CHECK YOURSELF! - Quiz 1. What the abbreviation GB means? 2. How many countries form GB? 3. How many countries form UK? 4. Is Scottish also British? 5. Is Welsh also British? 6. Is English also Scottish? 7. What is the capital city of England? 8. What is the capital city of Great Britain? 9. What are the most famous landmarks of London? 10. Is Loch Ness in England?
Loch Ness is a big lake in Scotland. It is in the Scottish Highlands, near the city of Inverness. It`s a very deep lake with warm waters in the surface and very cold waters in the depths. The water is dark. The whole lake is surrounded by mountains and that`s why it is very shady. People believe that a monster lives in the waters of Loch Ness. They call this monster Nessie. There are many stories from people about Nessie. The legend about the existence this amazing and huge creature isn`t modern. The first reference to the monster is in the year 565 AC when a missionary called Saint Columba encountered a strange creature. So Nessie is very old!!!. Scientists don`t believe in Nessie`s existence, they have never found any bones of Nessie`s relatives. But many people said that they have seen Nessie. They describe it as an enormous monster with fins, small head and long neck. But We imagine Nessie in this way. The London Eye - is a large metal Ferries wheel. It is also known as the Millennium Wheel. This 135 m Europe`s largest observation wheel has won over 80 awards for national and international tourism. Since 2000 over 32 million visitors - not just the general public but over 500 celebrities and 17 royals have enjoyed the 30 minute ride above the capital. The London Eye was opened in 2000. It is a fantastic way to have a full view over the city.
It`s a key difference between these three names: Great Britain, United Kingdom and British Isles. Great Britain, GB - consists of three regions: England, Wales and Scotland. The name Britain refers only to England and Wales. The United Kingdom or UK is a political term which includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The British Isles is the name for collection of about 6000 islands. It is made up of Great Britain, Ireland, The Isle of Man, The Isles of Scilly, The Channel Islands (including Guernsey, Jersey, Sark and Alderney), as well as other smaller islands. The Tower of London - Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, it has got almost 1000 year history, this impressive Fortress has been a Royal Palace, prison, mint and even Zoo!!! If the ravens leave the Tower the Kingdom will fall - at least 6 ravens are kept at the Tower of London, each raven has clipped one wing to make sure they don`t fly away too far. Speaking about Queen, we have to say something about Crown Jewels, which are part of Royal Collection. Millions of visitors can see Crown Jewels every year. The world`s largest cut diamond in the crown is very impressive!!! The Crown Jewels are placed in the Tower of London and guarded by Beefeaters (Yeomen Warder). It's a haunted house...several ghosts are said to be residents at the tower of London including Henry VI, Catherine (the fifth wife of King Henry VIII), Dame Sybil who was the nurse of Prince Edward and even a grizzly bear that once lived in the tower. So you have to see it!!! \ The Union Jack or Union Flag is national flag of the United Kingdom. The flag includes crosses of three countries united under one Sovereign - England (St. George`s cross), Scotland (St. Andrew `s cross), Ireland (St. Patrick`s cross). The name Union Jack became official when it was approved in Parliament in 1908.
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, she assumed the throne when she was 25 and on 9 September she became Britain`s longest reigning monarch. She is almost 90!!!! She is the Queen of United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zeland and she is the Head of The Commonwealth. She is also the Queen of 12 countries which became independent under her rules. She is the owner of all mute swans on the river Thames. She is the only person allowed by law to eat swan. She has a plastic duck and small crown in her bath. She likes Scrabble and surfing the Internet. She doesn`t like reading books. She has got two birthdays - real 21 April and official celebration in June. She is the only person in Britain who can drive a car without a driving license and number plate on her car (but she has got the driving license) She loves horses and dogs. London is the capital and the most populous city of England and United Kingdom. It is one of the most fascinating places in the world where all the races, nations and civilizations meet. There are over 300 languages spoken in London, more than in any other city in the world. London stands on the river Thames. London has not only had its name. In the past it has been called Londonium, Ludenwic and Ludenburg. There are over 170 museums and national museums with British Museum in London. The city has got more than 800 bookshops and over 380 public libraries, sporting events, cultural institutions and 40 West End Theatres. There is also the world`s oldest public zoo, opened in 1828. Visiting London you can see numerous fascinating landmarks such as London Eye, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Palace of Westminster, Tower of London and many others.
Being in London, you must see The Buckingham Palace. It is The Queen`s official residence and main royal home. It has been the official London residence of Britain's monarchy since 1837. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live there. Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms: 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. The Queen and her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh live in the private apartments on the north apartments on the north side of the Palace. Over 50,000 people visit the Palace each year as guests at occasions of all sizes, from small lunches to large-scale receptions. Another London landmark is The Tower Bridge. It is known all over the world. It is situated on the river Thames. The bridge is 224 meters long with two amazing towers, each 65 meters high. You can go inside the bridge and experience magnificent view over London. You can`t miss the The Tower Bridge Exhibition, a display area that encompasses the walkway and the two famous towers where you can observe the Victorian engine room.tower Bridge is still busy and it is the only place where you can observe traffic over the bridge from above. It`s really fascinating to see the bridge open and close below your feet.