Topic # 9 Which of the English-speaking countries would you like to visit?

Topic # 9 

Which of the English-speaking countries  would you like to visit? 

Buckingham Palace 

The White Tower 

St. Paul's Cathedral 

Big Ben

      I would like to visit Great Britain, at least one of its parts as,  firstly, it is the country where English is spoken as a native language, and, secondly, the UK is really worth visiting as it is a truly unique country with a rich history and lots of tourist attractions. 

    The official name of the country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland but it is known as the United Kingdom and Britain. It is an independent state located off the north-western coast of continental Europe. The country includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland and many smaller islands. 

     In fact, The UK consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

    The United Kingdom is a developed country and it was the world's first industrialized country during the 19th and early 20th centuries. 
    The United Kingdom is a popular tourist destination, rich in natural as well as cultural attractions. Landscapes range from farmlands and gardens to sandy beaches , moors, and rocky coasts.  

    Among the many historic dwellings open to the public are the Welsh castles built in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries; the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh; and the Warwick Castle , near Stratford - upon - Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.  The most famous cathedrals include St. Paul's in London and those  in Canterbury, Norwich, Winchester, and York. 

   Among London's famous attractions are Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey. London is especially noted for its theatre, including the Royal  Shakespeare Company. Folk music can be heard everywhere in the United Kingdom; Edinburgh is the site of one of the world's largest folk festivals. 

    Scotland, where golf developed in the 15th century, has many superb golf courses. Some 70 Highland Games and Gatherings take place in Scotland from May to September. Other popular sports include fishing, riding, sailing, rugby, cricket, and football (soccer). London hosted the latest Olympics in 2012. 

    As you see, the United Kingdom is really worth visiting. 

New Words: 
1. is worth visiting  - стоит посетить 
2. attraction -  достопримечательность 
3. tourist destination - место, популярное у туристов 
4. industrialised  -   промышленно - развитая страна 
5.  landscape -  пейзаж 
6.  moor -  вересковая пустошь 
7.   golf course  -  поле для игры в гольф 
8. folk - народный 
9.  gathering (s)  -  мероприятия, массовые сборища, посиделки