Make a presentation about any mysterious place of the UK or somewhere in the world.

MODULE 2

LONDON AND ITS SIGHTS

 

Part 1 «LONDON»

1. What do you know about London? Do the quiz:

 

1) The population of London is about

a. 10 million

b. 5 million

c. 8 million

2) An important date in English history is 1666 when

a. the Normans of France conquered England

b. William the Conqueror became King of England

c. it was one of the worst fires in history, the Great Fire of London

3) The financial and business centre of London

a. the City

b. Westminster

c. the West-End

4) The oldest part of London

a. the City

b. Westminster

c. the West-End

5) The Queen of England lives in

a. Hampton Court Palace

b. Buckingham palace

c. the Tower of London

6) The geographical centre of London

a. Westminster Abbey

b. the Trafalgar Square

c. the City

7) The Prime Minister lives in

a. # 10 Downing Street

b. Parliament Square

c. Whitehall

8) The biggest museum of London is

a. the British Museum

b. the Madame Tussaud’s museum

c. the Albert and Victoria’s museum

 

2. Read the text and check your answers. Translate the words in bold:

 

LONDON

London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and commercial centre. It is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe. Its population is about 8 million. London is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world.

Traditionally it is divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East- End. They are very different from each other and seem to belong to different towns and epochs.

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

Westminster is the historic, the governmental part of London.

Westminster Abbey has more historic associations than any other building in Britain. Nearly all English kings and queens have been crowned here. Many outstanding states-men, scientists, writers, poets and painters are buried here: Newton, Darwin, Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling, etc.

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

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

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

On the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Not far away is the British Museum – the biggest museum in London. It contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures, etc, and is famous for its library.

 

EXERCISES

3. Match the synonyms:

 

famous rich contain belong priceless official several luxurious numerous

very valuable formal some outstanding a lot include be owned wealthy very expensive

4. Solve the crossword:

 

 

ACROSS

2 Something that is impressive and beautiful to look at

8 The founder of St. Paul's Cathedral

10 A lot

11 Admiral

14 The square which is the geographical centre of London

15 Old Bailey

16 The largest museum of London

17 The main city of a country

18 The governmental part of London

 

DOWN

1 Big Ben

3 Building used as the official home of a royal family or a president

4 The building reconstructed by William the Conqueror

5 The head of the UK

6 All the people who live in the area

7 An area of a town

9 Building used for protecting a place

12 A symbol of wealth and luxury

13 Rich

15 A financial part of London

5. Complete the sentences:

1. The population of London is 8 mln., so...

2. The City is both historical and financial centre because...

3. The Tower of London attracts many tourists as...

4. The Trafalgar square was named in honour of...

5. The place where the Parliament sits is...

6. The Trafalgar square is known as...

7. The British museum is the biggest one in the country as...

8. Numerous banks and firms are situated in the City, so...

9. It is know that the Westminster Abbey is...

10. Big Ben is famous for its...

11. London is characterized as...

12. West End is known as the richest part of London because...

13. Tourists come to Westminster to visit...