4. Texts

Text 1: "LONDONERS"

The districts in London have their special characters. Chelsea is known for its artists and Soho for its famous restaurants.

According to tradition, the only "real" Londoners are cockneys. A cockney is a Londoner born within the sound of Bow Bells of the church in the City. Cockneys are known for their usual accent, which can be heard in the poor districts.

London attracts many new residents from outside Britain. Today about a million Londoners are immigrants. Most immigrants have grouped together. Soho has many people of French and Italian ancestry.

Most Londoners live in Suburban communities in comfortable single-family houses with gardens. Most of the families own their homes. Poor families and immigrants live in rental houses and apartments.

London has 640 secondary schools and some famous public schools for boys-Harrow, Westminster and St. Paul's. University of London, with 65.000 students is the largest nation's university. The British Open University offers Instruction through radio, television and written correspondence.

Soccer (football) is the most popular sport in England. 12 professional teams play on Saturdays from August through April. The championships are held in May at Wembley Stadium, which seats 100.000 spectators. Many teams in London play Rugby, from September through April.

Cricket is a popular sport played in spring and summer. Londoners also enjoy golf, horse racing, and tennis. The famous annual Wimbledon Tennis Tournament take place in June and July at Wimbledon Park London.

In the evening, Londoners enjoy watching television at home or a film at one of 200 cinemas of London. Many people spend the evening at their neighbourhood pub. London has about 5.600 pubs. The West End is the home of famous private clubs. Politicians and businessmen meet in these clubs for meals and conversation. The social problems of London include poverty, unemployment, crime, and drug addiction.

Questions to the text;

1. Who is Cockney?

2. Where do most Londoners live?

3. What educational establishments are there in London?

4. What are the most popular sports in England?

5. What do Londoners enjoy doing in the evenings?

6. What do social problems of London include?

Text 2: "lifestyles"

In Britain strangers don't talk to each other; it is polite to queue for everything; people say "thank you" when they give money to a shop assistant; people open presents in front of people they receive then from.

British people are good listeners. Understatement is another character trait of the British.

About half the population of Great Britain take part in sport. The most popular outdoor sporting activity is walking about 2 miles. The most popular indoor activity is Snooker (billiards).

There are about 7 million dogs and over 7 million cats in Britain. One in ten people own a dog or cat. Every year the British spend over 1.5 billion pounds on pet food. They support 380 charities which protect animals. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the largest animal welfare society in Britain. It provides practical help and campaigns against animal cruelty. It has over 250 inspectors who make sure nobody breaks the laws which protect animals.

When a child is born its parents may announce the birth in a newspaper. The birth must be registered at the local registrar's office within 6 weeks in England.

At the christening there is one godmother and 2 godfather for a boy and vice versa for a girl. The true role of godparents is to watch over the spiritual welfare of their godchildren until confirmation. Usually, the friends and relatives give a christening present. Traditionally, the godparents give a silver cup. Other presents include Bible, a poetry book, or a silver spoon.

The 21-birthday is an important date in any person's life. It is official coming of age. A 21- birthday party is generally arranged. All those invited send cards and bring presents. The cards usually have a picture of a key on them, which is a symbol of independence. Often the guests bump him 21 times. Now, young people have the right to vote at 18, so many celebrate the 18- birthday.