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New Zealand

New Zealand is situated in the southwest Pacific Ocean on two large islands: the North Island and the South Island. Its total area is 268,112 sq. km.

The South Island is significantly more mountainous than the North Island. New Zealand has a temperate, moist ocean climate without marked seasonal variations in temperature or rainfall.

The total population is more than 3.3 mln people with the average population density of about 12 persons per sq. km. About 85% of the population are classified as Europeans. Most of them are of British descend. New Zealand is the member of British Commonwealth. English is the universal language.

The capital of New Zealand is Wellington. Like the United Kingdom New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy. Officially the head of the state is the British Queen (or the King) whose representative, the governor – general, is appointed for a five – year term. The government of New Zealand is democratic and modeled on that of the United Kingdom.

5.Выпишите и письменно переведите правильные высказывания.

1.New Zealand is situated in the southwest Pacific Ocean on two large islands: the North Island and the South Island.

2.Its total area is 889,121 sq. km.

3.The South Island is significantly more mountainous than the North Island.

4. New Zealand has a temperate, moist ocean climate without marked seasonal variations in temperature or rainfall.

5. The total population is more than 5.3 mln people.

6. Most of the population are classified as Europeans.

7.New Zealand is the member of British Commonwealth.

8. German is the universal language.

9. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington.

10. Officially the head of the state is the British Queen (or the King) whose representative,the governor-general, is appointed for a five-year term.

Тексты для чтения

Text 1

LONDON

London is undoubtedly one of the greatest cities in the world. It’s got everything a visitor could possibly want: rich history, beautiful architecture, charming parks, incredible museums and amazing restaurants. Although there are other great cities that can boast similar attractions, London is truly unique in its multiculturalism. The main reason why London has become a 'melting pot' of nations is the long history of immigration to Britain. More recently, the British Empire and the Second World War have had a serious impact on the number of immi­grants in Britain. About 8,000 Caribbeans (e.g. Jamaicans) served as soldiers in Britain during the Second World War. After the war, many decided to stay. As they were citizens of the British Empire, they had the right to work and live in Britain. In the 1950s and 1960s, when Britain had finally recovered from the hardships of war and needed more workers, many Indians and Pakistanis came to live and work in Britain. A few years later, the first Indian restaurants were opened. Forty years on, it's hard to imag­ine British cuisine without Chicken Tikka Masala, the most famous Indian curry specially designed for British taste.

There are lots of other reasons why people come to live in Britain, such as seeking protec­tion from war, poverty or political persecution back home. So many people have chosen London to be their 'home from home' that today, an incredi­ble 300 languages can be heard in its streets.

There are areas in London that are mainly populated by people of a particular ethnic origin. For example, Brixton in South London is famous for its well-established West-Indian community, whereas Wood Green in North London is a large Turkish settlement. But almost every part of London is populated with a wide mixture of people from lots of different countries and cultures. And, of course there are also large numbers of Irish, Scottish and Welsh people liv­ing in London. However, unlike New York, where each community is tightly knit and doesn't mix with other communities, London is truly multicultur­al. Here's one example. If you're a Turk, you can wander round the Greek areas and markets without any worries. If you're an Anglo-Saxon (the original peoples of England) you can drop into a Jamaican bar without offending anyone. British people can be rightly proud of their multicultural achievements. In addition, coming to live in London from other countries doesn't mean that newcomers have to forget their own culture (as they are encouraged to do in the USA and France). Everywhere you go, you'll see how other cul­tures have been embraced by mighty London. Ethnic festivals, markets, centres and events are as much part of London as Big Ben and the Tower of London.

Of course, there are some problems. For example, although there are laws against racial discrimination, people from ethnic minorities are more likely to do unskilled jobs or be unem­ployed than the majority of the population. However, there are also many examples of peo­ple from ethnic minorities occupying the best and most prestigious jobs. Lots of Asians are doctors and lawyers. The Chinese communities are economically very active.

Answer the questions:

1. What features distinguish London from other cities?

2. How many languages are spoken by Londoners?

Choose the right answer to the question:

Why did London become a cosmopolitan city?

a) the long history of immigration to Britain; b) the life in London is better

c) the friendly way of life

Text 2

MADAME TUSSAUD’S

Madame Tussaud's is the most popular and talked about wax museum in the world. There are wax models of the famous and infamous, both living and dead, from every walk of life. David Beckham, Madonna, Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Charlie Chaplin, Jack the Ripper... There is no other place where you can see all the celebrities at once, even if they are only wax figures. The wax figures are standing and sitting, and sometimes even moving and talking. Computer-controlled figures (they are called audio-animatronics) are especially popular with the visitors. There are several halls at Madame Tussauds. Highlights include the Grand Hall, the Chamber of Horrors and 'The Spirit of London' exhibition.

In the Grand Hall you will find all kinds of celebrities, from presidents to pop stars. The politicians stand in solemn silence watch­ing each other. A very strange company indeed: Winston Churchill, Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Tony Blair, Vladimir Putin...The earliest figure from history here is William the Con­queror. There is a special place for the Royal Family here too. New models are being produced all the time while the old ones are quietly removed from display. Over the years hundreds of celebrities have made their way to Madame Tussaud's studio. Most people agree to be portrayed, but some refuse. Mother Teresa was one of the few who refused, saying her work was important, not her person.

The Chamber of Horrors is probably the eeriest place in the whole museum. No wonder visitors are quieter there than in other places. Count Dracula greets you at the entrance to the dark cellar full of villains and their victims, as well as the instruments of torture. An eerie reconstruction of one of the streets of London stalked by Jack the Ripper forms the cen­trepiece of the exhibition. One of his six victims — Catherine Eddowes — lies in a pool of blood. Here you can also see Madame Tussaud's origi­nal exhibition of relics from the French Revolution — the death masks of French nobility and the guil­lotine blade that was used to behead Marie Antoinette...

'The Spirit of London' exhibition covers a peri­od of more than 400 years and spans London's his­tory from Elizabethan times to the present day. Sights, sounds and even smells combine to tell you the colourful story of Britain's capital city. Visitors climb into a 'Time Taxi' and begin their historical journey...First you visit an Elizabethan theatre, then an old tavern where the great Shakespeare is working at Hamlet...You'll go through the Plague and the Great Fire, you'll see St Paul's Cathedral being built...

There are more than 70 figures in 'The Spirit of London' exhibition. Many of them are animated: they 'breathe', talk and move.

Answer the questions:

1. What wax model was created first among the historical figures?

2. Why did Mother Teresa refuse to pose for the museum?

Choose the right answer to the question:

What was the first original exhibition in Madame Tussaud’s?

a) The Chamber of Horrors

b) the Grand Hall

c) 'The Spirit of London' exhibition
Text 3