Twenty-eight Heroes In the autumn of 1941 fascist Germany concentrated strong forces for an offensive against our capital. The first nazi attack on Moscow failed. On the 16th of November the Germans launched the second offensive. During the offensive the 316th Rifle Division held the defense not far from the Volokolamsk Highway. Though the forces of the Germans outnumbered those of the defenders, they could not break through our positions. A platoon of 28 Soviet Army men under Sergeant Dobrobabin and then V. Klochkov, a Company Political Officer, held the position at Dubosekovo. Supporting the attack of two infantry regiments the artillery and mortar batteries opened fire on the position. More than twenty tanks took part in the attack. Soon a second attack began, and then a third one, but all of them were repulsed. The greater part of our men were killed and wounded. Yet, the fearless Russian soldiers decided to fight to the last. Towards the evening a new tank attack was launched. Thirty enemy tanks were advancing on our position when V. Klochkov said to his men: "Great is the land of Russia, but there is nowhere to retreat to. Moscow is behind us". With a grande in his hand the Political Officer went out of the trenches to meet a heavy tank. He destroyed it but at the cost of his life. Under the constant artillery and machine-gun fire one by one the Soviet Army men fell in the unequal battle. Soon all of them were killed except Private Natarov who, badly wounded as he was, managed to crawl away to the forest where he was picked up by our reconnaissance patrol. Before he died he passed on the last message of his comrades-in-arms. "We knew what we were dying for and we performed our duty as soldiers, we checked the advance of the enemy Victory or death Remember that when you go into battle. There is no other way. We died, but we did not surrender". A monument was set up over the graves of the 28 heroes of General Panfilov's Division who gave up their lives for the happiness their Motherland and peace. Questions 1. When did fascist Germany concentrate strong forces for an offensive against Moscow? 2. How many attacks did the Germans launch? 3. Where did the 316th Rifle Division hold the defense? 4. Did the forces of the Germans outnumber those of the defenders? 5. They could not break through our positions, could they? 6. Who (what unit) held the position at Dubosekovo? 7. What units were attacking our position? 8. Were all the enemy attacks repulsed? 9. Did the Germans suffer heavy losses? 10. What did V. Klochkov say addressing his men when a new tank attack began? 11. What was the outcome of that unequal battle? 12. What message did Private Natarov pass on before he died? 13. Was a monument set up to the 28 heroes of the Panfilov Division?

Pompey Pompey was one of the greatest Roman soldiers, a talented stab-man and a diplomat. In the 60-ies of the 1st century В. С he played a leading role in the political life of Rome. While the Romans were suffering under the rule of Sulla, he was away in Africa, defeating the enemies of Rome. Six years later Pompey suppressed an uprising of gladiators. Gladiators were people who were given arms and made to fight against each other in the arena for the amusement of the spectators. In later years they were forced to fight for their lives against wild animals. Many of the gladiators were Gauls and barbarians. There were schools in Rome where they were trained. One day a number of men ran from one of the schools and encamped on Mount Vesuvius. Here they were joined by other gladiators and slaves and became a great force. They easily defeated the Roman army which was sent by the Senate to fight against them. It was Pompey who finally put down the revolt: by his order tens of thousands of slaves were captured and put to death. After his victorious campaigns in the East, which led to Roman complete domination over Asia Minor, he returned to Rome and for med the first triumvirate together with Caesar and Crassus. But he had never expected that Caesar would soon become his enemy and defeat him. Questions 1.What was Pompey? 2. What kind of role did he play in the political life of Rome? 3. What was he doing in Africa while the Romans were suffering under Sulla's rule? 4. What is a gladiator? 5. What were they by nationality? 6. Where were they trained? 7. What happened one day in one of the schools? 8. Were they defeated by the Roman army which was sent by the Senate? 9. Who put down the revolt? 10. How was the revolt suppressed? 11. Were Pompey's campaigns in the East victorious? 12. What did they lead to? 13. What coalition did he enter? 14. He had never thought that Caesar would defeat him, had he?

At the College I began this academic session as a student of the Teachers' training College. I am in the History Faculty in my first year. It was only a week ago that I took my last examination. It was an English one in which I did very well. So I passed all the exams successfully and was admitted to the college. Many applicants failed and some were admitted to the evening department. When at school, I thought to enter the sciences, but then I changed my mind and decided to take up History. I must say the first day at the college was unforgettable. We gathered in the Assembly Hall where the Rector congratulated us on the beginning of the session and wished us success in our academic life. Then the Dean of the Faculty, Doctor of History took the floor. He spoke about the subjects we were to study and various departments of the faculty. He expressed hope that we should attend all the lectures, tutorials and seminars. Each year we must present a course paper to our scientific adviser (guide) and make reports in class on historical themes. At the end of each term we shall take several examinations and credit-tests. In June, for instance, I will read for my exams in Archaeology, Ancient History, Latin, Russian History (the period of feudalism) and English. As regards English they will teach us not only to read and translate historical documents and literature but to speak English as well. Our English teacher says we must work at the language very hard. After the inside tour of the college which we made, following the meeting, my friends and I went to the hostel. I am sure I'll enjoy my studies at the college. Questions 1. Are you an applicant or an undergraduate? 2. Are you a student of History? 3. Where do you study History? 4. What year are you in? 5. Did you take entry examinations to the college (University)? 6. Did you pass them successfully? 7. Were you admitted to the day department or to the evening department? 8. People say that many applicants failed at the examinations. Is that true? 9. Did you want to enter the Sciences or Humanities when at school? 10. When did you decide to take up History? 11. Do you remember the first day at the college (University)? 12. Where did you gather? 13. Who spoke before you? 14. Must our students attend all the lectures, seminars and tutorials? 15. Each year you must present a course paper and make reports on historical themes. Is it really so? 16. When (at what time of the year) do you take examinations and credit-tests? 17. What exams will you read for in winter (summer)? 18. How many exams will you have at the end of this term? 19. What does your English instructor say about the way you must work at the language? 20. What do we call a room where lectures are delivered? 21. Where do you usually do your homework, at home or in the reading-room? 22. Do you go to the library very often? 23. You spend much time there, don't you? 24. Do you live at home or at the hostel?

The history of Tajikistan

Tajikistan's history is intertwined with that of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Close to 3 4 of a million Tajiks still live in the Zarafshan valley of Uzbekistan. As many as three million live in Afghanistan, in areas adjacent to Tajikistan. For this reason alone, the past, the preset and future of Tajikistan can be best understood in its geopolitical context. Pre-tsarist History Archeology has yielded rich results in Central Asia. It has proven the existence of small kingdoms which thrived on trade along this branch of the Silk Route. Large parts of settled oasis communities welcomed forms of Zoroastrianism. then Buddhism and later Nestorian Christianity before the slow but thorough adoption of Islam by the 9th century. Since the 11th century all of Central Asia north of the Hindu Kush mountains (of Afghanistan) has been ruled by consecutive Turkic dynasties. After the Mongol interlude, when much of Central Asia was united loosely under Chagatay, the second son Chingis Khan, the myth of Mongol descent and legitimacy was maintained under Timur (Tamerlance) the Lame and his descendents. They ruled the area from their capital at Samarkand. The coming of the Uzbek tribes in the I 6n centun. provided the entire area from the Syr Darya (Jaxartes) to the Amu Darya (Oxus) Rivers and the Tien Shan Mountains to the Caspian Sea.with rules from among competing Uzbek tribes until the last of the rules was driven out by the Red Army in 1920. Although just prior to the Tsarist conquest three rival Uzbek dynasties fought for ever greater advantage and land, the Bukharan Lin irate was both the oldest and the richest. "The eastern part of the emirate stretched to the Chinese border and included what is now Tajikistan, except for the Leninabad area. For the Bukharan Lmirate, eastern Bukhara provided less revenues than the rich oases of the Zaratshnan Valley. The small khanate of Hissar, subject to Bukhara, however, was an important fief from which that rich valley was ruled. The Pamiri people used to extract minerals—rubies, garnets, gold and lapis lazuli - and were often mistreated on the excuse that they belonged to a heretical branch of Islam. The steady advance of Russian traders, colonists, and army into Central Asia destroyed Bukhara's chief rival in Khokand. By 1868. Bukhara too bowed to Russian might and became a protectorate ruled by St Petersburg indirectly. Lastern Bukhara came under the direct administration of the Tsarist Governor-General in Tashkent. This occurred in large because Russian and British competition in Central Asia required that Russia control directly the upper tributaries of the Oxus River where its territory met those of Britain in India and China in Xinjiang. Afghanistan, for which Russia and Britain contended throughout the middle of the 19n century, by 1880. had become a British protectorate. Bukhara and Samarkand under Tsarist rule became linked economically with Russia, through Tashkent. Railroads followed the Russian military and trade followed the railroads. Russia clamed strict tariff and trade restrictions on Central Asia to assure a market for its manufactured goods (textiles for example), and raw materials to feed into its factories. Gradually the introduction of long- staple cotton translated into ever more land placed into cotton production as opposed to food and grain. Manufactured textiles drove the local cottage industry in textiles virtually bankrupt. Local silk textiles continued to thrive, although raw silk too had a market in Russia and Turkey. As trade turned toward Russia, contact within the old Muslim network of the Middle Fast and South Asia dwindled. Pilgrimage to Mecca still allowed for some travel (and trade), but by the early part of the 20n century, travelers came increasingly from among students sent by wealth) families to complete their education at the modern facilities on Ottoman Turkey and Russia. The returning students became highly influential in redirecting society toward modernization as they understood it. Resistance to this movement came from both the traditional ruling elites and from Tsarist officials both groups being driven by fear of loss of control. World War 1 disrupted the trade pattern that had developed over the previous three decades; Russia was unable to provide the grain that Central Asia had ceased to grow when it began to raise cotton. Starvation, together with resistance to being coerced to serve as servants to the Tsarist Army, probably couple with anti-colonialism, led to the rebellion of 1916. The leaders of the rebellion were rounded up and hanged.

Answer the questions

1. What religions did the population of Central Asia belong to before the adoption of Islam? 2. Who has ruled Central Asia since the 11 - th century A.D.? 3. When did the Uzbek tribes come to Central Asia? 4. The Bukharan Emirate was both the oldest and the riches in Central Asia, wasn't it? 5. Why the Pamiri people were often mistreated? 6. When did Bukhara become a Russian protectorate ? 7. When did Afghanistan become a British protectorate? 8. Why did Central Asia become a market of raw materials of Tsarist Russia? 9. Why did the traditional ruling elites and Tsarist officials resist modernization in Central Asia? 10. Why did the rebellion of 1916 happen?

Spartan Education On the day of his birth a Spartan boy was taken to the elders for a careful examination. If the boy was weak and deformed, he was left on a mountainside to die because the elders thought that ho could never perform his duties as a soldier. If he was found physically fit, he was allowed to live with his family until the age of seven. Then he lived in public barracks where he began his military training. A Spartan boy was taught to become a strong and fearless soldier, able to endure hardships and suffering. Even in winter he went barefoot and slept outdoors. His chief food was a very bad-tasting broth, but as part of his training he was taught to feed himself by stealing food from farms and gardens. If he was caught, he was whipped — not because he had stolen, but because he was found out. As a Spartan boy approached manhood and service in the army, he was beaten in public. This taught him to endure pain in silence. Spartan youths were taught to be modest in manner and brief in speech. In fact they were known for their short speech which is now called la'conic, after Laconia, the state ruled by Sparta. When a soldier was leaving for the battle his mother handed him his shield on which his body would be brought back if he was killed. The shield was so large that flight from the enemy was possible only by leaving it behind. Therefore his mother usually warned: "Come back with your shield or on your shield". Questions 1. Who(m) was a Spartan boy taken to on the day of his birth? What for? 2. What did they do with the boy if he was weak and if he was physically fit? 3. Did the Spartan boy live with his family or in public barracks? 4. How was he taught to become strong and fearless? 5. Why was he beaten in public? 6. What were the Spartan youths known for? 7. What did his mother usually do and say when a soldier left for the battle?

State Organizing And Legislation

Republic of Tajikistan is sovereign, democratic, lawful, worldly, unitary state, which carries out its external and internal politics itself. The state government of republic in Tajikistan has Presidential form. The supreme organ of government of Tajikistan is “Majlisi Oli”. Professional parliament in Tajikistan consists of two chambers- “Majlisi Namoiandagon” was elected on February 27. 2000 through the mixed system, that is both on the majority and proportional system. It consists of 63 deputies electing by one mandatory and through the unit republican constituencies under the party lists. The lower chamber will work on permanent professional basis consists of 33 deputies, 8 of whom are nominated by president of the country.” 5 representatives from districts of publican administration and the city of Dushanbe are elected as the deputies to “Majlisi Milli” .The deputies of upper chamber elect by the oblast, city and district deputies.

Constitution In 1994 November 6, was declared a national holiday. Tajikistan’s Constitution day. At a special session and all people election the citizen of Tajikistan adopted a new constitution for Tajikistan. The fundamental law of a democratic society, the new constitution was celebrated under the leadership of the sessions of Majlisi Oli. The basic law defines and confirms a given social and state system bodies on the rights and duties of citizens. This is the legal and political document. The new constitution is a very important stride towards democracy and it seems up all the achievements in our country in every sphere of social economic, political and culture life. These achievements are closely connected with the victory of the revolution and war, which opened a new page in the history of Tajikistan people. Thousand of topic people took in the discussion of draft of the new constitution was in itself a vivid example of democracy. Our constitution consists of 10 parts and 100 sections. Majlisi Oli is the highest and the main representative and legislative brunches of Tajikistan republic.

Constitution of Tajikistan 1. What holiday do Tajik people celebrate on the 6th of November? 2. When was declared a national holiday, Tajikistan’s Constitution Day? 3. Was the new constitution celebrated under the leadership of the sessions of Majlici Oli? 4. What is it constitution? 5. What do you understand by name of Constitution? 6. Is a new constitution a very important stride towards democracy economy, political and cultural life? 7. How many parts and sections do our constitutions consists of? 8. Do you like our constitution, and why?

The symbols of Tajikistan Tajikistan as the sovereign state was adopted in 16th session of Supreme Soviet of Tajikistan in 1992. This soviet approved the symbols of Tajikistan country, as the flag the national emblem and the national anthem. The flag of Tajikistan reflects the history of the country, history traditions of Tajikistan people. The national flag of Tajikistan is a right0angled colored cloth consisting of three horizontal stripes red, white, and green. The red color means of blood shading on the battle fields it also means sunlight. The white color is the symbol of cotton cleanness and the main richness of the country and the green color is the brightness and the green nature, the color of Islom religious. In the center of the fag we can see the crown the symbol of the authority of Tajikistan and the seven stars represent the seven days of the week, seven planets, seven sacred number of the muslim. The national emblem consists of the crown, seven stars disposing over it and the sun rising from the mountains. On the right side of the emblem there are the wheat’s earth on the left there is cotton. Both mean the prosperity of the country. The opening book is below of the national emblem means the education and the people wisdom. The nation anthem was written on the base of previous one. The composer is Sulaymon Yudakov, the author of the words is Gulnazar Keldi.

The symbols of Tajikistan 1. When was our Tajikistan adopted as the sovereign state? 2. Did that soviet approve the symbols of Tajikistan country as the flag the national emblem and the national anthem? 3. What do you say about the flag of Tajikistan? 4. How many stripes does the national flag of Tajikistan consist of? 5. What do say about the national emblem of Tajikistan? 6. What do say about the nation anthem?

Nobody had believed it was possible In 1912, the Titanic hit an iceberg on its first trip across the Atlantic, and it sank four hours later. At that time, the Titanic was the largest ship that had ever traveled on the sea. It was carrying 2207 people, but it had taken on enough lifeboats for only 1178 people. When the passengers tried to leave the ship, only 651 of them were able to get into lifeboats. The Carpathia was 58 miles away when the Titanic called on its radio for help. It arrived two hours after the great ship had gone down, and it saved 705 people. Some of the survivors had been in the icy water for hours when they were saved. Most of the passengers hadn't lived that long; 1502 people had lost their lives. Through the whole tragedy, the Californian was only ten miles away. Its officers were close enough to see the Titanic, but they didn't understand the situation. They never received the Titanic's call for help, and they didn't come to the rescue until too late. Why was there such a great loss of life? Why were there so few survivors? Why didn't the Californian come to help? First of all, nobody had prepared for such a tragedy. Nobody had believed that the Titanic could sink. The steamship company had thought that its ship would be completely safe in all situations. They'd followed an old rule for the number of lifeboats, so they'd supplied lifeboats for only half the people. The passengers had not yet received their lifeboat numbers, nor had they practiced lifeboat drill before the accident. Many of them had not even dressed warmly, for the ship had hit the iceberg late at night, and they didn't believe they were in danger. The ship had already received six ice warnings on its radio when it struck the iceberg. Nevertheless, it had not changed its direction or its speed. It was impossible to change direction quickly enough when the iceberg came in sight. When the Titanic hit the iceberg, the radio officer on the Californian had just gone to bed. He'd tried to warn the officers on the Titanic about the ice before he'd gone to bed, but the officers hadn't listened. After this accident, ocean travel changed. Now there are always enough lifeboats for everybody. Ships don't go so far north in winter, and they watch carefully for ice. Radio officers work 24 hours a day. A tragedy like the sinking of the Titanic should never happen again. Questions Answer each question in the past perfect tense. 1. Did the Titanic cross the Atlantic in 1913? 2. Did the Titanic have enough lifeboats for its passengers? 3. Did the people on the Carpathia see the Titanic when they picked up the survivors? 4. Why were the survivors so cold? 5. Why didn't the Carpathia pick up more passengers when it arrived? 6. Why hadn't the steamship company prepared for the tragedy? 7. Why were there so few lifeboats? 8. Why didn't the passengers know where to go? 9. Why were some of the survivors so wet? 10. How did the officers know there was ice on the sea? 11. Was the Titanic traveling carefully? 12. Did the radio officer on The Californian hear the call for help? Pre-Islamic History of Iran (From the Beginning To 654 A.D.) The plain of Iran is one of the oldest centers of ancient civilizations in the world, since the oldness of some antiquities discovered by the archeologists date back to a residence of 10000 years B.C. The hunting tools and articles made of stone discovered in different caves like in Pabda cave at the highlands of Bakhtiari demonstrate of the human beings life in Paleolithic period in this land. The metallic articles discovered from the people Guti and Lullibi in northern districts of Zagros Mountains, show well that this people knew the metals and used them in about 3000 years B.C. During this period village and small towns were formed e.g. the village of Sialk near Kashan and the Burned Town near Zabol. The most important civilization that existed in Iran, before the settlement of the Arians, was the Ilamit civilization in the plain of Khuzestan in particular in the town of Shoosh (Susa). The Ilamits called their territory and their government Hatami. The precedence of Ilamit government goes back to 3000 years B.C. up to the year 550 B.C. when the Achaemenian government overcome the entire territory of Iran. The Ilamit government had several battles and conflicts with the Mesopotamian civilizations in the summit power of the Ilamits was during the 13th century B.C. when they could seize the Mesopotamia and captured the stone column on which the Hamurabi law was inscribed and brought it to Shoosh (Susa). In the year 650 B.C. Ashur Banipal, the king of Ashur attacked to Ilamit conquered Shoosh, the capital city of the Ilamit government and ruined it completely. The Attack of Ashur Banipal was simultaneous with the extension of the territory of Arians that had come since the 15th century B.C. from the southern areas of Russia and Europe (Eurasia Steppes) to the plain of Iran. The reason of Arians movement from Eurasia steppes was the increase of their catties and herds and their needs to more grass and hay and also the increase of cold in the Siberia. The Arians were from the Indo European race and after immigration from the northern parts of the Eurasia continent to Iran were separated to two great groups. One group went to Europe and the other group set for India via Iran. A group of the Arians, called Persian, during the weakness of the Ilamit government, namely Anshan, conquered the most important part of Ilamit government, situated in the west of Fars province of today. The Persian established the Acheamenian government in the year 550 B.C. and reconquered the territory of Ham which had gone to hands of Babylonian government. The Ilamits as the most civilized nation before the Arians had several advanced cities eg. Shoosh. The kings of Ham had constructed several temples in Shoosh for the gods protecting them the Zigorat and Chogha-Zanbil may be mentioned as the most important ones of them in Khuzestan. Answer the following questions; 1. In what period did human beings lives in the plain of Iran 2. What was the most important civilization that existed in pre-Islamic Iran? 3. Who conquered the Mesopotamia and captured the stone column on which Hamurabilaw was inscribed. 4. What were the reasons of Arians movement from Eurasia steppes. 5. What temples had the kings of Ham constructed in the city of Shoosh (Susa)? Tashkent. Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan. It is the largest city of Central Asia. It is situated in the Northern part of Uzbekistan. Its population is more than 2 million people. Tashkent is a centre of industry, culture and science of Uzbekistan. There are many factories and plants in Tashkent. They produce different kinds of goods: planes, agricultural machines, radio and TV sets, electrical goods, clothes and other consumer goods. Tashkent is very popular as the centre of education. There are universities, institutes. They train teachers, engineers, doctors, agronomists and many other specialists. There is an Academy of Sciences. The Research Institutes of this Academy play a great role in the development of industry, agriculture, medicine, technology, education, culture and other spheres of Uzbekistan. Tashkent is a beautiful city. In 1966 a strong earthquake destroyed many buildings in Tashkent. Many new houses, shops, offices were built after the earthquake. The streets are wide, straight and clean. There are many high buildings, shops, markets, the Circus, the Zoo, monuments, squares, hotels in Tashkent. One of the oldest buildings in Tashkent is the Kukeldash Madrasah. It was built in the 16th century. There are many parks, 20 museums, 9 theatres, many cinemas, libraries in Tashkent. Tashkent has sister-cities in 7 countries. They are Karachi, Marrakech. Patiala, Seattle, Skoplje, Tripoli and Tunis. The Peace Park in Tashkent was built by people from Tashkent and Seattle (the USA) 300 Uzbek people and 175 Americans worked together to build the park. There is a metro in Tashkent. It was built in 1977. At present it has more than 20 stations. The climate is dry. It is hot in summer and it is cold in winter. It snows in winter and it rains in autumn and spring. Ответьте на вопросы: 1. What is Tashkent? 2. Where is Tashkent situated? 3. What is the population of it? 4. Are there plants and factories in Tashkent?

The Republic Defends Itself

When Caesar's tour of duty in Gaul ended, the Senate ordered him to disband his army and return to Rome alone. Shortly afterwards Caesar sent back the reply: "If Pompey disbands his army I shall do the same." But Pompey would not disband his army, and a fierce struggle between the two great men began. It was a struggle for absolute power. In 49 B.C. Caesar led his army on Rome and reached the Rubicon River. If he led his army across the river, he would break the Rome law, but if he went to Rome alone, they would kill him. For a moment Caesar was undecided. Then saying, "The die is cast" he led his troops into the water. The Senate was caught unawares. As soon as the news came that Caesar had crossed the Rubicon, a meeting of the Senate was hastily called to discuss the situation and take the necessary measures. As a result, Pompey was offered the supreme commend of the republic's army. It was decided that all the forces of the Republic should be concentrated in the South, and Pompey set out promptly southwards. Some time passed and one afternoon young Julius Caesar suddenly turned up in Rome. Pompey realized that it too late for his hastily-collected detachments, to enter the city captured by his opponent. So he had to retreat. Finally he was completely defeated, and Caesar became master of Rome and the rest of Italy. After the conquest of Gaul it was Caesar's second great victory. Having defeated all his opponents Caesar came to Rome and called himself emperor. By the way, in Latin the word "emperor" means "ruler" and at that time was only used for military commanders. Caesar was like a king. He sat on a chair made of ivory and gold. His statues were set side with those of gods and goddesses. Some of the senators, however, disliked the way he ruled. Besides, they were afraid of the autocratic ruler. They organized a plot against him with Brutus and Cassius at the head. On 15th of March, 44 B.C. during one of the Senate sessions the plotters drew out their swords which they had hidden under their togas, and killed him. All those present at the session ran away in a panic.

Answer the following questions:

1. What did the Senate order Caesar to do after his tour of duty in Gaul ended? 2. Did he cross the Rubicon? Was it legal? 3. What happened when the news about Caesar reached the Senate? 4. Where did the Senate decided all the military forces of the Republic should be concentrated? 5. Why did Pompey have to retreat? 6. What finally became of Caesar? TAJIKISTAN Tajikistan as sovereign state was set up in September 1991. Administratively it includes Sughd and Khatlon regions, 13 districts and 5 towns of republic submit. Tajikistan is situated in Central Asia far from seas and ocean between 36°-40 and 41°-50 latitude and 67°-31 and 75°-14 eastern longitudes as Greece and south regions of Italy and Spain. Tajikistan occupies an area of over 143, 1 square kilometers, 93 percent of which is mountains. Its territory stretches 700 km from west to east and 350 km from north to south. It bordered on south by Afghanistan, on east by China, on north by Kyrgyz Stan and on west by Uzbekistan. The climate moderate, dry continental. On the whole the population according to census of 2000 consists of 6, 1 million. DUSHANBE Dushanbe is the capital of sovereign Tajikistan. It is located in picturesque and fertile Hisor valley, in the height of 750-930 m on the sea level. Inside the town are discovered a lot of archeological memorial of Greek-Bactrian period and remains, of the settlements of the Middle Ages. The first manuscripts sources mentioning Dushanbe refer to 17 century. In fact Dushanbe was up in 1924. Dushanbe is green city created by people's hand in front of mountains. Dushanbe is the member of international federation of relation ship cities. It became a relation with such cities as Monastir in Tunisia, Sana in Yemen Arab republic, Lusaka in Zambia., Labor in Pakistan, Klagenfurt in Austria and others. The population is more than half million people. Dushanbe is an industrial city. There are many factories and, plants in it. They produce different goods: textile, silk, cotton materials, clothes, shoes and consumer goods. Dushanbe is a cultural and educational center of our republic. There are many secondary and vocational schools and technological, polytechnic, medical, pedagogical, agricultural universities in Dushanbe. There are many places of interest in the capital. They are; the museum of the History of Tajikistan, the Opera and Ballet theatre, the House of Parliament, the House of Governments hotels, museums, monuments, and others. In 2004 Tajik citizen are going to celebrate its 80l anniversary. We hope our capital will be developed and become one of the modern and beautiful cities in the world. Tajikistan 1. What country are you from? 2. What is your motherland? 3. What is the territory of your country? 4. What is the capital of Tajikistan? 5. What is the population of the country? 6. What countries does Tajikistan border on? 7. Tajikistan is famous for its high mountains, isn't it? 8. Is Tajikistan an agricultural or industrial country? Dushanbe 1. What is the capital of your country? 2. Is Dushanbe an ancient or modern city? 3. What is the population of the city? 4. Is it an industrial city? 5. When was it founded? 6. What factories and plants are there in it? 7. What do they produce? 8. What schools are there in Dushanbe? 9. Are there any places of interest in Dushanbe? 10. What are they? 11 .Where is Dushanbe situating? Customs, traditions and culture in Great Britain

I am going to tell you about English customs and traditions. First of all it concerns United Kingdom political system. In Great Britain there is no written constitution, only customs, traditions and precedents. After the English Revolution of Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy headed by King (now Queen, Elizabeth the second). Traditionally the queen acts only on the advice of her Ministers. She reigns but she does not rule. Englishmen have traditions not only in political, but in social life. For example, London, the capital of England, is traditionally divided into three parts: the West End, the East end, and the City. The City is a historical, financial and business centre of London. The East End is the district inhabited by the workers, and the West End is a fashionable shopping and entertaining centre. English people like to spend their free time in numerous pubs where they can have a glass of beer and talk about different things with their friends. The English are traditional about their meals. They eat eggs and bacon with toasts for breakfast, pudding or apple pie for dessert. Every English family has five o'clock tea. A typical feature of an English house is a fireplace, even when there is central heating in the house. English people like domestic animals. Every family has a pet: a dog, a cat or a bird. Politeness is a characteristic feature of Englishmen. They often say "Thank you", "Sorry", "Beg your pardon". Russian people, I think, have to learn this good custom. Englishmen have many traditional holidays, such as Christmas, St.Valentine's Day, Mother's day, Easter and others. It you're staying in London for a few days, you'll have no difficulty whatever in finding somewhere to spend an enjoyable evening. You'll find opera, ballet, comedy, drama, review, musical comedy and variety. Most theatres and music-halls have good orchestras with popular conductors. At the West-End theatres you can see most of the famous English actors and actresses. As a rule, the plays are magnificently staged - costumes, dresses, scenery, everything being done on the most lavish scale. The last half of the XVI and the beginning of the XVII centuries are known as the golden age of English literature, It was the time of the English Renaissance, and sometimes it is even called "the age of Shakespeare". Shakespeare, the greatest and most famous of English writers, and probably the greatest playwright who has ever lived, was born in Stratford-on-Avon. In spite of his fame we know very little about his life. He wrote 37 plays. Among them there are deep tragedies, such as Hamlet, King Lear, Othello, Macbeth, light comedies, such as The Merry Wives of Windsor, All's Well That Ends Well, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing. Ответьте на вопросы 1.By whom is constitutional monarchy in Great Britain is headed? 2.The Queen rules the country, doesn’t she? 3.In what parts is London divided? 4.What can be said about the East End? 5.How do English people like to spend their free time? 6.What is typical feature of an English house? 7.What can you say about theatres? 8.What are traditional holidays of Englishmen? 9.What is considered as the golden age of English literature? 10. What do you know about Shakespeare’s plays and comedies? The Olympics The Olympics have a very long history. They began in 7 76 В. С. (до нашей эры) and took place every four years for nearly 1200 years at Olympia, in Greece. They included many kinds of sports: running, boxing, wrestling, the pentathlon (five different sports) and chariot racing. In A.D. (нашей эры) 394 the Games stopped and the temple (храм) at Olympia was destroyed. Fifteen hundred years later, in 1894, a Frenchman, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, persuaded (убедить) people from fifteen countries to start the Olympic Games again. The first of the modern series of Games took place in Athens two years later, in 1896. At the fourth Olympics, in 1908, in London, there were more than two thousand competitors, from twenty-one different countries. Since then, the number of athletes competing has increased each time. The International Olympic Committee at Lausanne, in Switzerland, decides where each Olympics will take place. They ask a city (not a country) to be host — one city for the Winter Olympics and one for the Summer Olympic Games. Nearly 150 countries are represented in the International Olympic Committee. After the Second World War the modern Olympic Games were resumed in London in 1948. They were the XIV Olympic Games.

Ответьте на вопросы: 1. When and where did the Olympics take place first? 2. What kind of sports did they include? 3. Whose idea was to start the Olympics Games again? 4. What can you say about the first modern series of games? 5. How many competitors where at the fourth Olympics in 1908? 6. Did the International Olympic Committee ask for a city or for a country to be host? 7. They have chosen one city for as winter Olympics, as summer’s one haven’t they? 8. How many countries are represented in the Committee? 9. Where and when were the Olympic Games resumed?

London.

London is the capital of England since the 11th century and it is the capital of Great Britain since 1707. It is a political, economic find commercial, industrial and cultural centre. London is one of the largest cities in the world and the biggest seaport in Europe. London is a very old city. It is more than twenty centuries old. Its population is about ten million people. London is situated on the banks of the River Thames. The River Thames is navigable to seagoing ships. There are 15 bridges over the river in London. London stretches for nearly 30 miles from West to South and 30 miles from East to West. The street traffic is very heavy in London. There are many cars, buses, lorries, trolley-buses, trams. The houses are not very big. They are mostly two-storied buildings. The London Underground is the oldest in the world. The first line opened in 1870. It has more than 250 Underground stations. London consists of four important parts. They are the City, the West End, the East End and Westminster. The City is the commercial part of the capital. There are most of London banks, offices and firms there. The West End is the richest and the most beautiful part of London. There are fine mansions, theatres, museums and big shops there. Its streets and parks are the finest in the capital. Oxford Street is famous for its heavy street traffic. Regent Street is famous for its beautiful shops. Nelson monument is in Trafalgar Square. It is 185 feet high with the figure of Nelson on the top. Hyde Park is 360 acres. It is for public gatherings, meetings. The East End is the poorest part. There are many plants, factories, workshops and docks there. Workers live in this part of London. It is very important in the country's economy. Westminster is the central part of London. Most government buildings are in Westminster. Buckingham Palace is in Westminster. There are 600 rooms in it. From the Westminster bridge one can get the best view of the Houses of Parliament. It stands on the left bank of the Thames and stretches for about 1000 feet. The Houses of Parliament is the largest modern building. In one of the tall towers of the House one can see Big Ben. It was built in 1858. It weighs about 13.5 tons. The clock has four faces and they are 22.5 feet across with the minute hands weighing 2 hundred - weight each. The chimes of Big Ben can &e heard up to four miles from Westminster. It keeps a perfect time. London is a cultural centre. There are more than 60 museums and 80 theatres in London. The British Museum is one of the largest museums in the world. It is famous for its great library with a collection of about six million books. The University of London is the largest University in Great Britain.

Ответьте на вопросы: 1. What is London? 2. How long is London the capital of England? 3. How old is London? What is the population of if? 4. Where is it situated? 5. How many bridges are there over the river in London? 6. What is the area of London? 7. Is the street traffic heavy? Why? 8. When did the London Underground open? 10. How many parts does London consist of? 11. What is there in the City? 12. Which part is the richest and most beautiful? 13. Where is Nelson monument? 14. What is held in Hyde Park? 15. Where are the Houses of Parliament? 16. Where is Big Ben? Holidays in Our Country. There are some holidays in our country. They are: the New Year, International Women's Day, Navruz, Victory Day, the Independence Day and religious holidays. The New Year is celebrated on the first of January. We congratulate our friends, relatives with the New Year. Usually we celebrate this holiday at home with all members of the family. Many people decorate the New Year Tree. We lay the table, cook tasty meals, dance, listen to the music, sing songs or watch TV programme. Young people like to have a walk and have an evening party. People don't go to work on January 1. Schoolchildren have winter holidays of two weeks. The 8th of March is the International Women's Day. We give presents to our mothers and sisters, we congratulate Idem. It is a holiday both for men and women. Offices, shops, schools are closed on this day. The Victory Day is celebrated on May 9. It is a great holiday. On that day in 1945 the Soviet Army defeated the German fascists. There are parades, demonstrations, meetings in towns and cities. In 1995 the 50th anniversary of the Victory was celebrated in many countries of the world. There was a great parade in Moscow. People do not go to work. Offices, schools, Nhops are closed on this day. The 21st of March is the holiday of Navruz. It is the greatest holiday of all the Iranian and Turkish people. It is the beginning of the real New Year. People do not go to work. Schools, offices, Hhops are closed on this day. People cook sumalack which is made of wheat. It is the favourite dish of people. People have a walk, sing songs, dance, congratulate each other. The Independence Day is celebrated in Uzbekistan on September 1 and in Tajikistan - on September 9. On these dates in 1991 Uzbekistan and Tajikistan became independent states. The religious holidays are: the holiday of Ramadan and the holiday of Kurbon. We celebrate these holidays on different dates each year. People do not go to work, schoolchildren have a holiday too.

Ответьте на вопросы: 1. Are there any holidays in your country? 2. What are they? 3. When do people celebrate the New Year? 4. How is the New Year celebrated? 5. When is the Women's day celebrated? 6. Do men go to work on the 8th of March? 7. What is celebrated on May 9? 8. When is Navruz celebrated? 9. How do people celebrate Navruz holiday? 10. What do people cook on Navruz? 11. What is sumalack made of? 12. What do people celebrate in September? 13. What are the religious holidays? 14. What holiday is your favourite? Why? Famous People. There are many famous people in the world. They are in different spheres of our life: literature, politics, sports, science and others. For example, James Cook - a great mapmaker and navigator; Christopher Columbus - the discoverer of the new world; John Franklin -the explorer of the Arctic; Charles Darwin - the greatest naturalist; Michael Faraday - the famous scientist in physics; William Harvey -the inventor of the Universal steam engine; Sergey Korolyov - the chief constructor of spaceship and others. One of the famous people is Isaac Newton - the discoverer of the law of gravitation. The great English scientist Isaac Newton was born on December 25 in 1642 near Cambridge. His father, a farmer, died before Isaac's birth. Since his childhood he was interested in making things with his hands. His neighbors watched him make things and thought that Isaac would become a well-known clock-maker. One of the things Isaac made was a water-clock. The clock worked by water. Besides he made a sundial too. The water-clock could tell the time in the house and the sundial outside. People say that now the sundial is on the wall of the house where Isaac Newton lived. When he grew he became interested in mathematics. His first physical experiment was carried out when he was 16 years old. He worked, studied much. He was either making something or studying some book. At night he looked up at the stars and wondered about them, their distance from the earth. When he was 19 years old he entered the Cambridge University where he studied mathematics. At the age of 21 he became famous on mathematics. At that time he was studying the theory of gravitation. For some years he studied light. He performed many experiments with light and found that while light was made up of rays of different colors. He invented the reflecting telescope. He developed a mathematical method which is now known as the Binomial Theorem and also differential and integral calculus. In 1669 he was appointed as a professor and began lectures on mathematics and optics at Cambridge. He published the well-known book "Elements of Natural Philosophy". His ideas, theorems are so important that they will be used till humanity and its science and technology exist. But Newton himself was always modest. In his life he invented many things. One of them is the best known law of gravitation. Isaac Newton died in 1727 at the age of 85. He was buried with honor, as a national hero.

Ответьте на вопросы: 1. Are there many famous people in the world? 2. Can you give examples of famous people? 3. What was Isaac Newton? 4. When and where was he born? 5. Was his family poor? 6. What did people think of him in his childhood? 7. What did he invent in his childhood? 8. What was he interested in when he grew? 9. When did he enter the University? 10. When did he begin to study the theory of gravitation? 11. What did he discover about the light? 12. What theory did he develop? 13. What book did he publish? 14. What are Newton's inventions?