On July 16, 1990, the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic approved the Declaration on Ukraine’s State Sovereignty, marking the first step toward comprehensive reform of Ukraine’s political and constitutional framework. The path was thus open for Ukraine to proclaim its independence on August 24, 1991. This day has been celebrated since then as Independence Day.
The President of Ukraine is the head of the state and speaks on behalf of it. He is elected by universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot for the term of five years and not more than for two successive terms. Leonid Kravchuk was the first president of the state. On July 10, 1994 Leonid Kuchma was elected the President of Ukraine. Today Victor Yushchenko is the head of our country.
The executive power is exercised by the Cabinet of Ministers. It is responsible to the President and is accountable to the Verkhovna Rada. The Cabinet of Ministers carries out domestic and foreign policy of the state, the fulfilment of the Constitution, as well as the acts of the President, develops and fulfils national programs on the economic, scientific, technological and cultural development of Ukraine.
The highest body of legislative power is the Verkhovna Rada (a single chamber national parliament). The parliament provides seats for 450 people’s deputies elected for the term of 4 years. The main function of our Parliament is making laws.
Ukraine is a republic and administratively it consists of 24 regions (oblasts) and the Autonomous Republic of the Crimea. The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv. The other big cities are Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Odesa and many others. Ukraine is a country of immense potential, abundant in human and natural resources. It possesses a well-educated population, a strong backbone of industry and infrastructure.
EXERCISES
Exercise 1. Answer the questions.
1. What is the largest country in Europe?
2. What is considered to be the geographical centre of Europe?
3. What is Ukraine like?
4. How large is Ukraine?
5. What resources is the country richly endowed by nature?
6. What are the main branches of industry in Ukraine and why?
7. How are the agro and forestry resources used in Ukraine?
8. What mountains are situated on the territory of Ukraine?
9. What are Ukrainian forests famous for?
10. What is the animal world like?
11. What is the longest river of Ukraine?
12. What are the lakes in Ukraine?
13. What is the climate in Ukraine?
14. What is the population of the country?
15. What is the state language of Ukraine?
16. What are the national Ukraine’s symbols?
17. What was the first step toward comprehensive reform of Ukraine’s political and constitutional framework?
18. What is the role of the President in Ukraine?
19. How many presidents were there in Ukraine?
20. What are the functions of the Cabinet of Ministers?
21. What is the highest body of legislative power?
22. What is the administrative division of Ukraine?
Exercise 2. Translate from English into Ukrainian.
1. Ukraine is a wondrous land of spectacular scenic beauty, a land of shady woods and rolling hills, glittering lakes and deep blue seas, soaring mountains and tranquil estuaries.
2. The country is richly endowed by nature, possessing large deposits of iron ore, manganese ore, titanium, granite and marble.
3. Ukraine is blessed with potentially rich agro and forestry resources, most of which are used in agriculture and timber industry.
4. In the animal world of the Crimean Mountains we can find rare birds and animals like carrion eagle, black griffon, red deer.
5. The national symbols of Ukraine are the blue and yellow National Flag, the Ukrainian Anthem and the National Emblem – a trident.
6. On July 16, 1990, the Parliament of Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic approved the Declaration on Ukraine’s State Sovereignty, marking the first step toward comprehensive reform of Ukraine’s political and constitutional framework.
7. The Cabinet of Ministers carries out domestic and foreign policy of the state, the fulfilment of the Constitution, as well as the acts of the President, develops and fulfils national programs on the economic, scientific, technological and cultural development of Ukraine.
8. Ukraine is a country of immense potential, abundant in human and natural resources. It possesses a well-educated population, a strong backbone of industry and infrastructure.
Exercise 3. Translate from Ukrainian into English.
1. Україна – найбільша країна в Європі. Вона простягається на 1.300 км від Карпат на заході до степів на сході, і на 900 км від боліт на півночі до Азовського та Чорного морів на півдні.
2. Найдовша річка України – Дніпро, що розділяє країну на правобережну та лівобережну. Її вважають третім за довжиною водним шляхом у Європі.
3. Клімат в Україні – помірно-континентальний, що означає холодну та сніжну зиму та тепле сонячне літо.
4. Населення України – 47 мільйонів. Це багатонаціональна держава.
5. Тризуб – національний символ України. Це найдавніший та найвеличніший з усіх українських символів.
6. Таким чином був відкритий шлях до проголошення Україною незалежності 24 серпня 1991 року.
7. Найвищим органом законодавчої влади є Верховна Рада (однопалатний парламент), що надає місця 450 народним депутатам, що обираються на 4- річний термін.
8. Україна адміністративно ділиться на 24 області та Автонoмну Республіку Крим.
Exercise 4. Read and dramatize the following dialogues:
A: What country are you from?
B: I’m from the USA and Mr. Smith is from England.
A: Are you travelling together?
B: Yes, we are members of a tourist group.
A: Have you visited many places in Ukraine?
B: Quite a lot. We have been to Odesa, Kharkiv and the Crimea.
A: Have you been to the capital?
B: Not yet. We are going there now.
A: That’s fine. Kyiv is really worth seeing.
* * *
A: I’m from Wales. And you? Are you Russian?
B: No, I am Ukrainian. My name is Petrenko.
A: Glad to meet you Mr. Petrenko.By the way I’m going to visit your country soon.
B: Really? When?
A: In a week. I shall go by plane to Kyiv and by bus throughout Ukraine.
B: That’s fine. I like travelling by bus. One can see more of the country.
A: I am going to see typical Ukrainian villages and large industrial and cultural centres.
B: Then you should go to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. It is one of the most ancient and beautiful not only Ukrainian, but also European cities. And typical villages are situated in the western part of the country.
A: Thank you for your valuable advice.
A: I am going to visit Ukraine. Could you tell me what language is spoken there?
B: Ukrainian, of course.
A: I speak Russian a little. Will they understand me?
B: Yes, they will. Many people in Ukraine know Russian as well.
A: Thank you. But do they speak English?
B: Young people do. They speak English quite well.
A: That’s great. I hope to find there a lot of new friends.
B: Good luck.
Exercise 5. Make up your own dialogues using the following expressions:
sovereign state, proclaim, total area, population, rich deposits of iron, metals, coal, the geographical position, higher and local bodies of state power, national emblem, high mountains, vast steppes, beautiful rivers, the flora and fauna.
Communicative situations
1. You are for the first time in Ukraine. You speak with your guide.
2. You tell your people at home about your visit to Ukraine.
KYIV
Glorious-славетний, розкішний
to span-охоплювати
magnificence-пишнота, розкіш
splendor-розкіш, пишнота
to enthral-зачаровувати, захоплювати
to honour-шанувати, поважати
matrimonial ties-шлюбні зв’язки
genesis-походження, виникнення
antiquity-стародавність, античність
to reign-царювати
to commence-починатися
majestic-величний
heritage-спадщина
incipient-що з’являються
tremendous-величезний, приголомшливий
to enthrone-садити на престол
to heal-виліковувати
exquisite-відмінний, винятковий, вишуканий
elaborate-детально розроблений, дуже складний
to float-пливти
to embroider-вишивати
garment-предмет одягу, одежина
ceramics-кераміка, гончарне виробництво
wood carving-різблення по дереву
to appreciate-цінувати, визнавати
inferior-поступливий
Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine. It is one of the most ancient European cities. Its glorious history spans more than 1,500 years. There is a legend about founding of Kyiv. Once there lived three brothers Kyi, Shchek and Khoriv and their younger sister Lybed. They founded a city on the picturesque hills of the Dnipro river and called it Kyiv after the eldest brother. From olden times it is referred to as ‘the Mother of all cities of ancient Rus’. The magnificence and splendor of Kyiv’s Golden Domes have enthralled visitors for centuries. From the 11th century, a time of prosperity for the Kyiv Rus state, many European kings considered it an honour to establish matrimonial ties with the family of the Grand Prince of Kyiv.
Kyiv’s breathtaking religious and cultural architectural monuments date their genesis in antiquity to the first half of the 11th century, during the reign of Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise (982-1054), who extended the borders of the ancient city and commenced creation of majestic architectural heritage. The main entrance to the city then was the Golden Gate. Unique incipient monasteries, cathedrals and palaces became the evidences of Kyiv Rus prosperity. The St. Sophia’s Cathedral appeared to be the huge, monumental and wondrous construction, crowned with thirteen gilded domes rising proudly to the skies, decorated with frescos, tremendous due to their expressiveness, and multicoloured mosaics. It was the place, where princes were enthroned, foreign ambassadors were received and agreements were signed. The first library in Rus was founded here.
The monastery ensemble, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, also dates back to the 11th century. The experts assure that just visiting the unique Kyiv Pechersk Caves can heal various diseases. Among the museums of Lavra is the museum of Ukrainian Folk Decorative Art, which comprises more than 50,000 exhibits.
For over two centuries St. Andrew church, an outstanding creation of the famous architect B. Rastrelli has delighted all who see it with its exquisite forms, elaborate interior and exterior design and original location. When you look at it from the ancient Podol District, it seems to be floating in the air. Now it is a functioning church and a branch of the St. Sophia’s Museum. It contains an exhibition devoted to the history of the church and the work of Rastrelli. This light and graceful church, magnificent and refined Mariinskyi Palace and many other historical monuments became the decorations of the modern city. The monuments to outstanding people such as Prince Volodymyr, who introduced Christianity in Ukraine, Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the first Hetman of the State, Taras Shevchenko, the bard of freedom, talented Ukrainian poet and painter, decorate the city.
Kyiv’s cultural life is rich and varied. Numerous museums attract attention of their visitors by rare exhibits. The most interesting museums are the Museum of Ukrainian Applied Art with a large collection of embroidered garments, towels, ceramics and wood carving, the Historical museum, the T. G. Shevchenko museum, the Museum of Eastern and Western Art, etc.
Kyiv’s theatres are known not only in Ukraine. The famous National Opera, the Ivan Franko Ukrainian Drama Theatre, the Lesya Ukrainka Russian Drama Theatre are greatly appreciated by Kyiv audience and guests from other towns and countries.
Kyiv is one of the most important educational and scientific centres of the state. There are hundreds of secondary and specialized schools, gymnasiums and lyceums. Among the famous higher educational establishments are the National Ukrainian University named after Shevchenko, the National Technical University of Ukraine ‘Kyiv Polytechnic Institute’, the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and many other academic and research institutions. The Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is located in the capital.
Kyiv is also a major industrial centre with enterprises and firms engaging in electronics, instrument construction, aviation, engineering and metal-working. Food processing, metallurgy, chemicals, building materials and textiles are important industries in the city.
The political centre of the state is Kyiv. The residence of the President of Ukraine is here. It is also the seat of the Ukrainian Parliament, the Cabinet of Ministers, the Supreme and Constitutional Courts. The most important political events take place in the capital.
There are some fine bridges over the Dnipro in Kyiv. The most interesting of them is the Paton Bridge named after the outstanding Ukrainian scientist and academician Yevgen Paton. This is the first all-welded bridge in the world.
The main avenue of the capital is Khreshchatyk. It is the soul of the city with the unique buildings. The architectural effect is intensified by the leafy chestnut trees lining the street. It is the people’s favourite place for public holidays.
Kyiv of today is inferior to no other city in its beauty and originality. One can compare it with any other European capital.
EXERCISES
Exercise 1. Answer the questions.
1. What is the capital of Ukraine?
2. How old is Kyiv?
3. What does the legend about its founding say?
4. What have enthralled visitors of ‘the Mother of all cities of ancient Rus’ for centuries?
5. What did many European kings consider the greatest honour?
6. What did Yaroslav the Wise do for the prosperity of the city?
7. What is the St. Sophia’s Cathedral famous for?
8. Why does the monastery ensemble Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra attract tourists’ attention?
9. What has St. Andrew church delighted all who see it with for over two centuries?
10. What monuments became the decorations the modern city?
11. What are the most interesting museums of Kyiv?
12. What theatres is Kyiv famous for?
13. Why is Kyiv one of the most important educational and scientific centres of Ukraine?
14. What branches of industry are well-developed in the city?
15. What is the political centre of the state?
16. What is the first all-welded bridge in the world?
17. What is the soul of Kyiv and why?
18. Kyiv of today is inferior to no other city in its beauty and originality, isn’t it?
Exercise 2. Translate from English into Ukrainian.
1. Kyiv’s breathtaking religious and cultural architectural monuments date their genesis in antiquity to the first half of the 11th century, during the reign of Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise, who extended the borders of the ancient city and commenced creation of majestic architectural heritage.
2. The St. Sophia’s Cathedral appeared to be the huge, monumental and wondrous construction, crowned with thirteen gilded domes rising proudly to the skies, decorated with frescos, tremendous due to their expressiveness, and multicoloured mosaics.
3. For over two centuries St. Andrew church, an outstanding creation of the famous architect B. Rastrelli has delighted all who see it with its exquisite forms, elaborate exterior and interior design and original location. When you look at it from the ancient Podol District, it seems to be floating in the air.
4. Kyiv’s cultural life is rich and varied. Numerous museums attract attention of their visitors by rare exhibits. The most interesting museum is the Museum of Ukrainian Applied Art with a large collection of embroidered garments, towels, ceramics and wood carving.
5. Kyiv is also a major industrial centre with enterprises and firms engaging in electronics, instrument construction, aviation, engineering and metal-working. Food processing, metallurgy, chemicals, building materials and textiles are important industries in the city.
6. Khreshchatyk is the soul of the city with the unique buildings. The architectural effect is intensified by the leafy chestnut trees lining the street.
7. Kyiv of today is inferior to no other city in its beauty and originality. One can compare it with any other European capital.
Exercise 3. Translate from Ukrainian into English.
1. Київ – столиця України. Це одне з найбільш стародавніх Європейських міст. Його славетна ісорія охоплює більше ніж 1.500 років.
2. Жили-були три брата Кий, Щек і Хорив і їхня молодша сестра Либідь. Вони заснували місто на мальовничих пагорбах річки Дніпро та назвали його Києвом на честь старшого брата.
3. Головним входом до міста тоді були Золоті ворота. Унікальні монастирі, собори ти палаци, що з’явились тоді стали доказом розквіту Київської Руси.
4. Софіївський собор був місцем де саджали на престол князів, приймали іноземних послів та підписували угоди.
5. Експерти запевняють, що лише відвідування унікальних печер Києво-Печерської Лаври можуть виліковувати різні хвороби.
6. Ця легка та витончена церква, розкішний та вишуканий Маріїнський палац і багато інших історичних пам’ятників стали прикрасами сучасного міста.
7. Знаменита Національна опера, театр Української драми ім. І. Франка, театр Російської драми ім. Л. Українки високо цінуються київською публікою та гостями з інших міст і країн.
8. Київ – політичний центр держави. Тут знаходиться резиденція Президента України. Це місцезнаходження Українського Парламенту, Кабінету Міністрів, Верхорного та Конституційного судів.
Exercise 4. Read and dramatize the following dialogues:
A: Hello, I’m so glad to meet you! I don’t have any friends in this city. What’s there to see here?
B: We have many places of interest here. Every part of the city has something interesting or beautiful. I have my car at the door of the hotel. Let me take you around. This is Khreshchatyk. It’s the main street of the city. There are apartment houses, shops and government offices here.
A: How long is it?
B: It’s relatively short. It’s only 1,200 metres long.
A: And what is that building?
B: It’s the City Council.
A: And that building on the left?
B: That’s the Pinchuk Art Centre. It is open now and you can go to see a very interesting exhibition there.
A: Thank you. But what historical places are worth seeing in Kyiv?
B: First of all you should see the Golden Gate, the St. Sophia’s Cathedral and
St. Andrew church, an outstanding creation of famous architect B. Rastrelli. You will get an unforgettable impression.
* * *
A: Sorry. I am a stranger in Kyiv and I’ve lost my way. Can you tell me the way to the Museum of Ukrainian Art?
B: Sure. Go straight ahead. At the roundabout turn right. You will see the museum in front of you.
A: Wouldn’t it be better for me to go there by trolleybus?
B: No. You can take a number 20 bus.
A: What is Kyiv famous for?
B: In fact, it is an ancient city and it is famous for its historical places.
A: What would you recommend me to see first?
B: The monastery ensemble – Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. It dates back to the 11th century.
A: Thank you for your advice. I’ll go there now.
Exercise 5. Make up your own dialogues using the following expressions:
glorious history, legend, breathtaking religious and cultural monuments, majestic architectural heritage, cathedral, museums, church, cultural life, theatres, educational and scientific centre, enterprises and firms, political centre, people’s favourite place.
Communicative situations
1. Imagine you are in Kyiv. What are your impressions?
2. You have visited Ukraine and your friend is interested in cultural life in Kyiv. What would you say?
GREAT BRITAIN
Constitutional monarchy – конституційна монархія
to command – панувати, мати в своєму розпорядженні, володіти
legislative authority – законодавча влада
to exercise - здійснювати
rural dwellers – сільські мешканці
county - графство
gently – ніжно, лагідно
sloping surface – похила, спадиста поверхня
arable land – орна земля
pasture - пасовища
stuff – матеріал, тканина
loch - озеро
stream - струмок
harbour – гавань, порт
mouth - гирло
tide – морський приплив і відплив
tributary - приток
wheat - пшениця
barley – ячмінь
oats - овес
herring - оселедець
Stock Exchange – фондова біржа
insurance - страхування
objective – мета, прагнення
to enhance – збільшувати, посилювати
Great Britain, formally known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is situated on the British Isles, which lie off the north-west coast of continental Europe. They consist of two large islands, Great Britain and Ireland, and some 5,500 smaller islands. The British Isles are divided into two independent states: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (the Irish Republic). The Republic of Ireland is southern Ireland. It is independent and has its own government in Dublin, the capital of the republic. Great Britain is England Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland is sometimes called the province of Ulster. It also belongs to the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. That means it is a country governed by a king or queen who accepts the advice of a parliament. Parliament is the supreme legislative authority. Its three elements are the Queen, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The executive power is exercised by the Government, formed by the political party which can command majority support in the House of Commons. The head of the Government is the prime minister, the leader of this party. So far as the government is controlled by the parliament elected by the people, the country is also a parliamentary democracy.
The population of the United Kingdom is over 57 mln. About 20 per cent of the British people are rural dwellers, but only 10 per cent really live in the country. About 40 per cent live in urban areas, their centres are the cities of London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bradford and Newcastle-on-Tyne.
The chief regional administrative units are called ‘counties’ in England and Wales, ‘regions’ in Scotland, and ‘districts’ in Northern Ireland. The word ‘region’ can be used to any of these four large areas of the country. With an area of some 244,000 square kilometres, Britain is just under 1,000 kilometres from the south coast to the extreme north of Scotland and just under 800 kilometres across in the widest part.
The Strait of Dover, which is only twenty-one miles across, separates Great Britain from the north-western part of the continent of Europe, the English Channel – from its northern part. The territory of the British Isles is also washed by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea and the Irish Sea.
Great Britain has a gently sloping surface, but in some parts there are mountains and lofty hills. Its territory can be divided into two parts: lowland Britain and highland Britain. Lowland Britain is in the south-east. It is a rich fertile plain, with good arable land and pasture. There are many hills there, but they are never higher than 300 m. Highland Britain has large areas of poor soil in the north-west. The Highlands of Scotland are the highest mountains of the British Isles. The highest peak is Ben Nevis (1,343 m). On the border of England and Scotland there is a range of hills which is called the Cheviot Hills. The highest point is Cheviot Peak (2,676 feet). Upon the Cheviot Hills feed a special breed of sheep called the Cheviots. From the wool of these sheep a well-known kind of high quality woolen stuff is manufactured. In the centre of England there is a range of hills called the Pennines, which are also known as the ‘backbone of England’. The loftiest peak of Wales is Snowdon (1,085 m).
West of the Pennines are the Cumbrian Mountains. There are many lakes in these mountains, therefore this part is the most beautiful in England called the Lake District. Here lies the largest lake in England – Windermere. Lakes are also found in the Highlands of Scotland, where they are called lochs. Loch Ness which is one of the largest lakes in Scotland is famous for the ‘Loch Ness monster’.
British rivers are not very long but they are deep. The longest rivers of Britain are small compared with the great rivers of the world, but few countries are better supplied with useful streams. The mouths of most of these rivers form good harbours.
Along the Pennines lies the main water-parting. It divides the rivers which flow east from those which flow west. The western rivers are shorter than the eastern. They are also more rapid and less navigable. The principal rivers are the Thames, the Tyne, the Trent and the Great Ouse in the east; the Severn, the Wye and some others in the west.
The Thames (346 km) is the most important river in England. Its mouth is wide and deep, it has regular tides and its current is slow. Therefore it is suitable for navigation. Large vessels can get as far as London Bridge, 50 miles from the sea. On its banks are London, Oxford, a university city, Greenwich with its laboratory and many other notable places.
The Severn (354 km) rises in the mountains of Wales. First it flows eastward and then turns aside and flows southward. It is connected by its tributaries and canals with the Thames. Its longest tributary is the Upper Avon, on which stands Stratford, the birthplace of Shakespeare.
Woods make up only about 8 per cent of the territory of the country. Many years ago oak forests covered the greater part of lowland Britain, but there are only a few oak forests left. England and Wales are rich in minerals. The most important are coal and iron. Natural gas and oil have been discovered in the British sector of the North Sea.
As a rule the climate depends on the geographical position of the country. The position of Great Britain gives it a temperate climate. Britain is situated in the eastern part of the warm Atlantic, and it is surrounded by the sea. The sea makes the climate warmer in winter and cooler in summer. What influences the English climate greatly is the Gulf Stream. It is like a hot-water pipe because it brings a little of the warmth of the tropics to the very doors of English people. The climate is not the same in all parts of the country. The western side is warmer than the eastern and it also has more rains. Annual rainfall decreases from west to east and increases with height. The highest parts of Britain, where rain falls two days out of three, receive more than 100 inches. Rain and fog are familiar features of the British climate. That’s why Great Britain is well known as a foggy island. British people often say: ’Other countries have climate, in England we have weather.’ In general Britain has mild winters, not very hot summers and a lot of rain all the year round.
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