RUSSIA

READING
TASK 1/A
1. Who do we worship on July, 8?
2. What do Russians traditionally cook during Butter Week?
3. What are the two most popular holidays in Russia?
4. Why is the celebration in St. Petersburg called ‘Scarlet Sails’?
5. What do we usually do during the first week of each year?
6. Why do Russian students have parties on January, 25?
7. When do people jump over a bonfire?

A. Of all the public holidays in Russia New Year is the first in popularity. Russian
New Year traditions resemble those of the Western Christmas including Christmas
Tree, Father Frost and family celebrations. Another popular family winter holiday
is Old New Year which is New Year according to the Julian Calendar. It ends the
New Year holiday cycle which also includes Christmas.

B. On January, 25 the day of Saint Tatiana is celebrated. On this day in 1755 the
Russian Empress Elizabeth signed a decree establishing Moscow State University.
So, Saint Tatiana was declared the patron saint of students, and St. Tatiana’s Day
has come to be celebrated as Students’ Day. This day usually coincides with the
end of examinations when students may go out partying all day long and all night
through.

C. One of the Russian folk holidays is Maslenitsa or Butter Week which is

celebrated during the eighth week before Easter. During this week people arrange
snowball f i ghts, go sledding and take part in some other activities. In Slavic
mythology it is a celebration of the coming end of winter. The shape of pancakes,
which are made on this day, is the praise to the sun. Pancakes are still the most
traditional food of Maslenitsa.

D. The night of Ivan Kupala is celebrated by joyful rituals, songs and bonfires.
People believe that the highest jumper over a bonfire is the luckiest. In the past
Mothers used to burn the shirts of their sick children in those bonfires to put an end
to their diseases. Fern was believed to bloom at midnight. No man could pick up
this flower, but if you saw it any wish would come true.

E. The Russian analogue of Valentine’s Day is Peter and Fevronia Day which is
celebrated on July, 8. It focuses, however, on family love. Peter and Fevronia are
historical figures. Peter was the Murom prince who married a peasant woman after
she had cured him of a disease. They were deeply in love with each other. They
died on the same day and they were buried together.

F. Scarlet Sails Tradition which began in the late sixties of the 20th century is a
famous event of the White Nights Festival. It is associated with a love story told by
the Russian writer Alexander Green in the book with the same title. You can see a
ship with scarlet sails navigate along St. Petersburgh’s main waterway. Together
with fi reworks and concerts it symbolizes freedom from “schools and rules” and
entering “an adult life”.

A B C D E F

TASK 1/B
1. Why was Vladivostok called so?
2. Who founded the city of Vladivostok?
3. Why has the city quickly become important?
4. What is the climate of the city area?
5. How is it possible to travel to the city?
6. What are the city sights one should visit?
7. What makes Vladivostok buildings unique?

A. Vladivostok is located at the same latitude as Russian subtropical sea resort

Sochi, but its average annual temperature is nearly 10 degrees lower because
of the Siberian Anticyclone. It brings cold winds from Yakutia for much of
the winter season. Thus, the winter in Vladivostok is typical of Manchuria – it
is cold, clear, and very windy. The snow is rare and, in some years, may not
fall at all. The summer is more comfortable, warm, wet, and partly cloudy.
B. The first thing that will catch the eye of every tourist right from the platform
of the railway station is a unique building of the terminal of the Trans-
Siberian Railway. It was built more than a century ago. The sea terminal,
located nearby, is also a must-see while going on a tour of Vladivostok. Like
other port cities, Vladivostok celebrates the Russian fleet with a number of
museums. No doubt, the legendary S-56 submarine which played a great role
 in the Great Patriotic War is worth visiting.
C. The most important city in the Russian Far East, Vladivostok is known as the
town of sailors. It was founded about 160 years ago as a small military port.
Despite being one of the youngest Russian cities, Vladivostok managed to
find its way to the list of the best Russian cities to visit. Its name came from
the combination of two words, vladet (meaning “to own”)
and vostok (meaning “east”), helping anyone who wants to find Vladivostok
on a map.
D. The Trans-Siberian Railway was built to connect Asian and European Russia.
The final stop on the way, or the first if passengers are travelling west, is in
Vladivostok. The city’s strategic location and port led to the fact that
Vladivostok has eventually become a large and busy centre in North-East
Asia. After its foundation in 1860 as a military post, Vladivostok soon
became the centre of international commerce and development.
E. Despite the fact that Vladivostok has always been a Russian city, elements of
the Chinese and Japanese architecture borrowed from the city’s nearest
neighbours can be seen even during a simple walk down the city streets. At
the same time, the architecture of Vladivostok leaves no doubt that this is a
Russian city. So, this unique place combines a lot of different features.
F. As a rule, people prefer to spend a couple of days exploring Vladivostok
within their long tour to the Far East, instead of considering the city as an
independent holiday destination. They may fly to Vladivostok or go by rail
choosing the famous Trans-Siberian express which is very popular with
tourists. The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway route in the world.
So, going by train to Vladivostok can easily become a journey of a lifetime.

A B C D E F

TASK 1/ C
1. What made Veliky Novgorod one of the main cities of the past?
2. What is known about the ancient history of Veliky Novgorod?
3. Who founded the old city of Veliky Novgorod?
4. What makes Veliky Novgorod a popular tourist destination?
5. What are the most interesting sights to visit in Veliky Novgorod?
6. How is it possible to get to Veliky Novgorod?
7. What souvenirs can be brought from the city?
A. Veliky Novgorod is a nice city, perfectly located not far from Saint
Petersburg and Moscow. Being one of the oldest cities in Russia, it attracts
hundreds of visitors. Veliky Novgorod is often called an open-air museum of
the ancient Rus. Many outstanding monuments of medieval architecture
 situated not only in the city centre but also in some outlying areas have been
preserved. In 1992 Veliky Novgorod was given the status of the World
Heritage Site of UNESCO.
B. Veliky Novgorod was founded in the 9-10 centuries. Being the best-fortified
city of the ancient Rus, it has seen a lot of great events during its 11-century
history. Novgorod was a political centre of large territories stretching up from
Baltic lands to the Urals. For a long time, Novgorod was the largest centre of
culture in Russia, where old chronicles and books were created. Moreover,
the city stood on the famous trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks.
C. Veliky Novgorod was first mentioned in the year 862 in the famous historic
document “The Tale of Bygone Years”. The Russian primary chronicle gives
a detailed account of the early history of the eastern Slavs. It tells the story of
Rurik, the Viking chieftain, who was invited to the city as a new leader. It
was an important event in the history of the country as Rurik became the
founder of the whole dynasty of the ancient Rus, staying in power up to the
17th century.
D. Many great monuments of medieval architecture and painting have been well
kept in the city. The Novgorod Kremlin dates back to the 11th century. The
Kremlin territory houses one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches, St.
Sophia Cathedral, as well as the regional library and the Philharmonic
building. The open-air Vitoslavlitsy museum of wooden architecture presents
some excellent examples of wooden structures from different parts of the city.
E. Novgorod craftsmen have always been famous for their birchbark crafts.
Tourists can find various cute items to bring back home. They are jewellery
boxes, hairpins and hairbands, plates and cups. For fun, one can also buy bast
shoes – traditional footwear of Russian peasants also made of birchbark.
Along with birchbark items, one will always find wooden carved figures in
shops. They will become a perfect gift or a home decoration for oneself.
F. The most convenient way of travelling to Veliky Novgorod is to go by train.
The fastest route is now offered by the Lastochka train departing from Saint
Petersburg twice a day. Travel time is less than 3 hours, which is much faster
than travelling by train from Moscow, which will take the whole night. Bus
trips are available as well. Getting to Veliky Novgorod by car is also quite a
fast and convenient way for those who choose privacy and comfort.
A B C D E F

TASK 1/D
1. What is the history of the Altai region?
2. What is special about the geography of Altai?
3. What places of interest are the best to visit in Altai?
4. Why is Altai popular with visitors of all ages and interests?
5. What activities does the region offer for nature lovers?
6. What time is the best for travelling to Altai?
7. How is it possible to travel in the Altai region?
A. The Altai region is all about nature. The natural beauty of Altai attracts
crowds of tourists as there is hardly a similar place in Russia where pure
lakes, comfortable climatic conditions, great scenery, and the variety of
animals and plants are gathered in one place. The region has one of the
richest varieties of touristic purposes. Families with children, active tourists,
people searching for a quiet atmosphere – everyone will find an activity to
their liking.
B. The Altai Mountains are located in the very heart of Russia. They are near the
Russian border with Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China. They are often called
“Russian Tibet,” “Siberian Switzerland,” and even “New Zealand” thanks to
their beauty and strength. The highest point of the Altai Mountains, and of the
Siberian Region as well, is Belukha Mountain. It is 4,509 metres high and is
completely covered with snow, from its peak to its bottom.
C. The best way to get to the Altai region is by plane. There are direct flights
from Moscow to the most well-known Altai cities Barnaul and Gorno-
Altaysk. Then, travellers might go by train, by car, or by bus to any resort and
place they like. Car transfers are often included in many touristic programmes
to make them available for most tourists. But there are hiking routes that ask
for a lot of walking to get to one’s destination.
D. The Altai Mountains are really very old. However, the first mention of the
region dates back to the 17th century. It was the time when the Cossacks from
the nearby city of Kuznetsk, which later became a part of Novokuznetsk,
arrived at Lake Teletskoye. Later, when the Biyskaya fortress, which is now
the city of Biysk, was built, the fast development of the Altai territory, and
more of its northwestern part, began.
E. Decisions on when to go to Altai should be made depending on what one
wants to do there. The Altai’s climate is known to be quite harsh. This region
is famous for long frosty winters, and hot but short summers. The peak tourist
season generally reaches its height during the summer. There is a wide range
of summer activities, from climbing and rafting to sailing and fishing. The
winter season is the perfect option for skating and mountain skiing.
F. A visit to Altai can become a breath of fresh air for those living in large
cities. Many people come to the region for a passive relaxation, such as spa.
They come to places of natural beauty just to admire, for example maralnik,
which is a kind of rhododendron, producing flowers in spring. These are
typical things to do for ecotourists. They are often attracted by collecting
 healing herbs, riding a horse, and participating in local festivals.

TASK 1/ E
1. What is known about the early years of Sochi?
2. Why is Sochi an attractive place for year-round tourism?
3. What makes Sochi a good place to improve health?
4. What are the most popular natural attractions in Sochi?
5. Where is it better to stay in Sochi to improve health?
6. What sports and cultural events have been held in Sochi?
7. What conditions are created in the city for sports?
A. Sochi is Russia’s subtropical resort city that stretches along the beautiful
coast of the Black Sea. With a permanent population of about 500,000
people, it holds the record of the largest resort city in Russia. Its numerous
beaches make the city popular in summer. Skiing in the nearby mountains
makes it an ideal place for winter holidays too. The city is set in the
Krasnodar Krai, which stretches 145 km along the Black Sea, making it the
second longest city after Mexico City.
B. The resort city of Sochi has a long history that dates back to Ancient Greek
and Roman times. The first Russian settlement on the site was called Fort
Alexander. It was founded in 1838 at the Sochi River’s mouth. In fact, Sochi
is a relatively new name for the city, as the Russian settlement was first called
so only in 1896. The name could be a variation of the term “sshatche” which
was used by the local people to mean “place by the sea.”
C. From the very beginning, Sochi has served as a resort area. The discovery of
the natural mineral springs there contributed greatly to its fast development as
the most popular health resort in Russia. The local mineral springs have a
healing effect. A legend says that a local girl bravely wandered into the
underworld and brought back its healing waters to the surface as a gift from
the spirits below. What is more, the air quality in Sochi is excellent.
D. Sochi is proud of its Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve. It includes a
lot of beautiful natural sights. The Agura and Orekhovskaya waterfalls are
perhaps the most well-known places to visit. Sochi has a wonderful collection
of parks, including a botanical garden with rare and exotic types of tropical
and subtropical plants. There you can see amazing rhododendrons, evergreen
magnolias with beautiful fragrant flowers, junipers, acacias and massive
plane trees.
E. In addition to being famous as a resort city, Sochi is known for its sports
facilities. For example, its tennis schools have trained many of the world-
famous athletes. With so much local attention to health and exercise, Sochi
was the obvious choice to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. The
 recently constructed Coastal Cluster and the Mountain Cluster in Krasnaya
Polyana are still widely used for indoor ice events and for downhill and
skiing sports.
F. Sochi has long been enjoying the status of the most popular and fashionable
spot in Russia. The Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix was held there for a
number of years. In addition, Sochi was one of the host cities for the 2018
FIFA World Cup. New Wave, an international contest for young performers
of popular music, moved to Sochi in 2015 and has been regularly held there
since that time. The largest and brightest summer and winter resort of Russia
offers its visitors all kinds of events.
TASK 1/ F
1. What cities are included in the Golden Ring of Russia?
2. What is special about the Golden Ring cities?
3. How is it possible to visit the cities of the Golden Ring?
4. When is it better to travel to the Golden Ring cities?
5. What are the accommodation options for tourists?
6. What cities of the Golden Ring should be visited first?
7. Who is the Golden Ring tour for?
A. The Golden Ring of Russia is an unusual and interesting route, featuring the
medieval cities of Russia with a great number of churches and monasteries.
The cities of the Golden Ring escaped most of the industrial progress. Some
local communities there still live in a traditional way of life of the
countryside. The most valuable thing about the Golden Ring is that its cities
keep the original buildings of old times, and many of them have remained
almost the same as they were in the past.
B. The Golden Ring tour is a perfect experience for those who have visited the
two capitals many times and are looking for more relaxing and quiet
experiences now. The Russian countryside is a place to go if a person wants a
journey outside the noise of big cities. The Golden Ring will be a real
pleasure for those who are into history, as they will learn a lot about it. This
interesting journey is also a wonderful chance to try traditional Russian food.
C. The Golden Ring is a real attraction for tourists who want to feel the true
Russian spirit. This famous touristic route consists of nine ancient Russian
cities. The cities that are traditionally listed in the Golden Ring are Sergiev
Posad, Pereslavl-Zalesskiy, Rostov the Great, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo,
Suzdal, Vladimir, and Uglich. The Golden Ring consists of many well-known
monasteries, medieval wooden houses, and a range of historical monuments.
D. Generally, from 2 to 5 days are needed to visit the Golden Ring’s most
interesting locations. Day-trips from Moscow are available for those who
have only a few free days to spend in the Golden Ring cities. In fact, it is not
a problem to visit just a few cities in the series. One can travel by trains and
 buses, but the most convenient way is to travel by car or book an organised
minivan tour that offers convenient transportation.
E. Though it is easy to take day-trips from the capital to the Golden Ring cities,
one should also consider spending in one of them a few days just to have
more time to relax, enjoy nature, and the local atmosphere. There are not
many 5-star hotels in these cities though, but it does not mean that it is
difficult to find where to stay. There are stylish small hotels with cosy
comfortable rooms, often decorated with wood and various handicrafts.
F. The very peak of the high tourist season in Russia is from early May till late
September. The weather is warm and sunny during the summer months, and
the spring months offer rolling green fields and flowers. This is the perfect
time for a tour of the Golden Ring cities, to see top attractions in no rush.
There are more rainy days towards October and November, so it is wise to
choose a date starting sometime between May and September.

TASK 2/A
Borodino If you happen to be in Moscow in early September, you have a chance
to see one of the most famous reenactments1 in the world — the Battle of
Borodino.
The Battle of Borodino, fought on September 7, 1812, was the largest single-
day action of the French invasion of Russia. Napoleon’s plans to defeat the
Russian army were ruined as Russians demonstrated bravery and military skills.
There’s still some historical dispute about who won the battle of Borodino. On
the one hand, Kutuzov ordered his army to retreat and leave Moscow. On the
other hand, this battle became the turning point in the war, and the French army
was badly weakened for the first time: 30,000 French soldiers were killed or
wounded. “Of the fifty battles I have fought, the most terrible was that before
Moscow,” Napoleon later said.
In memory of the Battle of Borodino the Borodino Museum of History was
established. On the territory of the museum a reenactment of the Battle of
Borodino takes place on the first weekend of September. About two thousand
common people wearing the uniforms of the Russian and French armies of 1812
recreate the scenario of the Battle of Borodino in every detail. During the event
there are lines of infantry, artillery, grenadiers, hussars, dragoons on the
battlefield. Smoke and flame from the batteries of cannon go up, cavalry runs
across the battlefield amid the fire. They give viewers the atmosphere of the
battle reproducing everything: from the colour, shape and material of the
uniforms to the weap ons and musical instruments as well as the music, language
and customs.
We can imagine how it was thanks to history lovers from all over Russia. They
study historical literature and make costumes, weapons, flags, drums and other
things to take a step back in time and to live like people lived some two hundred
years ago. They do it not because it can bring them a lot of money or fame, but
mostly because they believe it’s a right thing to do. They remember history and
treat it not like a few dull paragraphs in a school textbook but as live moments of
the past that influenced the future. To get in the “role” they arrive at Borodino
several days in advance and set a field camp. For this time they completely give
up any modern things and habits.
I have gone to Borodino for many years, and every time it’s like a first time —
so exiting, so colourful and breathtaking! I am always impressed by the things
going on in front of my eyes — hundreds of soldiers loading their guns, screaming
“Attack!” and riding horses just in a few metres from my nose! It’s a moment of
history when we, modern people, are paying tribute to our ancestors, and show
that we remember their acts of bravery. I’m truly amazed by people dedicating
their time and talents to battle reproduction and I’m sure they’re doing the right
thing. They show that bravery, honesty and courage still exist and are valued. As
someone said, if you do not know your history, you have no future. I leave
Borodino every time to come to the battlefield next time!
Autumn is the best time to see Moscow and its suburbs.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Napoleon’s army left the battlefi eld as a lot of its soldiers had been killed.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

The Battle of Borodino is recreated on the territory of the Borodino Museum of

History in late autumn.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Russian and French are spoken in Borodino on the day of the reenactment of
the battle.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

The Battle of Borodino is recreated by Russian and French actors.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

To prepare for the reenactment the participants come to Borodino long before
the event.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

The viewers wear the uniforms of the Russian and French armies of 1812.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

GRAMMAR
TASK 3 / A
It was a great day yesterday. My friends and I __________ to
GO
see a performance at the Bolshoi Theatre.

You certainly know that the Bolshoi Theatre is the __________

FAMOUS
theatre in Russia and probably in the world.

But not everyone __________ the history of the Bolshoi Theatre. KNOW

According to historical documents, it __________ in March 1776

when Prince Pyotr Urusov was granted Royal permission to build a BEGIN
public theatre in Moscow.

Catherine II, Empress of Russia, was fond of arts. She

__________________ having a new theatre in her country. NOT/MIND

The original building of the theatre had a hall with almost 1,000
seats, a stage and an orchestra pit. Directly over the stage there BE
_____ boxes where the most noble fans of the theatre had their seats.

The theatre has changed several times during __________ history. IT

The building we can see today opened in 1825. It __________ by DESIGN

architect Andrei Mikhailov who was also the architect of the Maly
Theatre.

Since that time, the building has been rebuilt and renovated several HAVE
times. Now it looks beautiful from the inside and outside. If I
__________________ the opportunity to go there more often, I
would do it every week.

TASK 3/ B
Russian culture has a rich history and strong traditions, _________PARTICULAR
when it comes to literature, philosophy, music, ballet, architecture
and painting. It’s ______________ to understand Russian culture POSSIBLE
without visiting small Russian towns. So if you travel along the
Golden Ring you should see Alexandrov, a ______________ town CHARM
with ancient history. Thousands of tourists come to see its
Kremlin which was built by ______________ and Moscow craftsmen ITALY
in the 16th century. Created by the order of Vasily III, it was second
only to the Kremlin in Moscow in size, beauty and ______________. RICH
31 The Trinity Cathedral was the most magnificent ______________ BUILD
of the Kremlin. The Tsar Ivan the Terrible visited Alexandrov in 1564.
He liked the place so much, that for the next 17 years he used it as his residence.

WORD BUILDING
TASK 4 / A
Russian culture has a rich history and strong traditions, _________ PARTICULAR

when it comes to literature, philosophy, music, ballet, architecture

and painting. It’s ______________ to understand Russian culture POSSIBLE

without visiting small Russian towns. So if you travel along the Golden
Ring you should see Alexandrov, a ______________ town with ancient CHARM

history. Thousands of tourists come to see its Kremlin which was built by
______________ and Moscow craftsmen in the 16th century. ITALY

Created by the order of Vasily III, it was second only to the Kremlin in

Moscow in size, beauty and ______________. The Trinity Cathedral RICH

was the most magnificent ______________ of the Kremlin. The Tsar Ivan BUILD

the Terrible visited Alexandrov in 1564. He liked the place so much, that for the

next 17 years he used it as his residence.

TASK 4/ B
Russia is a large country with great diversity in flora and fauna. NATION
There are several large ____________ parks in Russia.

A lot of different animals live there. Wolves are probably the best INFORM
known, and are very well studied animals, so we have enough
__________________ about their diet and behaviour.

The wolf is a good __________________. HUNT

They usually hunt wild animals like deer and hares, but sometimes REAL
they can attack sheep, goats, and cows. The wolf tries to avoid
people and only goes into villages when he is __________ hungry.

In some __________________ tales, the wolf is often represented as RUSSIA

a clever animal that helps the main character, Ivan.

The wolf is usually direct and __________________ and helps Ivan CREATE
to cope with many difficult problems.

LETTER
TASK 5/ A
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Visiting Russia
… Last year I started learning Russian. It’s a very difficult language but I’m trying
to do my best. I’d like to come to Russia one day to practise it.
…Which season would you recommend for the trip? What places are
worth seeing in Russia? What country would you like to visit and why? …

Write a message to Steve and answer his 3 questions.

TASK 5/ B
You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen-friend Tom who writes:
… At school we are doing projects on the world capitals. If I choose Moscow, what
places of interest should I write about? Is it popular among foreign and local
tourists, and why? What season is it better to visit Moscow?

Write a letter to Tom. In your letter

SPEAKING
TASK 1/ A
A zoo, also known as a zoological park or a zoological garden, gives
people the opportunity to watch animals from different continents. There
are hundreds of zoos all over the world. However, most of them are
located in major cities. The first zoo in Russia was opened in 1864, in
Moscow. It was a small zoological garden. On the opening day, only
287 animals were on display. Nowadays, the Moscow Zoo is one of the
largest in Europe. The unique collection of the Zoo includes over 10000
kinds of animals and birds. Scientists study the animals’ behaviour and
reproduction. They also breed rare animals there to stop them dying out.
TASK 1/B
Task 1. You are going to read the text aloud. You have 1.5 minutes to read the
text silently, and then be ready to read it aloud. Remember that you will not have
more than 2 minutes for reading aloud.

It’s hard to find a more popular Russian symbol than the traditional
Russian doll, or Matryoshka. It is well-known all over the world. The
first set of dolls appeared in Moscow in 1890. It consisted of eight dolls.
All of them were children: seven girls, one boy, and a baby. In those
times, Matryoshkas were not meant as toys for children as their price
was very high. Mostly, adults bought them as presents or home
decorations. There was a belief that if you put a note with a wish into
Matryoshka, it would come true. At the beginning of the 20th century,
Russia started to export their national dolls abroad.

TASK 3/ A
You are going to give a talk about travelling. You will have to start in 1.5
minutes and speak for not more than 2 minutes (10–12 sentences). Remember
to say:

 why people like travelling in Russia;

 what means of transport is the most popular for travelling in Russia, and
why;
 what places in Russia you would like to visit;
 what your attitude to travelling is.

TASK 3/ B
You are going to give a talk about travelling around Russia. You will have to start
in 1.5 minutes and speak for not more than 2 minutes (10-12 sentences).
Remember to say:

- what places in Russia are popular with tourists

- which of them you visited or would like to visit and why

- what transport people use while travelling around Russia and why

- what your attitude to travelling around Russia is