“The Times”, symbol of tradition and establishment
“The Times” is one of Britain’s oldest and most influential newspapers. It (begin) its life in 1785. It (start) by John Walter. In those days it (cost) two and a half old pennies.
In the nineteenth century, “The Times” (develop) a reputation for accurate reporting and independent editorial views. Now it (sell) over 650,000 copies a day. It (publish) in London, along with its sister newspaper, “The Sunday Times”, which (have) at least ten sections and takes all week to read!
“The Times (have) an excellent reputation for over 200 hundred years,” said its editor, who (work) for the paper since 1980, “and now we (try) our best to continue that tradition in order to produce a newspaper for the twenty-first century.”
The Loch Ness Wallet
14 years ago Spanish tourist Gaspar Sanchez (drop) his wallet into the waters of Loch Ness in Scotland. His passport, his car keys, his business card and his money (lose) in 150m of water. This week the phone (ring) in Senor Sanchez’s Barcelona flat and a Scottish policeman told him. “Sir, your wallet (find). It (discover) last Sunday on the bed of the loch by some scientists in a submarine looking for the Loch Ness monster!”
Senor Sanchez said, “The whole thing is absolutely amazing. Apparently my wallet and its contents (put) in the post to me already. I should get them tomorrow. I can’t believe it!”
Picassos taken in £40m raid
Swedish police just (announce) that five paintings by Picasso (steal) from Stockholm’s Modern Museum. The paintings (value) by experts at 500 million kronor (about £40 million). Police believed that they (take) early on Saturday evening. But for some reason the museum’s burglar alarm (not go off) and the theft (not discover) until Monday morning. No clues (find) so far at the scene of the crime.
Write the questions to the following answers:
1. ……? – In 1785. 2. ……? – By John Walter. 3. ……? – In the nineteenth century. 4. …….? - For over 200 years. 5. ……? – In London. 6........? – 14 years ago. 7. ……? - Last Sunday. 8. ……? – By some scientists. 9. ……? - Five paintings by Picasso. 10..…..? – Yes, they have. At 500 million kronor, that’s about £40 million. 11. ……? – Saturday evening. 12. ……? – No, none. Not yet.
Ex. 16. Read the texts and analyse the use of tenses paying special attention to the Passive Voice. Translate the texts into Russian.
The Story of the Loch Ness Monster
In the North of Scotland there is a lake which contains one of the biggest mysteries of our time. For somewhere in the deep waters of Loch Ness a monster is hiding. Or is it?
The story of the Loch Ness monster began in 1933 when it was seen for the first time. Since then it has been seen at least once every year and has been photographed many times. The first photograph was taken by a local man in November, 1933. On one occasion, large brown eyes were seen and horns have been reported several times. Ears have not yet been mentioned.
The monster, however, has not been forgotten and will probably never be forgotten. It is known that it sometimes leaves the loch and a few years ago it was seen running along the main road not far from a café. Occasionally two monsters have been seen at the same time. It is not known whether they are father and son, husband and wife, or perhaps monster and girl-friend. But the monster and its activities remain a mystery.
Great Britain
Great Britain, which is also known as the United Kingdom, is one of the leading developed countries in the world. Geographically the British Isles are made up of two large islands off the northwest corner of Europe and include England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland. The shores of Great Britain are washed by the Atlantic Ocean and are separated from the continent by the English Channel. The mountain ranges of Great Britain, mainly in Scotland and Wales, are not very high and the highest peak is 4,296 feet. The rivers of Great Britain cannot be compared in size with those of the continent. But the largest, the Thames, is deep enough to let sea ships reach the London docks.
Striking contrasts may be found within the limited area of the British Isles. In a twenty-five mile trip in Great Britain one can see as many different sights as in a two hundred and fifty mile trip in some other countries.
Nowadays the country is not as rich in minerals as it was, but coal, iron ore, chalk and other minerals are still mined. In the centre of England so many things are made of iron that the area is called the Black Country. Other well-known industrial areas such as Lancashire and Yorkshire are noted for their textile mills.
For much of her highly developed industry Great Britain depends on imported raw materials. The country exports mainly ships, manufactured goods, chemicals and machinery.