London london is the capital of great britain, its political, economic and commercial center. it is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in europe. its population is about 8 million. london is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world. traditionally it is divided into several parts: the city, westminster, the west end and the east end. they are very different from each other and seem to belong to different towns and epochs. the heart of london is the city, its financial and business center. numerous banks, officers and firms are situated there, including the bank of england, the stock exchange and the old bailey. few people live here, but over a million people come to the city to work. there are some famous ancient buildings within the city. perhaps the most striking of them is st paul’s cathedral, the greatest of english churches. it was built in the 17th century by sir christopher wren. the tower of london was founded by julius caesar and in 1066 rebuilt by william the conqueror. it was used as a fortress, a royal palace and a prison. now it is a museum. westminster is the historic, the governmental part of london. westminster abbey has more historic associations than any other building in britain. nearly all english kings and queens have been crowned here. many outstanding statesmen, scientists, writers, poets and painters are buried here: newton, darwin, chaucer, dickens, tennyson, kipling, etc. across the road from westminster abbey is westminster palace, or the houses of parliament, the seat of the british parliament. the clock tower of the houses of parliament is famous for its big hour bell, known as “big ben”. buckingham palace is the official residence of the queen. the west end is the richest and most beautiful part of london. it is the symbol of wealth and luxury. the best hotels, shops, restaurants, clubs, and theatres are situated there. there are splendid houses and lovely gardens belonging to wealthy people. trafalgar square is the geographic center of london. it was named in memory of admiral nelson’s victory in the battle of trafalgar in 1805. the tall nelson’s column stands in the middle of the square. on the north side of trafalgar square is the national gallery and the national portrait gallery. not far away is the british museum – the biggest museum in london. it contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures, etc, and is famous for its library. the east end is the poorest district of london. there are a lot of factories, workshops and docks here. the streets are narrow, the buildings are unimpressive. the east end is densely populated by working class families. 5.вставьте предлоги, где необходимо: 1) the population … london is … 8 million. 2) traditionally it is divided … three parts. 3) they are very different … each other and seem to belong … different towns and epochs. 4) numerous banks, including … the bank … england, officers and firms are situated … in the city. 5) … the road … westminster abbey is westminster palace. 6) the clock tower … the houses of parliament is famous … its big hour bell, known … “big ben”. 6.задайте вопросы своим одногруппникам, чтобы узнать следующее: 1) the capital of what country london is. 2) what the population of london is. 3) what historical buildings london is famous for. 4) what parts there are in london. 5) where rich and powerful people live in london. 6) where the official residence of the queen is situated. 8.составьте по 2 общих, специальных, альтернативных и разделительных вопроса к тексту. , ,
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1. What country is London the capital of?
2. What is the population of London?
3. What historical buildings is London famous for?
4. What parts are there in London?
5. Where do rich and powerful people live in London?
6. Where is the official residence of the Qeen situated?
-8-
1. IsTrafalgar Square the geographic center of London?
2. Is British Museum the biggest museum in London?
3. When was the Tower founded?
4. Where is the National Gallery situated?
5. The East End is the poorest district of London, isn't it?
6. Few people live in the City, don't they?
7. The East End or the West end is the poorest district of London?
8. Is London the capital of the UK or the USA?