TALKS ON MALI CRISIS

1. Read the article, choose the best option to complete the sentences. 2. Listen to the report and check up your answers. http://learningenglish.voanews.com/content/high-level-delegations-meet-for-talks-on-mali-crisis/1530010.html3. Translate the text into Russian. 4. Summarize the report.

High-Level Delegations Meet for Talks on Mali Crisis

High-level delegations met in Bamako, Mali for talks about/on/of the crisis in the country’s north.  Representatives from/of/in the United Nations, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States met with Malian leaders to develop a plan. 

Mali’s temporary president Dioncounda Traore urged representatives to act immediately to deal with the situation. He promised that the government will cooperate/must cooperate/would cooperate and work together with forces assisting in ousting the Islamic militants from the north. 

Mali felt/has fallen/fell into a crisis in March, 25, after the military ousted President Amadou Toumani Toure.  Shortly after, Islamic militants with ties to al-Qaida seized control of the north. The militants want enforce/to enforce/enforcing a severe version of Islamic law there.  Recent reports from the north documented/were documented/have documented human rights abuses by/of/from the militants.  They perform public executions, use children as soldiers and force women into sex work.  Women in many towns force/forced/ are forced to cover their faces and ban/banned/are banned from appearing in public with men.  Smoking and music are also prohibited.

The U.N. has been calling on ECOWAS to provide a/the/-- more detailed plan for its propose/proposed/proposing military action in northern Mali.  Last week, the U.N. Security Council passed/has passed/would pass a resolution clearing the way for/of/from deployment of the ECOWAS force.  It gave African leaders forty-five days to create a military intervention plan. 

The newly appointed chairperson for/of/from the African Union Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, said she will deal/dealt/would deal first with Mali after being sworn in. In Bamako, she said it is/was/has been her first official trip as a messenger of solidarity from/of/for the African continent to the Malian people.

“I also want to highlight the AU's deep concern about/of/for the prevailing situation and the AU's determination to do everything in our power to help the people of Mali to find a speedy resolution of the overlapping crises in their country." 

--/The/ A U.N. Security Council holds/will hold/has held a second vote to approve or disapprove a/the/-- military intervention plan once it will be/is created/created.   However, many people in Mali oppose to/with/-- foreign intervention. 

Hundreds of Malians marched in Bamako this week to protest the idea of ECOWAS’ military deployment. 

The protest was organized by supporters of former army members who ousted the government.   Many Malians say they concern/were concerned/are concerned that the army is disorganized and poorly equipped to take back the north alone. 

Last week, thousands/thousand of Malians marched in support of ECOWAS troops in Mali.  A Malian living in the northern city of Gao says military intervention is necessary. 

He also says the people in the north suffer/suffered/have suffered enough, and it is time for war in order to clear the path.

There is also concern that military intervention must/could push Islamic militants and more refugees into/to/in neighboring countries.

Skyscrapers

The World Skyscrapers
Watch the video and listen to the presentation. Write down the names of the cities and the countries where these cities are located. Make notes about the history of the skyscrapers.

BREAKING NEWS: ISRAEL-GAZA VIOLENCE

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza are trading fire with air strikes and rocket attacks amid the latest eruption of violence. Read the BBC coverage and speak about the developments using the maps and pictures from the BBC.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20394242

LISTENING: CHINA ECONOMIC TARGETS

The economy will be one of the biggest challenges for the new Chinese leadership emerging from the Communist Party Congress, which continues in Beijing. The outgoing President Hu Jintao has already set a target for his successor of doubling income per person by the end of the decade. Listen to the report and make a script.

GRAMMAR: TENSES IN NEWS ITEMS

Read the news item, open the brackets using the correct verb-forms. Translate into Russian. A Palestinian boy (kill) by Israeli fire in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources say. The boy, reportedly aged 13, (hit) by shots from an army helicopter, the sources said. It is still unclear how the boy (hit) in Thursday's incident, but one report said soldiers (find) explosive devices near a border fence east of the town of Khan Younis and (open) fire. Another report said the boy (fatally, wound) during a clash involving militants and Israeli helicopters. The Israeli army said that at the moment it (check) the report. The latest incident follows a recent spate of rocket attacks from Gaza and Israeli air strikes which (leave) six militants dead and at least five Israelis hurt. Earlier this week, three Israeli soldiers (also, wound) in a blast on the Israeli side of the border.

TRANSLATION PRACTICE: OBAMA REELECTED

Translate from Russian into English. Российско-Американские отношения после переизбрания Барака Обамы на второй срок Отношения США с Россией во время второго срока президента Барака Обамы будут стагнировать или ухудшаться, считают некоторые российские эксперты. Российско-американский политолог, директор российских и азиатских программ центра оборонной информации США Николай Злобин полагает, что отношения Москвы и Вашингтона будут ухудшаться, причем это происходило бы и при Обаме, и при Митте Ромни, если бы тот победил. По мнению Злобина, уровень экономических связей между США и Россией невысок, и главную роль играют отношения в сфере стратегической безопасности: сейчас центральным вопросом в них являются американские планы создания европейского блока противоракетной обороны. При этом глава Института США и Канады полагает, что уже в начале следующего года новая администрация Обамы предложит России новую повестку отношений, которая, вероятно, будет включать сотрудничество в Афганистане и предложения о дальнейшем сокращении ядерных арсеналов - например, до 1000 развернутых боеголовок (сейчас по договору о СНВ их может быть не больше 1550 у каждой из сторон). Эксперты напоминают, что после переизбрания обновится состав администрации Обамы: уйти, среди прочих, намерена и госсекретарь Хиллари Клинтон. Среди претендентов на этот пост называют сенатора, бывшего кандидата в президенты Джона Керри и представителя США в ООН Сьюзан Райс. Керри "настроен на позитивную повестку" в отношениях с Россией. Райс же известна жесткими высказываниями в адрес России, в частности, по поводу Сирии. Но ее шансы стать главой Госдепартамента, по оценке аналитиков, не так велики.

GRAMMAR: TENSES IN NEWS-STORIES

Open the brackets using the correct verb-forms. Do not copy the sentences. The United States and Egypt (1 have) a long and close relationship for more than thirty years. The United States (2 provide) over one billion dollars yearly in military and economic aid to the Arab nation. Many Egyptians (3 criticize) the aid, saying it (4 directly, not reach) civilians. They also (5 not approve) of what they believe is American interference in their national concerns. In two thousand nine, President Obama (6 visit) Cairo and (7 make) a historic speech about a new beginning between the United States and the Arab and Muslim world. He (8 speak) about removing years of mistrust, finding common positions and relations based on shared respect. After the president’s talk in Cairo, Egyptians (9 increase) their expectations of the United States. However, none of the promises (10 keep). Ordinary people say that they (11 not see) any difference in how the United States deals with Arab dictators or the Palestinian issue since the Obama speech. The Gallup research organization asked groups of Egyptians this year about their opinions on several issues. The study found that more than half the Egyptians who (12 take) part in the survey (13 believe) that closer relations with the United States (14 be) a bad thing. Only one fourth of the Egyptians who (15 ask) said they (16 support) continuing the United States military and economic programs in their country. Political writer Atef El Ghamry says Egypt (17 be) now in a period when Egyptians themselves, not just the government (18 decide) foreign policy concerning the United States. It is clear that relations between Egypt and the United States will continue. But now many people (19 re-examine) the relationship. They (20 think) it is important that America change a lot of its positions.

TRANSLATION PRACTICE_NEWS-STORIES

Translate into Russian. Pay attention to "newspaper words". David Cameron reaffirms UK aid pledge at United Nations David Cameron has reaffirmed his commitment to increase Britain's aid spending, despite opposition from within his own party. The prime minister underlined the pledge in New York, while attending the United Nations General Assembly. Israeli parliament dissolves ahead of early election Israel's parliament has voted to dissolve itself and to hold an early general election on 22 January. The unanimous vote followed a debate lasting more than eight hours. Last week PM Benjamin Netanyahu said he was bringing forward elections due in a year's time because parliament could not agree on a new budget. EU imposes new sanctions on Iran Foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg "significantly broadened EU restrictive measures", focusing on Iranian banks, trade and gas exports, officials said. The ministers reiterated their "serious and deepening concerns" over Iran's nuclear activities and their commitment to "work for a diplomatic solution". They suspect Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, something it denies. Analysts say the unilateral sanctions announced by the US and EU, as well as those imposed by the UN Security Council, have done significant damage to the Islamic Republic's economy. Earlier this month, riots broke out when Iran's currency, the rial, plunged to new lows against the dollar, according to local currency exchange websites, having lost 80% of its value since the start of the year. EU member states have announced a new package of sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear programme. 9/11 Guantanamo hearings resume after five months Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others accused over the 9/11 attacks have appeared at a US military tribunal for the first time in five months. The week-long pre-trial hearing at Guantanamo Bay will largely focus on issues of secrecy. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is accused of masterminding the attacks while the others are implicated for providing support for the co-ordinated hijacking. In May, a chaotic hearing in the case lasted 13 hours. Twitter blocks neo-Nazi account to users in Germany Twitter has blocked access to a neo-Nazi account at the request of the German government. The tweets will no longer be visible to users in Germany although the rest of the world will be able to view them. It is the first time the social networking site has implemented its local censorship policy, which came into force in January. That policy allows it to block content in specific countries if tweets violate local laws. Jordan sets date for early parliamentary elections Jordan's electoral commission has announced that early parliamentary elections will be held on 23 January. The commission revealed its decision a day after voter registration ended. Earlier this month, King Abdullah dissolved the House of Representatives half-way through its term and appointed a new caretaker prime minister. The Muslim Brotherhood's political wing, the Islamic Action Front, has threatened to boycott the polls unless the electoral system is changed. As many as 15,000 people took to the streets of the capital, Amman, 11 days ago to show their support for the IAF's demand. It was the biggest opposition protest seen in the kingdom since the start of the Arab Spring.

PHRASAL VERBS & NOUNS IN THE NEWS

1. Read the definitions and write a phrasal to express the same. to stop being part of a group because you disagree with them, to cause to fall, to escape (from prison), to escape for a holiday, to advance (in spite of opposition), to cancel, to delay/to postpone, to interfere, to ask smb to do smth, to think of a solution or idea, is used when a mechanism stops working, to progress, to recover from an illness, to enter a small closed vehicle, to wait for a short time, to refuse, to suddenly go on strike, to begin suddenly, not to say or do smth, to leave some public transport, to apply for smth\to ask for smth, to go to watch or to participate in an event, to assist\to support, to increase, to order to come, to resign, to reduce in size and amount. 2. Give the Russian equivalents to the following phrasals. to walk out, to turn down, to turn up, to put in, to hold back, to hold down, to hold out for, to hold on, to get over, to get on, to get out of, to get in, to get away, to cut back, to call on smb, to bring down, to break down, to break away, to come up with, to go ahead, to put off smth, to put smb off, to press for, to step in, to step down, to step up. 3. Fill in the gaps with missing prepositions. Translate into Russian. 1. Hundreds of patients turned _____ to demand more funding to save the constituency surgery which is under threat of closure as its debt steps ______. 2. Prime minister called _____ the government to work "harder and faster" to bring _____energy bills. 3. Officers have not ruled _______the possibility that the fire broke _____accidentely. 4. The debate around the environment has become so vigorous that now it has the power to bring _______ party leaders. 5. But there is no sign the government fighters have a plan to break ______. 6. If you don't turn up for work then you can expect to have your benefits cut ______. 7. The trade unions are pressing _____ longer holidays without longer working hours. 8. Workers at the Fiat plant put ____ a new claim to step ____their wages. 9. The claim to cut ____ energy bills was turned _____. 10. Col Gaddafi supporters called ____ thousands of Libyans to turn ____ into the streets. 11. The negotiations between the Israeli and the Palestinians broke____ in just a few hours. 12. The government threatened to step ____ its forces if the demonstrators didn’t come ____ with more reasonable claims. 13. The interim government had to call ____ the UN to step ___ and back ___ the efforts to settle the dispute. 14. The unions called ___ their demand for a new strike because there was a break_____ in the talks.

GRAMMAR: TENSES_2012 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAGNE

Read the text opening the brackets and using the correct verb-forms. THE USA Barack Obama, the incumbent 44th President of the USA, (nominate) to run for presidency at the National Conservative Party Convention which (hold) on 3 September in Charlotte, North Carolina together with Joe Biden as the vice-presidential candidate. Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, (win) the nomination at the Republican Party Convention which (take) place on 27 August in Tampa, Florida. He (select) Paul Rayan as the Republican Vice-President. The candidates (address) carefully staged meetings, (hold) news conferences and (meet) local politicians for the last two months. They (debate) each other at the University of Denver in Colorado and at Hofstra University in New York two nights in October. Experts say the American economy (be) the top issue of the election campaign. And the debates (center) on economic and national health system concerns. Mr. Obama said when he took office, the United States (have) its most severe economic crisis since the nineteen thirties. He said that, in the past thirty months, five million jobs (create) in private industry. But he admitted that a lot (remain) to be done. Mr. Romney proposed (low) taxes to lift economic growth. But he sharply disagreed with Mr. Obama’s tax cut plan. The Republican candidate said he (not reduce) the share of taxes paid by high income individuals.

TRANSLATION: THE USA

Translate from Russian into English. США – это федеративное государство, состоящее из 50 штатов и федерального округа Колумбия. Вашингтон – столица США. В США существуют три основные ветви власти – законодательная, исполнительная и судебная. В США две основных партии – демократическая и республиканская. Высшим законодательным органом страны является Конгресс США, состоящий из двух палат – палаты представителей и сената. Президент США является главой государства, правительства и главнокомандующим вооруженными силами. Он избирается вместе с вице-президентом. Как избирается президент в США? – За него голосует коллегия выборщиков.

SPEAKING: US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

Give extensive answers to the following questions: 1. Who can become President in the USA? 2. When is the candidate to start running for president in the USA? What’s the first step? How long does it last? 3. Where are delegates to attend a national presidential-nominating convention selected? 4. When is the national convention held? 5. How many votes is enough to win the nomination? 6. How is a vice-presidential candidate selected? 7. What do the candidates and their teams do after the national convention? 8. Who backs the Democrats and who backs the Republicans? 9. When does the actual election take place? What happens on Election Day? 10. Do the Americans elect the president directly? 11. What’s the main reason for establishing the system of electoral college? 12. What do the electors do to elect president? 13. Who receives the results? How? 14. Has it ever happened that a candidate won a popular vote but hasn’t been elected president? 15. When does the president-elect start functioning as President?

GRAMMAR IN NEWS-STORIES: PREPOSITIONS, QUESTIONS

I. Complete the sentences with correct prepositions. The Emir of Qatar arrived (1)_____the Gaza Strip (2)_____ Tuesday (3)_____ a visit officially aimed (4)_____ launching a $254m construction project to help rebuild the war-torn Palestinian territory. Qatar has become one of Hamas's main benefactors since it fell (5)___ with Syria and relations cooled with Iran. Sheikh Hamad flew (6)____ Egypt and crossed into Gaza (7)____ car amid tight security. The emir and his large delegation were greeted (8)____ a Hamas honour guard and Palestinian and Qatari flags decorated the route (9)_____ the main road north to the city of Gaza, a key highway that Qatar will rebuild. A spokesperson (10)_____ Mr Abbas said the Palestinian Authority welcomed Qatar's efforts to help the people in Gaza but also stressed "the necessity to preserve the legitimate representation of the Palestinian people". II. Render the article in Task I into Russian. III. There is a mistake in the construction of the questions which were asked by journalists after the emir’s visit to the Gaza Strip. Correct the mistakes. Check up the use of tenses in reported questions. 1. Who by the emir was met? 2. How long the visit lasted? 3. Where the emir’s speech had been scheduled to take place? 4. The journalists wondered why was the event called off. 5. The reporters asked why did Hamas’s political leadership move from Syria to Egypt and Quatar. 6. One of the reporters asked is Qatar one of America’s key Arab allies. 7. Does Hamas recognized internationally as a terror group? 8. When did Hamas won Palestinian elections? 9. They want to know has the sheikh’s trip broken Israel’s economic and political blockade of Gaza. 10. The journalists asked how much has Qatar promise for construction projects.

POLITICAL VOCABULARY: US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

вступить в гонку за президентство собрать достаточно денег согласно 22 поправке конституции Make up a list of vocabulary to speak about the text: is How US President Chosen? предварительные выборы; простое большинство; по традиции; кандидат в президенты; утверждаться делегатами съезда; браться в расчет; вести предвыборную кампанию за президентство; Увеличиваются штаты (сотрудников); Разрабатываются расписания выступлений; Устанавливаются бюджеты; Выпускается телереклама; Чтобы оценить сильные и слабые стороны, проводятся опросы общественного мнения; Формируются группы граждан, чтобы привлекать независимых; Рассылаются добровольцы, чтобы распространять лит-ру предвыборной кампании, ходить по домам, созывать митинги; пересекать страну; профсоюзы; рассчитывать на поддержку; раскрытие карт; выиграть больше народных голосов, чтобы получить большинство и право на место; президента США; коллегия выборщиков; отцы-основатели; создать систему; защитить от народных пристрастий; отдать голос за кандидата в президенты; заказной почтой; исполняющий обязанности вице-президента; абсолютное большинство; присягать, давать клятву. to start running for president; to raise enough money; under terms of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution; primary elections = primaries; a simple majority; by custom; the presidential nominee; to be confirmed by convention delegates; to come into play; to campaign for presidency; Staffs are enlarged; Speaking schedules are roughed out; Budgets are fixed; TV commercials are produced; Polls are taken to assess strengths and weaknesses; Citizen groups are formed to attract independents; Volunteers are sent out to distribute campaign literature, ring doorbells, drum up rallies; to crisscross the country; labor unions; to count on the backing; the showdown; to win more popular votes to win the right to the office of President of the USA; electoral college; the founding fathers; to devise a system; to protect the country against ‘popular passions’; to cast a vote for a presidential nominee; by registered mail; the incumbent Vice President; an outright majority; to be sworn in. Say how the presidential nominees campaign for two or three months before Election Day, using the following words: Staffs______________; Speaking schedules______________; Budgets ____________________; TV commercials______________ ______________________; Polls ____________________; Citizen groups __________________; Volunteers ____________________; The presidential nominees ________________.

READING AND SPEAKING: PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN THE USA

Read the text and make up a plan using key expressions. How are US Рresidents Chosen? Becoming president of the United States is no easy task. These days a candidate has to start running for president about two years before the actual election takes place. A President must be at least 35 years old, have lived within the US for 14 years and be a ‘natural-born citizen’. Under terms of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, no person can be elected President more than twice. The first step is raising enough money. Many potential candidates fail if they can't convince enough people or corporations to support their campaigns. About nine months before the actual election, a series of primary elections in the states of the country (primaries) are held to select delegates to attend a national presidential-nominating convention held in summer where the presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the party will be chosen. In both major parties, a simple majority of delegate votes is enough to win the nomination. A vice-presidential candidate is selected by the presidential nominee and routinely confirmed by convention delegates. The nominating national convention allows the candidate, his or her team, and the particular party to use the convention as a showcase of the candidate's abilities. As soon as the conventions are over, the candidates campaign for two or three months for the presidency. The Republican and the Democratic nominees meet with their advisers to map strategy. Staffs are enlarged and speak¬ing schedules are roughed out. Budgets are fixed. TV commercials are pro¬duced. Polls are taken to assess strengths and weaknesses. Special appeals are made to various voter segments—eth-nic, professional, religious, by age group, by income and by other measurements. Citizen groups are formed to attract independents and dissidents of the opposition party. Volun¬teers are sent out to distribute campaign literature, ring doorbells, make telephone calls, drum up rallies. At the same time, the presidential and vice-presidential nominees are crisscrossing the country by plane. The candidates address carefully staged meetings, hold news conferences and confer with local politicians. The major labor unions and big-city political organiza¬tions generally back the Democratic nominees. Republicans can count on the backing of much of business and industry. The actual election is held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November in a year that must be divisible by four. The showdown comes on that day called Election Day. The candidate must win more popular votes than any other nominee in enough states and the District of Columbia to give him a majority. If he does all those things, he has won the right to the office of President of the United States. However the people don't directly elect the president. That's done by the electoral college. It's the method provided by the US Constitution to elect the president and the vice-president. When the founding fathers were creating a system to elect a president, they wanted to protect the country against "popular passions," and devised a system (based on ancient Roman and Greek models) that would allow a select group of (in those days) men to elect a president. At first, the electoral college had real power. But as the process became more democratic over the decades, the electoral college's role transformed into a largely ceremonial one. Now the college meets in early January after the general election. Each elector casts one vote for a presidential nominee and one vote for a vice-presidential nominee. The results are sent by registered mail to the president of the US Senate, who is the incumbent Vice President. Currently, a candidate needs 270 votes to win the election. If a candidate wins less than 270 votes, the election is thrown into the House of Representatives. Three times in the history of the US presidential elections candidates have won the popular vote but have not been elected president. The President-elect starts functioning as President the minute he is sworn in on inauguration day.

GRAMMAR: TENSES

Read the text about Oprah Winfrey and put the verbs in brackets into the correct verb-forms. QUEEN OF TALK Oprah Winfrey began speaking publically in church when she was two. By the time she(be)________________________ twelve, she (already, decide)_____________________________________________________ on a career. She wanted to be «paid to talk». In fact, it (not be)_____________________________________that long before she (get)____________________________________her first radio job. Although she (not have)________________________any experience, she (become)_____________________________________ a news reporter. When Winfrey (get)_____________________________________________ her TV talk show in 1986, she (be, already)_______________________________________________ a TV news reporter and (act)___________________________in a major Hollywood movie, 'The Colour Purple'. Oprah's warm personality (make)_______________________________ her TV guests comfortable. Her stories on topics such as child abuse – Oprah, herself, (be)__________________________________ a victim – (touch)____________________________________________________________ the hearts of the audience. 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' (become)________________________________________________________________________ so popular that by the late 1980s 'Oprah' (become)________________________________________________________________________ a household word. In 1994 Winfrey (decide)_______________________________that the quality of talk-show themes (get worse and worse)__________________________________________________________________. She (promise)_______________________________ to focus on more uplifting, meaningful issues such as runaway teenagers who return home. She also (make)_____________________________________________ a personal change. She (always, have) __________________________________________ a weight problem, but in 1995 TV viewers (see)____________________________ a new Winfrey. She (diet)_________________________________________________ and (work out)____________________________________________ - and she (lose)_____________________________________ almost 90 pounds! She (also, compete, successfully) ________________________________________________________________________ in a Washington, D.C. marathon. Today Oprah Witney is still going strong. In addition to her talk show, she (continue)_________________________________to be involved in movies. In 1998 she (star)_______________________________________________________________ in 'Beloved', which she (plan)_________________________________________________________________ to produce for ten years. When asked about her future, Winfrey said, 'It's so bright it burns my eyes'.

PHRASAL VERBS

Look for phrasals in the following sentences. Explain their meaning in English and give a Russian equivalent. Write the translation into Russian. 1. A former journalist who worked at the Daily Mirror, criticised media managers for cutting back on staff. 2. King Abdullah was the first Arab leader to say President Assad should step down. 3. The head of the Royal Air Force has acknowledged that civil war could break out in Afghanistan. 4. It has dragged on for more than three years and I don't think we will ever get over it. 5. US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta calls on Israel to work with Turkey and Egypt. 6. "I don't believe it will be the truth because they have covered it up for years. 7. We did offer concessions, but in the end they chose not to hold anything back," he added. 8. The Scottish government has said it intends to extend a scheme designed to bring down the cost of ferry travel. 9. India's government is reported to have put on hold plans to open up the retail market. 10. The people stepped in and said no," said one of the activists.

SPEAKING: THE US GOVERNMENT

Use this gapped text to speak about the government of the USA. The USA - the United States of America - is a federation of ________________ states. ________________________ is the centre of Federal Government, but each state has its own capital and its own government. State governments have a ________________ amount of power and independence: they make their own _________________, and they are also _______________________ for education, for the state police force, for the prison system, for road-building and many other things. Federal laws are made by ___________________, which is the equivalent of the British ____________________. There are two “houses”: the House of _________________________ and the ___________________. Each state sends _____________________ and ___________________ to __________________. Elections to the House of ______________________________ are held every __________ years, while _____________________ are elected for a _____________________ period. The ___________________ is elected separately, together with the ________________. They serve for a term of _____________ years. The _____________________ chooses the people who will form the cabinet. These do not have to be elected members of _____________________ - they can be brought in from outside ____________________ - but the ___________________ must approve their appointment. Power is shared between the _____________________ and ______________________, and if the _________________________ belongs to the minority party in _________________, it can cause problems. There are _____________ main political parties in the United States: the ____________________ and the ___________________. The _________________ are slightly more to the left than the _______________________, but the differences between their policies are not usually very great. The United States does not have a separate ceremonial Head of State.

Clashes Intensify on Turkish-Syrian Border

Read and listen to the report. Write 10 questions to ask about it. Speak about the clashes on the Turkish-Syrian border.http://learningenglish.voanews.com/content/clashes-intensify-on-turkish-syrian-border/1521505.html

READING AND SPEAKING: THE US GOVERNMENT

Read the text and complete the tasks which follow. The Government of the USA The USA - the United States of America - is a federation of fifty states. Washington is the centre of Federal Government, but each state has its own capital and its own government. State governments have a large amount of power and independence: they make their own laws, and they are also responsible for education, for the state police force, for the prison system, for road-building and many other things. Federal laws are made by Congress, which is the equivalent of the British Parliament. There are two “houses”: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each state sends representatives and senators to Congress. Elections to the House of Representatives are held every two years, while Senators are elected for a six-year period. The President is elected separately, together with the Vice-President. They serve for a term of four years. The President chooses the people who will form the cabinet. These do not have to be elected members of Congress - they can be brought in from outside Congress - but the Senate must approve their appointment. Power is shared between the President and Congress, and if the President belongs to the minority party in Congress, it can cause problems. There are two main political parties in the United States: the Democrats and the Republicans. The Democrats are slightly more to the left than the Republicans, but the differences between their policies are not usually very great. The United States does not have a separate ceremonial Head of State. 1. Read these words and give the Russian equivalents. Chambers, laws, to govern, secret ballot, the chief executive, a monarchy, a majority, a minority, cabinet, to take policy decisions, to be controlled by..., to elect, to be separately elected, to have a large amount of power and independence, the state police force, the prison system, road-building, local government, regional government, ceremonial head of state, Congress, Conservatives, country, county, Liberal Democtats, Representative, Republicans, Senate, approve, to hold (held, held), right-wing, slightly, to be responsible for..., to serve for a term of four years, to share power. 2. Give the English equivalents for these words: Правительство, создавать законы, парламент, конгресс, палата общин, палата лордов, палата представителей, сенат, члены парламента, принадлежать к разным партиям, глава исполнительной власти, власть ограничена парламентом, большинство, меньшинство, назначать, выбирать, контролировать, избираться отдельно, церемониальный глава государства, федерация, независимость, каждые два года, на четырехлетний срок, на шесть лет, формировать кабинет министров, одобрить, левое крыло, тайное голосование, президент, премьер-министр. 3. Which of these words would you use speaking about the USA and about the UK? Write them into two columns.

GRAMMAR: TENSES IN NEWS-STORIES

Read the article, open the brackets using the correct verb-forms. Write 7 questions to the article. Translate the text into Russian in writing. Georgia election: Rival leaders agree on Nato goal The president of Georgia and the incoming prime minister have agreed Nato membership remains a strategic goal, despite their differences. Mikheil Saakashvili, whose party (1 defeat) at last week's election, (2 shake) hands with Bidzina Ivanishvili for the cameras but (3 show) little warmth. It is the first time the two officials (4 meet) since last year, when Mr Ivanishvili (5 vow) to oust the ruling party. Under Mr Saakashvili, Georgia (6 become) a strong partner of Nato. It (7 send) troops to serve alongside Nato forces in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr Ivanishvili, a tycoon who (8 make) his fortune in Russia, (9 portray) by the ruling party during the election campaign as being pro-Moscow. Russia (10 not have) diplomatic ties with Georgia since the two countries' brief war over the breakaway Georgian territory of South Ossetia in August 2008. Mr Ivanishvili said that Georgia (11 definitely, be able) to become a member of Nato soon. He added that during the meeting they (12 talk) about foreign policy and their visions. Mr Saakashvili said that he, as president, (13 ensure) that the transfer of government functions (14 go) "without any excesses". Georgia's chances of joining Nato (15 damage) by the war with Russia. The alliance (16 not want) to accept a new member that might drag it into an armed conflict with Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in Moscow that while Russia (17 hope) for a normalisation of relations with Georgia, the status of South Ossetia and fellow breakaway territory Abkhazia (18 not be) negotiable. Russia (19 recognize) both territories as independent states. The new Georgian government is expected (20 take) office later this month.

SPEAKING: THE UK

Be ready to give extensive answers to these questions: Who runs the UK? What is Parliament? What is the job of Parliament? How many parts does Parliament consist of? Who is the the House of Lords made up of? How many members are there? What is the main function of the House of Lords? How many members are there in the House of Commons? How are they called? Which Chamber of Parliament is more important? What is a General Election? How often do General Elections take place? When was the last General Election? What political party headed the Government? Who can become a MP? How does an MP get a seat in Parliament? Where do MPs hold most of their debates? What's the role of the Speaker? What does the Opposition do? Where do they sit during the debates? What are the red lines on the carpet in front of each set of benches for? What are the main Political Parties in the House of Commons? Who are the leaders of the three major political parties? How does Parliament make new laws? How are they called? Who has the final say on whether the bill becomes law? Who are Tories and Whigs?

TRANSLATION PRACTICE_THE UK

Translation from Russian into English: British Government 1. Две мировых войны уменьшили роль Великобритании, но она остается ведущей экономической и военной державой. Великобритания – основной игрок международных отношений и выполняет важную роль в Европейском союзе, ООН и НАТО. 2. Несмотря на то, что Великобритания - основной член Евросоюза, страна не является частью еврозоны. 3. Является ли Соединенное королевство парламентской республикой? – Нет, СК – конституционная монархия. 4. – Монарх является церемониальным главой государства. С 1952 года главой СК является Королева, Елизавета II. 5. Как формируется правительство Великобритании? – Партия, победившая на выборах, формирует правительство, а лидер этой партии становится премьер-министром. Он формирует свой кабинет министров. 6. Если партия получает большее количество мест в парламенте, но не имеет абсолютного большинства, то формируется коалиционное правительство. 7. В Великобритании три основных партии – лейбористская, консервативная и либерально-демократическая. 8. Палата общин состоит из 659 членов, которые избираются местными гражданами, чтобы представлять интересы избирательного округа в Парламенте. 9. Каждый член палаты общин представляет один из 659 избирательных округов и является членом одной из политических партий. 10. Палата лордов, верхняя палата британского парламента, состоит из людей, которые унаследовали титул или из тех, которым титул был пожалован монархом за выдающиеся достижения. 11. Палата общин более важная, т.к. там обсуждают политические решения и создают законы. 12. Выборы членов парламента от каждого округа называются всеобщими выборами. 13. Всеобщие выборы в Великобритании должны проходить по крайней мере раз в пять лет и они созываются Премьер-министром. 14. В Великобритании нет конституции, составленной в форме основного закона. 15. Как в Великобритании принимаются законы? – Чтобы стать законом, законопроект должен пройти три чтения в Палате Общин, быть одобренным в Палате Лордов и быть подписанным монархом.

GRAMMAR: PREPOSITIONS

Fill in the missing prepositions. 1. The United Kingdom is made _____of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It has a long history as a major player _____ international affairs. 2. _____ the beginning of the century Britain commanded a world-wide empire as the foremost global power. 3. UK’s economy remains one of the largest, but it has _____ many years been based _____ service industries rather than _____ manufacturing. 4. Lately, the country has been struggling _____ issues revolving _____ multiculturalism, immigration and national identity. This is _____ a background of concerns _____ terrorism and political and religious radicalism, heightened _____ the suicide bomb attacks_____ London's transport network _____ 2005. 5. Elizabeth II became queen ____ 1952 _____ the death of her father, George VI. 6. Born ___ 1966 ____ London, Mr Cameron was educated ____ Eton College and Oxford University. Aged 43 _____ coming _____ power, he was the youngest prime minister _____ 1812. 7. David Cameron became prime minister ____ the head of a coalition government ___ 11 May 2010, returning his centre-right Conservative Party ____ power ____ 13 years of rule ____ the centre-left Labour Party. It is the first formal coalition government ____ 70 years to govern the UK, where the electoral system usually guarantees a majority ____ the largest party. The new PM was confronted ____ a daunting economic situation. ____ October 2010, Mr Cameron's government announced a programme of deep cuts ____ government spending - the UK's largest ____ generations. _____ 2011, the prime minister was criticised ____ hiring a journalist implicated in the scandal. 8. Tony Blair stepped _____ _____ coming _____ growing pressure _____ Britain's role ____ the Iraq War.

GRAMMAR: TENSES_THE UK

Open the brackets, using the correct verb-forms. THE UK The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a Constitutional Monarchy. Elizabeth the Second (crown) the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1952. Her father, George the Sixth, (rule) for 16 years. She is the Head of State but she is not the Head of Government. Laws in Great Britain (make) by Parliament. They (execute) by Government. Since the end of the Second World War British economy (base) on service industries, but it still (remain) a major economic and military power. The country (not enter) the euro zone and the question if it (join) it some time in the future, (appear) to be rather debatable. The UK lately (struggle) with such complicated issues as multicultuarism, immigration, national identity, political and religious radicalism and terrorism. The concerns about suicide bombings (heighten) since the attacks on London’s transport network in 2005. The UK (emerge) from a deep recession caused by 2008 global financial crisis, when David Cameron, the leader of centre-right Conservative Party, (become) the PM in 2010. He (must) form a partnership with the Liberal Democrats because his party (not gain) an absolute majority. It is the first coalition government in 70 years. By 2010 the centre-left Labour Party (be) in power for 13 years. After Mr Cameron (assume) office, he promised that cutting the deficit (be) his top priority. Now the PM (criticize) for (give) tax cuts to the rich while (cut) spending on the poor and (fail) in the central aim of reducing borrowing.

READING AND SPEAKING: THE UK COUNTRY PROFILE

Read the text and complete the tasks which follow. The United Kingdom is made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It has a long history as a major player in international affairs and fulfils an important role in the EU, UN and Nato. The twentieth century saw Britain having to redefine its place in the world. At the beginning of the century it commanded a world-wide empire as the foremost global power. Two world wars and the end of empire diminished its role, but the UK remains a major economic and military power, with considerable political and cultural influence around the world. Britain was the world's first industrialised country. Its economy remains one of the largest, but it has for many years been based on service industries rather than on manufacturing. Despite being a major member of the EU, the country is not part of the euro zone, and the question of whether it will join any time soon appears to have receded for the moment. The government has said a series of economic criteria must be met before the issue can be put to a referendum. Diversity The UK is ethnically diverse, partly as a legacy of empire. Lately, the country has been struggling with issues revolving around multiculturalism, immigration and national identity.This is against a background of concerns about terrorism and political and religious radicalism, heightened after the suicide bomb attacks on London's transport network in 2005. Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth II became queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1952 upon the death of her father, George VI. She is the second longest serving head of state, after the Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was crowned in 1946. She is also head of state of 16 independent countries including Canada and Australia.As a constitutional monarch, her role in the legislative process is largely ceremonial. Prime minister: David Cameron Born the son of a wealthy stockbroker in 1966 in London, Mr Cameron was educated at Eton College - Britain's top private school - and Oxford University. Aged 43 on coming to power, he was the youngest prime minister since 1812. David Cameron became prime minister at the head of a coalition government on 11 May 2010, returning his centre-right Conservative Party to power after 13 years of rule by the centre-left Labour Party. Mr Cameron formed a partnership with the third party, the Liberal Democrats, after an inconclusive parliamentary election from which the Conservatives emerged with the largest number of seats, but without an absolute majority. It is the first formal coalition government in 70 years to govern the UK, where the electoral system usually guarantees a majority for the largest party. The new PM was confronted by a daunting economic situation, with the UK only slowly emerging from a deep recession caused by the 2008 global financial collapse, and facing a rapidly mounting budget deficit as a result of the crisis. Assuming office, Mr Cameron promised that cutting the deficit would be his top priority. In October 2010, Mr Cameron's government announced a programme of deep cuts in government spending - the UK's largest in generations. In 2011, the prime minister was criticised for hiring a journalist implicated in the scandal surrounding the hacking of phones by the now defunct News of the World newspaper as his communications director. The journalist, Andy Coulson, a former News of the World editor, resigned and was later arrested in connection with the allegations. Mr Cameron's predecessor, Gordon Brown, became prime minister in 2007, succeeding Tony Blair, who had stepped down after coming under growing pressure over Britain's role in the Iraq War. Are these statements true or false according to the text? Prove your point of view with the text. 1. The UK is made up of Great Britain, England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. 2. The UK is one of the main states which has influence on the international affairs. 3. The UK plays a major role in the European Union, United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States. 4. At the beginning of the 20th century the UK was an emerging power. 5. The UK’s role on the global arena in the 20th century decreased because of the Second World War. 6. British economy was based on service industries. 7. The UK’s currency isn’t euro. 8. The UK’s problems in the 21st century mainly deal with ethnical diversity and terrorism. Answer the questions. 1. When did Elizabeth II become the head of the UK? What other countries does she rule? 2. How long has she been the Queen? 3. How old is David Cameron? How old was he when he was elected PM? What political party does he lead? 4. What’s his educational background? 5. How long had the Labour Party been in power before 11 May 2010? 6. Why did Mr Cameron have to form a partnership with the Liberal Democrates? 7. What economic situation was the new PM confronted by? 8. What are the two issues Mr Cameron is primarily criticized for by the British and the media? 9. Who were Mr Cameron’s predecessors? Be ready to retell the text in detail. You are to be ready to speak about: Major Facts about the UK; The UK’s role in the past and in the present; The major issues of concern for the British government; British PM David Cameron; The UK Head of State. You may add any additional information you consider important for your talk.

GRAMMAR: TENSES

Read the article, opening the brackets and using the correct verb-forms. Translate into Russian. Russia to become Iraq's second-biggest arms supplier Iraq (1 sign) contracts to buy Russian arms worth $4.2bn this year, Russian news agencies report. Moscow, the main supplier of arms to Iraq under Saddam Hussein, thus becomes the country's second-biggest arms supplier after the US. The new contracts (2 announce) after talks between the two countries' prime ministers near Moscow on Tuesday. Iraq (3 rebuild) its armed forces since the end of US-led combat operations against insurgents. The contracts (4 negotiate) during Iraq's acting Defence Minister visits to Russia in April, July and August 2012. "The delegation members (5 familiarize) themselves with the Russian military production, (6 discuss) the technical and commercial options of the offer with Rosoboronexport, and (7 sign) contracts worth more than $4.2bn," said a joint statement by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his Iraqi counterpart, Nouri Maliki. Earlier this week, Mr Maliki explained in a speech that he (8 not want) Iraq to be "part of someone else's arms export monopoly." "We have good relations with the United States and Iran. We (9 not want) to live surrounded by constant conflict. We regularly (10 buy) weapons based on the needs that we feel we have," he added.

POLITICAL VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT 1

Read and give Russian equivalents of the following phrases and word combinations. Resumption of the Geneva talks; dangerous hot¬beds of tension; express confidence; an important stage in the development of relations; to deal with the Middle East problem; establishment of trade re¬lations; efforts to overcome antagonism; to ex¬change views on topical problems; to pursue a poli¬cy; the British leader was given a warm welcome; to give assessment to; to solve disputable questions through negotiations; to give an impetus/a boost; to reveal deep differences on arms control; to prevent nuc¬lear war; to achieve disarmament; call on sb for sth; to promote sth; to tackle differences; to ex¬press concern; to suspend talks. Give English equivalents of the following phrases and word combinations. Призывать к возобновлению переговоров; пе¬реговоры по Ближнему Востоку; предстоящая сессия Генеральной Ассамблеи ООН; очаги на¬пряженности; развитие отношений между двумя странами; торговля между нашими странами развивается; установление дружеских отноше¬ний; улучшить международный климат; обме¬няться мнениями по данному вопросу; проводить политику мира; программа визита; главы госу¬дарств были удовлетворены результатами пере-говоров; способствовать сотрудничеству; в ходе встречи; правительство США выражает; достичь прогресса; актуальные проблемы; оказывать влияние; отклонить предложение; обеспечить безопасность; вывод войск; переговоры были приостановлены; решать спорные вопросы путем переговоров

GRAMMAR: PASSIVE

Put these sentences into Passive, where possible. Most powerful earthquake since records began has struck the north-east coast of Japan. A wall of water swept away cars, ships and buildings after the 8.9-magnitude quake. The government has declared a state of emergency at a nuclear plant. The police have found 200 to 300 bodies in the port city of Sendai. The tremor hit at 1446 local time at a depth of about 24km. Radio reports extended a tsumami warning across the Pacific to North and South America. The Red Cross in Geneva warned that the waves could be higher than some Pacific islands. Local authorities evacuated coastal areas in the Philippines, and other parts of the Pacific ahead of the tsunami's expected arrival.

NEWSPAPER WORDS 3

Match the ‘newspaper word’ with its equivalent. Think of a Russian translation. Then read the headlines and translate them. Learn the words. Newspaper Words: aid; to bar; to clash; to axe; to halt; to press for; a blast; an envoy; to plunge; to vow. Meaning: to stop; to cut or to destroy; help; to promise; to argue violently or to start fighting; an explosion; to demand; a diplomat; to prohibit; to fall steeply Man Aids Police; Labour axe colleges in Tory towns; South African Team Barred; Ten dead in bomb blast; Strikers in clash with police; US Envoy taken hostage; Channel Tunnel Halt; Ford Plunges; Teachers press for pay rise; President Vows Change in Policy.

GRAMMAR: ARTICLES

Fill in the missing articles, where necessary: ___ Foreign Ministry, ____Foreign Office, ____ United Nations Organization, ____UN, ___ North Atlantic Treaty Organiza¬tion, ____NATO, ____World Trade Organization, ____WTO, ____ Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, ____OPEC, ____ Strategic Arms Reduction, ____ START, ____ House of Lords, ____ State Duma, ____ Kremlin, ____ White House, _____10 Downing Street, _____ Whitehall. _____UN Secretary-General, ____Foreign Secretary; _____ US State Secretary, Ms. H.Clinton; ____Deputy Prime Minister and ____Minister for Foreign Affairs; _____Federal Chancellor of _____Germany, Mrs. A.Merkel; ____President Putin of Russia; ____Russian President Vladimir Putin; _____Foreign Minister Lavrov; ____President Barak Obama

TRANSLATION DIFFICULTIES 1

1. Learn these expressions. shortly after вскоре после; shortly before незадолго до; without delay незамедлительно. 2. Practise in translation into Russian. 1. The President arrived in Moscow shortly after the text of the agree¬ment had been worked out by the delegations. 2. The peace negotiations were resumed shortly alter the ceasefire pact had been reached. 3. The violence started shortly before the United States decided to send its mediator to the region. 4. Iraq agreed to return military inspectors shortly after Washington had threatened to launch a campaign against it. 5. The co-sponsors resumed their peace efforts without delay. 6. "We must stop the terrorist attacks in Israel without delay", said the Prime Minister. 7. The United States intends to send its special envoy to the region without delay. 8. "The Israeli troops must be withdrawn from the occupied territories without delay", the Palestinian representative insisted. 9. "Israel should halt its West Bank offensive without delay", the US secretary of state said. Practise in translation into English. 1. Стороны пришли к соглашению вскоре после начала переговоров. 2. Президент США прибыл в Рим вскоре после того, как госсекретарь провел там предварительные переговоры. 3. Незадолго до начала переговоров о прекращении огня в Израи¬ле палестинские боевики совершили очередной террористиче¬ский акт. 4. Президент прервал свой визит и незамедлительно вернулся на родину. 5. Вскоре после очередного теракта ООН приняла решение сократить свое присутствие в стране. 6. Незадолго до отставки генсек НАТО посетил Россию.

NEWSPAPER WORDS 2

1. Read the headlines and translate them into Russian. German court backs eurozone's ESM bailout fund; Businesses hope for boost from royal visit to Singapore; Palestinian bid to calm protesters; Somalia poll – a great step; Haier makes Fisher & Paykel bid. 2. Read fragments of news items. Underline ‘newspaper words’, translate into Russian. 1. Nato's secretary-general has expressed concern over a decision by Azerbaijan to pardon an army officer convicted of the brutal murder of an Armenian. 2. Germany's top court has rejected calls to block the permanent eurozone rescue fund - the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) - and the European fiscal treaty. 3. A militant union has refused to sign a "peace accord" with the government and mine owner Lonmin, insisting that it will remain on strike until its pay demands are met. 4. Mr Pithiemis has pledged to cut crime across Warwickshire, to make people feel safer and to give taxpayers value for money. 5. Assembly members have voted to ban advertising and the promotion of tobacco in Northern Ireland. 6. Wen Jiabao calls for world leaders to work together to boost global growth. 7. Mitt Romney has pledged "to restore the promise of America", as he accepted the Republican presidential nomination at the party's convention in Florida. 8. The Palestinian Authority is to cut fuel prices and the salaries of top officials after days of protests across the West Bank over rising living costs. 9. On coming to power, Mr Correa froze talks on a free trade pact with the US, saying it would hurt Ecuador's farmers, 10. Ethiopia has pardoned two Swedish journalists jailed last year for supporting terrorism, a minister has said, adding they would be freed soon.

GRAMMAR: REPORTED QUESTIONS

Change the following Direct Questions into Reported Questions. 1. One of the journalists asked: "Are the two sides going to resume peace talks next month?" 2. The Reuters correspondent asked: "When will the visit start and what issues will the two presidents focus on?" 3. The head of the delegation asked: "When are the talks scheduled to start?" 4. A BBC correspondent asked the Foreign Ministry spokesman: "Is Russia going to send its peacekeepers to Afghanistan?" 5. A correspondent asked: "Why did the US refuse to sign the Kyoto protocol?" 6. A member of the delegation asked his colleague: "What will be on the agenda of the meeting tomorrow?" 7. The participants in the conference asked the chairman: "Are you go¬ing to organize another meeting on the peaceful settlement of region¬al conflicts?"

NEWSPAPER WORDS 1

1. Newspaper headings often use specific words in order to attract the reader’s attention. Match the “headline word” with its general meaning (synonym). Headline words: an accord; to back; a ban; a bid; a poll; a boost; a cut; to head; key; a pact; to pledge. Meaning: to promise; a treaty; to lead or to direct; an offer or attempt; essential; election or public opinion survey; a reduction; to support; a prohibition; help or incentive; an agreement. 2. Read the headlines and translate them using the table above. Wages Accord Reached; Union Back Peace Move; Bus Ban on Pupils After Attack on Crew; Bid to Open Border; Union Rejects Latest Bid; Industry Gets Boost; Big Cuts in Air Fares; Buchanan to Head Peace Mission; Key Witness Dies; Peace Pact Ends; Labour Pledges Higher Pensions; Swedish Poll Shows Swing to Right