6. London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, its economic, political and cultural center. It is one of the world’s major cities. The population of Greater London is about 11 million people.

London has a long history. It originated about 2 thousand years ago as a small Roman town on the north bank of the Thames. Some of its ancient buildings still exist.

The vast urban territory of Greater London is divided into 32 London boroughs in addition to the ancient City of London. The West End is London's main entertainment and shopping district attracting tourists. The East End is the area closest to the original Port of London, known for its high immigrant population, as well as for being one of the poorest areas in London.

London's largest industry is finance, Around 325,000 people are employed in financial services in London. London has over 480 overseas banks, more than any other city in the world. More than half of the UK's top companies and over 20 per cent of Europe's largest companies are headquartered in Central London. The City of London is home to the Bank of England, London Stock Exchange, and Lloyds of London insurance market. Along with professional services, media companies are concentrated in London

London is one of the world's leading tourism destinations, offering an array of famous tourist attractions. London attracts almost 15 million international visitors per year, making it the world's most visited in terms of international visits. Visitors usually want to see The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St.Paul’s Cathedral. London is also noted for its museums, art galleries, theatres and parks.

Notes to the Text

major – главный

originate – происходить, быть основанным

be employed – работать

headquarter – центр, управление

destination – направление

7. Agriculture

Agriculture is an important branch or economy. Economic growth of any country depends on the development of agriculture which supplies the people with food and clothing and industry with raw materials.

The word "agre" is a Latin word. It means the cultivation of fields in order to grow crops. Now agriculture also includes the use of land to breed farm animals.

We do not know when people began to grow crops. It was many thou­sand years ago. Now crop production and animal husbandry are highly developed branches of agriculture.

Life is impossible without plants. They play a highly important role in everyday life of people. Plants that are grown by farmers are known as farm crops. They are used for many different purposes. Most of them are used directly as food for people, some are consumed by farm animals, oth­ers are used in industry and medicine.

In order to increase crop yields and animal products our farms apply widely intensive technologies.

Notes to the Text

in order to – чтобы, с целью

crop production – растениеводство

animal husbandry – животноводство