Exercises

I. Make various forms of the Gerund as in the models:

a)Indefinite Active: to cover – covering

b) Indefinite Passive: to cover – being covered

c) Perfect Active: to cover – having covered

d) Perfect Passive: to cover – having been covered

to elect, to appoint, to associate, to divide, to introduce, to include, to celebrate, to mention, to produce, to establish, to offer, to contribute, to adopt, to recognize

II. Translate the following sentences paying special attention to the Gerunds.

1. Several people participated in designing the Canadian Flag. 2. The professor punished the student for not coming in time. 3. Studying Canadian laws is necessary for those who want to settle in Canada. 4. We don’t know what Canadians like more: playing ice-hockey or watching it on TV. 5. You can’t live in Canada without knowing its Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 6. The Official Languages Act makes French and English the official languages of Canada without preferring one of them. 7. I look forward to visiting Newfoundland, Canada’s most easterly province. 8. Canada’s national parks are worth seeing. 9. There are 38 national parks in Canada without mentioning over 1000 provincial parks and nearly 50 territorial parks. 10. The St. Lawrence is Canada’s most important river because of providing a seaway for ships from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. 11. The steady popularity of the song “O Canada” ended in adopting it as Canada’s national anthem. 12. Many rock fans all over the world are fond of listening to Canadian musicians. 13. We needn’t think for a long time before answering the question if the Canadian Glen Gould is an innovative musical genius of the 20^th century. 14. Canadian literature succeeded in having given voice to the deepest thoughts and feelings of Canadians.

III. Complete the following sentences with suitable Gerunds.

1. If you seriously want to save money, you must give up (курение). 2. I don’t mind most housework but I am bored with (глажение). 3. He was very surprised at (услышав новость). 4. Our friends objected to (мы ушли так быстро). 5. We look forward to (путешествовать по Канаде). 6. I am tired of (ждать). 7. The teacher insisted on (показать результаты). 8. We thanked him for (ответ на наше письмо). 9. Excuse me for (прерываю вас). 10. He is good at (играть на скрипке). 11. The Conservatoire succeeded in (организации ежегодных фестивалей духовой музыки). 12. The guitarist was pleased with (получив первую премию на Всероссийском конкурсе). 13. We congratulated him on (исполнение роли жизненно правдиво). 14. She was responsible for (показ фильма о Канаде).

IV. Translate the sentences into English using suitable Gerunds.

1. Он ушел, не сказав ни слова. 2. Спасибо, что пришли. 3. Я не помню, чтобы видел его раньше. 4. Я поблагодарил его за помощь. 5. Что за польза в ссоре? 6. Я люблю кататься на лыжах. 7. Перестаньте, пожалуйста, разговаривать. 8. Вы можете продолжить чтение. 9. Что Вы имеете в виду, говоря это? 10. Похоже, пойдет дождь. 11. Извините, что я опоздал. 12. Фильм стоит посмотреть. 13. Этот факт стоит упомянуть. 14. Нет смысла ждать дальше. 15. Простите, что я Вас перебил. 16. Вы не возражаете, если я прочту стихи? 17. Извините, что я беспокою Вас в такой поздний час. 18. Она предпочитает рассказывать новости первой. 19. Я предпочитаю заказывать билеты в театр заранее. 20. Она пользуется любой возможностью улучшить свой английский.

V. Read and translate the following text.

CANADA

Canada is the world’s second-largest country going past only after the Russian Federation. It occupies almost all the territory of the North American continent north of the USA excluding Alaska. Its total land area is more than 9 mln sq. km. Canada’s population is over 30 million with the average population density of 30 per sq. km. The capital Canada’s Ottawa is situated in the province of Ontario.

As for administrative division, Canada consists of 10 provinces and 3 territories, each of them has its own capital city. As an example Ontario is worth mentioning with its capital Toronto, Canada’s largest city with the population more than four million. The Fathers of the Canadian Confederation chose a system of government that allows each province and territory to develop in accordance with its own characteristics and priorities while enjoying the benefits of being part of Canada.

Diversity is a characteristic feature of Canada’s geography which includes fertile plains suitable for agriculture, vast mountain ranges, lakes and rivers. There are many climatic variations in this country, ranging from the permanently frozen icecaps, north of the 70^th parallel to the luxuriant vegetation of British Columbia’s West Coast. Canada’s most populous regions which lie in the country’s south along the US border enjoy four distinct seasons. Here daytime summer temperatures can rise to + 35⁰С and higher, while the temperatures of –25⁰C are not uncommon in winter. More moderate temperatures are the norm in spring and autumn.

Canada has a democratic Parliament. It is situated in Ottawa and consists of the House of Commons whose members are elected and the Senate whose members are appointed.

The maple leaf has been associated with Canada since 1700s. It has become the country’s most important symbol since it appeared on the Canadian flag. Adopted by the Parliament after lengthy debate the new flag with the maple leaf became the national flag on the 15^th of February 1965, now recognized as Canada’s Flag Day.

Song “O Canada” was composed to French lyrics in 1880. The song gained steadily in popularity. On the 1^st of July 1980, a century after being sung for the first time, “O Canada” was proclaimed the national anthem.

Canada’s Constitution contains a “Charter of Rights and Freedoms” which neither the Parliament nor the provincial legislature acting alone can change. The Charter includes equality rights, mobility rights and legal rights, together with freedoms such as speech, association and peaceful assembly.

Canada has two official languages: English, the mother tongue of about 59% of Canadians, and French, the first language of 23% of the population. The Official Languages Act provides for special measures aimed at supporting the development of English and French linguistic communities. Canada’s federal institutions reflect the equality of its two official languages by offering bilingual services.

Canada is known for its high standard of living. It has an extensive social security network, including old age pensions, unemploiment insurance and welfare.

VI. Name the questions which must be discussed by describing any country as a whole. Check up if these questions are touched upon in the text “Canada”.

VII. Discuss the text “Canada” in the group by putting questions about its contents and using Topical Vocabulary, given below.

VIII. Read and translate the text.

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