WEATHER AND CLIMATE

1.      Let’s talk about weather and climate. What’s happening to the climate nowadays?

Weather is very important for people, because it influences their health and well-being, the way of life and food supplies that they have. When the weather is cold and rainy, people might feel upset or even depressed. And vice versa, when it is sunny and people can eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, they are happy and cheerful. Changes in climate can affect people in a good or a bad way. This is why many scientists worry/are alarmed that average temperature in the world is rising.

This process is called global warming. But it doesn’t only mean warmer climate. Together with global warming come floods, landslides, hurricanes, droughts and heat waves. Ice caps in the Arctic and the Antarctic are melting, flooding coastal areas. Plants and animals do not have periods of rest in winter or are not protected by snow when it is -20⁰.

Global warming is caused by pollution. It is closely connected to the greenhouse effect and deforestation. Let me describe what the greenhouse effect is. The sun warms our planet. Some of the heat from the sun goes back to space. But because of air pollution carbon dioxide and other harmful gases work like a glass in a greenhouse and don’t allow the heat to leave our planet. As a result the climate becomes warmer. But some scientists believe that climate change is caused by natural processes on our planet and we don’t have to worry about it.

Global warming can be very dangerous. Scientists predict that by 2050 some species of animals will have died out, coastal areas such as New York will have been covered with water and millions of environmental refugees will have appeared. To stop it each of us should use cars less often, not burn grass and participate in campaigns for more filters in factories. Factories should use more filters and large industrial countries must take some action to reduce the level of pollution.

2.      How can you describe the climate of Belarus?

They say that our climate is continental, which means that we have warm or hot summers and cold snowy winters with lots of snow. The autumns and springs are usually rainy. But nowadays winters have become milder. It is not unusual to have no snow and see green grass all the year round. People are very excited if they have white holidays. Summers can be very hot and dry and almost unbearable. There are also a lot of gloomy rainy days in each season. People say that this is happening because of global warming. I hope next year weather will be back to normal, because I have always loved to have four seasons with some wonderful things to do: playing snowballs in winter, taking pictures of amazing leaves in autumn, sunbathing in summer and going for a walk in spring!

3.      Do you have a favourite season?

Different people like different seasons. Some people enjoy summer, because it is hot and they can relax on the beach. Others love spring, because it is the time when nature awakens. Some people are fond of winter, because they can go skiing or enjoy a sunny day with blue sky and sparking white snow. Some more people prefer autumn, because it is the time of harvest and golden leaves.

My favourite season is spring. Everything is full of life: trees and flowers blossom, the first green grass takes the place of ugly dirty snow, the air is fresh and we can wear nice clothes. You can go to the park and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of nature. School is over in May and you have new hopes and expectations. In spring people can go in for sports: play tennis and football, go jogging or simply walk in a green forest.

I like spring, because in winter it is freezing cold; in summer it is too hot and you can get sunburnt and in autumn it seems like everything is dying.

All in all, I consider spring to be the best season, because nature and life are full of promise. It is the season, when I feel inspired, want to start anew and succeed in everything I do.

4.      Do you agree with the saying “There is no bad weather, there are bad clothes”?

I do not agree with this proverb, because I am not a big fan of rainy weather. My clothes and shoes are wet, it is difficult to get from one place to another and you feel tired and sleepy. Some people might even feel depressed if they don’t get enough sunshine. It is a scientific fact that people need sun to get vitamin D, which is important for our wellbeing. That’s why I think this saying is not true.

5.      What questions would you ask a meteorologist?

MY FUTURE PROFESSION

1. Let's talk about your future profession. What do you want to become and why?

I want to become a doctor. It is my calling. I have wanted to help people since I was a child. I am interested in both taking care of people and doing some research work. Who knows, maybe, I will invent a cure for AIDS or some other disease.

This job is suitable for me, because I am a caring and understanding person – ill people need a little bit of sympathy and hope. I am also very responsible – doctors should be very careful when looking for the reason of an illness or prescribing medicines. My friends tell me that I am hard-working: medical students should learn a lot of terms to become great professionals. They also say I am broad-minded, which is a good quality for a doctor, who wants to learn and aspires to be better every day.

Of course, there are some disadvantages. The job can be backbreaking, because you have to work a lot. This profession is not well-paid. It is a heartbreaking job, too, because you can’t save everyone. On the other hand, you will never get bored, this profession is not monotonous, because you communicate with new people. It is a prestigious job – everyone respects doctors. If you work hard, you can get perks and bonuses or even a promotion. All in all, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and I guess I will be able to cope with this job.

         To become a good doctor, I should participate in Centralised Testing and sit exams in Chemistry, Biology and Russian.   Then I will have to study hard for 6 years and work as an intern for a year. It is vital for future doctors to speak English, because they often take part in international conferences and write articles for medical journals.                                                          

I hope in the nearest future I will become a wonderful doctor and do some research work at the University. My main goal is to have my own clinic and help people in need.

 Plan for other professions:

1.     What do you want to be? Why?

2.     Why is this job suitable for you? (Do you have any special traits of character? Is it your calling?

3.     What are the advantages of your future profession? What are the disadvantages? Is it still a good choice for you?

4.     Do you have to do anything to get this job? (sit exams, participate in Centralised Testing, take some courses, work straight after school, learn the basics of this profession, etc.)

5.     What will you be able to do when you get this job/what are your career aspirations?

                2. Can you give 10 pieces of advice to a person, who wants to have a successful job interview?

Job interviews are very important for your career, because the employer decides if he wants to hire you or not. There are some simple rules that you need to follow if you want to get a job.

It is vital to make a good first impression. Be polite, well-spoken and smile a lot. Also you should wear appropriate clothes. You should bring all the necessary documents: a CV, your passport, certificates and their copies. Speak about you positive characteristics and give examples if your skills and talents were useful in the past.

You shouldn’t show your bad habits: if you are impatient, don’t start tapping your foot. Also it is important not to talk negatively about your previous job or boss, because this shows what type of person you are. You shouldn’t use vulgar language. Also don’t start inappropriate topics and don’t say too much about yourself or your family and pets.

3. How do young people choose their future professions? Which factors are more important? What about you?

There are five main factors, which play a large part in choosing a career. First of all, they should take into consideration their character, talents, skills and dreams. Family is also very important. Some young people want to follow in their parents’ footsteps. Others listen to their advice. The opinion of their parents is a must for a lot of teenagers. Friends can give young people some ideas, too. These are the people they spend a lot of time with, discuss different issues and decide what is popular and what is not. One more factor is peer pressure. Some professions are seen as more desirable or fashionable, that’s why teenagers choose them. A great teacher can see a person’s talents or become an inspiration. A lot of people choose their favourite subject as their future profession. Career advisors and special computer tests can help to make up someone’s mind, because they tell you what profession is suitable for you. The last factor is the information teenagers get at school and from mass media. They can learn what this or that profession is about and what is needed to enter the university.

As for me, I listened to my heart, when I was choosing my future profession. I know that I will make a good doctor, because I am caring, patient and I enjoy helping people. Also I am good at Chemistry and Biology. Of course, I listened to my parents’ advice, because they know more about life and have a lot of experience.

4. Will you need English for your future profession?

It is vital for future doctors to speak English, because they often take part in international conferences and write articles for medical journals. In the future I might want to work abroad, and English will be very useful there.

5. What questions would you ask your future employer?

TRAVELLING

 1.       Let’s talk about travelling. Why is it so popular all over the world?

           Nowadays people on our planet can’t live without travelling. People travel on business, to see their relatives and friends or to change the scenes. The last type of travelling is called tourism. There are many kinds of tourism: domestic and international, ecotourism and adventure tourism and so on.

           Different people travel for different reasons. They want to learn about new places and different lifestyles. Some people want to see historical places, ancient ruins and medieval castles and learn about the culture, traditions and history of the country. Others prefer active or adventure holidays, such as rafting or hiking. Nature-lovers are eager to admire spectacular scenery, stunning views and magnificent natural wonders: waterfalls, beaches, rainforests, snow-capped peaks and sparkling lakes.  There are people who enjoy relaxing on a beach or taking a cruise of the Mediterranean. Still there are travelers who like spending their holidays in luxurious hotels with lots of extra facilities, such as gyms, spas and swimming pools.

        When you are visiting a country you must catch a glimpse of all the places to visit. Don’t forget to try the national cuisine, because it gives you a lot of information about the land and its history and traditions.

 A wise proverb says: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel are reading only a page”. Travel broadens your mind, giving first-hand experience and unforgettable impressions.

2.       What types of holidays do you prefer and why?

      I prefer package holidays, because if you buy a tour you don’t have to worry about anything. Food, tickets, hotel fees, trips and everything else is included. Moreover, if you have any problems, the guide will help you. It is very important, especially if you don’t know foreign languages. Also you know that you don’t have to look for a hotel in the evening when you are tired; you don’t have to look for a restaurant in an unknown place and so on. Personally, I am always scared that I will run out of money if I travel by myself. So all in all buying a package tour is very convenient.

    I like self-catering holidays. When I travel, I don’t want to be in a group, because there will always be noisy children or slow and boring people there. You can also save money, because travel agents often choose more expensive tickets and hotels. A travel company will not steal my money. I can visit the places that I want to see.

3.       Do you have a favourite place you have been to?

    I can’t say that I am a globetrotter, but I really enjoy travelling. I am fond of visiting ancient cities in Europe. I have been to many popular tourist destinations: Paris, London, Prague, Moscow and so on. But my favourite place was London. It is an ancient and a modern city at the same time. There are hundreds of places of interest there: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, Madame Tussaud’s Museum, the London Eye, the Gurken, etc. Most of all I enjoyed seeing Big Ben. It is one of the most symbolic places in the world. If I have a chance I will go to Britain again, because it offers tourists a unique chance to taste history.

4.       Can you recommend foreign tourists any places in Belarus?

    I think that Belarus can offer tourists a lot of wonderful places. Of course, the first city they should go to is Minsk. It is the capital of our country. There are many museums, theatres and galleries there. Also the National Library is one of the most famous modern landmarks in Europe. Grodno is an ancient city with a lot of tourist attractions. They should visit the Old and New Castles with their museums, the very modern Drama Theatre, the unique Church of Boris and Gleb and other churches of different historical periods. Grodno has the largest numbers of historical places in Belarus.

5.       What questions will you ask a travel agent about your trip?

BELARUSIAN CUISINE

1.                  What dishes do you know from the national Belarusian cuisine?  Belarusians are very hospitable people and they will invite any foreigner to have dinner with them. There are a lot of traditional dishes that our people eat every day and all of them are very tasty. Belarusian national cuisine has a long history.

The most popular product and ingredient of the Belarusian cuisine is potato. People call it “the second bread”. Its popularity can be explained by good climatic conditions and the fact that potatoes are cheap.

Potato is on the Belarusian table every season and in any state - fried, boiled or baked. Potato is a popular ingredient for soups and salads. It is served with meat and mushrooms. The most popular dishes are mashed potatoes and, of course, draniki.

A big place in the national diet belongs to meat and salted pork fat. Beef and pork or chicken cutlets are very popular with people. Salted pork fat is seasoned with garlic and onions and eaten with bread. Meat is usually served with local vegetables: potatoes, cabbage, beans, carrots, beetroots and so on.

Zatsirka is a world-famous dish. It is cooked from dough and served with milk or salted pork fat.

Soups are eaten almost every day. Okroshka is a cold soup made from kvass. Cabbage soup, solyanka and borsch are the most famous hot soups.

Belarusians like to drink kvass, kefir, birch tree juice, fruit and berry compotes and milk.

Desserts include different kinds of pies and pasties (which can be cooked with meat, mushrooms, eggs and onions or liver). Belarusians eat a lot of fruit (apples, pears) and berries (plums, cherries, strawberries, and currant) and cook jams. Baked apples are very tasty.

The dishes of the Belarusian cuisine are rarely hot or spicy - usually they lack pepper, parsley, garlic, dill and onion. Horse-reddish sauce can be eaten with meat dishes.

In their everyday lives Belarusians eat a lot of different things, though. They love pizza, sushi, pasta, rice, sandwiches and so on. For breakfast Belarusians cook different cereals – semolina, porridge, rice and millet. Another popular dish is pancakes with different jams.

There are many dishes, which originated in the USSR, the most famous of them being minced meat salad, meatballs, kholodets, cabbage rolls or dressed herring.

2.                  Do you eat any traditional dishes in your family? We eat quite a lot of dishes from the national Belarusian cuisine. Every day we eat soup: borsch or cabbage soup, in summer we sometimes make okroshka. Very often I make draniki. I also eat them at school almost every week. Potatoes are on our table almost every day: we boil them and serve with butter or eat mashed potatoes. Mom cooks meatballs and cutlets. For breakfast I prefer pancakes or porridge. On New Year’s Eve we eat a lot of traditional dishes, such as dressed herring, kholodets and minced meat salad. They are very popular and remind people of the past.

3.                  Can you remember the recipe of your favourite Belarusian dish? My favourite Belarusian dish is, of course, draniki or grated potato pancakes. To make them you should peel 5-6 potatoes and one onion. Grate them, add salt and stir well. Take a hot pan, pour some oil on it and use a spoon to shape the small pancakes. We serve this dish with sour cream or butter. It is very tasty, easy to cook and very traditional.

4.                  Why is it important to try the dishes of national cuisine while you are travelling? Food is very important in our life, because it gives us all the necessary elements and vitamins. Every nation has its own cuisine and cooking traditions, which reflect their national character and spirit, likes and dislikes, traditions and history. Moreover, national dishes are very tasty.

What questions might a tourist ask about Belarusian dishes at a restaurant?

BRITISH CUISINE

1.  What do you know about the British cuisine? Perhaps, the most pleasant way to learn about some people is to taste their national cuisine. British cuisine is shaped by the country’s temperate climate, geography and history. Traditional meals, such as roast meat, fish dishes, pies and puddings, have ancient origins.

Traditional English cuisine is substantial, but simple and very nutritious. Very of then tourists do not like it, because it seems to be tasteless, but the British love it.

The British have three meals a day. They eat breakfast at 7 or 8 o’clock. Lunch is a light meal or snack between 12:30 and 1:30. The British usually eat it at work or at school, that’s why it is usually packed food: sandwiches, crisps, fruit and juice.

Dinner is the main meal of the day between 6:30 and 8 p.m. The English often call it “Meat and 2 veg”. It is usually some kind of roast meat (beef, pork, lamb or chicken) with two kinds of vegetables: potatoes, beans, peas, broccoli or carrots.

On Sundays the whole family gathers at the table for the traditional Sunday Roast, which includes roast meat and vegetables with Yorkshire pudding.

If you travel to England, you should also try some pies. Steak and Kidney pie is usually accompanied by chips and fresh vegetables. Shepherd’s pie is made with lamb and onions, topped by mashed potato. Cottage Pie is cooked with beef.

Another traditional kind of meal is Christmas dinner. Roast turkey is served with carrots and parsnips, minisausages wrapped in bacon, sauce or gravy, stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Minced pies and Christmas pudding are eaten for dessert.

Of course, the British do not eat this traditional food every day. Very often they choose pizza, pasta, curry or ready-meals or eat out. Still their food is one of the things that can bring whole families together and give them joy.

2. Can you describe the world-famous English breakfast?

The British eat breakfast from 7 to 9 o’clock. The world-famous English breakfast consists of sausages, bacon, eggs, mushrooms, beans and toast. Sometimes they cook black pudding, which is a blood sausage, too. They also drink tea or coffee and orange juice. This food is very nutritious, that’s why in most families it is reserved for Sunday. The majority of Brits have toast with jam or marmalade. Cornflakes with milk are also popular with children.

3. Do you know anything about the most famous British dish – fish and chips?

Fish and chips is very popular in the United Kingdom, because it is very traditional and tasty. Tourists always want to try this dish, because it is very British. The dish appeared in the 19^th century, because fishermen could get a lot of fish. The fish is usually cod. The dish is served with salt and vinegar and sometimes lemon. You can eat in a fish and chips shop – a chippie – or have a takeway and eat at home or in a park. Fish and chips was almost the only dish that people could get during World War II, because it was very popular. The name was first used by Charles Dickens in one of his books.

4. Why is it important to try national dishes of different countries? Food is very important in our life, because it gives us all the necessary elements and vitamins. Every nation has its own cuisine and cooking traditions, which reflect their national character and spirit, likes and dislikes, traditions and history. Moreover, national dishes are very tasty.

5. What questions will you ask an Englishman about their national dishes?

BRITISH CUSTOMS AND TRADITONS

1. Why is it important to learn and remember the customs, traditions and holidays of a country? It is important to remember the holidays of your country, because they help the older generation to pass the national values onto their children. Young people can figure out who they are in this world. Holidays and traditions give them a sense of belonging and a sense of security: they realize that they are a part of nation, which will always support them and give advice in a difficult situation, so they will never feel lonely. Holidays also unite people. They give people enjoyable memories and are fun.

When we learn the traditions of the country we travel to, we find out a lot about the nation: they represent the spirit of the nation, their beliefs and values, their national character, customs and good manners. If you don’t know a tradition, you might feel lost or make some mistakes. Sometimes you might even seem disrespectful.

2. Do you know anything about British national holidays?

England is a country that knows how to celebrate well.  England has many annual celebrations and traditions.  Official holidays are called bank holidays, because banks do not work on these days. there are a lot of religious holidays in the country (Christmas, Easter, Good Friday), state holidays connected to the Royal Family (Queen’s Official Birthday, Royal weddings), historical holidays (Guy Fawkes Night, May Day) and other holidays such as New Year and Remembrance Day.

New Year is celebrated on the 31^st of December In England, the largest celebrations take place in London, with fireworks exploding over the London Eye at midnight.  Big Ben chimes and people sing Auld Lang Syne.  Most of the crowds in London are gathered at Piccadilly Circus or Trafalgar Square. But the largest celebrations take place in Scotland, where New Year is the most popular holiday.

Shrove Tuesday is also known as Pancake Day: It takes place a week before Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent. Pancakes in England are eaten with lemon and sugar or golden syrup. Pancake races are still popular in many villages and towns.

Good Friday, remembering Jesus’ death on the cross,  is also a bank holiday.

In the Christian calendar, Easter is the most holy day of the year as it celebrates Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

May Day often includes dancing around a Maypole, eating cake and meeting spring. People also choose their May Queen.

Queen’s Official Birthday is celebrated in June. Very often British monarchs had birthdays in winter or autumn. Celebrations were impossible, that’s why an official date was chosen. On this day there are parades, concerts, parties and official ceremonies.

Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night takes place on the 5^th of November. It celebrates the fact that the King and the Parliament were saved in 1605. Guy Fawkes and his friends wanted to blow up the Houses of Parliament to stop the cruel policy against Catholics. But they were caught. The doll of Guy Fawkes is burnt on this night. Also people watch fireworks, make huge fires and have fun.

Remembrance Day helps the British remember the victims and soldiers of World War I and World War II. On this day people often wear poppies.

3. Can you describe the favourite British holiday – Christmas?

Christmas is the most famous and popular holiday of the year.  Christmas season in England is absolutely lovely!  It begins quite early, in November. Christmas trees can be found in many city centres, with the most famous being the Norwegian tree in Trafalgar Square, London. 

On Christmas Day, a special Christmas dinner or lunch is served.  The menu is usually traditional – roast turkey; potatoes and other vegetables such as carrots and parsnips; Yorkshire Puddings; mini sausages wrapped in bacon; and Brussels Sprouts.   

Before the food is served, the breaking of the Christmas Crackers is the usual tradition. 

Later in the day, the Queen’s Christmas message is broadcast on television and radio.

Boxing Day on the 26th of December is an additional bank holiday. People usually spend time with families and holiday guests.  Typical activities include eating Christmas leftovers, going for walks, playing games and watching sports.  The name comes from the fact that in the past in cities there were special boxes, where people could leave Christmas presents for the poor.

4. What is the most popular topic of conversation in Britain and why?

The British love talking about the weather. They always complain about rainy days and are surprised when there is no rain and the weather is fine. The British even say that they have no climate, only weather. This happens because the weather in Britain is very changeable: in the morning it can rain, in the afternoon it is cold and foggy, but in the evening it is warm and sunny.

The weather is so unpredictable, because the British Isles are on the way of battling air masses: hot air comes from Africa, cold weather comes from Russia. The Gulfstream, a warm current in the Atlantic Ocean brings warm and rainy weather. That's why the climate is mild. But many parts of the UK get up to 221 rainy days a year. A typical Englishman always has an umbrella.

No wonder the British have many weather idioms. They say “it’s raining cats and dogs” when they have a heavy rainfall. When something is really easy they say “it’s a breeze”. When they feel ill, they say “I feel under the weather”.

5. What questions will you ask a British teenager about their holiday traditions?

BELARUSIAN CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

1. Why is it important to learn and remember the customs, traditions and holidays of a country? It is important to remember the holidays of your country, because they help the older generation to pass the national values onto their children. Young people can figure out who they are in this world. Holidays and traditions give them a sense of belonging and a sense of security: they realize that they are a part of nation, which will always support them and give advice in a difficult situation, so they will never feel lonely. Holidays also unite people. They give people enjoyable memories and are fun.

When we learn the traditions of the country we travel to, we find out a lot about the nation: they represent the spirit of the nation, their beliefs and values, their national character, customs and good manners. If you don’t know a tradition, you might feel lost or make some mistakes. Sometimes you might even seem disrespectful.

2. What do you know about Belarusian holidays? Throughout many centuries of history, the Belarusian people created their unique and original culture. Here traditional folk customs coexist with Christian traditions. 

There are eleven official holidays in the country: New Year’s day, Orthodox and Catholic Christmas, the 8^th of March (International Women’s Day), Orthodox and Catholic Easter, Radunitsa, Victory Day (the 9^th of May), Labour Day (the 1^st of May), Independence Day (the 3^rd of July) and October Revolution Day (the 7^th of November).

Christians make up the biggest part of the population. Christmas and Easter are the main religious holidays, celebrated by millions of believers all over the country. In Belarus, all the Christian holidays are celebrated twice: by the Catholic and Orthodox religious calendars. 

Along with Christian holidays, such folk holidays of pagan origin as Kupalle (Midsummer Night) and Maslenitsa (Shrovetide) are very popular in Belarus. Folk games and traditional ceremonies are part of them. One of the main traditions of Kupalle is the search for the mythical paparats-kvetka (fern flower). Those, who find it, will enjoy good luck for the whole year; all their wishes will come true. Young girls make wreaths from flowers and send them down the river if they want to find out who their future husband will be. Maslenitsa sees winter off and meets spring. Festivals of folk music, dancing and national costumes are organized at the time of Maslenitsa. People eat a lot of pancakes with butter. In the evening they burn a doll, which symbolizes winter, its death and the beginning of the new season.

3. Can you describe your favourite holiday?

4. What souvenirs would you advise to bring from Belarus? Belarus is famous for its handmade souvenirs from straw and clay, which include figurines and dishes. Also people can buy magnets with the pictures of Mir and Nesvizh Castles, the Drama Theatre in Grodno, Minsk or our national symbols: the European bison, stork, draniki, corn flowers or national ornaments. Also tourists really love our linen tablecloths and trousers or shirts. They are very beautiful, environment-friendly and comfortable. Makey is a famous factory, which makes leather goods, including wallets, bags, notebooks and so on.

5. What questions about Belarusian customs and traditions do you expect to hear from a foreigner?