The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Although they form one administrative unit, they have separate cultures, languages and political histories. Great Britain is situated on the British Isles, it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea and the North Sea. The total area of Great Britain is 242 514 sq km and its population is more than 59 mln.

The British landscape can be divided into two types – highlands and lowlands. The highland area comprises the mountainous regions of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northern England and Northern Wales while the east coast is a lowland area. Despite its small size, England is a country of much diversity. The most important rivers in Great Britain are the Thames, the Severn, the Clyde, the Trent. The rivers seldom freeze in winter. Due to the influence of the sea Great Britain has rather humid and mild climate, without striking difference between seasons.

Scotland is a beautiful country with dramatic mountains, lakes and many islands. Edinburgh is the capital and its Castle is not only Scotland's number one tourist attraction but also home to the Scottish Crown Jewels.

Wales is a country of great geographical variation with many long stretches of attractive coastline. Cardiff is the principality's capital and principal seaport. Northern Ireland contains some beautiful scenery, from the coastline in the north and northeast to the gentle fruit-growing regions of Armagh. To the southeast of the province, Belfast provides shopping and city entertainment in the shape of theatres, cinema, a wide range of restaurants, the Grand Opera House and all the other attractions of any capital city. Great Britain is a parliamentary monarchy. Officially the head of the state is the Queen (or the King). However, the power of the Queen is not absolute. She acts only on advice of the ministers and Parliament.

Parliament in Great Britain exists since 1265 and is the eldest Parliament in the world. It consists of two Houses – the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of Lords consists of 1000 peers who are not elected by the people. The House of Commons is a nation-wide representative body which is elected by the people at a general election once in 5 years. After the general election the Queen appoints the head of the government – The Prime Minister. As a rule the Prime Minister is the leader of the party that has won the election. The Prime Minister appoints the ministers to compose the government.

Great Britain is a highly-developed industrial country. The main fields of British industry are machine-building, ship-building, metallurgy, electronics etc.

3. Find the answers to the questions:

1. What parts does the United Kingdom consist of?

2. Do these parts have the same language, culture and history?

3. Is the climate of Great Britain humid or dry?

4. Who is the head of the state in the United Kingdom?

5. The power of the Queen is absolute, isn't it?

6. Who appoints the ministers?

7. What are the main fields of British industry?

4. Match the words:

1. to divide a) протягнутися

2. to comprise b) існувати

3. landscape c) вражаючий

4. diversity d) розділяти

5. to stretch f) високорозвинутий

6. to exist g) пейзаж, ландшафт

7. highly-developed h) різноманітність

8. striking i) включати, охоплювати

5. True or false statements:

1. The British landscape can be divided into two types – highlands and lowlands.

2. The rivers in Great Britain always freeze in winter.

3. Buckingham Palace is the home to the Scottish Crown Jewels.

4. Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy.

5. Parliament in Great Britain exists since 1265 and is the eldest Parliament in the world.

6. The House of Lords consists of 1000 peers who are elected by the people.

7. After the general election the Queen appoints the head of the government, who forms the Cabinet of Ministers.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14