Group discussion. Read the following pieces of information decide whether the same is true for our country.

British roads

Britain is the only country in Europe, except Malta, where driving is on the left. There are 3,000 kms of motorway (mostly six lanes) and over 3,000 kms of dual carriageway (divided highway). But many of the "A" roads tend to be narrow and to turn and twist continuously. Since Britain has the highest density of traffic in the world, traffic jams during rush hours and at holiday times are fairly common. The speed limit on motorways is 112 kph. On all other roads it is 96 kph.

Holidays with pay

Britain is the only country in the EEC whose employers are not forced by law to give their workers paid holidays. However the great majority of employers have written agreements with their workers giving them three or four weeks' holiday a year - not counting the eight days of national holidays.

Youth hostels

There are youth hostels in every part of Britain. It is possible to arrange a walking or cycling tour, moving from hostel to hostel. Membership fees are very small, and so is the charge for board and lodging.

Holiday camps

There are holiday camps all round the coast, the most famous being Butlin's and Pontin's camps. They are ideal places for people who do not want the effort of looking for entertainment. Trained staff look after the children so that the parents can have time off to enjoy themselves. Billy Butlin, the Canadian who started the Butlin's camps, became immensely rich and was knighted.

National Parks

Many of the districts described above are National Parks. The land is in private ownership but building is strictly controlled. Owners are encouraged to let visitors walk on their land.

Answer the questions.

a) How far from the sea is it possible to live in Britain?

b) What do you find on a pier?

c) Why did Gwyn spend hours putting coins in slot machines?

d) In what part of Britain is Blackpool?

e) Why did the Macdonalds book their summer holiday in Cornwall in advance?

Explain the meaning of the following words and phrases using an English-English dictionary.

Agreeable, trek to the sea, assembly room, sea front, suburb, landlady, the main holiday period.

6. Because... Finish the following sentences.

a) The British often complain about the weather because...

b) The winters are not cold in the west of Scotland because…

c) Sir Charles was looking at the salt marshes because...

d) The salt marshes had disappeared because...

7 Do you remember?

a) Why is the Lake District so popular?

b) Why is it better not to go there during the holiday season?

c) In what part of England are Dartmoor and Exmoor?

d) In what part of Britain is the best farmland?

e) What is especially interesting about Northumberland?

f) Which are the most attractive parts of Wales? Why?

8 Does the short description of Scotland make you want to go there? Make a list of the things that especially attract you.

If you have spent a holiday in a youth hostel - either in the UK or anywhere else - describe what you do from the moment you get up to the moment you go to bed.

10 Minitalks for discussion:

1.Say what you do on public holidays.

2. How long are workers’ annual holidays in Russia?

3. A typical British holiday resort.

4. Recreation facilities in Russia.

5. My weekend cottage.

6. My favourite sport/ game.

7. My story/ experience/ joke/ funny story about a walking tour.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-30