Wales, the Land of Song
Wales is one of the most beautiful countries in the United
Kingdom. It is surrounded by sea on three sides, whereas the eastern
part of the country borders with England. Wales is full of little towns,
castles and picturesque seaside villages. Cardiff, the capital, is a town
with an impressive castles, wonderful museums and lovely buildings.
English is the official language, but Welsh, one of the oldest
languages in Europe, is still spoken in some parts of the country. Today
Welsh schoolchildren are taught both languages. Welsh has an
enchanting song-like quality, which is one reason why singing is such a
favourite pastime. Playing music, including traditional instruments such
as the harp, is another popular hobby.
Wales’ breathtaking beauty attracts travelers from around the
world. Snowdonia , Britain’s second largest national park is located in
the north of Wales. With its amazing forests, lakes, waterfalls, rivers
and ancient sites, the park is a popular tourist destination. In the north
of the country, high above a pretty bay, Caernarfon Castle stands. It
was built in 1283 for the first Prince of Wales. There is St David’s in
the west, an elegant village by the sea that has the largest cathedral in
Wales.
Wales has many wonderful traditions. The Welsh are proud of
their culture. One of the oldest cultural competitions, The Royal
National Eisteddfod, takes place every year at the beginning of August.
It is eight-day festival of music and poetry to celebrate Welsh language,
art and culture. It’s the largest and most popular festival in Wales and
attracts thousands of tourists.
to border – граничить
both - оба, обе
Welsh – уэльский (adj), уэльский язык
pastime – времяпровождение
harp – арфа
Wales, the Land of Song
Wales is one of the most beautiful countries in the United
Kingdom. It is surrounded by sea on three sides, whereas the eastern
part of the country borders with England. Wales is full of little towns,
castles and picturesque seaside villages. Cardiff, the capital, is a town
with an impressive castles, wonderful museums and lovely buildings.
English is the official language, but Welsh, one of the oldest
languages in Europe, is still spoken in some parts of the country. Today
Welsh schoolchildren are taught both languages. Welsh has an
enchanting song-like quality, which is one reason why singing is such a
favourite pastime. Playing music, including traditional instruments such
as the harp, is another popular hobby.
Wales’ breathtaking beauty attracts travelers from around the
world. Snowdonia , Britain’s second largest national park is located in
the north of Wales. With its amazing forests, lakes, waterfalls, rivers
and ancient sites, the park is a popular tourist destination. In the north
of the country, high above a pretty bay, Caernarfon Castle stands. It
was built in 1283 for the first Prince of Wales. There is St David’s in
the west, an elegant village by the sea that has the largest cathedral in
Wales.
Wales has many wonderful traditions. The Welsh are proud of
their culture. One of the oldest cultural competitions, The Royal
National Eisteddfod, takes place every year at the beginning of August.
It is eight-day festival of music and poetry to celebrate Welsh language,
art and culture. It’s the largest and most popular festival in Wales and
attracts thousands of tourists.
to border – граничить
both - оба, обе
Welsh – уэльский (adj), уэльский язык
pastime – времяпровождение
harp – арфа
Reading Comprehension
Wales, the Land of Song
I.Choose the correct variant.
1. Wales is surrounded by sea on … .
a) three sides b) two sides c) one side
2.Wales is the neighbour of …
a) The UK
b) England c) Cardiff
3.The capital of Wales is …
a) Snowdonia b) England c) Cardiff
4.Welsh is…
a) the official language
b) not spoken any more
c) spoken only in some parts of the country
5.At school children learn …
a) English only
b) Welsh only
c) English and Welsh
6.Snowdonia is …
a) an ancient castle b) the national park c) the capital city
7. The largest cathedral in Wales is …
a) near Caernarfon Castle b) in St David’s c) in Cardiff
8. The Royal National Eisteddfod takes place …
a) once a year at the beginning of August
b) in a year at the beginning of August
c) in a year at the beginning of summer
d) every year at the beginning of a year
9.The Royal National Eisteddfod is …
a) song festival
c) the oldest cultural competition
b) music festival
d) the most popular hobby
10. The Royal National Eisteddfod lasts …
a) a month b) eight days c) a week
II. Make word combinations according to the text
picturesque
traditional
favourite
ancient
tourist destination
impressive
the most beautiful
amazing
sites
country
instruments
forests
villages
pastime
destination
castles
III. Fill in the necessary preposition.
1. to border …
2. to be full … little towns
3.to attract travelers … around the world
4. to be located … the north … Wales
5.to be built … 1283
6. to be proud … their culture
7.the festival … music and poetry
8.thousands … tourists.