Ознакомьтесь с фрагментом из пособия "WELCOME", которое является продуктом совместного творчества школьных учителей, методистов из ин. яз-а, института развития образования г. Нижнего Новгорода

1. TRAVEL TO RUSSIA

I. Pre-reading task

- Do many tourists visit our country? Why?

- Look at the picture and tell the classmates:

What do foreigners think about Russia? What problems can they face while visiting Russia?

II. Read the article and match the following headings to each of the paragraphs.

1. Money

2. Planning your visit

1. Language problems

2. Food

3. Crime situation

4. Weather

5. Visa

Russia is a beautiful country and you will enjoy your trip. At the same time it's quite different from other tourist destinations and you should plan your visit carefully and well in advance.

The first issue that you will face when planning your trip concerns the best season to come to Russia. There are no doubts you'd better come in summer. Summer in Russia lasts from June to August. If you are going to Siberia or the Far East, the most beautiful weather one can enjoy is in September. Winter jennies have their special charm, but you’d better not try it if you are not used to subzero. Rains in Russia are usual for any season, except winter, so make sure to take an umbrella with you._____1.____. If the purpose of your visit is matrimonial, take jeans rather than shorts - shorts are not the best wear for such important things as courting.

Although during the last years traveling to Russia has become easier, you still have to obtain a visa. You can apply for a private, tourist or business visa. Tourist visas are the least complicated to obtain. When you choose a travel agency, make sure that they have a reliable Russian partner in the city you are going to visit; otherwise you can be lodged in a low class hotel somewhere in the outskirts. ______2._____You must register with Russian authorities after arriving at your destination. If you are staying at a hotel, the administration will do it for you.

In case it's your first trip to Russia, you are sure to experience language problems. If you do not know the Russian alphabet, you won't be able to read signboards and signposts to find your way around. Even the hotel staff may not speak English. The situation in provincial towns may even be worse. You will rarely find a restaurant, with an English menu. It is recommended to carry your hotel card at all times. ______3.___ Ask your interpreter or a friend to write down a list of necessary basic phrases in Russian that you can give people to describe what you would like to do or where you are going to. If you can't get right to the hotel or any other place, ask for a person who can speak English. As a rule Russians tend to help you even if they understand little of what you are saying.

Another issue is currency. US dollars or euros or any other currency are officially not allowed as payment means but can be freely converted at banks. There are no any restrictions of amounts. You must produce your passport for the exchange. Never exchange money anywhere but the designated official places. ____4___It will be wise to have money with you in cash and travelers checks as well as a credit card.

You will be safe as long as you don't show around big amounts of money or walk alone at night along dark lonely streets. ___5.____ However, you can easily become a victim of pocket thefts; so take care of your wallet and do not keep big amounts with you.

Restaurants and cafes offer a wide range of dishes, and you will find something according to your tastes. Russians are very fond of soups (which include meat, vegetables and broth), pies and pelmeny (similar to ravioli). ___6._____The portions are sometimes smaller than you are used to.

Read the text again, fill in the gaps.

1. You can visit any place and peacefully walk in the streets.

2. It's a good idea to arrange being picked up at the airport by somebody who speaks English.

3. Even in summer the temperature sometimes is only +3...+5 degrees C, and warm clothes (jacket and sweaters) are necessary.

4. Russian cuisine is not spicy

5. Not only it's illegal, you stand a great chance to be scammed.

6. If you are looking for some particular place, it is recommended to have the address with you written in Russian.

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the words.

USE OF ENGLISH

1.You’ll enjoy one of the _____1___ countries in the world. BEAUTIFUL

2.You should be _____2_____ travelling in a foreign country. CARE

3.People come to Russia either on business or for _____3___. PLEASANT

4.If you visit Russia for the ____4_____ time don’t forget about the ONE

weather.

5.Ask your ____5____or friend to write down a list of necessary TRANSLATE

phrases that you can give people to read what you want.

6. Never exchange money ____6___but the designated official places. ANY

You have received a letter from your English pen-friend who writes:

Dear…

Thanks for inviting me to stay with you during my visit to your country next month.

I’m not sure how to get to your apartment from the airport. Could you write back giving me some basic instructions? What would be the best way of transport for me? I’d prefer one that isn’t too expensive.

Just one other thing – what will the weather be like when I get there? I need this to bring the right clothes.

Looking forward to seeing you soon,

Jill

Write back to Jill.

In your letter

• Answer her questions

• Ask three questions about her plans

Write 100-140 words.

Remember the rules of letter-writing.

SPEAKING.

Situational role-play

Make up a dialogue and give some information to your friend about Russian character and manners.