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Contents
| My Family | ||
| My Day | ||
| Our University | ||
| The Russian Federation | ||
| Agriculture of Russia | ||
| Great Britain | ||
| Agriculture of Great Britain | ||
| Bashkortostan | ||
| The United States of America | ||
| My Future Work |
My Family
I am Timur Baiburin. Baiburin is my surname, Timur is my first name. My close friends call me Tima for short. I am a student of Bashkir State Agrarian University. My father calls this University his Alma Mater and we joke that it is our family tradition to be graduates of BSAU.
Let me introduce my family to you. First comes father of course as head of the family. His name is Azamat Baiburin, he is a mechanic at the repair station. My mothers name is Fatima Baiburina, she is a nurse at the small local hospital. As for my brother, he goes to school. His name is Radmir. He is fond of animals and wants to treat them so we hope that after finishing school he will enter the Veterinary Department of this University.
I have also got two grandmothers and a grandfather who are rather old but still very active and energetic. I love them very much and try to help my grandparents because there is always much work in the country. I have got a lot of relatives: uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces. We sometimes gather together but this happens not very often.
As for me, I am a first year student of the Food Technologies Department. I like to be a student. I live in the hostel of our University. My room-mates are the students of our group, so we help each other to do homework on some subjects.
I am from Yanaul District of Bashkortostan. My family lives there. I miss Mom, Dad and Radmir very much. I love my family and I think that our family is friendly and hardworking.
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Dialogues
- You say you have an elder sister. Whats her name?
- Katerina, Katya for short. She was named after our granny. Father wanted her to be named after his mother.
- Really? We both have sisters and each of them is called Kate or Katya.
- Well, Kate is quite a popular British name just as Katya is popular with the Russian people.
* * *
- Let me introduce myself to you. I am Pete Karpov.
- How do you do, Mr Karpov. My name is John Bush.
- How do you do, Mr Bush. I am a teacher of Biology. What do you do?
- I am an agronomist from California.
- Pleased to meet you, Mr Bush.
- Glad to get acquainted with you, Mr Karpov.
* * *
- , , ?
- Not quite so. I have a sister, a brother and a cousin, but she lives with us, because her parents work on contract in the North.
- . , . , . . , .
- Its great. I like small children. They are so funny. Is she pretty?
- . . .
- You also have green eyes and dark hair.
- My niece looks a bit like me. . How many people are in your family?
- We are two: my Mom and me. But we are very happy together.
* * *
- Your name is Mary Bright, isnt it?
- , . , . ?
- My name is John Miller. I am an architect. I live and work in Boston. Are you married, Ann?
- , . . . , - . ?
- Yes, I am. I have a wife and two sons. My wife is a teacher, my sons go to school.
- ?
- , . , , .
- Do you often visit your parents?
- Once or twice a year. We are very busy.
- I see.
Questions
1. When were you born? Where are you from?
2. How many are you in your family?
3. What relatives have you got?
4. What do your parents do?
5. Where do you live now?
6. What can you say about your elder (younger) brother (sister)?
7. What does your sister (brother) look like?
8. How often do you go home?
9. What can you say about your family?
10.In what places do your relatives live?
11.Do you have a niece (nephew)? Describe her (him).
12.How many people are in your aunts (uncles) family? Who are they?
My Day
I get up at 7 oclock in the morning. I do my morning exercises, wash and dress. Then I sit down to breakfast. At 8 I leave home and go to the University. Our hostel is situated near the University, so I am there in 10 minutes. Some students live rather far from the University, so they take a bus or a trolley or even a taxi bus not to be late.
Our classes begin at 8.30. Usually we have one or two lectures, a seminar and a practical lesson in the laboratory. Once or twice a week we have English. At our English lessons we read texts, translate them, ask and answer questions and do all sorts of exercises. We want to know English well and many students of our University need it to study abroad and to work in England during summer holidays.
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At 12 a.m. I usually have lunch at the students canteen. After classes I sometimes stay at the University and work in one of the reading halls. I can find practically every necessary book on any subject there, so I dont need to visit a city library. I study hard because good education is valuable nowadays.
When I return to my hostel I am usually tired, so I have a short rest and cook supper. Then I do my homework. At 11 oclock I go to bed.
Sunday is my day off. I get up later than usual. I neednt hurry anywhere on this day and I like it very much. On Sunday I can go to the cinema or theatre, to the skating rink in winter, to the park in summer. If I have free time during the week I visit my friends, read books, go for a walk, listen to music.
A students life is rather busy but we try to find time for work and for fun.
2.1 Match the two parts of the sentences:
1. On week days I usually
2. After I have breakfast
3. Students take a taxi bus
4. We have English
5. Many students of our University need to know English well
6) During lunch time
7) At our University library I can find
8) We dont study on Saturday or Sunday
9) In my free time I often
10) Though Im rather busy with my studies
a) almost every necessary book
b) not to be late for lessons
c) get up early in the morning
d) I try to find time for fun too
e) I leave for the University
f) once or twice a week
g) visit friends or listen to music
h) I go to the students canteen
i) because they want to study abroad or to work in England during summer holidays
j) they are our days-off
Dialogues
- Do you like coffee, Ann?
- Yes, I do.
- Do you want sugar in your coffee?
- Yes, please.
- Do you want milk?
- No, thank you. I dont like milk in my coffee. I prefer black coffee.
* * *
- Ive not been to any café or bistro in Ufa yet. What about you?
- Last month my friend invited me to the bistro Lido to her birthday.
- Did you like it? Was food good there?
- Oh, yes. Everything was tasty and the prices were quite reasonable. We had pizza, coffee and cakes.
- Didnt you have ice-cream?
- Oh, I forgot. Their ice-cream was delicious. I have got an idea. Lets go to Lido on the nearest Saturday.
- Great. I agree.
* * *
- What are the most common hobbies of Englishmen?
- That isnt an easy question. Many Britons like sports and games, others are fond of gardening or collecting things. I, for example, enjoy carpentry, that is making shelves, boxes and so on from wood.
- Your hobby seems both interesting and useful for the house. I think your wife likes your pastime, doesnt she?
- Oh, yes. When I come home after work shes ready to give orders to repair this or that.
* * *
- ?
- Yes, very. Basketball is played at schools, colleges and clubs. Both boys and girls are fond of playing basketball.
- ?
- Well, baseball and tennis, football and golf are very popular.
- . ?
- At any University stadium and at sports-grounds in many parks.
* * *
- ?
- I am fond of plying tennis.
- ?
- I can try. But I must tell you that it is not very easy.
- . .
- Oh, no. Not coffee and cakes. Those are unhealthy food. Ill take a glass of apple juice.
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- ? , , , ? Yes, all that. And dairy products, fish and meat. But nothing fried or spicy. Not too much salt or sugar. No alcohol at all. Just simple food and soft drinks.. . .
Questions
1.What time do you wake up in the morning?
2.Do you have a shower in the morning?
3.Do you do your morning exercises every day?
4.What do you usually have for breakfast?
5.When do you leave home?
6.Do you live near or far from the University?
7.How do you get to the University?
8.When do your classes begin?
9.How many classes a day do you usually have?
10.When do you have a break for lunch?
11.What do you usually have for dinner?
12.When are your classes over?
13.What do you do after classes?
14.How long does it take you to do your homework?
15.What do you like doing at the weekend?
16. Do you have any hobby?
17.How do you spend your evenings? Do you often go out?
18.Do you take up sport?
19.Can you cook? Can you cook soup? Can you fry potatoes?
20.How many meals do you have a day? What are they? What time do you have your meals?
Our University
My name is Khakimova Regina. I am a second year student of Bashkir State Agrarian University. It is one of the oldest in the city. Its history goes back to 1930, when it was founded as Bashkir Agricultural Institute. At that time there were only 2 departments at the Institute: plant growing and livestock breeding and only 99 students and 13 teachers. In 1993 Bashkir Agricultural University got the status of Bashkir State Agrarian University. Now the overall number of students amounts to 11 thousand; our students study full-time and part-time. The teaching staff of the University consists of about 700 teachers, among them 110 professors and 350 candidates of sciences.
There are 9 departments at the University. The departments are: Economic, Mechanical, Biotechnologies and Veterinary Medicine, Energy, Land Management and Forestry, Information Technologies and Management, Food Technologies, Agricultural Technologies and Agribusiness and Extra-Mural department. I am at the Economic department. I study such subjects as Mathematics, Economic Theory, Accounting, Audit and a lot of others. After 4 years of studies I will get the degree of a Bachelor.
The University consists of 7 buildings. There are a lot of classrooms, laboratories and lecture halls at the University, also a computer centre and many computer classrooms. There is a good library and several reading halls where students can find many books and scientific journals on their speciality. Many students take up sport quite seriously. The University has several gyms, a swimming pool and a stadium.
Most students of our University are from different districts of our Republic. They live in 8 comfortable hostels of the University. Students live there for 4 years and for the time of studies hostels become their second home where they live, study and rest.
The course of studies at our University gives students a good opportunity of becoming well-trained specialists in different fields of agriculture. I think students can study, as well as live an interesting life during the years of education.
3.1 Translate the Russian parts of the sentences:
1. The University in 1930.
2. At that time it Agricultural Institute.
3. were the two departments at that time.
4. At present about 700 teachers constitute the of the University.
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5. After 4 years of studies a student gets .
6. have many classrooms, lecture halls, .
7. Students can take all the from the .
8. Many students come from to study at the University, so they live in .
9. The University trains skilled specialists in .
10. Students study and live an interesting life during the .
Dialogues
- I am Samokhvalova Yevgenia, Zhenya, for short. I study at Pedagogical University in Ufa.
- Hi, Zhenya. I am Diana Baker. I am a student at Manchester Teachers College. I train to be a primary school teacher. What about you?
- I will be a teacher of Math at a secondary school. We are future colleagues, Diana, arent we?
- Yes, we are. By the way, are the graduates of Russian universities given a degree?
- Yes, they are. The system of scientific degrees is the same in our countries now. A few years ago graduates of our universities were given diplomas of higher education.
- I see. The graduates of British colleges and universities are given the degrees of Bachelor or Master.
- Our teacher of English tells us a lot of interesting and useful information about Great Britain and its system of education.
* * *
- How many departments are there at your university and what is the total number of students?
- Ten thousand students study at nine departments.
- Do students in Russia pay tuition?
- Those who passed entrance exams to the university with excellent marks get education free of charge. They get to the so-called budget groups, others pay tuition. The students from budget groups who pass exams at the university with good and excellent marks get scholarship. I think, young people value good education now.
* * *
- ?
- In different ways. Some return home, some go to the university sports camp for a week or two, some have their practice in summer and are very busy.
- , , , ?
- Well, I think those things always come first.
.
Questions
1.Where do you study?
2.What will be your profession after you graduate from the University?
3.When was your University founded?
4.How many and what departments are there at your University?
5. Do your group-mates live in the hostel?
6.How many students study at the University full time?
7.Do all students get scholarship?
8.What degree do the graduates from the University get?
9.How many years do students study at your University?
10.Whom does the teaching staff of the University consist of?
11.What sport facilities has the University got.
12.Do all students pay tuition?
13.What subjects are taught at the University?
14.What are your favourite subjects?
15.Who can become a student of your University?
The Russian Federation
Russia is the largest country in the world. It is situated in Europe and Asia. Its total area is over 17 million square kilometres. Because of the vast territory the country has different climate in different parts: from continental and subtropical to very cold arctic climate.
The landscape of the country is also different: from high mountains to deep valleys, from fertile soil zones to barren steppes.
The population of the Russian Federation is more than 142 million people. The European part of the country is densely populated. Most people live in towns and cities.
Russia is among the world leaders in mineral resources. It is rich in coal, oil, natural gas, iron, copper etc. Russia is a highly industrialized country. Its oil and chemical industries are well developed. People of Russia are very optimistic about economic and social progress in the country. As for agriculture, it is undergoing reforms and changes. These reforms are aimed at supplying the people of the country with agricultural products of high quality.
The Russian Federation is a free union of a number of regions, territories and republics called the subjects of the federation. Under the Constitution (1993) Russia is a presidential republic. The highest legislative body of the Russian Federation is Duma, the name of the Russian Parliament. The executive power is held by the president.
The capital of the country is Moscow. Founded in 1147 it has become over years the most important political, industrial, scientific and cultural centre of the country and the seat of the government. The Red Square, the Kremlin and lots of other sights and historic places attract tourists from all over the world to Moscow.
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Russia has always played an important role in the world. Nowadays Russia remains a powerful state enjoying a high reputation among other nations of the world. It is a peace-loving country and a member of many peaceful organizations.
Dialogues
- I must say that your country is very big.
- In fact, it is the largest country in the world. But your country is also big.
- Canada is the second largest country in the world.
- But its population is considerably smaller than that of Russia, isnt it?
* * *
- I have read that Russia is very rich in mineral resources.
- . , , .
- I have also read that the climate is severe in Russia.
- . , . , , .
* * *
- Excuse me, can you tell me the way to the Red Square?
- Sure. Go straight on along Pokrovskaya Street and soon youll see the Kremlin stars.
- Thank you very much. Can I take a bus?
- A trolley. The stop is over there.
- Thanks a lot.
- Dont mention it. Good luck.
* * *
- Excuse me, am I on the right way to the Tretyakov Gallery?
- I am afraid, not. You are going in the opposite direction.
- Oh, no! I have been walking for 20 minutes already.
- Why dont you take a bus? The bus stop is over there.
- What bus will take me to the Tretyakovka?
- Number 37 and 64. Get off at bus stop Tretyakov Gallery.
- Is it a long way there?
- Its not. Just 15 minutes, I think.
- Thank you very much.
- Thats all right. Have a good time.
* * *
- , ?
- Go straight on till the nearest crossroads.
- ? ? .
- It is very near. It will take you not more than 6-7 minutes.
- . . ?
- Then turn left and behind a large supermarket you will see the underground station.
- 9 . , ?
- Yes, it is. It usually works until 12 oclock in the night.
- . . .
- No thanks at all. We are glad to help people coming to Moscow. I wish you all the best.
Questions
1.How large is the territory of the Russian Federation?
2.What can you say about the landscape of our country?
3.Is climate very different in Russia?
4.Whats the population of Russia?
5.What mineral resources is Russia rich in?
6.What subjects of the Russian Federation can you name?
7.What branches of industry are the leading in our country?
8.How old is Moscow?
9.What sights attract tourists from all over the world to Moscow?
10.What reputation has Russia got in the world?
11.Who is the president of the country now? What power has he got?
12.Are you optimistic about the future of your motherland?
Agriculture of Russia
The Russian Federation is a large country with different soil and climatic conditions. Farmers of Russia produce various farm products on its vast territory. The south of the country is the main area for producing grain, vegetables, fruit and meat. In the Non-Black Soil Zone they grow potatoes, flax, keep farm animals. Forestry and grain production are developed in Siberia. The Far East is famous for its fishing. Fur breeding is popular in the North.
There are two main branches of agriculture: animal breeding and crop growing. Farmers of Russia grow such cereals as wheat, rye, buckwheat, barley and oats. They grow vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, beetroots, onions and cabbage. Animal breeding is developed all over the country. Farmers raise cows for milk and meat; sheep are kept for their wool and meat. Farmers breed poultry: hens, ducks and geese. Farms are provided with tractors, combine-harvesters, trucks and other farm machinery.
Russian agriculture is living through the period of changes and reforms. Much success has been achieved in some spheres of farming thanks to the efforts of scientists and outstanding agriculturists. They develop new crop varieties, animal breeds and highly effective machines for tillage, seeding and harvesting operations. There are still problems which our agriculture faces today. Among them are financing, management, storage and marketing of agricultural products.
The chief aim of agriculture is to supply industry with raw materials and population with food. This aim can be achieved by joint efforts of all people of the country.
5.1 Translate into English:
1. .
2. .
3. , .
4. 1147 .
5. .
6. .
7. .
8. .
9. .
10. , .
11. .
12. , , .
5.2 True / false sentences:
1. Russia has large resources of coal and oil.
2. The aim of the reforms in agriculture is to supply people with food products.
3. The government of Russia is in Moscow.
4. Farmers keep cows for meat, milk and wool; poultry is kept for meat and eggs.
5. Animal breeding is developed all over Russia.
6.The most densely populated part of Russia is the Far East.
7.There are no fertile soil zones in our country.
8.Outstanding agriculturists develop new crop varieties.
9.Cereals are wheat, rye, buckwheat, oats, beets and barley.
10. Tractors, combine harvesters and trucks work in the fields of the country.
Dialogues
- Well, what are your impressions of our farm?
- I can only repeat what I told you before. It is really a modern farm.
- Did you notice that we are engaged in mixed farming?
- Of course. What industrial crops do you grow?
- Flax and sunflower seeds. We also grow various fruits and berries. Have you seen our orchards?
- Its a pity, but we didnt have time for that.
- We have a big orchard. We are growing several varieties of apples and pears. Cherries and plums are also grown in the orchards.
- What about potatoes? I saw only large fields of cabbage and sugar-beet?
- Potatoes are grown in large amounts too. We also grow cucumbers, tomatoes and carrots but in smaller amounts.
- I was surprised to see that you have a lot of foreign combines in the fields.
- We have two American combines; we grow potatoes and carrots according to Dutch technology. Foreign specialists are often invited here to teach us new achievements in agriculture and we are ready to learn.
- Now I see what makes your farm the leading in the district.
* * *
- I have visited several private farms in your region to see how farming is developed in Russia.
- And what are your impressions?
- All the farms, including yours, are strong and developed.
- I started my farm only four years ago. It was in the place where soils were poor, there was no water around and the nearest motorway is still many kilometres away.
- But looking at your well built, warm and tidy cow sheds, green pastures and comfortable cottage for your family, its hard to believe, that the situation was so bad.
- My family are hard working people. And I invited two families to work for me. By hard work and with joint effort we changed the situation.
* * *
- My favourite season is spring. It becomes warmer, and the days are lighter and longer. Do you like spring?
- . . . , .
- Yes, I know that. You have a country house, dont you?
- . , . . .
- Yes, I remember that. And its clear for me now why you like summer.
* * *
- The weather changes very often this winter. Am I right?
- . . .
- Do you call it a warm winter? Yesterday the temperature was minus 7 and today it is minus 5 degrees. I m so cold!
- . 20 .
- Oh, Russia is such a cold country.
* * *
- ?
- It is much milder than the climate of Russia. The average temperature in winter is much higher. Sometimes it snows but the snow never lies long.
- ? .
- Never. The Thames is navigable all year round. I see your rivers are all frozen. When will the ice melt?
- , . .
- As I understood, winter begins in November and ends in March.
Questions
1. What can you say about agricultural development in different parts of Russia?
2. What cereals do farmers of Russia grow?
3. What vegetables are grown in the fields of farms?
4. What are the two main branches of agriculture?
5. What farm animals do farmers breed and for what purposes?
6. Name some of the problems that face our farming today.
7. Name some agricultural machines.
8. Whats the task of scientists in the field of agriculture?
9. What is the chief aim of agriculture?
10. How can it be achieved?
Great Britain
Britain has several names: Britain, Great Britain, the British Isles. In everyday life we call it England, but its official name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is situated on the British Isles lying to the west of Europe and is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Arctic Ocean in the north, the North Sea in the east and the English Channel in the south.
The United Kingdom consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The total area of the country is 244 thousand square kilometres, the population is 59 million people. The longest rivers are the Thames and the Severn. The highest mountains are Snowdon in Wales and Ben Nevis in Scotland. The largest cities are London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Cambridge and Oxford are well known all over the world for their universities.
Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy. It means that the head of the state is a monarch but his power is limited by the Constitution. English queens or kings do not rule the country, it is done by Parliament.
The capital of Great Britain is London, the seventh biggest city in the world. It is situated on the river Thames not very far from the sea, and it is an important seaport. The business part of London is called the City. It is also the historical centre of London.
Britain is a highly developed industrial country. Its main industries are coal mining, machinery, textiles and clothing, shipbuilding, electronics, etc. Commerce and transport are important for the English economy too.
Dialogues
- I cant understand the state system of Great Britain. There is the queen, who doesnt have power; and there is Parliament, which has power and rules the country. What for is the queen needed then?
- You see, Great Britain is the country where tradition plays a very important role. The English respect their traditions, they are very conservative about them. To have a king or a queen is a long established tradition and the English dont want to change it. Besides the monarchy attracts tourists, and the country has benefit from the monarchy.
- And one more question. I saw several times the address: number 10 Downing Street. Does the monarch live there?
- It is the address of the Prime Minister. The London residence of kings and queens is the Buckingham Palace.
* * *
- Excuse me, is it the right way to the British Museum.
- . ?
- Yes, it is. I want to see the most famous sights: the Tower, the Houses of Parliament and the National Gallery.
- , .
- ?
- .
- Oh, Ill try to visit it. London has so many sights. Its a wonderful city.
- , . .
* * *
- . ?
- The Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. , , .
- ?
- Sure. Every day in front of Buckingham Palace there is a famous ceremony the Changing of the Guard. . .
- I like ancient architecture. ?
- Of course. You should see the Tower and St. Pauls Cathedral.
- , , . ?
- The Tower has a long and cruel history. It was a castle, a mint and a prison for the kings enemies. . . , .
- There are so many things to see in London. Im afraid that if I try to see all of them, Ill be very tired.
- I am sure you will not. A famous English person Dr Johnson said that if a man is tired of London he is tired of life.
* * *
- , .
- .
- , .
- . .
- ?
- , . ?
- . . ?
- , 50 . , .
- , , .
- . .
Questions
1. What is the official name of the country on the British Isles?
2. What parts does the UK consist of?
3. What is the population of this country?
4. Name some rivers, mountains and cities of this country.
5. What branches of industry are well developed in Great Britain?
6. Who is the head of the state? Can you say the name of the present monarch?
7. Whom does real political power belong to?
8. What is the capital of the country and where is it situated?
9. What sights of London are world famous?
Agriculture of Great Britain
Agriculture is a highly developed branch of the British economy. Only 2.5 per cent of the working population is engaged in agriculture, but it produces two-thirds of Britains food requirements.
The temperate climate of Great Britain is favourable for vegetable growing. Vegetables are grown in many parts of the country, potatoes are grown everywhere. Glass houses are widely used for growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and also for strawberries and flowers. The south of England is often called Garden of England because it is the main area for growing apples, pears, cherries and other fruits and flowers.
The climate of Great Britain is ideal for cattle breeding. The country has a long tradition of sheep production. England and Scotland have many sheep and cattle farms, where meat, milk, butter and cheese are produced. Pig farms are numerous in the country. The British poultry industry is growing rapidly too.
The most widespread arable crops grown in Great Britain are wheat, barley and oats. Almost all Britains wheat is winter wheat, which is sown in autumn. Because of the dampness of the climate it is of the soft type in contrast to the hard type produced for example in the USA or Canada.
Farming in Great Britain is intensive. Maximum production is achieved from the available land. Modern technology and fertilizers are used greatly. The government supports the farmers to help them to compete with foreign producers. These measures made the farming of the UK highly productive
7.1 Fill in the blanks with the words from the text:
1. The climate of great Britain is ideal for cattle .
2. Great Britain is a constitutional .
3. Main industries in Great Britain are .
4. The lives in Buckingham Palace.
5. are used for growing tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries.
6. are numerous in the country.
7. The UK of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and .
8. London is situated on the river Thames and it is an seaport.
9. Oxford and Cambridge are known for their .
10. The historical and financial centre of London is
11. The temperate climate is for vegetable growing.
12. The most widespread arable crops .
13. Modern technology and are used greatly.
14. The south of England is the main area for growing .
15.The are Snowdon and Ben Nevis.
16. In the south the UK is washed by the .
17. The country is governed by .
18. The south of England is called .
19. Almost all Britains wheat is wheat.
20. Real political power belongs to .
7.2 Translate into English:
1. .
2. (amounts).
3. .
4., , .
5. .
6. .
7. , , .
8. .
9. .
10. .
Dialogues
- Im so glad to meet an English farmer and I want to use this chance to learn more about English farming.
- You are welcome with your questions.
- Can you say the number of farms in the UK?
- 250,000. But more and more farmers leave the land because they can no longer earn enough money to survive.
- I know that only large farms are economic. So because of this most British farms are big, arent they?
- You are right. Many small family farms often earn more money by offering bed and breakfast because many people like to spend weekends in the countryside.
- One more question, please. Are different parts of the country engaged in different farming?
- Well, in the east of England farmers mostly grow cereals. In the north of England and Scotland farmers raise sheep and cows.
- Thank you very much for this interesting information.
- I was glad to help you.
* * *
- Im a visitor to your country. Can I ask you some questions?
- Ill gladly answer all your questions.
- Where do you buy bread?
- At the bakers.
- , , , ?
- We buy milk products in a dairy shop and we buy meat and sausage at the butchers.
- Can I buy all foodstuffs in one place?
- . , . .
* * *
- . . . - ?
- North of Edinburgh and Glasgow are the Highlands of Scotland. Even today few people live in the Highlands. . .
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- . . Many deer and golden eagles live in the forests and mountains. Rich people keep large areas of the Highlands for deer-hunting.
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- Loch Ness is a famous lake of Scotland. Loch is the Scottish word for lake. A monster is supposed to live there. Who knows?
- Is there life on the remote islands to the north of Scotland?
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Questions
1. Are many people engaged in agriculture?
2. Is the UK self-sufficient in food?
3. What agricultural business is the climate of Great Britain favourable for?
4. What vegetables are grown in the country?
5. What farm animals and poultry do farmers breed in Great Britain?
6. Is the damp climate of the country favourable for grain growing?
7. What does intensive farming mean?
8. Why does the government support the farmers?
9. How can you characterize the British agriculture?
Bashkortostan
The republic of Bashkortostan is located in the southern part of the Ural mountains. The area of the republic is 143.6 square kilometres, the population is over 4 million people. Many nationalities inhabit Bashkortostan, Bashkirs, Russians and Tatars are the most numerous among them.
The natural riches of the republic include iron ore, copper, zinc, oil and natural gas. Bashkortostan is one of the major industrial centers of Russia. Among the leading branches are oil refining, petrochemical, chemical and microbiological.
Bashkortostan ranks among the leading agricultural regions. Plant growing and cattle breeding are on a high level here. Our republic is a great producer of grain and vegetable crops, wheat, rye, buckwheat, barley, oats and millet. Our farmers successfully grow different vegetables: potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, sugar beet, onions, cabbage, etc. Bashkir farmers breed cows, sheep, pigs and poultry. Horse breeding, cattle breeding and bee keeping are traditional occupations of Bashkirs.
The nature of our republic is very beautiful. Forests cover more than 40 per cent of its territory. Clean rivers and lakes are a nice place for people to rest. No wonder, that people from different parts of Russia come to Bashkir health resorts, rest homes and tourist camps.
The capital of Bashkortostan Ufa was founded in 1574. Now it is a big beautiful city, the centre of political, economic and cultural changes in the republic. All principal higher educational institutions are concentrated in Ufa. The city has five theatres, a lot of cinemas, several museums and centres of entertainment.
Dialogues
- What bus will take me to Nesterov museum?
- I advise you to go on foot. Its not far from here.
- Can you explain the way, please?
- No problem. Turn left at the crossroads and go straight on for 100 or 120 metres. Nesterov museum will be on your right.
- Is it a modern building?
- Oh, no. Its a nice old building.
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- Have you been to Nesterov museum?
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- I have never thought that there is such a nice, rich, and wonderful museum in Ufa.
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- I liked all the pictures there. Before I didnt have a chance to see any paintings, only in magazines. They are nothing compared to real ones.
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- Nesterov was a well known painter. Back in 1920s he donated to his native city a collection of his own paintings and those by the masters of the 19th century.
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- Where can we have a good time in Ufa?
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- Lets first go for a walk in Yakutov park. My friend told me that there is a nice lake there and a modern café on the bank of the lake.
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- And after that we can go to a cinema.
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- Its so nice that I came to visit you. Thanks to me you will know your native city better.
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- I like Salavat Yulaev monument very much. The view from it is beautiful.
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- Ill take my parents to Yulaev monument and Peoples Friendship monument. I am sure, we will have a good time, and they will like both places.
- People like to take photos of themselves near monuments. .
- I will not.
Questions
1. Where is Bashkortostan situated?
2. What mineral resources is the republic rich in?
3. How many people live here and what nationalities are they?
4. What branches of industry are developed in the republic?
5. What cereals are grown in Bashkortostan?
6. Are Bashkir farmers engaged in bee keeping now?
7. What attracts tourists to Bashkortostan?
8. Are there places in the republic where people can improve their health?
9. Is Ufa an old city? How old is it?
10. What historic places and sights in Ufa can you name?
