0 Here is some information on how the media brings people closer to each other. Read the short story by G. Harris, an American reporter, of how he celebrated the turn of the Century. a) Before you read the story.
There are some major cities named in G. Harris’s story. Say what countries they belong to. Use the Cultural guide if necessary.
Example: Rome is the capital of Italy. Bombay is one of the biggest cities in India.
Sydney
Los Angeles
Wellington
Paris
Prague
Bangkok
Bombay
b) Read the text and answer the question: What day was celebrated by G. Harris and his overseas friends at the turn of the Century?
Celebrating the New Year with Television
Some of my overseas friends asked how I celebrated the turn of the Century in Los Angeles. Here is how I have done it. Don’t be surprised! I stayed at home with my family. We had television reports from every major city’s celebrations throughout New Year’s Eve. We started with Wellington, New Zealand at 4:00 am and moved to Sydney, then Bangkok, Bombay, Moscow (1:00 in the afternoon for us), and on and on to the west.
When we were finished with Rome and Paris and Prague at 3:00 and then London at 4:00, we were ready to quit. But we stayed with television until New York had managed to get to the New Year. It was surprising how many people in Los Angeles watched so many celebrations on television that we had no energy left for our own — 3 hours after New York.
I myself was in bed and asleep at 10:30. As such, it proved to be a terrific way to celebrate the New Year.
c) Look back at the text and give your opinion on the following:
1. Whom does G. Harris call “my overseas friends”? Where possibly do they live?
2. Where is the New Year celebrated later — in Rome or in Sydney?
3. Why didn’t the people of Los Angeles have any energy to watch their own New Year celebrations on TV?
4. What other holidays can be celebrated in the same way?
5. Is television a vital part of celebrating some holidays? Which holidays are they?
2. I can't see.. any..children in the playground.
3. Is there... any..food in the pot?
4. Sam took.some..photos with his new camera.
5. Have you got . any..money in your pocket?
6. There aren't . any.. swans on the river.
7. Are there . any..horses in the field?
8. Joe bought. some..CDs at the supermarket.
9. I haven't got.. any..chocolate in my lunchbox.
---What have you got in your lunchbox?
---I've got..some ..chicken sandwiches.
---What.else.have you got? Have you got...any..fruit?
Yes, I've got some
---Have you got any sweets?
---No, I haven't got any...but I've got some..cakes.
Can I have..one.?
---What's the .matter..? Are you..hungry.?
--- Yes, I am!
The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the oldest and biggest theatres in Russia. It is also one of the most renowned opera and ballet theatres in the world. People sometimes call it shortly "The Bolshoi" and it is situated in the central part of Moscow. Originally it was an Imperial theatre. The architect who designed the building of The Bolshoi was Joseph Bove. It was built between 1821 and 1824. Since then, the building was renovated and rebuilt several times. However, it kept its original imperial decorations. Today, it’s not simply the building of the theatre but it is also an outstanding landmark of Moscow. The neoclassical view of The Bolshoi can be seen on the Russian 100-ruble banknote. The theatre is always associated with opera and ballet. It has been the site for many notable premiers. Among them, Rachmaninoff’s “Aleko”, Mussorgsky’s “Boris Godunov”, Tchaikovsky’s “The Voyevoda” and “Mazeppa”. Ballet repertoire includes Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake”, Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet”, Adam’s “Giselle” and several others. Many productions are based on classical works of Russian composers. However, the works of such Italian composers as Verdi, Rossini and Puccini are also staged. The Bolshoi Theatre is well-known throughout the world. It is frequently visited by tourists and guests of Moscow. There is another interesting theatre, which is also beloved by visitors. It is The Bolshoi’s sibling – The Maly Theatre. It is situated next to The Bolshoi Theatre but specializes in dramas.
Большой театр.
Большой театр является одним из старейших и крупнейших театров России. Он также является одним из самых известных театров оперы и балета в мире. Люди иногда кратко называют его "Большой" и он находится в центральной части Москвы. Первоначально это был Имперский театр. Архитектор, который спроектировал здание для Большого – Иосиф Бове. Оно было построено между 1821 и 1824 гг. С тех пор здание было несколько раз отремонтировано и перестроено. Тем не менее, оно сохранило свои первоначальные имперские декорации. Сегодня это не просто здание театра, но также выдающаяся достопримечательность Москвы. Неоклассической вид Большого театра можно увидеть на российской 100-рублевой купюре. Этот театр всегда связывают с оперой и балетом. Он стал местом проведения многих заметных премьер. Среди них «Алеко» Рахманинова, «Борис Годунов» Мусоргского, «Воевода» и «Мазепа» Чайковского. Репертуар балета включает «Лебединое озеро» Чайковского, «Ромео и Джульетту» Прокофьева, «Жизель» Адама и ряд других. Многие постановки основаны на классических произведениях русских композиторов. Тем не менее, работы таких итальянских композиторов, как Верди, Россини и Пуччини также ставятся. Большой театр хорошо известен во всем мире. Он часто посещаем туристами и гостями Москвы. Существует еще один интересный театр, который также является излюбленным местом среди посетителей. Это побратим Большого театра - Малый театр. Он расположен рядом с Большим театром, но специализируется на драмах.