Great Britain

Britain comprises Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) and North­ern Ireland and is one of the 15 member states of the European.... Its lull ...is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is a ... monarchy. The monarch is the ... of state, the head of the executive, an integral part of the legislative and the head of the judiciary.

Over the years the Monarch's absolute ,,. has been reduced. Today the monarch (Queen Elizabeth II took the throne in 1952 after the death of her father, King George VI)... but does not rule because Ihe powers of the mon­arch are limited by Parliament. Parliament is the supreme... authority. It passes ... , provides, by voting for taxation, the means of carrying on the work of government, scrutinises government policy, debates the major... of day. Par­liament ... of the House of Lords and Ihe elected House of Commons.

There are 635 members in the House of Commons or MPs. The House of Commons is elected by universal adult suffrage. For electoral purposes Brit­ain is divided into constituencies, each of which returns one ... to the House of Commons.

The House of Lords or the Upper... consists of hereditary and life peers.

The executive authority consists of the government - the Cabinet and other. ..responsible for national policies. The Prime Minister is. ..by the Queen and all other ministers are appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is also, by tradition, First Lord of the Treasury. The Prime Minister presides over the Cabinet.

The United Kingdom does not have a written ... set out in one document. Instead, the ... between the state and the people relies on statute law, common law and conventions.

Grammar Revision Вспомогательные глаголы (Auxiliary Verbs)

Ex. 20. Explain the functions of the verb to be in the sentences and translate them into Russian.

I. They were at home last night. 2. He is a well-known scientist.

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3. They are to leave Moscow to­ night.

4. The children were walking clown the street.

5. She is an experienced teacher, (i. The letter will be posted at once. 7. He is in Kiev now.

8. We were to part that day.

9. The letter was written by the sec - retary.

10. They were to have arrived al sev­ en o'clock.

11. The purpose of his visit was to negotiate for the purchase of oil.

Ex. 21. Explain the functions of the verb to flam in the sentences and translate them into Russian.

6. They had to complete their work on Monday.

7. We shall have plenty of free time in the autumn.

8. He will have read the story by ten o'clock.

1. She has come home.

2. He has a large family.

3. We have to leave home early in the morning.

4. He had the letter typed.

5. He has dinner at home.

Ex. 22. Explain the functions of the verb to do in the sentences and translate them into Russian.

6. Don't open the window.

7. What did he do there?

8. It's a pity you don't know my brother. - But 1 do know him.

1. Did you speak to him? - No, 1 didn't.

2. Do stay with us a little longer.

3. Where docs he live?

4. He will do it by himself

Ex. 23. Explain the functions of the verbs shall and mil in the sentences and translate them into Russian.

2. 1) We will help you if you wish.

2. Ibelievelrmtshe will be busy at 5.

3. Will you shut the door?

1. 1) I shall be tired after the lec­ture.

2. Will he doit ibr you?

3. Shall 1 fetch your book?

4. You will get all the necessary information tomorrow.

fa. 24. Agree with your partner with whom you have much in common using proper aux­iliary verbs with so and neither.

1. Iwasbornin Moscow. 5, Then I got interested in econom-

2. I went to school at six. ics.

3. I wasn't keen on sports at school. 6. So 1 entered Moscow University.

4. I was interested in languages, 7. I'm a second year student, though I wasn't good at them. 8. I'm going to be an economist.

9. I think I've chosen a good career.

Ex. 25. Express surprise at what you hear. Use proper auxiliary verbs.

1. Our life has changed over the last two decades.

2. There has been plenty of change in the population.

3. There are a lot of immigrants in the USA.

Social English

Making Arrangements for Participation in an International Conference

A.: Is that 4471 49 .37 74?

В.: Yes, Business Seminars International Ltd. What can I do for you?

A.: I'm calling about the International Conference on Public Finance. I understand there's not much time letl before the Conference starts but we've just decided to take part in it. Can anything be done?

В.: Let me see. Are there many of you?

A.: Just me.

В.: Oh, that alters matters. You know the venue of the conference is the Park Lane Hotel. Piccadilly, London, don't you?

A.: Yes, I know it from your advertisement.

В.: То speed up the matter, get in touch with the hotel manager him­self. Ask him to arrange your accommodation. Refer to our con­versation when making your reservation as a block of rooms has been reserved at the Park Lane Hotel at a special discounted price off, 135 per night for the conference participants.

A.: Thank you for the tip. Is it late to arrange for simultaneous inter­pretation into Russian?

В.: No, it's not. The registration fee is £ 845. OOperdelegate plus 17.5% UK VAT (total £992.87).

A.: That's rather a big sum! What does the fee cover?

В.: The fee covers attendance at all sessions, refreshments, full con­ference documentation and simultaneous interpretation. The fee also covers attendance at the conference dinner, receptions and lunches.

A.: How should I pay?

В.: Full payment of the registration fee is to be made before the date of the conference. Normally participants pay by bank transfer. Con-

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sidering the circumstances, you'll have to iransfer the money to our bank account as soon as possible.

A.: That's all right with me, I'll do it right away.

В.: Good. Can I have your name, sir, and the name of the organisa­tion you represent?

A.: My name is Vladimir Lurtin, I'm from Mosbusinessbank in Moscow.