Темы по английскому языку для первых курсов неязык

Contents:


I. Topics:

1. Lifestyles
2. Homes
3. Meals and Cooking
4. Celebrations
5. Communications
6. Music and dances
7. Services
8. Architecture and buildings.

II. Questions and tasks for credit

III. Useful phrases, words and expressions

I. TOPICS


1. Lifestyles

Generally lifestyle depends on the place you live in: in town or in the country. It depends on the national customs and traditions of the people. It depends on the difference between rich and poor. The customs of social behaviour have changed much over the last years. The discipline in family is not very strict. Sometimes it is a problem.

The family structure has changed a lot. The head of the family is not always a father who took all the main decisions. Now in good families the decisions are taken together. So to say, they are more democratic. We can say that a traditional form of the family itself came to an end. There’s a tendency of a parent living apart and coming as a guest to the children to communicate, to support. People’s ideas about marriage have changed a lot too. In earlier times the girls felt that if they weren’t married by the age of 21 – 22 they would be left on the shelf.

People who live in the cities work at factories, shops, offices they use the transport to get to work and they live in the suburbs with blocks of flats, with clean air and green playgrounds for children. They mostly are eating out in cafes, Mc Donald’s etc. They usually have meat, fish, chicks, pizza and drink tea or coffee. Some have dinner at home. Main meal times in Britain are from 8 to 9 a.m. – breakfast, at 1 p.m. – lunch and between 5 and 9 p.m. – dinner.

On average they’ve got a highly-paid job, if they have it at all.

A great part of the people live in the villages. They do different jobs in the field: they plou [plau] (пахать) the soil, loose [s] (рыхлить, бороновать) it, sow [sou] (сеять) grains (зерно) – wheat (пшеница), rye (рожь), oats (овес), as you sow you shall mow [mou] (что посеешь, то и пожнешь).

They plant vegetables. They get up at 5 – 6 o’clock in the morning to take care of domestic animals – cows, sheep, pigs etc. In autumn they gather in/harvest the crops. They have lack of time to have a rest, to watch TV, they have ordinary food: soup, borsch, milk, eggs and so on.

As you see, styles differ but difficulties are alike.

Concerning teenagers and young people, they, as usual, care about such routine things as:

• Food – cooking – eating at home – out-eating;
• Clothes – appearance counts! – fashion – style;
• The problem of choosing a profession – a job or a higher education?
• Relationship – their behaviour with friends, mates, a boy/girl friend, with parents, at work – you should remember, that the boss is not always right, but he is always the Boss;
• Problems of love, marriage, a family, children are just for them.

Other items are sports and hobbies.

Relaxation – where to go – to the theatre, to the circus, to the zoo, to the stadium, ride a bike, to the disco-bar, to the casino [k;`s;:nou]
What to read – a prose or poetry – Veller or Ulitskaya, or Tolstoy etc.

2. Homes

My District and My Flat
As you know, Vladivostok, the capital of the Primorsky region, occupies the peninsula of Murav’ev-Amursky which is washed by Amur and Ussuri gulfs. One part of this peninsula, called Egersheld (it was named after one of the explores of Russian Far-East), is my native district. Egersheld is known from the foundation of Vladivostok. More then one hundred years ago the first houses for the seamen appeared in it. Since that time Egersheld is known as the working center of the city. Now, for example, the territory of the commercial port is situated in this district. Egersheld is the most environmental friendly district in the city as it is open to strong sea winds which blow out all harmful substances in the air and clouds of dust. Of course, this has a negative side – the average temperature in the district in winter is lower than in the other parts of Vladivostok. As my native district occupies very special geographical position (in fact, Egersheld – is a small peninsula of Murav’ev-Amursky peninsula) so its citizens may admire beautiful sea scenes every evening when the sun is hiding for the horizon. These seascapes are really breathtaking and very often you may see dozens of artists trying to carry this wonderful sight to paper or canvas.
Now about my flat. I live in Sipyagina, 31. Our flat is not very large, its double-roomed. If you know the word “khrushovka”, you may imagine what is our flat looks like. Besides these two rooms we also have a kitchen and a bathroom. I think there is no any outstanding thing in our flat that is worth describing. We have a TV set in one of the rooms, two wardrobes, two working tables, and small bookcase where our home library is kept.

My Flat
We have a nice flat in a new block of flats. Our flat is on the fifth floor of a nine-storied building. It has all modem conveniences: central heating, running hot and cold water, electricity, gas, a lift and a chute to carry rubbish down. We have a three-room flat which consists of a living-room, a bedroom, a study (which is also my room), a kitchen, a bath-room and a toilet. There are also two closets in our flat. Our flat has two balconies. The living-room is the largest and most comfortable one in the flat. In the middle of the room we have a square dinner-table with six chairs round it. To the left of the dinner-table there is a wall-unit which has several sections: a sideboard, a wardrobe and some shelves. At the opposite wall there is a piano and a piano stool before it. To the right there is a little table with colour TV set on it. Opposite the TV set there are two cozy armchairs. A divan-bed and a standard lamp are in the left-hand corner. In front of the armchairs there is a small round table for newspapers and magazines. There is a thick carpet on the floor. Two water-colours hung on the wall above the divan-bed. In the evening we usually draw the curtains across the windows, and a red lampshade gives a warm colour to the room. The bedroom is smaller than the living-room and not so light as there is only one window in it. In this room there are two beds, two dressing-tables and a wardrobe. In the corner of the bedroom there is a small colors TV set. On the dressing table there is an alarm-clock and small lamp with green lamp-shade. Our study is the smallest room in the flat, but in spice of it, it is very cozy. There isn't much furniture in it, but there are a lot of shelves full of books. It has a writing table, an armchair and a bookcase too. A small round table with cassette-recorder is standing in the right-hand corner of the study. Besides there is a small sofa near the wall opposite the bookcase. This room was my father's study, but as I grew older, it has become my room. And in my opinion it is the best room in our flat. My friends used to come to my place to have a chat or to play chess in the evening, and they say my room is very comfortable. I share their opinion.
My Flat
I live in a 5-stored block of flats in Yushno – Sakhalinsk. It’s not a very picturesque

3. Meals and Cooking

Meals and Cooking
When we cook, we boil, roast, fry or stew our food. We boil eggs, meat, chicken, fish, milk, water and vegetables. We fry eggs, fish and vegetables. We stew fish, meat, vegetables or fruit. We roast meat or chicken. We put salt, sugar, pepper, vinegar and mustard into our food to make it salted, sweet, sour or simply tasty. Our food may taste good or bad or it may be tasteless.
The usual meals in England are breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner or, in simpler houses, breakfast, dinner, tea and supper.
For breakfast English people mostly have porridge or corn-flakes with milk or cream and sugar, bacon and eggs, marmalade with buttered toast and tea or coffee. For a change they can have a boiled egg, cold ham, or fish.
English people generally have lunch about one o'clock. At lunch time in a London restaurant one usually finds a mutton chop, or steak and chips, or cold meat or fish with potatoes and salad, then a pudding or fruit to follow.
Afternoon tea can hardly be called a meal. It is a substantial meal only in well-to-do families. It is between five and six o'clock. It is rather a sociable sort of thing, as friends often come in then for a chat while they have their cup of tea, cake or biscuit.
In some houses dinner is the biggest meal of the day. But in great many English homes, the midday meal is the chief one of the day, and in the evening there is usually a much simpler supper — an omelette, or sausages, sometimes bacon and eggs and sometimes just bread and cheese, a cup of coffee or cocoa and fruit.

4. Celebrations

British Holidays
There are a number of holidays, which are celebrated in Great Britain every year.
One of them is, of course, New Year's Day on the first of January. It is not so popular in England as in our country, but it is rather popular in Scotland. On that day people usually visit their friends and there is a lot of dancing and eating. In Scotland people bring a piece of coal for good luck in the New Year.
The next holiday of the year is St. Valentine's Day. It is on the 14th of February. People buy or make Valentine cards and send them to the people they love.
In March there is Mother's Day. All the children, little or adult ones, come to their mothers on that day to express their love and gratitude.
In April there is Easter. At Easter children eat chocolate Easter eggs. Sometimes parents hide them in the ho-use or in the garden and children have to look for them.
In June there is Father's Day. On Father's Day children give or send their fathers and grandfathers cards and presents.
On the 31st of October there is a Halloween. They say ghosts and witches come out on Halloween. People make lanterns out of pumpkins. Some people have Halloween parties and dress as witches and ghosts.
The 25th of December is Christmas Day. It is one of the people's favourite holidays. People put Christmas trees in their houses and decorate them. There are beautiful Christmas decorations in the streets. On Christmas Eve everybody puts the presents under the Christmas tree. People say that at night Father Christmas puts presents into the stockings which children usually hang on their beds. The traditional Christmas meal is roast turkey and Christmas pudding.
Christmas
The word "Christmas" is derived from the words "Christ's Mass" - the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. But although Christmas is undoubtedly a Christian celebration, it is also true to say that it is an unusual combination of pagan and Christian festivities.
A Christmas tree stands in everybody's living room at Christmas, shining its good cheer around the room. Sitting on the very top of the tree is a silver star surrounded by tiny lights. All the branches are hung with silver bells, tinsel and sparkling lights. Around the base of the tree lie the gifts and toys wrapped up in bright colourful paper.
The Christmas tree has spread its influence around the world. In fact America adopted it before it found its way to England early in Queen Victoria's reign. Now every Christmas British people are sent a huge fir tree from Norway which stands in Trafalgar Square, in the centre of London, shining down on all the people who gather on Christmas Eve.
In pre-Christian times evergreens, trees that remain green throughout the year. were worshiped in Northern Europe as symbols of eternal life. Mistletoe, hung up as a Christmas decoration is a symbol of love and reconciliation.
Holly, a well-known Christmas decoration today, has Christian associations. In Norwegian, Swedish and Danish, holly is known as "Christ's thorns", the legend being that Christ wore a crown of holly thorns before his death. Some people have seen associations between the word "holly" and "holy".
Giving presents goes back to Roman Saturnalia when good luck gifts of fruit, pastry or gold were given to friends on New Year's Day. In Britain the traditional day to give presents until relatively recently was December 26th and not as it is today, Christmas Day. December 26th is now known as Boxing Day, for it was then that the priests of the Middle Ages opened alms boxes to give to the poor.
Not all Christian customs and traditions are of ancient origin. Although various people have claimed to have designed the first Christmas card. William Egley, an English artist, seems to have the best claim. In 1842 he designed his own card and sent it to one hundred of his friends. Today three billion are sent annually in the United States alone.
English

5. Communications

Mobile Fever

I am standing in a queue at the supermarket. The woman in front of me is talking on her mobile while the shop assistant is filling her bags. I’ll say something if she doesn’t stop soon. No. I won’t. My phone’s ringing now. If it’s my boyfriend, I’ll tell him he’s late again! “Oh, it’s you Mum. Well, I’m just…”

Why are we so addicted to mobile phones? There are now over forty million people in Britain with mobiles and if the present trend continues, every man, woman and child in Britain will soon have one – or two, or three!

They can be expensive and are possibly bad for us. You can spend a fortune if you see your mobile a lot. According to some scientists, if we go on using mobiles, we’ll cook our brains. Some people even think that radiation from mobiles causes cancer. Psychologists say we are becoming dependent on mobiles. Dr Oliver James talks about “phoneliness” – in modern society we are lonely, so if people ring us up or send us text messages, we feel wanted.

Teenagers are among the biggest users of mobiles, and “texting” is creating a new language full of abbreviations such as “How RU?” In Japan, surveys show teenagers are reading less and mobile use is affecting the marks of secondary school students. A big problem in Britain is crime. Last year half a million British teenagers were victims of mobile phone theft.

As technology improves, mobiles can do more and more. If you have one of the new multimedia mobiles, you can log on to the Net, pay for things, play games, interact with TV programmes and take photos to send to your friends.

Very tempting, isn’t it? If I have the money next month, I’ll get one of those new with a camera… I’ll be able to send photos of the supermarket queue to my boyfriend. And if I get one with an Internet connection, I won’t have to come to this supermarket at all. I’ll sit at home and order everything with my mobile. What a good idea!
Образец пересказа текста:

The story is about the problem of using mobile phones. The author (автор) describes the problem of tendency (тенденция) of addiction to them in modern British society (общество). The author dwells (рассуждает) on the troubles (проблемы) that can be caused by radiation from mobile phones and psychological problems.

Scientists think that if we go on using mobile phones, we’ll cook our brains. Some people even think, that radiation from mobiles causes cancer.

Psychologists say that people use mobiles to avoid (избежать) loneliness (одиночество) – if a person writes to you or rings you up, you feel wanted.

Teenagers are among the biggest users of mobiles, so they even develop new language full of (полный, наполненный, переполненный чем-либо) abbreviations, such as “How RU?” (How are you?).

The author seems to think (по-моему, автор считает/думает) that if people use mobiles not only as a mean of communication, they will become lazy (ленивый) and disable (неспособный) to think or do anything.

As for me, I think, that in spite of (несмотря на, вопреки чему-либо) technological progress, we shouldn’t forget (мы не должны забывать) about the main function of mobile phones – communication.

We can use it in many ways, but not forget (забывать) about our friends, our responsibilities (обязанности). Anyway (в любом случае, все равно) you can’t breathe (дышать) fresh air (свежий воздух), walking in virtual world (виртуальный мир).

Advantages and disadvantages of TV
TV has good and bad sides. First of all it keeps people informed, we can learn a lot of information watching TV. We can choose programs that appeal to us more, because TV provides programs for all interests. Sometimes we can relax, entertain ourselves when we are tired. Advertisement on TV gives us information about different products and it makes easier to choose things to buy. When we watch TV we learn about the world, famous people and global or recent news.
But TV has a lot of disadvantages.

6. Music and dances

JOHN LENNON

The he formed, The Beatles, changed pop music forever. From their first single, “Love Me Do) (a Lennon – McCartney composition), in 1962, people recognized something different in their music than the usual pop songs at the time. Their songs seemed more tuneful, more exciting than what most artists were recording at the time. The Beatles were also more attractive than many other performers. Many more people began to listen to pop music than before. Soon, the group’s following was like nothing anyone had ever seen: a hysteria that the newspapers called “Beatlemania” swept Britain and soon, America.

Their second single, “Please Me” reached number one in March 1963. When the media focused on the new group, it soon became clear that Lennon was not like other pop stars. His answers to reporters’ questions showed an unusual intelligence and sense of humour. His character soon shone out: he always behaved in a completely different way than other people and hated artificiality. He was never quite comfortable with the Beatles’ “nice” image. In fact, it was Lennon who began to break away from this image and change the public image of the Beatles. His and McCartney’s music changed and became more “psychedelic”. The Beatles were no longer those four clean-cut young men that even parents liked.

In 1966, Lennon met Japanese artist Yoko Ono. She was clever and eccentric, like Lennon, and the two soon fell in love. He loved listening to her views on art and politics and admired her independent spirit. She brought something new to his life, and soon he found there was more he wanted to do on his own, or with Yoko, than he wanted to do with the Beatles. In 1968, he told the other Beatles of his decision to leave, although the real split did not come until 1971, when Paul McCartney also decided their partnership should end. Lennon married Yoko Ono in 1969.

Of all former Beatles, Lennon made the most promising start as a solo artist. In 1971, he recorded the song by which most people remember him today, “Imagine”. But in 1975 he stopped making records. For a while he and Yoko separated, partly because of the problems he was having with drugs and alcohol, but eventually he settled down with her again in New York. He also spent time trying to become an American citizen, something which was not easy because of his outspoken political and social views. In 1980, a new, positive phase both in his private life and his musical career seemed to begin. But that soon came to an end on the street out-side of his home one night in December 1980.

IMAGINE

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...

Aha you may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...

Aha you may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...

Aha you may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...

Aha you may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

7. Services

1) Music shop

Shop assistant: Good afternoon, sir, can I help you?
Customer: Yes. I’d like to buy this trumpet. How much does it cost?
Sh. Ass.: Ninety pounds.
Cust.: Thank you. But I’m afraid I’m not able to buy it. It is too expensive. Do you have any discounts?
Sh. Ass.: I’m sorry, I’m afraid, not. But especially for you we have a special offer, if you buy a case for it you’ll pay only for case. It will cost you 25 pounds.
Cust.: Oh, it’s great! I’ll buy it!

2) Restaurant

Waiter: Welcome to our restaurant! Here is your menu!
Guest: Thank you.
W.: Are you ready to order, sir?
G.: Yes. I’d like Greek salad and fried chicken with smashed potatoes.
W.: Good choice. Could I offer you our beverages: wine, beer, juice, lemonade?
G.: I’d like red wine, please.
W.: I’ll bring you in a minute.
G.: Thank you.
W.: Here is your order and your receipt. Bon appetite!
G.: Thank you.

3) Travel agency

Manager: Good afternoon. Travel agency “Solvex” Alex is speaking. How can I help you?
Client: Good afternoon. I’d like to go to Egypt for spring holidays.
M.: All, right, which resort would you like to visit Hurgada or Sharm-el-Sheik.
Cl.: I think I’ll go to Hurgada with my friend for a week: 4-star Hotel, double room with sea view.
M.: What type of board do you prefer?
Cl.: I’d like to have meal two times a day, please.
M.: So, do you need breakfast and lunch оr breakfast and dinner?
Cl.: Breakfast and dinner, please.
M.: O.K., so it is half-board with dinner. Do you need any extra service, for example, excursions, safari…?
Cl.: No, thank you, just rest at the sea beach.
M.: O.K. I can recommend you Hilton Plaza Hotel, it is not far from the sea beach and it has open swimming pool.
Cl.: Excellent! What should I do then? I plan to go there from the 1st till the 7th of March.
M.: You should come to our office with your passport to make an agreement and to pay 50% of the cost of your trip – that will make 300 euros per person till the 5th of February. Total cost you’ll pay on the 20th of February – 300 euros (the second part). If something changes, don’t hesitate to call us and let us know until the 20th of February (confirm you trip and pay for it or cancel it and get your money back according to our agreement).
Cl.: Thank you! I’ll drop in you firm on the 15th of February with 1200 euros. Is it possible?
M.: Yes, but not later. You see I need to book everything in advance, so it can happen so, that there won’t be any places left. So, I recommend you to make a part-time payment.
Cl.: Well. O.K. Then, I can come tomorrow, if it is so necessary.
M: Very good. Is it suitable for you to come at 2 o’clock?
Cl.: Yes.
M.: O.K. See you tomorrow, then.
Cl.: See you. Thank you. Good bye.
M.: Bye-bye.

8. Architecture and buildings

Highlights in Architecture (Памятники Архитектуры)

Almost (почти) all basic trends in world and Russian architecture in the 18th – 20th centuries are represented (представлены) in Saint Petersburg. That’s why the city is called “A Museum in the Open Air”. Its architecture is fantastic (фантастический, замечательный). Many buildings (здания) of the city are treasures (сокровища) of Russian architecture and some of them may be regarded (могут рассматриваться)as masterpieces (шедевры) of world significance (значимость).

The plan of the city was unusual (необычный) for Russian towns. Instead of a hill (холм) with a citadel (крепость), a Kreml, from which the name of Kremlin (Кремль) came (произошло), an island (остров) in the Neva’s mouth (устье) was chosen as a focal (центральный) point. A fortress (крепость) was erected (воздвигнута, сооружена) there.

This allowed (позволяло) for an arrangement (строительство) of straight (прямые) avenues (проспекты), streets, and for those architectural ensembles (архитектурные ансамбли) for which the city is famous (которыми знаменит город).

In Peterine times (в петровское время) the typical building had common (общий, одинаковый) stylistic traits (характер стиля) such as clear silhouette (четкий силуэт), grace (грация), modest exterior decoration (скромный декор фасадов) and clear-cut (четкий) planning (планировка). The buildings of the first thirty years of the city’s existence (существование) can be classified (классифицироваться) as BAROQUE STYLE (Стиль Барокко) of early period (ранний период).

The building of the Twelve Colleges (architect Domenico Trezzini) (Здание Двенадцати Коллегий. Доменико Трезини) was built between 1722 – 1742. It was designed for the twelve main ministries of the Government (Правительство). Not it houses the State University.

Many residences, palaces and churches appeared in the city and its environs in the middle of the 18th century. They were richly decorated. This style came to be known in architectural history as Russian Baroque. The outstanding examples of this style are: The Smolny Convent, The Winter Palace, The Stroganov Palace (Architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli), The Cathedral of Saint Nicolas (Никольский Собор) with its belfry (колокольня) standing separately (отдельно) (Savva Chevakinsky).

The second half of the 18th century was marked by the enrichment (обогащение) of the nobility (дворянство) and the wide scale construction of country estates (загородные имения). The Baroque Style was too ornate and complicated (пышный и сложный) for construction held by serf craftsmen (крепостные ремесленники). By the 1760s this style was gradually (медленно, постепенно) ousted (вытеснялся) by the more economical, simpler style CLASSICISM (Классицизм). At first this style incorporated Baroque elements (включал в себя элементы Барокко).

The second phase STRICT CLASSICISM (Строгий Классизм) was characterized by proportions common to ancient Greece (древняя Греция) and Rome (Рим). The first of the “Classicists” was the architect Giacomo Quarenghi (Джакомо Кваренги). His most eminent (знаменитые) buildings are: the Academy of Sciences (Здание Академии Наук) and the Smolny Institute (Смольный институт).

Ivan Starov built the Taurida Palace (Таврический Дворец) for Duke (Граф) Grigory Potyomkin (Григорий Потемкин), a favourite (фаворит) of the Empress Catherine II (Императрица Екатерина Вторая) in 1789.

Taurida is the ancient (древний, старинный) name of the Crimea Peninsula (Крымский Полуостров). The Field-marshal (Фельд-Маршал) Potyomkin was given the title (титул) of Prince of Taurida (Князь Таврический) as he was a Commander-in-Chief (Главный Командующий) of the Russian army (армия) in the Turkish War (Турецкая война – Русско-Турецкая) in Crimea (Крым).

The young Russian capital expanded (развиваться) rapidly (быстро), becoming more and more beautiful, especially during the years after the victory (победа) in the Patriotic War of 1812 (Отечественная война 1812 года). Not only individual buildings (отдельные, отдельно-стоящие здания) but whole (целый) architectural ensembles (архитектурные ансамбли) came into being (стали появляться). The classical architectural style of HIGH CLASSICISM (Высокий Классицизм) had finally came into being. This style was not so strict and was characterized (характеризовался) by groups of buildings with sculpted decorations (лепной декор). The style is best illustrated (лучше всего проиллюстрирован) by buildings erected in St. Petersburg from 1800 to 1830:

The Stock Exchange (Биржа), architect J. Thomas de Thomon (Тома Де Томон), The Kazan Cathedral (Казанский Собор), The Mining Institute (Горный Институт), architect Andrei Voronikhin (Андрей Воронихин).

The most brilliant (блестящий) representative (представитель) of this style is Carlo Rossi: The General Headquarters (Здание Главного штаба), The Mikhailovsky Palace (The Russian Museum), The Alexandrinsky Theatre and Rossi Street.

At the second part of the 19th century many architects borrowed freely from various styles: French, Italian Renaissance (Ренессанс, Возрожение), Gothic (Готика), Romanesque (Романский стиль), Early Russian (Ранний Русский Стиль). This borrowing (заимствование) is called ECLECTICISM. It can be seen in such buildings: The Mariinsky Palace (Maria’s Palace) (Мариинский дворец), The Nikolayevsky Palace (Николаевский дворец), architect Andrei Stakenschneider (Штакеншнейдер), The Lutheran Church (Лютеранская церковь), architect Alexander Bryullov (Брюллов), The Mariinsky Theatre (Maria Imperial Theatre, architect Albert Cavos), The Palace of Grand Prince Vladimir Alexandrovich (The House of Scientists (Дом Ученых), architect Alexander Rezanov).

Those times were marked by intensive construction of banks, railway station, industrial buildings, mansions of wealthy merchants (особняки состоятельных купцов), multy-storey blocks of flats, shops. At the turn of the century new materials, such as metal, large was characterized by asymmetrical proportions, sinuous forms and functional solutions. This style is called ART NOUVEAU: The Yeleseyev Store (Елесеевский Магазин), architect Gavriil Baranovsky, The Palace of Ballerina M. Kshesinskaya, architect Alexander Gogen, The “Astoria” Hotel, architect Fyodor Lidval.
 

Our house

Our house is big and white with trees around it, a great big yard and grass growing without fence. It has tight steps in front and windows so small you’d think they were holding their breath. Bricks are crumbling in places and the front door is so swollen you have to push hard to get in. Out back is a small garage for the car we don’t own yet and a small yard that looks smaller between the two buildings.

Styles in architecture.

Baroque style.

Baroque (ital. barocco through Spanish from Port. Baroco – odd, ugly, wrong, broken). To define always renovated trends of uneasy romantic attitude, thinking in expressive, dynamic shapes.

Baroque is a historical style of art, that extended first in Italy in the middle of 16th -17th centuries, and then partly in France, then in Spain, Flanders and in Germany in 17th – 18th centuries.

Baroque historic style forming was caused by the crisis of ideals of Italian Renaissance in the muddle of 16th century and swiftly changing “World Vision” at the edge of 16th -17th centuries. Italy became the motherland of Baroque style. It was Michelangelo, who destroyed the usual ideas about painting and compositions by his expression. New silhouette underlined powerful movement upwards that overcomes the gravity and reminds us of nothingness of the world (земных дел).

The figures of human body were created according to the artist’s fantasy. The walls are not accepted as bearing, powerful pilasters aroused the feeling of rippling of the wall surface, both recessive and pulled-out.

Destructive twisted forms of columns appeared. Facades became concave. It was done to make us feel movement. Architecture interflowed with sculpture

Rococo

Rococo is an original style of art, being worked out in the French art in the 1st half of the 18th century. It is one of the best-known “royal styles”. It was in the 17th century in France when it became fashionable to decorate park pavilions – grottoes, stylized as natural caves, decorated with stones, d;cor in the shape of shells. Time after time shell shape has become the main subject of d;cor that was called rocaille. Up to the beginning of 18th century its shape was hardly to be recognized – it was not just shell, but something coil, in a short way – “rococo”. That is how the name of the new style appeared.

Classicism

Classicism is faced to future, not to the past, that is his artistically-historical idea. It has strict shapes, straight lines, measured by classics. It is a stable style. Classical form arouses the feeling of being a part of something godlike, so it is considered to be magic. But it was not lasting, and grew into Mannerism and Baroque. It has trends to form regular geometric figures: round, square.

Empire

This style appeared in France in the beginning of the 19th century during the ;poque of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its elements were taken from antique culture, that have been in Classicism of Louis XVI. It become cold, pompous, and style ordered by authority. It has changed harmony of classicism into theatrical pathos. Many shapes of architecture and art of Ancient Rome.

New styles

New styles appeared in case of stylizations of natural styles. However the first place in this row is New Gothic style, that was born in the middle of 18th century.

In the 19th century appeared New Rococo, or the second rococo, The Second Empire, The Second Empire Style, “New Renaissance”, New Baroque, The Third Rococo, New Bidermiyer, New Classicism, New Realism… These styles don’t arouse of feeling of something new.

Eclectics

It is combination of different types of decoration styles. It appeared in the second half of 19th century. It demonstrates magnificence, richness. This combination was used in the churches of Ton in “Russain-Byzantine” style.

Modern

It is the period of development of European art in 19th – 20th centuries: 1886 – 1914.
Modern tried to absorb everything. Some people connected it with Rococo. It was not style of art but “lifestyle”. It was unusual, strange, fantastic, painful and repellent. It was called “the last phase of art of the last century… sigh of dying age”.

The Renaissance
The Renaissance or the revival of learning was the period then european culture was at it's high. It lasted from the 14'th centure till 17'th centure, and was coursed by complex economic situation and social conditions. The feudal system was been shuttled by the bourgeoisie, thich was getting stronger and stronger. It was more profitable to unite under a single rouler. Absolute monacy came into being. This lead to the forming of nations and the true sense of the world. New social and economic conditions called for the new ideology, because the catholic dogmas didn't correspond to the new trend of life. For this reason in many european countries the protestant religion sprend up and national churches were established.
Instead of the blind face ordered by the catholic then appeared a new outlook which was called humanism. The time demanded positive recional knowledge and this demand was supplied: in astronomy by Copernicus, in philosophy by Tomas More, in geography by Columbus, Vaska de Gama and others. Leonardo de Vinci was force a new feory of art: "It was the greatest progressive revolution that mankind have so far experience, a time, thich called for "Giants" and produced Giants in power and thought, passion and character in universality and language."
An example of a typical men of the Renaissance period was: the famous Englishmen sir Walter Raleigh, he was a soldier, sailor, explorer, pirate, coloniser, historian, thilosother and a poet. He was much interested in science and literature. He wrote works of geography and lead expedition to South America. He was an outstanding poet. His poems are full of profound wisdom, written with great elegance and salacity of style. He organised of "academy". Christother Marlowe the greatest dramatist (before Shakespear). But the most important of most this writer and one of the greatest men of this period was sir Thomas More.

The Hermitage Gallery
I'd like to tell you about the Hermitage Gallery, one of the largest and well known museums in the world. Two months ago together with my classmates I was on an exertion in S. Petersburg. I visited many places of interest including the Hermitage Gallery. I was greatly impressed by visiting this museum of art. It was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Second when she bought 225 pictures in Berlin. Now the Hermitage consists of five buildings.
Now I'd like to tell you about pictures, sculptures and other works of art I've seen in the Hermitage Gallery. A great number of wonderful pictures are offered there. Everyone can find some kind of pictures to enjoy, for example the pictures by the world's greatest masters : Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens and many others. All great schools of paintings are represented there: Italian, Spanish, German etc.
A few words about sculptures. I saw a lot of vases, statues and fountains. The most beautiful thing I have ever seen was the fountain belonged to Alexander the Second.
Among other outstanding pieces of art I saw the coach of Catherine the Second and beautiful gobelens. It took 60 years to made one of these gobelens.
In conclusion, I'd like to stress that no one can see everything for the one visit. To enjoy the Hermitage Gallery you must visit it several times.
The State Hermitage in St Petersburg is one of the world's most outstanding art museums. It is the largest fine arts museum in Russia.
World famous is the collection of West-European paintings covering a span of about seven hundreds years, from the 13th to the 20th century, and comprising works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, El Greco. Velasquez, Murillo; outstanding paintings by Rembrandt, Vandyke, Rubens; a remarkable group of French 18th-centure canvases, and Impressionist and Post Impressionist paintings. The collection illustrates the art of Italy, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria, France, Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and some other countries. The West-European Department also includes a fine collection of European sculpture, containing works by Michelangelo, Canova, Falconet, Houdon, Rodin and many other eminent masters. The Hermitage, together with the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum in Moscow, must be ranked among the richest in the world in respect of Impressionist art.
In addition to the works of Western masters, the Hermitage has sections devoted to the arts of India, China, Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Pre-Columbian America, Greece and Rome, as well as a department of prehistoric art, not to mention a section devoted to Scythian art. People come to admire the collections of tapestry, precious textiles, weapons, ivories, pottery, porcelain and furniture as well.

National palace of Congress
The village Strelna on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, on the outskirts of Saint Petersburg serves home to a unique architectural ensemble of the 19th century, the Constantine palace and Park. Founded by Peter I as the main seaside residence, it was conceived as a “Russian Versailles”, a symbol of Russia’s grandeur and prosperity.
The estate covers 149 hectares, including the Constantine Palace, 106-room 4-star hotel, Consul Village of 20 cottages, tete-a-tete negotiating pavilion and the Strelna port for yachts, boats and hydrofoils.
In the palace of Congresses, traditions coexist with state-of-the-art technologies. It received national and international scientific, cultural and political events. The G8 Summit took place here during the celebration of the St. Petersburg Jubilee.
Yusupov palace
Yusupov Palace on Moyka Embankment is one of the most mysterious places in St. Petersburg. Its surviving interiors reflect the development of the Russian elite’s architectural taste over a century. This place is closely associated with prominent figures of the city’s and country’s history. Now the Ysupov Palace is a centre of culture, hosting tours, conferences, seminars, reception and gala dinners.

Znamenka Estate Holiday Hotel (Znamenka)
Znamenka Estate is an ensemble of palace and park dating from the 19rh and 19th centuries, situated on the southern shore of the Finnish Gulf 27 km from St. Petersburg. The holiday hotel has all necessary facilities for conferences, seminars and business meeting including cars with drivers.
Gothic Chappell
Not far from the upper gates of Alexandria on the open green hillock spectacular for its silhouette Gothic Chappell – Alexander Nevsky Church is located. The building makes a square with the three-edged protrusion of altar apse according to the plan. The angles of the Chappell are accentuated by massive twenty-centimetres-high octahedral towers with the spires made of iron and golden crosses on the tops. Northern, southern and western facades have similar architecture and d;cor: the walls are decorated with the portals with lancet arches bordered by lacy design. A large round window- rosette for the stained-glass window is located above each portal, and above each rosette – there is a figure of angel. About 900 iron ornamental components, made according to the models of M. Sokolov, and 43 statues of saints, made of copper according to designs of V. I. Demut-Malinovsky, are used in the decor of facade and interior of the Chappell.


Hermitage pavilion
A well proportioned two-storied building – The first Russian Hermitage – is situated in the depth of slanting lane, leading from the large pits to the Northwest of the park. There is a balcony with carved corbels with metallic railing of composed form above it. Huge windows of the building, through which the light flows inside, produce a sense of lightness on people. The building is situated on stylobata and surrounded by the ditch. There is a small bridge thrown across the ditch. Hermitage is translated from French as “the place of solitude”, and it was erected for the closest friends of the master. Peter the I-st became the author of the idea of erecting such a place during his trips around Europe, as such pavilions were very fashionable.
The Great Palace
The Great Palace, situated on the edge of 16-metres high terrace, is the structurally-planned ensemble centre. It is an elegant building with galleries, shining golden cupolas of the two blocks – the Church block and The Emblem block. It is extended along the terrace for 300 metres.
The Great Cascade is a marvelous pedestal for the Palace. Plenty of gold, bright architectural plastics, powerful streams of the falling water – make the atmosphere of rejoicing, triumph, anthem of joy for life.

Cottage Palace
Cottage palace is the main architectural construction of Alexandria Park in Petrodvorets. The palace is situated on the upper terrace, in the southern-eastern part of the park, where one can see the view upon the Finnish Gulf, with the visible shapes of Saint Petersburg and Kronstadt. Cottage was built in 1826-1829 by the project of the architect A.Menelas in so-called “gothic” style, that has got a wide dissemination in Russian culture at the end of XVIIIth- first half of XIXth century. Cottage was summer residence of Nicolas Ist and his wife Alexandra. It was the empress’s favourite place: “I have nowhere been as happy as here”.
Monplaisir
Monplasir complex has been formed in general up to the middle of the XVIIIth century. Its name comes from a small entertaining palace of Peter the Ist “Monplasir” (French – “my pleasure”), in the past it was called “Dutch house” because of the similarity of its facades and interiors’d;cor with small houses in Holland. Monplasir is the same age as Peterhof. The history of the whole ensemble begins with its building. It was Peter’s favourite palace. It was Peter who gave such a name to the “small palace”. The emperor himself chose the place for the palace and made a plan of the building. It is unlikely to name the place today, where all the evident of his habits and tastes remained.


II. QUESTIONS AND TASKS FOR CREDIT

1. Lifestyles.

Questions for credit:

1. Do you find computer useful? Why?
2. What computer games do you prefer?
3. How much time do you spend playing computer games?
4. Are you allowed to do it?
5. Do you follow the fashion?
6. What is the “style?” (not “what”, but “how”)
7. Do you prefer military style to sports one?
8. Where do you prefer to live – in town or in the country?
9. How do you spend your free time?
10. Who in your family is good at hunting mushrooms/berries?
11. Do you get bored at the museum or do you enjoy watching items (pictures, sculptures)?
12. What is the best place for you to have a rest/to relax?
13. What household duties do you have?
14. What can you cook better/best?
15. Do you think education is important?
16. Why is it important nowadays?
17. Can you imagine an evening without TV?
18. Is a mobile phone a mean of communication or entertainment?

2. Homes

Questions for credit:

1. Describe your flat.
2. How many rooms are there in your flat?
3. Describe your room.
4. Do you have balcony?
5. What modern conveniences do you have?
6. Do you live in city or in town?
7. What town do you live in?
8. Do you have central heating in your flat?
9. Do you live in a flat or in a cottage house?
10. Is your house wooden or brick?

3. Meals and cooking

Questions for credit:

1. What is your favourite dish?
2. Have you ever been to a restaurant?
3. What cuisine do you prefer?
4. What can you cook best?
5. Do you prefer healthy food or junk one?


4. Celebrations

Questions for credit:

1. What is your favourite holiday?
2. Speak about English traditions.
3. How is Christmas celebrated in England?
4. What Russian holidays do you know?
5. What English holidays do you know?
6. Describe your birthday party.


5. Communications, Music and Dances, Services, Buildings and architecture.
Tasks for credit

1. Read and retell the text (Mobile Fever)
2. Make up the questions for the text (Advantages and disadvantages of TV).
3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of TV.
4. Speak about advantages and disadvantages of TV.
5. Retell the text (Advantages and disadvantages).
6. Read and translate the text (Advantages and disadvantages). Answer the questions.
7. Speak about your favourite musician (singer, instrument player, dancer)
8. Make up the dialogue.

1st partner: Agree with your friend to go to the concert of your favourite musician – you have got tickets.
2nd partner: Refuse to go to the concert in polite way. You go to the cinema with your girl-friend (boy-friend).

Decide what to do.
9. Read and translate the text. Make up questions for it (in written form). Answer the examiner’s questions. (John Lennon).
10. Make up the dialogue.

1st partner: Situation: You want to go away for holidays, you go to travel agency to book a tour.
2nd partner: Situation: You are the manager. Tell your client about the cost of tour, its program (country, museums, hotel/hostel/camping/motel…, clubs etc.)
11. Make up the dialogue.

1st partner: Situation: You need to buy a disk of your favourite musician. You go to music shop. Ask the shop assistant, if they have this disk and how much it costs.
2nd partner: Situation: You are the shop assistant. Recommend the customer to buy a disk of his favourite musician. Name the price.
12. Make up the dialogue.

1st partner: Situation: You are at the restaurant. Order something for dinner.
2nd partner: Situation: You are a waiter. Offer your guest something special, recommend some beverage, and bring the menu and receipt.
13. Speak about the house of your dream
14. Read and retell the text (Highlights in Architecture)
15. Speak about your favourite architectural monument

III. USEFUL PHRASES, WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

1. Lifestyles.

Useful phrases:

the boss is not always right, but he is always the Boss
appearance counts!
gather in/harvest the crops
plant vegetables
as you sow you shall mow [mou] (что посеешь, то и пожнешь)
sow [sou] (сеять) grains (зерно) – wheat (пшеница)
rye (рожь)
oats (овес)
plou [plau] (пахать) the soil, loose [s] (рыхлить, бороновать)
playgrounds
be left on the shelf

2. Homes

Useful phrases:
BUNGALOW – БУНГАЛО
COTTAGE – КОТТЕДЖ
DETACHED HOUSE – ОТДЕЛЬНО-СТОЯЩИЙ ДОМ
FLAT – КВАРТИРА
SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE – ДОМ, ИМЕЮЩИЙ ОБЩУЮ СТЕНУ С СОСЕДНИМ ДОМОМ
TERRACED HOUSE – ДОМ ЛЕНТОЧНОЙ ЗАСТРОЙКИ; ДОМ, СТОЯЩИЙ В РЯДУ ОДИНАКОВЫХ ДОМОВ С ОБЩИМИ СТЕНАМИ
ARMCHAIR – КРЕСЛО
BEDSIDE TABLE – НОЧНОЙ СТОЛИК
COOKER – ПЛИТА
DISHWASHER – ПОСУДОМОЕЧНАЯ
FRIDGE – ХОЛОДИЛЬНИК
MICROVAWE – МИКРОВОЛНОВАЯ ПЕЧЬ
SHOWER – ДУШ
SINK – РАКОВИНА В ВАННОЙ
SOFA – ДИВАН
TOILET – ТУАЛЕТ
WARDROBE – ГАРДЕРОБ, ШКАФ В ПРИХОЖЕЙ
WASHBASIN – РАКОВИНА В ВАННОЙ, УМЫВАЛЬНИК
WASHING MACHINE – СТИРАЛЬНАЯ МАШИНА

3. Meals and Cooking

Useful phrases:

Avocado – Авокадо
Bread – Хлеб
Broccoli – Брокколи
Cereal – Хлопья, зерно
Cheese – Сыр
Kiwi fruit – Киви
Nuts – Орехи
Olive oil – оливковое масло
Pasta – паста (макароны)
Prawns – креветки
Green Pepper – Зеленый перец
Raspberries – Малина
Rice – Рис
Strawberries – Земляника
Yoghurt – Йогурт

4. Communications

Useful phrases:

Queue – [kju:] – очередь In front of – впереди, перед
To talk – разговаривать To talk on mobile – говорить по мобильнику
While – в то время, как Shop assistant - продавец
To fill – заполнять, наполнять To ring – звонить
To be late – опаздывать I’m late – я опоздал
Just – только, всего лишь To be addicted to – привыкнуть, зависеть
Trend – тенденция Expensive – дорогой
Possibly – возможно To spend a fortune – потратить состояние
A scientist – ученый To go on – продолжать
According to something – согласно чему-либо To use – использовать, пользоваться
To cook brains – «консервировать» мозги Radiation – радиация
To cause – причинять Cancer – рак
Psychologists – психологи To become dependent – стать зависимым
To feel wanted – чувствовать себя нужным Lonely – одинокий
Abbreviation – аббревиатура (сокращение многословного названия до значения первых букв)
Surveys – социологические опросы To affect – влиять
A Victim – жертва Theft – воровство
To improve – совершенствовать (-ся) Net – сеть
To pay – платить Tempting – современный
Camera – фотоаппарат Internet connection – Интернет связь
To order – заказывать

5. Services

Useful phrases
Music shop – Музыкальный магазин
Can I help you? – Могу я Вам помочь?
Are you ready to order ? – Вы готовы заказывать?
How much does it cost? – Сколько это стоит?
I’m afraid I’m not able to buy it – Боюсь (к сожалению), я не могу купить это
Expensive – дорогой
Discounts – скидки
I’m sorry, I’m afraid, not – Извините, боюсь, что нет
A special offer – специальное предложение
It will cost you – это будет стоить
Restaurant – ресторан
Welcome – добро пожаловать
Menu – меню
I’d like – я хочу, хотел бы
Could I offer – Могу я предложить
Beverages – напитки
I’d like…, please – Я бы хотел…, пожалуйста
Here is your order and your receipt – Вот Ваш заказ и Ваш чек
Bon appetite – приятного аппетита
Travel agency – турагентство
Alex is speaking – Алекс (говорит/ у телефона)
How can I help you? – Чем могу помочь?
I’d like to go – Я хочу поехать
Which resort would you like to visit? – Какой курорт Вы хотите посетить?
I think I’ll go to – Я думаю, (я поеду) в
4-star – 4-х звездный
Double room – Двухместный номер
Sea view – Вид на море
Type of board – Тип питания
Do you prefer? – Вы предпочитаете?
Half-board – Полупансион
Extra service – Дополнительные услуги

Excursions – экскурсии
Rest – отдых, отдыхать
Sea beach – морское побережье, пляж
I can recommend – могу порекомендовать
Open swimming pool – открытый плавательный бассейн
You should come to our office – Вам нужно прийти в наш офис
Passport – паспорт
Agreement – договор
Pay – платить
Cost – стоимость
Trip – поездка
Total cost – общая стоимость
If something changes, don’t hesitate to call us and let us know –
если что-то изменится, позвоните нам и дайте знать
Confirm you trip – подтвердите Вашу поездку
Cancel it and get your money back according to our agreement –
отмените ее и Вы получите деньги обратно согласно нашего договора.
I’ll drop in – Я зайду (заскочу)
To book – Бронировать
In advance – заранее
There won’t be any places left – не останется мест
Is it suitable for you to come? – Вам удобно прийти?
A part-time payment – частичная оплата
See you tomorrow – До завтра
See you – До встречи

6. Architecture and buildings

Useful phrases

Almost – почти are represented – представлены
fantastic – фантастический, замечательный buildings – здания
treasures – сокровища may be regarded –могут рассматриваться
masterpieces – шедевры significance – значимость
unusual – необычный a hill – холм
a citadel – крепость Kremlin – Кремль
an island – остров mouth – устье
focal – центральный a fortress – крепость
was erected – воздвигнута, сооружена allowed – позволяло
an arrangement – строительство straight – прямые
avenues – проспекты architectural ensembles – архитектурные ансамбли
for which the city is famous – которыми знаменит город In Peterine times – в петровское время
Common – общий, одинаковый stylistic traits – характер стиля
clear silhouette – четкий силуэт grace – грация
modest exterior decoration – скромный декор фасадов clear-cut – четкий
planning – планировка existence – существование
be classified – классифицироваться BAROQUE STYLE – Стиль Барокко
)early period – ранний период The building of the Twelve Colleges
(Domenico Trezzini) – Здание Двенадцати Коллегий (Доменико Трезини)
the Government – Правительство The Cathedral of Saint Nicolas – Никольский Собор
belfry – колокольня separately – отдельно
enrichment – обогащение the nobility – дворянство
country estates – загородные имения ornate and complicated – пышный и сложный
serf craftsmen – крепостные ремесленники gradually – медленно, постепенно
ousted – вытеснялся Classicism – Классицизм
incorporated Baroque elements –
включал в себя элементы Барокко
STRICT CLASSICISM – Строгий Классицизм ancient Greece – древняя Греция
Rome – Рим Giacomo Quarenghi – Джакомо Кваренги
Eminent – знаменитые the Academy of Sciences – Здание Академии Наук
Smolny Institute – Смольный институт the Taurida Palace – Таврический Дворец
Duke – Граф Grigory Potyomkin – Григорий Потемкин
a favourite – фаворит Empress Catherine II – Императрица Екатерина Вторая
ancient – древний, старинный the Crimea Peninsula – Крымский Полуостров
The Field-marshal – Фельд-Маршал the title – титул
Prince of Taurida – Князь Таврический a Commander-in-Chief – Главный Командующий
army – армия
the Turkish War – Турецкая война – Русско-Турецкая Crimea – Крым
to expand – развиваться rapidly – быстро
the victory – победа the Patriotic War of 1812 – Отечественная война 1812 года
individual buildings – отдельные,
отдельно-стоящие здания
whole – целый architectural ensembles – архитектурные ансамбли
came into being – стали появляться high classicism – Высокий Классицизм
was characterized – характеризовался sculpted decorations – лепной декор

is best illustrated – лучше всего проиллюстрирован The Stock Exchange – Биржа
Thomas de Thomon – Тома Де Томон The Kazan Cathedral – Казанский Собор
The Mining Institute – Горный Институт Andrei Voronikhin – Андрей Воронихин
brilliant – блестящий representative – представитель
The General Headquarters – Здание Главного штаба Renaissance – Ренессанс, Возрождение
Gothic – Готика Romanesque – Романский стиль
Early Russian – Ранний Русский Стиль borrowing – заимствование
The Mariinsky Palace – Мариинский дворец The Nikolayevsky Palace – Николаевский дворец
Stakenschneider – Штакеншнейдер The Lutheran Church – Лютеранская церковь
Bryullov – Брюллов The House of Scientists – Дом Ученых
mansions of wealthy merchants –
особняки состоятельных купцов
the Yeleseyev Store (Елесеевский Магазин)