Moscow, the beautiful
Moscow is the capital of the Russian Federation, its political, historical, financial, economical, cultural, educational and  sporting centre. Moscow was first mentioned in chronicles in the twelfth century, it was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgorukiy in 11 47 on the banks of the Moskva River. In fact, Moscow is situated in the European country of Russia and its population is over 11 million people. Moscow is definitely a city of contrasts. Here history meets modern life on every step, there are ancients churches and modern sky scrapers, offices, shopping malls, sporting clubs, museums and galleries. Moscow is a busy metropolitan centre, it never sleeps, they say.
The heart of Moscow is Red Square and the Kremlin. It’s the seat of the Russian government and a tourist attraction. You can see a lot of awesome sights on Red Square.
* First of all, it’s St. Basil’s Cathedral. ITs architects created a real wonder, eight churches round the ninth tall church, with thick walls, and the cupolas are beautifully painted. In front of the cathedral there is the monument to Minin and Pozharsky, they were  heroes of the people’s struggle during the war against Poland.
**The Lenin Mausoleum,  which stand in the centre of the Square, was first built of wood, but lately оther materials were used, such as marble, stone, granite.
*** The Spasskaya Tower is one of the world-known symbols of Russia. The huge ruby star on the top looks great, and the clock strikes every hour, half an hour and the quarter. Lots of tourists come to see and hear the chimes.
****GUM is the central department store, the greatest onе in Russia. It’s a very impressive building, there are so many shops under a glass roof and a lot of decorations inside.
**** The State History museum of Moscow keeps a rich collection of of documents, pictures and drawings, maps of Russia.
*****The Moscow metro is the most popular means of public transport. It’s so quick and beautiful that tourist rush to see and use it, some stations look like a real palace, with decorations and statues all around.
Moscow is the city which must be seen in any season. (I, personally, would like to visit Moscow because I’d like to see its beauty with my own eyes, to visit its museums and galleries, to walk in its parks, and, to admire the awesome sights on Red Square, of course).

TOPIC 1 RUSSIA, MY HOMELAND (in brief)
   
 In fact, Russia is the greatest country in the world which is situated on two continents, Europe and Asia. The official name is the Russian Fedaration.Its population is about 150 million people of different nationalities, who live in 42 republics and speak more than 100 languages. Religion is also rather strong here. The country is full of beautiful scenery, glorious history and famous people. The nature of the country is really unique, here high mountains turn into green meadows, deep forests turn into streams and lakes, vast plains turn into deserts and lowlands, taiga and tundra turn into fields. (Variant 2: here Europe meets Asia) and the Urals form a natural border between two continents)/ Russia borders on many countries, such as Ukraine, the Baltic republics, Poland, Japan. Seas and oceans wash the country in the north, south, east and west. They are: the Arctic Ocean, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Sea of Japan. The deepest fresh water lake of the world is also situated in this country. It’s Lake Baikal in Siberia.
 

 The country is rich in mineral resources, such as coal, gold, copper, gas, iron and others. Russia is a great political, agricultural, financial and educational power.
The official head of the country is President, who guarantees the Constitution, signs laws and protects the interests of common people. The National government consists of three bodies, the President with his helpers, the Council of ministers with Prime Minister, and the Federal Assembly. The Assembly is divided into two houses, the State Duma and the Federal Council. They make bills, introduce the projects and rule the political situation inside the Federation.
The official symbols of the country are the coat-of-arms, the national flag and the anthem/ the plant symbol is a birch tree, the national souvenir is matreshka doll.
Russia has always been full of talented people; writers and composers, artists and actors, politicians and musicians, scientists and sportsmen. One of them is…..

to, 7th formers!These are the oral topics on Lesson 1: Russia, my homeland and Moscow the beautiful'A bit ;ater there will be the notes which you could have missed in class.LOTS OF SEASONAL GREETINGS. NA