Методические указания по развитию навыков чтения и устной речи на английском языке по теме ''Соединенное Королевство Великобритании и Северной Ирландии'' для студентов 1-2 курсов

Министерство образования и науки Российской Федерации Государственное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования «Ростовский государственный университет»

Кафедра английского языка естественных факультетов

Методические указания по развитию навыков чтения и устной речи на английском языке по теме «Соединенное Королевство Великобритании и Северной Ирландии» для студентов 1-2 курсов

Ростов-на-Дону 2004

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Составители: ст. преп. Белоусова М.М., ст. преп. Грушко Е.И., ст. преп. Прыгунова Т.А., преп. Сытникова Е.Б. Ответственный редактор: проф. Сафроненко О.И.

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Методическая записка Настоящие «Методические указания» предназначены для аудиторной и самостоятельной работы студентов 1-2 курсов естественных факультетов. Методические указания имеют следующие образовательные и воспитательные цели: развитие навыков чтения и устной речи на английском языке, ознакомление студентов со страноведческим материалом страны изучаемого языка. Указания состоят из трех разделов, включающих следующую тематику: 1) Geography of Great Britain 2) Political System of the United Kingdom 3) London Каждый текст снабжен рядом предтекстовых упражнений, снимающих лексические и фонетические трудности, а также грамматическими и коммуникативными упражнениями, которые стимулируют студентов проявлять инициативу в высказываниях по данным темам. Каждый текст снабжен дополнительным текстом, который позволяет студентам самостоятельно ознакомиться с интересной информацией; данный материал предназначен для развития навыков ознакомительного чтения и говорения на английском языке. Методические указания также содержат ссылки на сайты формата Hotlist (информационно-аналитический сборник) по изучаемым темам. Данные сайты имеют своей целью обеспечение широкого спектра обязательного и дополнительного аутентичного материала по теме, обеспечивая возможности личного выбора тематики, индивидуальный график подготовки, а также способствуют развитию аналитических и поисково-исследовательских навыков студентов.

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GEOGRAPHY OF GREAT BRITAIN 1. Before you start 1.1 Answer the following questions 1. What is the official name of the UK? 2. What countries does the UK consist of? 3. Have you ever been to the UK? 4. What is the capital of the UK? 5. What are the largest cities in the UK? 2. Pronunciation 2.1 Read and practise the pronunciation of the following words: the British Isles [D« ′brItIS aIlz] island [′aIl«nd] Edinburgh [′edInb«r«] La Manche [lA: ′mA:nS] the Strait of Dover [D« ′streIt «v ′d«uv«(r)] Pas de Calais [pA:d« kQ′leI] the Irish Sea [D« ′aIrIS ′si:] the Pennines [D« ′penaInz] the Cheviot Hills [D« ′tSevI«t ′hIlz] southward [′sauTw:d] heather plants [′heD« plA:nts] the Severn [D« ′sev«:n]

William Wordsworth [′wIlj«m ′w:dsw:T] Lake Windermere [leik ′wIndemI«] Birmingham [′b«:mIN«m] the Gulf Stream [D« ′gÃlfstri:m] mild [′maIld] temperate [′temp«rIt] warmth [′w:mT] moisture [′mIstS«] changeable [′tSQndZ«bl] feature [′fi:tS«] whirlwind [′w«:lwInd] tributary [′trIbjut«rI]

3. Reading 3.1 Read the text to know more about geography of Great Britain.

Geography of Great Britain Great Britain (official name – the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) occupies the territory of the British Isles. They are separated by the Irish Sea. The larger island, called Great Britain, includes 3 countries: England, Scotland and Wales. Their capitals are London, Edinburgh and Cardiff, respectively. The smaller island, called Ireland, includes Northern Ireland as a part of the UK and the independent Irish Republic. The capitals are Belfast and Dublin. In addition to these two islands, the British Isles include over five hundred small islands. The UK is one of the world’s smallest countries (France and Spain are twice as large) with an area of 244,100 square kilometers. The is situated off the

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northwest coast of Europe between the Atlantic ocean in the north and northwest, and the North Sea in the East and is separated from the European continent by the English Channel (or La Manche) and the Strait of Dover (or Pas de Calais). Northern Ireland is separated from Great Britain by the North Channel. The St. George’s Channel separates Great Britain from Ireland. Geographically, the island of Great Britain is subdivided into two main regions - Lowland Britain (in the south and east) and Highland Britain (in the north and west. Lowland Britain occupies southern and eastern England. Highland Britain consists of Scotland, most of Wales, the Pennines, and the Lake District. England is separated from Scotland by the Cheviot Hills, running from east to west. The Pennine Chain extends southward from the Cheviot Hills into the Midlands, a plain region with low hills and valleys. Forty kilometers south of the modern border between Scotland and England is Hadrian’s Wall. It was built by the Roman Emperor, Hadrian, nearly two thousand years ago. England is mostly a lowland country. There are upland regions in the north and the south west, but the rest of England is almost flat. Northern England, Midlands and South England are different from each other. There are many lakes in Great Britain. Lake District in Northern England with its lakes, mountains and valleys is a favorite holiday resort. It lies on the northwest side of the Pennine system. The Lake District is a beautiful part of Britain. Many writers and poets have lived there. The most famous was the poet William Wordsworth (1770-1850), the founder of the “Lake School” of poets. Lake Windermere is England’s largest lake. On either side of the Pennines the plains of Yorkshire and Lancashire stretch to the sea. In South England between Highlands lie Lowlands. The mountains in Great Britain are not very high; the highest is Ben Nevis, 1,343 m, in Scotland. There are no very long rivers in Great Britain. The longest river in Great Britain is the Severn, flowing along the border between England and Wales. Its tributaries include the Avon, made famous by Shakespeare; the Thames, the deepest one, which flows eastward to the port of London through rich agricultural districts into the North Sea. It’s the busiest and the most important river in England. The swiftest river is the Spey. Other rivers are the Tay, the Clyde, the Tyne, the Tweed, the Trent, and the Wye. The rivers seldom freeze in winter. Climate Due to the moderating influence of the sea and the Gulf Stream, Great Britain has an insular climate 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.

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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. Population The population of the UK is over 57 mln people. About 80% live in towns and cities and their suburbs. The distribution of the population is rather uneven. Over 46 mln people live in England, over 3 mln in Wales, a little over 5 mln in Scotland and about 1,5 mln in Northern Ireland. The UK is one of the most densely populated countries in the world: about 220 people per square kilometer. The greater part of the population lives in Greater London, the South and the Southeast. Most of the mountainous parts of the UK including much of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Pennine Chain in northern England are very sparsely populated. The UK is inhabited by the English, the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish who constitute the British nation. The British are the descendants of different peoples who settled in the British Isles at different times. English is the official language of the UK. Besides standard literary English there are several regional and social dialects. A well-known example is the cockney of East Londoners. The Scottish and Irish forms of Gaelic survive in some parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Wales is officially bilingual. Welsh formally has the same status as English. Economy of Great Britain Great Britain was the country in which the earliest developments of modern industry took place. It is a highly developed industrial country. It is a great producer of iron and steel, electronics and machinery, chemicals and textiles. The UK is not very rich in mineral resources. It imports all of its oil, cotton, rubber and sulphur, four-fifths of its wool and half of its food staffs and iron ore. It exports machinery, motor-cars, aircrafts, locomotives, chemicals, woolen and synthetic textiles, radio, TV and navigation equipment. Great Britain has a lot of industrial cities. London, the capital of the UK, GB and England, is one of many important industrial centers. Lots of things such as clothes, food, planes and cars are made in, and around London. Birmingham is the biggest town in an important industrial area near the center of England. Machines, cars and lorries are made in this area. TV sets and radios are also produced there.

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Manchester in the north-west of England is the center of the cotton textile industry, one of Britain’s most important producers of computers and electronic equipment. Coal-mining is important in South Wales. A smaller industrial area is situated in North Wales, where steel and chemicals are produced. Ship-building is an important industry in the UK. The main ship-building centres are London, Glasgow in Scotland, Belfast in Northern Ireland and some others. Sheep can be seen in many parts of England and Scotland, and there are a lot of cattle-farms and farms where milk, butter and cheese are produced. But only half of the country food needs is produced by British agriculture. Wheat is grown in the east of England. Vegetables are grown in all parts of England, especially in the south. 3.2 What new facts about the geography of Great Britain have you learnt from the text? 4. Comprehension check 4.1 Answer the following questions: 1. Where is the UK situated? 2. What two islands does the UK consist of? 3. What seas, oceans, straits and channels is the UK surrounded by? 4. What is the busiest river in the UK? 5. The Severn is the longest river in Great Britain, isn’t it? 6. Where is the Lake District situated? 7. What two main regions is Great Britain subdivided into? 8. What is the highest mountain in Great Britain? 9. What is the most characteristic feature of the weather in Britain? 10. Is the UK one of the most densely populated countries in the world? What is the density of the population in the UK? 11. What big sea ports are there in the UK? 4.2 Agree or disagree with the following statements: 1. Great Britain has a very favourable geographical location. 2. The UK consists of 3 countries. 3. The UK is separated from the continent by the Irish Sea. 4. England has the highest mountains in the world. 5. The climate of the UK has rather striking differences between seasons. 6. The population in the UK mostly lives in Scotland. 7. Cambridge and Oxford are famous for their highly developed shipbuilding industry. 8. GB is a great producer of textile.

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5. Vocabulary 5.1 Give English equivalents of the following words and word combinations: занимать территорию, состоять из, быть в двa раза меньше, быть отделенным от, на 40 км южнее от…, самая загруженная и важная река, мягкое (умеренное) влияние, резкое различие, изменчивая погода, средний уровень температуры, распределение населения, неравномерный, многочисленные небольшие и большие города, нагорные районы, почти плоский, резкий климат, самый промышленный район, граничить с… 5.2 Fill in the gaps with the words and word combinations from the text: 1. The UK is the world’s … countries. 2. Highland Britain consists of … 3. The Pennine Chain … … from the Cheviot Hills into the …, a … region with low … and …. 4. On either side of the … the plains of … and …stretch to the sea. 5. Its … include the Avon, made famous by Shakespeare; the Thames, the … one, which flows … to the port of London, … rich … district into the North Sea. 6. This … and … climate is good for plants. 7. … is more or less … throughout the year. 5.3 Complete the following sentences: 1. Great Britain occupies the territory of … 2. In addition to these two islands, Great Britain includes… 3. The larger island, called… 4. In the northwest and west the country is surrounded by… 5. Ireland is separated from Great Britain by… 6. Geographically, the island of Great Britain is subdivided into… 7. England is separated from Scotland by… 8. Droughts … 6 Supplementary Reading 6.1 Read the text to know more about the most beautiful corner of England. The Most Beautiful Corner of England On the north-west side of the Pennine system, marked off from it by the upper valleys of the rivers Eden and Lune lies the Lake District, containing the beautiful lakes which give it its name. It is variously termed the Lake Country, Lakeland and the Lakes. Much of the land is high and thinly peopled. These high parts are used as rough pastures for sheep. Most of the farmland is on the low ground and as conditions are too wet for cropping it is chiefly under grass. There are few mineral resources and ores proved too poor or too limited to be worth mining.

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The lakes which occupy many of its ice-deepened valleys show a wonderful variety of character. The largest lakes are Windermere, Coniston water, Derwent water and Ullswater. There are numerous swift and clear streams and small waterfalls and though the altitude is not great ( Scafell Pike which is the highest peak is only 3,210 ft ), the individual masses tower over the surrounding areas. The whole region is well known for its great natural beauty. Since the Lake District is a National Park, there is special control over building to make sure that the beauty of the countryside is not spoiled. Nearly one of the Lake District National Park is owned by the National Trust. The National Trust is a charity, which means it is financed by ordinary people who pay to become members. It is not financed or run by the government. The Trust was set up in 1895 by three people who thought that industrialization could spoil the countryside and ancient buildings of England and Wales. Today the Trust is the third largest landowner in the country. It owns about 586,000 acres (almost 2,400 sq. km) of land. Its properties include famous gardens, whole villages, farms, wind- and water-miles, lakes and hills, abbeys, prehistoric and Roman antiquities, important bird sanctuaries, such as Lindisfarne Island in Northumberland, and examples of industrial archaeology. The aim of the Trust is to conserve all the things for our enjoyment. 6.2 Read the text to know more about Scotland. The Beauties of Scotland Scotland is a country of hills and lakes. Hills dominate in the northern part of Scotland , traditionally called the Highlands. The Scotish coastline is very irregular. The estuaries of Scottish rivers, called firths, are long narrowing arms of the sea going deep inland. Scottish lakes, called lochs, are also long and narrow. In the past all those lochs joined the sea and some of them still do so. The largest and the most beautiful of all the lochs in Scotland is Loch Lomond, which is 23 miles in length and 5 miles at its widest point. Loch Lomond has more than 30 beautiful islands. It lies within easy reach of Glasgow. The most famous of the Scottish lochs, however, is Loch Ness, because of the mystery of the Loch Ness monster. It is difficult to say exactly when and how the story arose. According to a chronicler of the 6th century, reported appearances of the creature date from the time of St.Columba who saw it about to attack a man in the water. The lake became popular in the early thirties when a new road was opened around Loch Ness.According to a report in a London newspaper, a tourist driving his car along the banks of Loch Ness in April 1933 noticed a very strange creature in the water. It was about 30 yards long with two humps in its back, the head of a snake and two very short front legs. Since that time there have been many similar reports, particularly in the holiday season if there is a shortage of other exciting news.

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According to one theory some prehistoric creatures swam into Loch Ness when it was still joint to the sea and were later trapped there – and present-day monsters are their descendants. According to another view, the strange creatures which supposedly live in the waters of Loch Ness are simply seals or otters. There are people, however, who treat the whole problem very seriously indeed. From time to time investigations are conducted with the use of all kinds of modern equipment, photographs are taken and films are made. Unfortunately the photographs are not very clear. The strange dark shapes which appear in them can easily be plants or branches of sunken trees. The mystery of the Loch Ness monster has not been solved so far - But “Nessie”, whatever it is, has certainly done some good. It has become a great tourist attraction, bringing a lot of money to the region. 6.3 Read the text to know more about Wales. When We Say “Wales”… When we say “Wales ”, what should we call to mind? Its hills and mountains. The highest mountain in Wales is Snowdon (3,560 ft). It is not so high as Ben Nevis (4,406 ft) in Scotland but it is famous for the very difficult climbing that can be practised on its slopes. It was here that Sir Edmund Hillary and its team practised before their famous expedition to the top of Mount Everest in 1953. They say that the legendary King Arthur and his knights lived in Snowdonia. Another mediaeval legend is connected with a village called Beddgelert at the foot of Snowdon, where Llewellyn the Great, a 13th century prince of North Wales, had his palace. He received from King John of England a magnificent hunting dog named Gellert. One day the prince went hunting without Gellert. When the dog ran to meet him on his return, Llewellyn saw that Gellert was splashed with blood. The prince, alarmed, ran to find his little son. He found the child’s bed empty and the floor covered with blood. Sure that Gellert had killed his son, Llewellyn ran his sword through the dog’s body. In the next minute he found the child unhurt and, nearby, the dead body of a powerful wolf. It was then clear to him that Gellert had saved the child’s life. Full of remorse, he buried Gellert and put a commemorating tablet on his grave. When we say “Wales”, we should know that all over Wales one will find wishing wells into which people still throw money. Some wishing wells are said to help love affairs, others can heal the sick, or so people say! When we say “Wales”, we should remember that a favourite souvenir for the tourists is a Welsh love spoon. These are made of wood and are carved very beautifully. Originally, they were made by young men as a love token for their sweethearts. There are many different designs demonstrating the skill and love of the hopeful suitor. If the girl kept this present, all was well, but if she sent it black, she did not want him. When we say “Wales” we should call to mind that there are places in the Country of Gwynedd connected with the well-known Welsh legends. Thus the

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town of Aberdovey is known for an old song with a plaintive melody “The Bells of Aberdovey”: a legend relates that centuries ago the sea burst the protecting wall and submerged a large part of the town including the church, and it is said that if you listen carefully, you will still hear the faint sound of the bells as they sway to and fro with the movement of the water. When we say “Wales”, we should remember the long-bow, the historical weapon of the Welsh. King Edward I, the one who conqured Wales in the 13th century and made his son, just born in Caernarvon Castle, the first Prince of Wales, borrowed from the Welsh the use of the long-bow and adopted it as the special weapon of his infantry. The long-bow was drawn and sent a long feathered arrow which could go right through a knight’s armour. Its range was about 250 yards. When we say “Wales”, we should call to mind the struggle of the Welsh to preserve their language. As we know, Welsh people are of Celtic origin and Welsh is a Celtic language. It belongs to a separate subfamily of the Indo-European family of languages and is unlike English. A favourite souvenir for the tourists is a Welsh love spoon. These are made of wood and are carved very beautifully. Originally, they were made by young men as a love token for their sweethearts. There are many different designs demonstrating the skill and love of the hopeful suitor. If the girl kept this present, all was well, but if she sent it back, she did not want him. The Welsh “national” costume seen on dolls and postcards is largely a myth created for tourism. Certainly the 17th-century country women wore long coloured skirts, a white apron and a tall black hat, but so did English women at that time. In the 19th century, the idea of a national costume was born and this pleased both tourists and locals, although there is no evidence at all of a long-lost costume. Wales has always been known as a country of music and song. As well as the many male-voice choirs and famous rugby match singing , some of the greatest opera singers, like Geraint Evans, and pop singers, like Tom Jones. Are also Welsh. Since the 12th century we have records of an annual competition (or Eisteddfod in Welsh), which was held to find the best poets, writers and musicians in the country. Originally only professionals took part. But now the Eisteddfold is open to the public and, because all the events are in Welsh, it encourages a strong interest in the Welsh arts. The competitions now include local crafts, orchestral and brass band contests and even ambulance work. 6.4 Read the text to know more about Belfast. Belfast – the Capital City There are low hills and peaks of rocks in the northwest while the northeast sector of the island is a plateau. The Mourne Mountains in the Southeast slope down to Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles. The rivers of Ireland are short, but deep. The largest river is the Shannon. For many people coming to Ulster, Belfast is their port of entrance. Some of them will perhaps pass through it quickly, valuing it only as the gateway to one of

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the most beautiful areas of mountain, lake, seashore and open countryside in Europe; but for those with time and interest, it is worth exploring for its own sake. It also gives a key to a deeper understanding of the whole province. As the relative size of population shows, Belfast stands in the province of Ulster rather like a big house in a moderate-sized garden; and even if we prefer the garden to the house, it is well to become acquainted with the people who live in the house. One of the first things that must strike the visitor to Belfast, if he comes here by sea up the landlocked waters of Belfast Lough or descends upon the city from the hills by the road that leads from Aldergrove Airport, is that Belfast is beautifully situated. Lying in a broad natural amphitheatre, gracefully surrounded by hills, and looking down a deep inlet of the sea, Belfast has rich variety and offers many pleasant surprises. The centre of the city is built like Amsterdam on piles driven into mud, a tight-packed area of industrial and commercial buildings, but as the broad roads that radiate from the centre bring us out to the suburban districts on the hillsides or by the sea or southwards along the valley of the River Lagan, we find the city ringed with open and attractive residential suburbs. Belfast is a modern city, a city of the 19th century and of the industrial revolution. Its expansion was rather later than that of most other British industrial cities and it thus avoided some of their worst features. There are a few trim Georgian buildings and one or two houses dating from the 17th century, but the mass of the city’s buildings are late Victorian or belong to the present century. The City Hall in Donegall Square, with its lofty dome, is one of the chief landmarks. There are a number of public and ecclesiastical buildings worth seeing, including the huge Law Courts and the Protestant (Church of Ireland ) Cathedral. 6.5 Read the text to know more about patron saints of Great Britain. Patron Saints of Great Britain St. Patrick St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. It is believed that he was enslaved by Irish pirates who raided his home, probably in South Wales. He managed to escape from the pirates and began to be trained as a priest for priesthood, but he never completed his training. Still he was determined to return to Ireland and to evangelise its people. He is said to have landed again in Ireland in the 5th century and his work was a vital factor in the spread of Christian influence there. His symbols are snakes and shamrocks. His feast-day is 17 March. This church festival is regarded as a national day in Ireland. Shamrock was used by St. Patrick to illustrate the doctrine of Trinity. It is adopted as the national emblem of Ireland. St. George St. George is the patron saint of England. He was martyred at Lydda in Palestine: he was shod in red- hot shoes, broken on a spiked wheel and immersed in quicklime. The legend of his having slain a dragon was very popular; he rescued a king’s daughter from becoming the dragon’s tribute and so managed to covert her

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people. Richard I (the Lionheart) was said to have had a vision of him and was able to restore the saint’s tomb at Lydda. Saint George was proclaimed chief patron og England when English soldiers under Henry V won the battle of Agincourt. His feast-day is 23 April. On this day some patriotic Englishmen wear a rose pinned to their jackets. St. Andrew St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. He was a New Testament apostle who was martyred on an X-shaped cross ( St. Andrew’s Cross). He was said to have given the Pictish army a vision of this cross at the battle of Athenstoneford between King Angus of the Picts and King Athelstan of the Angles. St. Andrew was foisted upon Scotland as its patron when the old Celtic and Culdee centres were superseded by the new bishopric of St. Andrew’s. His feast-day is 30 November. On this day some Scotsmen wear a thistle in the buttonhole. St. David St. David is the patron saint of Wales. According to the legend he was the son of a Prince of Cardiganshire and uncle of King Arthur. He was a Christian abbot and bishop and founded twelve monasteries from Croyland to Pembrokeshire. In these monasteries the regime was very austere. He was nicknamed “Aquaticus” after his habit of drinking only water. His feast-day is 1 March. This day is regarded as the national holiday of Wales (although it is not an official bank holiday). On this day many Welshmen wear either a daffodil or a leek pinned to their jackets. These plants are traditionally regarded as national emblems of Wales. 6.6 Summarize the most significant information on different parts of the UK. 6.7 Write interesting facts you have learnt about Patron Saints of Great Britain. 6.8 For further information about the geography of Great Britain use Hotlist – The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Geographical Position and Natural Beauties http://wizard.hprtec.org/builder/worksheet.php3?ID=43228 7. Discussion Points 7.1 Look at the maps of the UK, the USA, and Russia. Fill in the chart, summarize the information to compare these countries. The United The USA Russia Kingdom area parts, regions, states surrounding waters neighbouring countries

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population highlands (peaks) lowlands rivers lakes climate natural resourses natural beauties capital biggest cities 7.2 Comment on the statements: 1. GB is an island country. 2. The UK has its own geographical features in its landscape. 3. There are many rivers in Great Britain. 4. Lake District is a beautiful part of Britain.

THE POLITICAL SYSTEM OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 1. Before you start 1.1 Answer the following questions: 1. Do you know what a political system of Great Britain is? How do you understand it? 2. Which is the ruling party in Great Britain now and who is its leader? 3. Is there a constitution in the United Kingdom? 4. What are the main functions of the Parliament? 5. Who is the Head of the State? 2. Pronunciation 2.1 Read and practise the pronunciation of the following words: monarchy [′mn«kI] law [l:] scrutinize [′skru:tI,naIz] Peer [pI«] hereditary peerage [hI′redIt«rI ′pI«rIdZ] sign [saIn] symbolize [′sImb«,laIz] session [seSn] chamber [′tSeImb«] Lord Chancellor [′l:d ′tSA:ns«l«] spiritual [′spIrItju«l] influential [,Influ′enS(«)l]

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3. Reading 3.1 Read the text about the political system of the U.K.

The Political System of the United Kingdom The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. This means that it has a monarch (a king or a queen) as its Head of State. The monarch has very little power and can only reign with the support of Parliament. Britain does not have a single document that can be treated as a constitution. That’s why they say there is no written constitution in the country. The term “British Constitution” means the leading principles, conventions and laws that are expressed in some documents. The British parliament is one of the oldest representative assemblies in the world. Parliamentary government in the United Kingdom is based on a twochamber system. The House of Lords (the upper House) and the House of Commons (the lower House) sit separately and are constituted on entirely different principles. The legislative process involves both Houses. The main functions of the Parliament are to: • examine proposals for new laws; • provide the means of carrying on the work of government; • scrutinize government policy and administration; • debate the major issues of the day Parliament has a maximum duration of five years. At any time up to the end of this period, a general election can be held for a new House of Commons. The House of Lords is the second chamber of the U.K. Houses of Parliament. Members of the House of Lords known as “peers”) consist of Lords Spiritual and Lords Temporal. Law Lords (senior judges) also sit as Lords Temporal. Members of the House of Lords are not elected. Originally, they were drawn from the various groups of senior and influential nobility in Britain, who advised the monarch throughout the country’s early history. Following the House of Lords Act 1999 there are only 92 peers who sit by virtue hereditary peerage. The majority of members are now life peers. There are 675 peers in total in 2001. In general, the functions of the House of Lords are similar to those of the House of Commons. All bills go through both Houses before becoming Acts, and may start in either House. The House of Lords is also the final Court of Appeal for civil cases and for criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Speaker of the House of Lords is the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor sits on a special seat called the Woolsack. It was introduced by King Edward III (13271377) and originally stuffed with English wool as a reminder of England’s traditional source of wealth – the wool trade – and as a sign of prosperity. Today the Woolsack is stuffed with wool from several countries of the Commonwealth, to symbolize unity.

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The House of Commons is the centre of parliamentary power. It is directly responsible to the electorate, and in the 20th century the House of Lords has recognized the supremacy of the elected chamber. It is the main parliamentary arena for the political battle. Because the House of Commons is elected, unlike the Lords, a party that wins the majority of Commons seats in a general election is called on to form the next government. General elections are held at least every five years. Not all Parliaments run for the whole five years, and a general election may be held before this period is up. In between general elections, by-elections are held as necessary to elect a new Member of Parliament. MPs are paid a basic annual salary of £49,822 (from 1 April 2001). The life of a Parliament is divided into sessions. Each usually lasts for one year – normally ending in October or November. There is also a long summer break (“recess”), usually starting in late July and finishing in October. The British democratic system depends on political parties. The political parties choose candidates in elections. There are sometimes independent candidates, but they are rarely elected. The party which wins the majority of seats forms the Government and its leader usually becomes Prime Minister. The largest majority becomes the Opposition. The Prime Minister chooses about twenty MPs from his or her party to become Cabinet Ministers. Each minister is responsible for a particular area of government, and for a Civil service department. The Conservative and Labour parties dominated the British political system. Since 1945 Governments have been formed by either the Labour or the Conservative party (the Tories). The third great political party at present is the Liberal SPD (Social Democratic Party) Alliance, formed in 1981. 3.2 What new facts about the political set up of Great Britain have you learnt from the text? 4. Comprehension check 4.1 Answer questions: 1. Who is the head of State in the U.K.? 2. Is the power of monarch limited? 3. What does the term “British Constitution” mean? 4. What does the British Parliament consist of? 5. How often are General elections held? 6. What is a Woolsack? 7. What is the Speaker of the House of Lords called? 8. What are the main political parties in the UK? 4.2 Agree and disagree with the following statements: 1. British Constitution is one of the oldest documents in the world. 2. The Prime Minister is the actual ruler of the country. 3. The British democratic system depends on political parties.

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4. The Lord Chancellor sits on a special seat stuffed with pounds as s sign of prosperity. 5. The House of Commons is elected every 4 years. 5 Vocabulary 5.1 Give the English equivalents of the following words and word-combinations: монарх; поддержка парламента; 2-палатная система; законодательный процесс; быть ответственным перед электоратом; признавать главенство; выборный орган; формировать правительство; законы; большинство; источник благосостояния. 5.2 Explain what the following terms mean: a constitutional monarchy; British Constitution, legislative process; to scrutinize; a bill; life peers; by-elections; MPs. 5.3 Fill in the gaps with the words and word combinations from the text: 1. … has very little power. 2. Parliamentary government in the U.K. is based on a … system. 3. Bills go through … Houses and may start in … House. 4. … becomes the Opposition. 5. There is also a long summer … usually starting in … July. 5.4 Complete the following sentences: 1. The main functions of the Parliament are … 2. Members of the House of Lords are known as … 3. Originally the members of the House of Lords … 4. Today Woolsack is stuffed with … 5. The two leading parties in Great Britain are … 6. Supplementary Reading 6.1 Read the text to know more about Calendar of Parliament Sittings. Calendar of Parliament Sittings The life of Parliament is divided into sessions. Each usually lasts for one year – normally ending in October or November when Parliament is “prorogued”, followed shortly by the State Opening of Parliament, making the beggining of the new session. The two Houses do not normally sit at weekends, at Christmas, Easter and the late Spring Bank Holiday. There is also a long summer break (“recess”), usually starting in late July and finishing in October. Sessions may be longer if there has been an election-for example the session following the 1997 general election ran for well over a year, from spring 1997 to autumn 1998.

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The average number of days when Parliament sits during the year is about 155 in the House of Commons. The schedule in the House of Lords is not so demanding, and the House sits for about 140 days each year. There is often a surge in the number of Bills getting Royal Assent just before the summer parliamentary recess. Not all Bils are completed then, and some are held over until Parliament starts up again in October. Remaining parliamentary business is then completed. Each session is ended by prorogation. Public Bills which have not been passed by the end of the session are lost, although private and hybrid Bills may continue their passage in the following session. 6.2 Read the text to know more about royal London. Royal London Many places in London are closely connected with the Crown. These are royal palaces, royal parks, roads and streets where beautiful ceremonies are held. The most important building is Buchingham Palace (the Palace), which is the pfficial residence of Queen Elizabeth II. The Mall,a wide avenue used for royal processions runs from Trafalgar Square to Buckinghem Palace through St. James’s Park. All together there are ten royal parks in and around London which are owned by the Crown. They are open to the public free of charge . Each park has its own character. Hyde Park, for example, used to be a hunting forest. Regent’s Park was also a hunting place and is now the home of London Zoo, and an open-air theatre which gives performances of Shakespeare’s plays in summer. Though nowadays the Oueen reigns but does not rule, the Royal Family plays a very important role in the country. In the history of Britain there were certain Kings and Queens whose names are specially remembered in the country and are well-known in the whole world. One of them was King Henry VIII (14911547). Most people remember him only because he had six wives. But in fact he was a very important monarch. Under him Britain became independent of the Roman Catholic Church, it got richer and more powerful. In 1534 the Parliament named Henry head of the Church of England and gave the King all the power in the country. Henry’s daughter, Elizabeth (1533-1603) became the Queen in 1558. She never married and is remembered as a very popular and strong queen. She is known for saying: “I know I have the body of a week and feeble woman, but I have the heat and stomach of a King…”. During her reign England became very important in European politics, the Spanish Armada was defeated, arts and especially theatre developed, and the country became very powerful. Another strong queen was Queen Victoria (1819-1901), whose monument you can see in front of Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria came to the throne as a young woman in 1837 and reigned until her death in 1901. She ruled for the longest period in the English history, for 64 years! Victoria married a German, Prince Albert, but he died at the age of forty-two in 1861. That was a great tragedy

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for Queen Victoria. She left London and never lived in the city where she had been so happy with her husband and nine children (five sons and four daughters). But there are places in London that remind us of their love. One of them is the Royal Albert Hall – a very large concert hall where the best musicians of the world perform classical music. In the frout of the Albert Hall there is a monument to Prince Albert built by Queen Victoria. Another place is the Victoria and Albert Museum (V and A) with its rich collections of paintings and other works of art. The family life of Queen Victoria touched people’s hearts. But this is not the only reason why Queen Victoria became very popular. During her reign Britain became a rich industrial country with a developed trade, an empire with a lot of colonies. Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, Elizabeth II is on the British throne now. The Queen’s title in the UK is Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, etc. 6.3 Read the text to know more about mornachy. The Monarchy Great Britain is a monarchy, but the power of the powers of the King or Queen are limited. The present Sovereign is Queen Elizabeth II. She was born in 1926, was married to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, succeeded to the throne in 1952. The monarchy is hereditary, descending to the sons of the Sovereign in order of seniority, or, if there are no sons, to the daughters. Thus, the eldest son of the Queen, H. R. H. Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, is the heir to the throne. According to law, the Queen is the head of the executive, the head of the judiciary, the commander-in-chief of all Armed Forces of the Crown, and the temporal head of the Established Church of England; as a general rule, she opens the new session of Parliament with a Speech from the Throne (this is prepared by the Prime Minister and may be read by the Lord Chancellor if the Queen is unable to be present): she must give Royal Assent before a bill which has passed through both Houses of Parliament becomes law; her consent is necessary before a Cabinet of Ministers can be formed or before a treaty may be concluded, war declare or peace made; she appoints all important state officials, including judges, officers of the armed forces and representatives abroad; she confers honours and awards. But in each case the Queen acts not on her own but on the advice of the Government which she cannot constitutionally ignore. Royal duties include visiting many parts of the United Kingdom each year, making tours of the countries in the Commonwealth, where the Crown is still represented by a Governor - General (as in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and some other countries), and paying State visits to foreign countries. The press, radio and television constantly stress the scenes of the royal family shaking hand with common people, trying to suggest that the British are all one happy family, to insist on the unity of the nation as a whole, and thus

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presenting ruling-class interests and ruling-class policies as coinciding with those of the whole people. 6.4 Read the text to know more about the judiciary. The Judiciary in Great Britain There are three highest bodies of judiciary in the country: House of Lords – the highest court of appeal, presided over by the Lord Chancellor, who directs the activities of the Lords of Appeal and makes the final judgement on special legal questions; Judicial Committee of the Privy Council – the court of appeal, presided over either by the Lord Chancellor or by the Lord President of the Council. Both courts of appeal are courts with criminal and civil jurisdiction; Supreme Court of Judicature – the court with criminal and civil jurisdiction. It consists of the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Justice. The latter, in its turn, includes the Queen’s (King's) Bench Division (supervises the activities of the lower courts; deals with grave offences), the Chancery Division (deals with such branches of civil jurisdiction as the construction of wills and settlements, trusts and mortgages), the Probate Divorce and Admiralty Division (also deals with civil jurisdiction – the grant of probate, maritime matters, matrimonial matters and divorce cases). The lower courts in England and Wales are the following: Magistrates’ Courts – courts with criminal and civil jurisdiction, presided over by the so-called magistrates who deal with the examinations of persons charged with grave offences, trials of summery offences, separation and maintenance, guardianship of minors. In each Magistrates’Court there is a right of commitment for trial by a higher court, which is a Crown Court, and a right of appeal to the Queen’s Bench Division and the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice. Juvenile Courts – courts consisting of specially qualified magistrates (of which one must be a woman) who deal with all offences other than murder committed by persons from 10 to 17. County Courts – courts existing in every country. They are presided over by a judge and deal with the rent restrictions, workmen’s compensation, the adoption of children, actions involving small sums of money and other non-criminal cases. In these courts there is a right of appeal to the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Judicature. Both civil and criminal courts in Northern Ireland are similar to those in England and Wales with some slight modifications. There are two lowest courts in Scotland: Police Courts in burghs and Justice of the Peace Courts in rural regions. They are the courts with criminal jurisdiction, presided over by the magistrates, and dealing with breaches of the peace and other petty offences. Sheriffs’ Courts, presided over by the sheriffs or sheriff-deputes, are higher courts dealing with civil and criminal cases. In each court there is a right

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of appeal to the High Court of Justiciary – the supreme criminal court in Scotland with no further appeal. The High Court of Justiciary is headed by the Lord Justice General. 6.5 Read the text to know more about British money. British Money British money often confuses foreigners, who meet various words such as “penny”, “new pence”, “shilling” and so on and cannot understand their use or relations between them. On February 15, 1971 the traditional system was replaced by a simplified one based on decimals. When speaking of this change the expression “decimal currency” is often used. The word “currency” is more appropriate, since it means “money that is in actual use in a country”, whereas money may include Coins and noks no longer used as payment. From about 1918 to 1971 British currency consisted of pounds, shillings and pence. There were 12 pence in a shilling and 20 shillings in a pound, making 240 pence in a pound. In order to memorize these facts and so be able to add up, subtract, multiply and divide sums of money, schoolchildren used to repeat: Twelve pence one shilling, Twenty shillings one pound. When decimal currency was introduced in 1971, the value of the pound remained the same, but it was divided onto 100 new units (instead of the former 240) called “new pence”. 6.6 Summarize the most significant infirmation on: a) Royal London; b) the monarchy; c) the judiciary in Great Britain. 6.7 Write interesting facts you have learnt about British money. 6.8 For further information about the political system of the United Kingdom use Hotlist – The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Political System http://wizard.hprtec.org/builder/worksheet.php3?ID=43235 7. Discussion points 7.1 Draw a scheme of the political system in the UK and compare it with the political system in the US and Russia. Find similarities and differences in these political systems. 7.2 Comment on the statements: 1. British Parliament is one of the oldest representative assemblies in the world.

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2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

The political system of Great Britain and of this country are different. The functions of the Parliament in different countries have much in common. Western democracies are really democratic. Members of Parliament should be directly responsible to the electorate. The cooperation between British and Russian leaders provides peace and friendship in the whole world.

LONDON 1. Before you start 1.1 Answer the following questions: 1. Would you like to go to London? Why 2. What things come into your mind when you think about London? 3. Does the British capital differ much from other world capitals? In what way? 2. Pronunciation 2.1 Read and practise the pronunciation of the following words: Europe metropolis Christopher Wren William the Conqueror Buckingham Palace luxury statue of Eros philanthropist commerce epoch air-raid

[′ju«r«p] [mI′trp«lIs] [′krIst«f« ren] [′wIlj«m DI ′kNk«r«] [′bÃkIN«m ′pQlIs] [′lÃkS«rI] [′stQtju: «v ′I«rs] [fI′lQnTr«pIst] [′km«:s] [′i:pk] [′ ε« reId]

3. Reading 3.1 Read the text to know more about the British capital.

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.

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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 17th century; the Mansion House, an official residence of the Lord Mayor and of course the Tower of London. The City is also the oldest part of London because 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 visited by about two million people a year. The Tower consists of many buildings, but the most important is the White Tower, which is the oldest. Its walls are thirty meters high. The White Tower houses the famous collection of Crown jewels. During World War II the area in the City, called Barbican, was heavily damaged by air-raids. After the reconstruction (1971-1982) the Barbican has become the site of an ambitious post-war architecture which comprises commercial, residential and cultural zones. The Barbican Centre includes a large Concert hall, two theatres, three cinemas, a number of restaurants, conference rooms, and an art gallery. Westminster is a part of London that has long been connected with royalty and government. Buckingham Palace is the British monarch’s main residence in London. It was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, and was bought by King George III in 1762. It has been the royal residence since then. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most important tourist attractions. The Houses of Parliament is the seat of the British Parliament. This architectural complex has two miles of corridors and more than 1000 rooms and contains the universal symbol of London, Big Ben. Close to the Houses of Parliament stands Westminster Abbey. In Westminster Abbey most British monarchs since William the Conqueror 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. 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 which contains a priceless

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collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures and is famous for its library. The main street running south of Trafalgar Square is Whitehall. There used to be a palace here once – Whitehall Palace, where from the 16th to the 17th century the British monarchs lived. The Palace doesn’t exist now, and today’s Whitehall is a street of government offices. That’s why the name “Whitehall” is often applied to the British Government. Another famous square in the West End is Piccadilly Circus. It is a round square from which the best-known streets of the West End radiate – Piccadilly, Regent Street, Hay market and Shaftesbury Avenue. In the middle of the square there is the statue of Eros designed as naked, winged archer. For many Londoners and visitors Eros is the Greek God of Love. It is in fact not Eros at all. It was originally erected in 1893 as a memorial in honour of the Earl of Shaftesbury, a well-known philanthropist. 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 with the Albert Hall, where the famous Promenade Concerts are held. Regent’s Park, is perhaps London’s most elegant park, with its attractive gardens and lakes and the Zoo where about 6000 animals live. The East End grew with the spread of industries to the east of the city and the growth of the Port of London. The East End of London is very important to the country’s commerce. Here, today there are kilometres and kilometres of docks, and the great industrial areas that depend upon shipping. It is also known as the centre of the clothing industry, the East End markets are famous throughout the world. Here you can visit the Maritime Museum – a museum for ships and the sea in Greenwich. Another attraction of the East End is the London Dungeons’ the world’s most chilling famous museum of horror located in Tooley Street. 3.2 What new facts about London have you learned? 4. Comprehension check 4.1 Answer the following questions: 1. What is the area of Greater London? 2. What are the famous sights of the City? 3. What is the origin of the name of the main royal residence in London? 4. What statues are in the middles of two London most famous squares: Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus? 5. Why is the British government called Whitehall? 4.2 Agree or disagree with the following statements: 1. Whitehall is one of the halls in Buckingham Palace. 2. London is a very green city with many parks, squares and gardens. 3. Many outstanding Britains such as Newton, Darwin, Chaucer, Tennyson, Kipling and others were buried in the basement of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

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5. Vocabulary 5.1 Match words in the left column with the definitions on the right 1. metropolis 2. mayor 3. archer 4. philanthropist

a) person who shoots with a bow and arrows b) person who helps others especially those who are poor or in trouble d) something which gives enjoyment and pleasure, especially something expensive e) head of a local authority of a city

6. Supplementary Reading Read the text to know more about London Ceremonies. Introduction British people are proud of ceremonies of the national capital - London. Many of them are world famous and attract numerous tourists from all over the world. They include daily ceremonies and annuals. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace at 11.30 a. m., Ceremony of the Keys at 10 p. m. in the Tower, Mounting the Guard at the Horse Guards square are most popular daily ceremonies. Of those which are held annually are: the glorious pageantry of Trooping the Color, which marks the official birthday of the Queen (the second Saturday in June); Firing the Royal Salute to mark anniversaries of the Queen's Accession on February 6 and her birthday on April 21; opening of the Courts marking the start of the Legal Year in October; and Lord Mayor's Show on the second Saturday in November, when the newly elected Lord Mayor is driven in the beautiful gilded coach pulled by six white horses to take the Royal Court of Justice where he takes his oath of office and becomes second in importance in the City only to the Sovereign (Queen). Changing the Guard The spectacular ceremony of Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace attracts numerous spectators from the country and tourists from different parts of the world. The Guard is changed at 11.30 a.m. daily. It is formed from one of the regiments of Foot Guards. A band leads the new guard from Wellington or Chelsea barracks to the palace forecourt and after the ceremony it leads the old guard back to their barracks. The history of the Foot Guards goes back to 1656, when Charles II of England, during his exile in Holland, recruited a small body-guard, which was merged in the regiment of guards enrolled at the Restoration in 1660. On St. Valentine's Day, 1661, on Tower Hill, what had been the Lord General's Regiment of Foot Guards, formed by Oliver Cromwell in 1650, took its arms as an "extraordinary guard" for the Sovereign. Having marched from Coldstream, near

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Berwick - upon -Tweed, it acquired the title of the Coldstream Guards. Its motto of nulli secundus sufficiently denoted its denial of precedence to the first Guards. The latter acquired their title of Grenadier Guards and their bearskin headdress - later adopted by the rest of the Guards brigade - by virtue of their defeat of napoleon's grenadier guards at Waterloo. In 1661 the Scots Fusilier Guards became known for the first time as the Scots Guards. In 1707 they were put on the same footing as the other two Guards regiments. In 1900 Queen Victoria, pleased with the fighting quality of the Irish regiments in the South African War, commanded the formation of the Irish Guards. In 1915 the representation nature of the brigade was rounded off by the formation of the Welsh Guards. The Brigade of Guards serves as a personal bodyguard to the Sovereign. When the Queen is in residence at Buckingham Palace, there is a guard of four sentries. Only two are on duty when she is away from London. When the Queen is in residence at Windsor Castle, another Changing the Guard ceremony takes place in the Quadrangle there at 10 a. m. daily. Trooping the colour Trooping the colour is one of the most magnificent military ceremonies in Britain and perhaps in the world. It is held annually on the reigning monarch's "official" birthday, which is the second Saturday in June. Queen Elizabeth II is Colonel - in - Chief of the Household Division of five regiments of foot Guards and two regiments of Mounted Guards. The Trooping marks the official birthday of the Queen and each year the color (flag) of one of the five regiments of Foot Guards is displayed to the music of massed bands. The ceremony stemmed from the need of soldiers to recognize the colours of their regiment in battle. The Parade is complex and precise and all seven regiments of the Household division take part, but only one colour is trooped each year. Wearing the uniform of one of these regiments the Queen leaves Buckingham Palace and rides down the Mall to the Horse Guards Parade accompanied by the sovereign's Mounted Escort from the two Household Cavalry Units - the Life Guards wearing scarlet tunics with white plumes in their helmets and the Blues and Royals in blue tunics with red Plumes. Precisely as the clock on the Horse Guards Building strikes 11, the Queen takes the Royal Salute. After inspecting her troops, the sovereign watches a display of marching to the tune of massed bands before the solemn moment when the Colour is trooped by being carried along the motionless ranks of guardsmen lined up to await the Queen. The Color is then "trooped" or displayed before her. Afterwards, she returns to the Palace at the head of the Guards deputed to mount the Palace Guard. Royal Family appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to acknowledge the flypast of the Royal Air Forces at 1 p. m. Only one Colour is "trooped" annually, that of each regiment in strict rotation. Originally it was called "lodging" the Colour: each regiment's own Colour being laid up, to

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music known as a "Troop". The five regiments of Foot Guards can be identified by the plumes in their caps or bearskins, and by the spacing of the buttons on their tunics. The Grenadier Guards have white plumes and evenly spaced buttons: the Coldstreams, red plumes and buttons in pairs: the Scots Guards, no plumes and buttons in threes: the Irish Guards, blue plumes and buttons in fours: the Welsh Guards, white - and - green plumes and buttons in fives. The Guards have been carrying out their duty of guarding the sovereign since 1660 (the time of the restoration of Monarchy). Mounting the Guard Mounted Guard takes part in another colorful ceremony which is held at 11 a. m. on weekdays and 10 a. m. on Sundays at the Horse Guards, a square facing Whitehall. The entrance to the Horse Guards is guarded by two mounted troopers who are at their posts daily from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. The guard is formed by units of the Household Cavalry (Mounted Guard) - the Life Guards and the Royals (the Blues and Royals). When the Queen is in London, an officer, a corporal of horse, 16 troopers and a trumpeter on a grey horse take part in the ceremony. The Royals can be identified by the red plumes on their helmets and by their blue uniforms. The Life Guards wear white plumes and red tunics. The Ceremony of the Keys Every night at 9.53 p. m. the Chief Warder of the Yeomen Warders (Beefeaters) of the Tower of London lights a candle lantern and then makes his way towards the Bloody Tower. In the Archway his Escort awaits his arrival. The Chief Warder, carrying the keys, then moves off with his Escort to the West Gate, which he locks, while the Escort "present arms". Then the Middle and Byward are locked. The party then returns to the Bloody Tower Archway, and there they are halted by the challenge of the sentry. "Halt!" he commands. "Who goes there?" The Chief Warder answers, "The keys". The sentry demands, "Whose keys?" "Queen Elizabeth's keys", replies the Chief Warder. "Advance, Queen Elizabeth's keys; all's well", commands the sentry. Having received permission to proceed through the Archway, the party then form up facing the Main guard of the Tower. The order is given by the officer - in charge to "Present Arms". The Chief Warder doffs his Tudor-style bonnet and cries, "God preserve Queen Elizabeth". "Amen", answer the Guard and Escort. At 10 p. m. the bugler sounds the "Last Post" (signal to return). The Chief Warder proceeds to the Queen's House, where the keys are given into the custody of the Resident Governor and Major. The Ceremony of the Keys dates back 700 years and has taken place every night during that period, even during the blitz of London in the last war. On one particular night, April 16, 1941, bomb blast disrupted the ceremony, knocking out members of the Escort and Yeomen Warders. Despite this, the duty was completed. Only a limited number of visitors are admitted to the ceremony each night.

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Application to see it must be made at least forty - eight hours in advance at the Constable's office in the Tower. Visitors with the permission are admitted at 9.40 p.m. and leave at 10 p.m. The Lord Mayor's show The splendid civic event known as the Lord Mayor's show is watched by many thousands of people, who throng the streets of the City of London to see this interesting procession and admire its glittering pageantry. The ceremony is the gesture of pride in the City's history and strength as a world commercial centre. The ceremony seems still more bright and colorful because it is always held on the second Saturday in November when the city is often wrapped in mist or rain. Its origin dates back more than six hundred years, when it began as a waterborne procession with ornate barges sailing down the river Thames. Dressed in his fur - trimmed scarlet gown, a "Cap Dignity", and wearing the great 5 feet long gold chain of office the newly elected Lord Mayor first watches a cavalcade of decorated floats pass by his stand at his official residence, the Mansion House. Then he steps into his gilded State Coach and takes up his position of honour at the rear of the procession. Accompanied by the Pikemen in their half -armour the Lord Mayor is driven in his gilded coach from Guildhall, past St. Paul's Cathedral, down Fleet Street to the Royal Court of Justice, where he takes his oath of office before the Lord Chief Justice. The tradition of taking oath ("declaration") originated in 1230 during the reign of Henry III and the final declaration was made before the Barons of the Exchequer. The Lord Mayor's coach, weighing 4 tons and pulled by six horses was built in 1757 and was painted by the famous Florentine painter Giovanni Cipriani. A body guard of Pikemen and Musketeers march beside the coach. Many people in the procession wear traditional historic costumes. Each year a theme relating to London life or history is chosen and floats decorated with tableaux on this theme precede the Lord Mayor's coach. The Lord Mayor who is also the City's Chief Magistrate, is selected by the liverymen of the City Companies (guilds). One of the most distinguished of London's Lord Mayors was Dick Whittington (1423) who held office four times. After the oath has been taken, the entire procession returns via Victoria Embankment to the original point of departure. On the following Monday evening the Lord Mayer gives a splendid Inaugural banquet at Guildhall. This has two traditions - a first course of turtle soup and speech from the Prime minister. This glittering occasion is attended by many of the most prominent people in the country and is usually televised. The Prime Minister delivers a major political speech and the toast of the hosts on behalf of the quests is proposed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Half the cost of the Show and Banquet is paid by the Mayor and the other half is met by the two Sheriffs. One can imagine how high the costs are but a Lord Mayor regards such financial sacrifices as worth while because of the prestige, since in his year of office he is second in importance in the City only to the

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Sovereign. The official residence of the Lord Mayor in Mansion House, which was designed in Palladian style in the 18th century, has been altered since. The Guildhall, dating from the 15th century is the place where the Lord Mayor, Alderman and the City fathers conduct the City's affairs. Important banquets and ceremonial occasions are held there. The City has not only its own Mayor, but also its own government and its own police force. Even the sovereign (Queen) has to stop at the City's frontiers until the Lord Mayor allows admittance. Remembrance Day (Poppy Day) Remembrance Day is observed throughout Britain in commemoration of the million or more British soldiers and airmen who lost their lives during the two World Wars. On that day, the second Sunday in November, special services are held in the churches and wreaths are laid at war memorials throughout the country and at London's Cenotaph, where a great number of people gather to observe the two - minute silence and to perform the annual Remembrance Day ceremony. The silence begins at the first stroke of Big Ben 11 o'clock, and is broken only by the crash of distant artillery and perhaps by the murmur of a passing jet. Members of the Royal Family or their representatives and political leaders come forward to lay wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph. Then comes the march past the memorial of ex-servicemen and women, followed by an endless line of ordinary citizens who have come here with their personal wreaths and their sad memories. On that day artificial poppies, a symbol of mourning, are traditionally sold in the streets everywhere, and people wear them in their buttonholes. The money collected in this way is later used to help the men who had been crippled during the war and their dependants. In the past the day was known as Armistice Day and was marked on the 11 of November, as that was the day when armistice (agreement to stop military actions) sought by German from Allies, came into force in 1918. Armistice Day was kept since 1919 - 1938. Two minutes silence was observed throughout the British Commonwealth starting at 11 a. m. the ceremony lapsed during the Second World War, but was resumed in 1945. The following year it was decided to observe a Remembrance Day for both World Wars. It was to be held annually on Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday in November). The most magnificent ceremony is held at the Cenotaph in London, a memorial to those who died during the two world wars. On Remembrance Day the ceremony is attended by the Queen and royal family, statesmen and politicians, representatives of the armed forces and Commonwealth. 6.2 Summarize the most significant information on London Ceremonies. 6.3 Write interesting facts you have learnt about trooping the color 6.4 For further information about London use Hotlist – London: history and sights http://wizard.hprtec.org/builder/worksheet.php3?ID=36872

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7. Discussion Points 7.1 Answer the questions and compare the facts with the British equivalents. 1. What is the most famous clock tower in Moscow? 2. Which museums in Moscow accomodate the Collection of Crown jewels, carriages, table sets? 3. What cathedral is the main one in Moscow and whole Russia? 4. Big Ben is a symbol of London. What can be called the universal symbol of Moscow? 5. Is Moscow as famous for its ceremonies and celebrations as London? Can you name any of them? 7.2 Comment on the statements: 1. London is the seat of the British royalty and government. 2. London has many attractions for visitors from all over the world. 3. London is a city with great character. 4. London is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. 5. “If you are tired of London you are tired of life” (Samuel Jonson).