. Similarities

Both the Russian and British political systems have a head of state, a court system and an upper and lower house. Both have constitutions that lay out the rules for government and the rights of the people. Both systems are democratic in nature and both have systems of checks and balances to limit the power of any one branch.

The executive – the Ministers who run the country and propose new laws.The legislature – the elected body that passes new laws

The judiciary – the judges and the courts who ensure that everyone obeys the laws

Card 3

British Character

1. Are the British polite? Why?

The British are polite and well-mannered people. Such words as "Please", "Thank you" and "Excuse me" are used very often in Britain.

2. Are the British reserved or communicative? Why?

The British are reserved. They don't like displaying their emotions even in dangerous and tragic situations. They control their emotions because they are taught that it is best not to show their feelings.

3. Why are the British people said to be conservative?

Englishmen are rather conservative, they love familiar things. They are proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up.

4. What traditional British ceremonies do you know?

There are a lot of traditional ceremonies such as the "Changing of the Guard" "at Buckingham Palace, "Trooping the Colour", which is performed on the Queen's official birthday, or the "Ceremony of the Keys", that takes place every night at the Tower of London.

5. What are traditional British dishes? What do the British like to drink?

The British people are the greatest tea drinkers. They drink it at meals and between meals. The English tea is usually strong and with milk.

6. Do the British keep everything in order? How can you prove that?

The English are practical and realistic, prudent and careful about almost everything. Everything is orderly: the lawns and the trees are neatly trimmed.

7. Do the British, like their countryside?

. The English countryside is many things to many people. Most Englishmen love gardens. Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies among Englishmen. They usually prefer a house with a garden to an apartment in a modern block of flats.

8. What is their attitude towards animals?

The British love animals very much. . The English take good care of their pets. They are pet lovers.

9. Can you describe the British using 3 adjectives?

We can describe the British using 3 adjectives. The British are well-mannered people.

They are reserved and rather conservative.

10. What is your personal attitude towards the British?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

11. How different or alike do you think the Russians and the British are?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Card 4

Computers

1. What do you think about the future of computers?

It's impossible to say now how computers will change our lives. But we must admit that computer offers people great opportunities, and we must try to make the best use of it. I'd like to say that computers have introduced wonderful possibilities for people and people won’t refuse them.

2. How can we use computers in our life?

We can do almost everything with the help of a computer. The World Wide Web allows us to access the latest information very quickly. If you want to travel abroad, you can find in the Internet the information about the country and its hotels. It's fast and easy to surf the net in search of information from all over the world. You can chat on-line and make new friends with people from all over the world. Besides, it's a chance to practise your English.