Read and translate the text. Find the topical sentences in each paragraph of the text.

GEOGRAPHY

The British Isles form a group of islands in the north-west of Europe. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel and the North Sea. The UK is separated from Europe by the English Channel (or La Manche) and the Strait of Dover.

COUNTIES AND COUNTRIES

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland consists of four main countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast. England is divided into 46 administrative counties, Wales is divided into 13 counties, Scotland has 33 counties and Northern Ireland consists of 6 counties. The largest, most industrial and most densely populated part of the UK is England.

SCENERY

Britain can be divided into two main regions – Highland and Lowland Britain. Despite its small area Great Britain is famous for the rich variety of its scenery. The hilly parts are in the north and the west, the agricultural plain of England is in the south.

The highest peaks are Ben Nevis in Scotland and Snowdon in Wales. The most important rivers are the Thames, the Severn, and the Clyde.

CLIMATE

The climate of Great Britain is mild, humid and changeable. The Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream influence the weather of the British Isles. The summers are cool and rainy; the winters are not very cold. This humid and mild climate is good for plants.

THE PEOPLE

The population of the UK is over 57 million people. The population mostly lives in towns and cities and their suburbs.

The UK is inhabited by the English, the Scots, the Welsh, and the Irish who constitute the British nation.

GOVERNMENT

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. The head of the state is the monarch (at present Queen Elizabeth II) whose powers are limited by the constitution. The United Kingdom is governed by Her Majesty’s Government in the name of the Queen. The Prime Minister is normally the leader of the party which won the majority in the House of Commons.

The British Parliament consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The British parliamentary system depends on political parties. The party which wins the majority of seats forms the government. The main British political groupings are the Conservative and Labour Parties.

Answer the following questions:

1. Where is Great Britain situated?

2. What countries does the UK consist of?

3. What are their capitals?

4. Which is the largest part of the UK?

5. What two main regions of Britain can you name?

6. What peaks are the highest in Britain?

7. Can you name the most important rivers of the country?

8. Is the climate of Britain comfortable?

9. What is the population of the country?

10. What nations constitute the British nation?

11. What is the UK politically?

12. What Houses of the Parliament do you know?

13. What political parties in Britain can you name?

Не нашли, что искали? Воспользуйтесь поиском: