Join the parts of the sentences.

Discuss with your group mates.

1) Have you ever visited London?

2) Is London a nice place to visit? Why?

3) What sights of London are you mostly interested in? Why?

LONDON (Level 1)

London is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom. It is situated in the south-east of England and stands on the River Thames. The settlement was founded two thousand years ago by the Romans. This original site of London is now called the City of London and is Britain’s main financial centre.

More than 8.6 mln people live in modern London (2015). It is the city of arts, education, entertainment, fashion, sports. Among the first historic buildings is the Tower of London, founded by William the Conqueror in the XI^th c. as a fortress. Since then the Tower was used as a fortress, royal palace, state prison and royal treasury; now it is a museum.

One of the city’s famous sights is the Houses of Parliament. The Elizabeth Tower with its hour-bell called "Big Ben" is known the world over.

The masterpiece that London visitors can’t but see is Westminster Abbey. It is the place where numerous kings and queens have been crowned, married and buried. The Abbey is also known for its Poets’ Corner. Graves and memorials to many English poets and writers can be seen there.

The centre of London has always been dominated by St. Paul's Cathedral which is the largest Protestant Church in England.

The most beautiful London park, Hyde Park, with its Speaker’s corner is situated in the richest and most beautiful part of London called the West End. Other well-known parks are Regent’s Park, Green Park, St. James’s Park and Kensington Park.

Trafalgar Square is the natural centre of London. The square was given its name to commemorate Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The monument in the centre, known as Nelson’s Column, is topped by a Statue of Nelson. At the base of Nelson’s Column are four lions.

Buckingham Palace, London residence of the Queen and the royal family, is also situated in the West End.

London is home to numerous museums, galleries, including the British Museum, National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern, Madame Tussauds, British Library and 40 West End theatres. There is always something new to be discovered in this great city.

LONDON (Level 2)

London is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom. It stands on the River Thames. It was founded two thousand years ago by the Romans. Modern London has the population of over 8.6 million people. It is the city of arts, education, entertainment, fashion, sports.

Among the city’s historic buildings is the Tower of London. It was founded in the eleventh century as a fortress. Now it is a museum.

The building of the Houses of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower with its hour-bell "Big Ben" are known the world over.

Westminster Abbey attracts many visitors. It is the place where kings and queens have been crowned, married and buried. It is also known for its Poets’ Corner.

St. Paul's Cathedral is situated in the centre of London. It is one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and the largest Protestant Church in England.

Trafalgar Square with Nelson’s Column is also a popular place of interest. It commemorates Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in the early 19^th century.

London has many beautiful parks: Hyde Park, with its Speaker’s corner, Regent’s Park, Green Park, St. James’s Park and Kensington Park. It has a lot of theatres and museums, including the British Museum, National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern. There is always something new to be found in this great city.

Questions on the topic:

1) In what part of the United Kingdom is London situated?

2) How old is London?

3) What is the original site of London?

4) What are the best-known places of interest in London?

5) When and why was the Tower of London built? How has it been used since?

6) What is the Houses of Parliament famous for?

7) Where are kings and queens usually crowned?

8) What is Poets’ Corner known for?

9) What great London sight is an architectural masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren?

10) What great event does Trafalgar Square commemorate? Why is the square popular among the public?

11) What is London residence of the Queen and the royal family?

12) What are the most popular museums of London?