5. Conversational topic: ‘Kyiv, a capital of Ukraine’

Instructions for the reading:

1. Skim the text first. Get the idea of it – What is it about?

2. Study the words given after the text.

3. Read the text again, underline key words and define the main idea of each paragraph.

4. Retell the text, you can also add more details to each paragraph, using your knowledge and experience.

Text B: Kyiv, the Mother of Russian Cities

Kyiv is one of the most ancient European cities and its history as the capital of the ancient state of Rus’ dates back to 862 (according to Nestor, the chronicler). The archaeological digs testify that the territory of contemporary Kyiv was occupied even earlier.

The city, situated on the high hills on the bank of the Dnieper, had the excellent defense position and, above all, it was located on the trade route “from the Variangians to the Greeks.” The place reached the heights of its development during the reign of the Prince Yaroslav the Wise, thanks to whom Kyivan Rus’ was widely known and respected by other nations.

Nowadays Kyiv has become the centre of political, economic, scientific and cultural life of Ukraine. The city equals to Paris in area but it is much greener. Parks, gardens and boulevards occupy almost two-thirds of its territory. It is especially beautiful in spring, when chestnut-trees are in blossom.

Kyiv is also a city of students. There is a great choice of colleges and universities.

During World War II German fascists liquidated thousands of its inhabitants, including 200,000 Jews. But Kyiv has survived. It is growing, developing and becoming more picturesque. However, people are the main treasure of the capital. They are tender, sentimental and dreamy on the one hand, and diligent, courageous and persistent on the other hand. They are people who do not forget their past and the people fixed upon the future.

Kyiv is unique in its beauty and originality. One can always find his own place for walks and rest. Its historical places are a treasury of medieval art and architecture that contain splendid mosaics, frescoes and icons. The restored Uspensky and St. Mikhail Cathedrals welcome all the kyivites and guests of Kyiv. There are unique Kyiv Pechersk caves, just visiting of which, as the experts assure, can heal various diseases. This place has become a sacred place of pilgrimage. The St. Volodymyr Cathedral is famous for its murals. One of the most picturesque spots in Kyiv is Andriyivsky Uzviz with its multi-style paintings and works of talented craftsmen.

Come and enjoy the sights of Kyiv!

Help: Chronicler - літописець Testify - свідчити Contemporary - сучасний Defence – захист Trade route – торговий шлях Reign - царювати Scientific – науковий Area – площа, територія Chestnut - каштан Liquidate – знищувати Jew – єврей

Treasure – скарб Persistent – наполегливий On the one hand/on the other hand – з одного/іншого боку Medieval – середньовічний Restore – відновлювати Assure – запевняти Mural – настінний Craftsman –ремісник Sights/ places of interest – видатні місця Survive – виживати