XI. Dialogues
Dialogue 1. Read the dialogue and learn it by heart.
Jack – Hello, how are you?
John – I’m fine, thanks. And you?
Jack – I’m great! I’ve just come from the vacations.
John – Where have you been?
Jack – Well, I traveled to the United Kingdom.
John – Oh, England!
Jack – Not only England. The full name of the country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
John – And England is the part of Great Britain, am I right? There are also Scotland and Wales. By the way, have you visited Cardiff?
Jack – The capital of Wales? Yes, of course. I’ve been to the football match on the famous “Millennium” stadium.
John – Cool! I wish I could go there too! And how did you like a famous British climate?
Jack – It was mild and humid. Actually, the best climate for me. Well, if you want to see some pictures from my trip, come over tonight.
John – I definitely will. Thank you for the invitation! Bye!
Jack – See you soon!
Dialogue 2. Complete the following dialogue.
Susan. I’m afraid you’re sitting on my …
Natalie. Oh, I’m …. My ticket is for seat 22A.
S. That’s ….
N. My … is Natalie. ….?
S. I’m Susan Smith. …
N. Nice to meet you too.
S. … from?
N. …Kazakhstan. And you?
S. …the United Kingdom.
N. So you are going home?
S. Yes, I’ve been on holiday in Kazakhstan.
N. What place in Great Britain are you from?
S. …, the capital of England. Is it your first trip to the United Kingdom?
N. …. I’ve only seen television programs about it.
S. What … have you heard about my country?
N. I know your two biggest rivers are … and …. One of the most famous lakes in the world is located in …, it’s called ….
S. And, probably, you’ve heard about our …. It’s mild and …. Many tourists don’t like it, but we, …, think ….
N. Well, I hope the flight will be fast and I soon find myself on the land of …
S. I hope you ….
Dialogue 3. Complete the following dialogue.
Robert. Let me introduce myself. I’m Robert Schimberg, a specialist on British culture.
Paul. …
Robert. …
Paul. I’m sure your lectures will take a significant place in the studying process. You are going to give general facts on Great Britain first?
Robert. ….
Paul. ….
Rober t. But of course, I will touch upon the beauty and variety of landscape in the country.
Paul. ….
Robert. ….
Paul. Many students are interested in studying in Great Britain. Do you have some information for them?
Robert. ….
Paul. ….
Robert. You are so welcome on my lectures too! You will find out many amazing facts.
Paul. ….
Dialogue 4. Read and learn it by heart.
The Houses of Parliament
Alex. Do you like those beautiful old buildings, Helen?
Helen. Sure. I guess they are the Houses of Parliament.
Alex. You have guessed right. They were built in 1840-50. If you are interested in the name of the designer, I can tell you that they were designed by Sir Charles Barry.
Helen. I hear they were repeatedly damaged by air attack in the Second World War.
Alex. That's right. The House of Commons was almost totally destroyed in 1941. Now it is rebuilt.
Helen. Is this area called Westminster?
Alex. Yes, it is. Westminster Abbey is over there. Many famous Englishmen are buried there. Throughout this district there are many government offices.
Helen. Does the Prime Minister live here?
Alex. No, she (he) lives at Number 10, Downing Street. In the Houses of Parliament two assembles meet, the elected members of parliament and the aristocracy. The aristocracy meet in the House of Lords, the members of parliament meet in the House of Commons.
Helen. Is it true that the House of Lords has no real power?
Alex. Yes, that's true. The House of Commons is the real governing body in the country. Most of the Ministers of State come from the House of Commons, although there is no reason why a Lord should not be a Minister.
Helen. There is a wonderful sense of history about this area. Many of the buildings are several hundred years old.
Alex. Yes, you are right. Just a little way along the river many tall, new office buildings are being erected. Don't you think they will spoil the beauty of the area?
Helen. I don't think so. The contrast between the new and the old is very effective. We can say that London is a historical city as well as a very modern one.
