hours. You hear its deep voice on the radio: «This is the BBC. The time is six o’clock». And you hear the deep BOOM of Big Ben six times.

The famous clock tower stands beside the Houses of Parliament. The country’s leaders speak in the Houses of Parliament. The men and women there are the voice of the British people. The people choose 650 men and women for the Houses of Commons. The second «House» is the House of Lords. The men and women in it are the dukes, earls, and lords of the great families, heads of the Church of England, head judges, and some modern «Life Peers», «Life Peeresses». These two «Houses» are the Parliament.

Westminster Bridge is a bridge across the River Thames in London. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament stand beside the River Thames. You can go on a boat from Westminster and see London from the river.

Answer these questions:

1. What do tourists in London always want to visit and see?2. What is Big Ben?3. Where does the famous clock tower stand? 4. How many men and women do the people choose for the Houses of Commons?5. Who are the men and women in the House of Lords?

Text 7

Scotland

Scotland is a country in the north of Great Britain. It is a part of the United Kingdom. A lot of places in Scotland are natural paradise, still untouched by man.

The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh, well known for its castle. Glasgow is the industrial capital of Scotland. It is the third largest city in Great Britain. The typical products of Scotland are timber, whisky, salmon. Golf is the Scottish natural sport and it seems to have originated in the country.

Scotland is also the land of myths and mysteries; every castle has its ghost.

Answer these questions:

1. Where is Scotland situated? 2. What is the capital of Scotland? 3. What are typical products of Scotland? 4. What are Scottish castles famous for?

Text 8

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, and one of the most beautiful cities in Britain. The heart of Edinburgh is the thousand-year-old castle, where the kings of Scotland lived for centuries.

From Edinburgh castle you can see for miles, north over the beautiful streets and squares to the «Firth», an arm of the sea that pushes inland. Far away are the mountains of Central Scotland, often covered with snow.

Edinburgh has a busy cultural life. Every year, in September, the International Festival takes place. Musicians, actors and singers come from all over the world and thousands of visitors fill the city. In the evening, the opera house, the theatres and the concert halls are full. In cafes and pubs, small groups sing, act and read poetry.

The castle is at its best in Festival time. Every night there is a magnificent military «Tattoo». Highland soldiers wearing «kilts» play the bagpipes, and march to the music.

Tartans, the patterns of the kilts, have an interesting history. Since the fifteenth century each Scottish family has worn its tartan as a kind of badge. It was a useful way of recognizing people, especially in times of war. Many tartans date only from the nineteenth century, but some of the old patterns still exist. «Dress» tartans, worn on special occasions, have light, bright colours. «Hunting» tartans are usually green, blue or brown.

Answer these questions:

1. What is the capital of Scotland? 2. Where did the kings of Scotland live for centuries? 3. Has Edinburgh a busy cultural life? 4. When does the International Festival take place? 5. What do you know about Edinburgh Festival? 6. What do highland soldiers do in Festival time? 7. Do tartans have an interesting history? What do know about it?

Text 9

Wales

Wales is the country in the west of Great Britain. It is mainly a mountainous land with a chiefly agricultural economy and an industrial and coal-mining area in the south. The landscape is beautiful. Many English people move to Wales when they retire.

Cardiff, a large city in the south, was chosen as the capital of Wales in 1955, mainly because of its size. Since 1536, Wales has been governed by England and the heir to the throne of England has the title of Prince of Wales, but Welsh people have a strong sense of identity. The Welsh language is still used in certain parts of the country.

Welsh is an ancient Celtic language. In the 60-s Welsh was given equal status with English as an official language and is used in the law courts. It is taught in school and some TV programs are broadcast in Welsh. However, only about 20 % of the population speaks Welsh.

Answer these questions:

1. Where is Wales situated? 2. What is the capital of Wales? 3. Has it always been governed by England? 4. What language is used in the country? 5. How many people speak Welsh?

Text 10

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland, also known as Ulster, is still a part of the United Kingdom. It is made up of six countries: Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Tyrone. One third of the population lives in and around the capital, Belfast. Belfast is also the most important port and commercial and industrial centre. Some parts of the territory, those that are not close to the capital, have remained mainly rural.

The Irish population is divided into two groups: the Protestants and the Catholics. The Protestants are of British origin. The Catholics are mostly natives of Ireland.

Northern Ireland has a strong cultural tradition: songs, dances, literature and festivals. It has its own Art Council, and there are orchestras, theatres, ballet and opera companies.

Answer these questions:

1. How many countries are there in Northern Ireland? 2. What is the capital of Northern Ireland? 3. Into what part is the Irish population divided? 4. Who are the Catholics? 5. Who are the Protestants? 6. Does Northern Ireland have strong cultural traditions?

Text 11

Parliament

Parliament is the most important authority in Britain. Parliament first met in the 13th century. Britain doesn’t have a written constitution, but a set of laws. Technically Parliament is made up of three parts: The Monarch, the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

The head of both Houses of Parliament is the Queen, but she has very little power. The present sovereign is Queen Elizabeth II who was crowned in Westminster Abbey in 1953.

The British Parliament has two houses, or chambers: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Commons is the most powerful and decides national policy, but the House of Lords can ask the House of Commons to rewrite certain parts of a bill before it becomes a new law.

The House of Commons consists of Members of Parliament. Each Member of Parliament is selected by voters in one region. There are 651 Members of Parliament in the House of Commons.

The 1203 members of the House of Lords are not elected. Some are life peer: they are members of the House of Lords, but their sons or daughters cannot be members. Life peers are usually former members of the House of Commons. There are also a number of judges or bishops. The majority, however, are hereditary peers, the heads of aristocratic families. This means that most members of the House of Lords are there because of something their ancestors did.

Answer these questions:

1. What is the most important authority in Britain? 2. Does Great Britain have its constitution? 3. Who is present sovereign? 4. How many peers are there in the House of Lords? 5. Does the House of Lords have real power? 6. How are the Members of Parliament elected? 7. How many Members of Parliament are there in the House of Commons?

Text 12

Education

In Great Britain education is compulsory for all children from 5 to 16 years of age. Before 5 some children attend Nursery Schools, while most children start their basic education in an Infant School which is the first stage of Primary Education. From 7 to 11 they attend Junior Schools, the second stage of Primary Education. In Primary School children are taught the so-called 3 R’s – reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as elementary science and information technology. They also have music, physical training and art classes.

At the age of eleven children transfer to Comprehensive Schools. These schools give general education and a wide range of academic courses leading to the public examinations taken at 16. They also provide some vocational courses.

Before the 1960s there were two main kinds of state schools in Great Britain: “grammar” schools and “modern” schools. The grammar schools were for the most intelligent children and the secondary modern schools were for less intelligent children. Children were selected for secondary education by means of an examination known as “eleven-plus” which they took at the age of 11. Many people thought that this system was unfair and now more than 80 % of the state secondary schools in Britain are comprehensive (which are for children of all abilities).

Any child may leave school at 16 when all children take the school-leaving examinations and get a certificate of secondary education. Those who want to continue their education at a University have to stay on at school for two more years and take another exam (at an advanced level). Advanced level examination is very important, because on the results of this examination the Universities and Polytechnics choose their students, as there are no entrance examinations.

The leading universities in England are Oxford, Cambridge and London. Each University consists of a number of faculties: medicine, arts, law, music, natural science, commerce and education. After three years of study, a student receives a Bachelor’s degree. Some may continue their studies for two or more years to get the degrees of Master and Doctor. Besides universities, there are other types of higher educational institutions: Polytechnics and Colleges of different kinds.

Answer these questions:

1. At what age do children start their basic education in Great Britain? 2. What subjects are taught in Primary School? 3. What main types of secondary schools were there in Britain before the 1960s? 4. How were children selected to “grammar” and “modern” schools? 5. What did many people think about the “eleven-plus” examinations? 6. How do Universities and Polytechnics choose their students? 7. What are the most famous English Universities?

Text 13

Secondary Schools

Most secondary schools in Britain are comprehensive schools: state schools, which take children of all abilities. About six per cent of students go to grammar schools, state schools which take only students who pass an examination at the age of eleven.

About seven per cent of students go to private schools. These schools do not receive any money from the state: parents pay for their children to go to school instead. The most expensive private schools are called public schools. Students can live there during term-time.

Answer these questions:

1. What is the main kind of secondary schools in Britain? 2. What is the difference between a state and a private school?

Text 14

Oxbridge

Oxford and Cambridge are the oldest and most prestigious universities in Great Britain. They are often called collectively Oxbridge. Both universities are independent. Only the education elite go to Oxford and Cambridge. Most of their students are former public school leavers.

The normal length of the degree course is three years, after which the students take the Degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). Some courses, such as languages or medicine, may be one or two years longer. The students may work for other degrees as well. The degrees are awarded at public degree ceremonies. Full academic dress is worn at examinations.

Oxford and Cambridge universities consist of a number of colleges. Each college has its name, its coat of arms. Each college is governed by a Master.

Oxford is the older university of the two. The first of its colleges was founded in 1249. The university now has thirty-four colleges and about twelve thousand students, many of them from other countries. There were no women students at Oxford until 1878, when the first women’s college, Lady Margaret Hall, opened. Now, women study at most colleges.

Cambridge University started during the 13th century and has grown until today. Now there are more than thirty colleges.

The University was only for men until 1871, when the first women’s college was opened. In the 1970s, most colleges opened their doors to both men and women. Almost all colleges are now mixed.

The universities have over a hundred societies and clubs, enough for every interest one could imagine. Sport is a part of student’s life at Oxbridge. The most popular are rowing and punching.

Answer these questions:

1. What are the oldest and most prestigious universities in Great Britain?2. Are they independent?3. When was the first Oxford college founded?4. When was the first women’s college opened at Oxford and Cambridge?5. What kind of sport is the most popular at Oxbridge?

Text 15

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