Задание III. Read and translate the text The ancient Romans discovered a mineral on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.
The mineral when mixed with limestone and burned, produced cement that
hardened under water as well as in the air. This cement was harder and stronger
than the ordinary lime mortar they used.
As time passed, the new material not only became the preferred type for use in
all their building projects but changed the character of Roman construction.
Masonry of stone or brick was used to construct only the surfaces of masonry
piers and walls but the interiors were filled with large amounts of the new type of
mortar. Thus we can say that the Romans were the inventors of concret
constructions.
With the fall of the Roman Empire, knowledge of concrete construction was
lost. But in the 18th century English inventors began experimenting with both
natural and artificially produced cement.
In 1824 artificial cement, named Portland cement, was patented. This type of
cement soon became very popular and the name Portland is in common use in the
present day. Portland cement does not come from a place of that name; it was
called Portland because Joseph Aspdin, the English builder who invented the first
scientifically made cement, thought it resembled the rock on the Isle of Portland on
the Dorset Coast.
Задание IV. Answer the following questions.
1. Who discovered a mineral on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius?
2. How did the Romans produce cement?
3. What material changed the character of Roman construction?
4. What materials did the Romans use to construct the surfaces of piers and walls?
5. How did the Romans use the new type of mortar?
6. Can we say that the Romans were the inventors of concrete constructions?
7. When was artificial cement, named Portland cement, patented?
Ещё один
The main genres of Shakespeare’s works were tragedies and comedies. Almost all his literary works have been translated into more than 30 languages. His most famous works include such plays as “Romeo and Juliet”, “Hamlet”, “King Lear”, “Othello”, and many others. It’s remarkable that Shakespeare’s plays were staged in London in 1952, which means that he gained fame already in his 30s. Although a real acknowledgement of his works and high approval took place only in the 19th century. The era of Romanticism regarded Shakespeare as a genius and a lot of other writers got inspiration from his works. In the 20th century many of his works were adapted and screened. Among them such plays as “Much ado about nothing”, “Measure for measure”, “Romeo and Juliet” and many others. His literature still remains highly claimed and appreciated. Thousands of theatres stage his plays throughout the world and lots of film companies shoot new versions of already known Shakespeare stories.
a) She was waiting for the manager. She had been waiting for him since she came to the office.
b) It happened some years ago.
c) Before he went there last Monday he had discussed some business matters with his director and got necessary instruction from him.
d) It was introduced into the market at the beginning of the year and since then it has been a great success.
e) Has your company done good business?
– Yes, they discussed it two days ago.
ex.2
1. I’d like him to change the contract terms.
2. I expected them to introduce changes into the computers.
3. I saw Mr.Dunn buying some envelopes at the post office ten minutes ago.
4. When do you want the new machines to be shown in operation?
5. What contract terms do the buyers usually want the selling companies to offer?