Listen the text 2.Answer the questions. a) What kind of people live in the City of London? b) What’s the population of the City of London? c) Where do the commuters come from? d) Do the commuters all come to the City by British Rail? e) Do the trains always run on time? f) Why are trains delayed, according to British Rail? 3. Complete the sentences. Most of the people ... work in the City of London don’t live there ... working day, 400, 000 commuters come to work in the City. They arrive by British Rail, by Tube, by bus or ... foot. The trains are often delayed - be­cause of the weather, because of strikes or technical failures, or for ... of a long list of other reasons. Brian Baker is an accountant … Blackheath in southeast London. He works ... a bank in the City. He usually leaves ... work at 8.15 a.m. and gets back at about 7pm. His wife has all sorts of even­ing activities, so they don’t see much of ... other in the week. Brian some­times goes out ... the evening to play squash or to have a drink with friends … the local pub.

А1. He had revised the same things again and again, he wasn’t at all sure how … he would be. c) Successful
А2. It had been his decision to take this …, programming course. a) Optional
А3. He wanted to get a good mark as he had hopes of becoming a software … .b) designer
А4. The exam was particularly … as he knew his future career
might be at stake. b) Frightening
А5. He gave a little gasp of … .c) Disbelief
А6. One winter evening Lena and her brother Harry … video games while their mum and
dad were watching TV. d) Were playing
А7. The sky … by flashes of lightning and the thunder was deafening. b) Was lit up

1.Why do people build houses?

People build houses because they like comfortable and safe living, not so dependent on weather conditions.

2. What were the first houses made of?

The first houses were made of wood, stones or clay.

3.Where was clay mostly used?

Clay was mostly used in hot countries.

4. Did the houses made of clay stand the test of time?

Yes, they did. Some of buildings made of clay at that time are still standing though several thousands of years passed.

5.Who discovered that stone was a good building material?

The ancient Egyptians discovered that stone can be used as a building material.

6.What were the characteristic features of the architecture of ancient Greece?

The characteristic features of the architecture of ancient Greece were houses decorated with splendid carvings, using upright pillars for supporting and decoration.

7. Did Ancient Greece influence the architecture of other countries and epochs?

The elements of ancient Greece architecture began to be used during the period of the Renaissance in Europe.

8. What famous monuments of Roman architecture still exist?

The Roman period left many architectural monuments, such as Colosseum, arch of Titus, Pantheon, and many other buildings and their relics.

9. Did ancient cultures have their own architectural styles?

Yes, they did. Many ancient cultures had their own architectural styles – ancient China, Burma, civilization of the American Indians.

10. Did archaeologists find new monuments of ancient architecture even in the 20th century?

Yes, they did. The city Machu-Picchu in Peru was found in 1911 by an American architect Hiram Bingham.

11. Is modern architecture different from ancient buildings?

Yes, it is.  Modern architecture is quite different from ancient buildings.

12. Can we classify buildings of each epoch into two categories?

Yes, we can. In all epochs there are buildings that are designed to be beautiful and stand for centuries, and buildings which are built for practical purposes.

13.What are the advantages and disadvantages of the buildings made of prefabricated blocks?

The advantages of the buildings made of prefabricated blocks: very quick erection, architectural style is very strict .

The disadvantages of the buildings made of prefabricated blocks: they conduct sound and give away heat.

14.Are these houses beautiful and breathtaking? Why?

These houses aren't beautiful and breathtaking because their style is very strict, there are no ornaments.

15. Are there buildings worth admiring and following? Name some of them.

There are hundreds and hundreds of buildings worth admiring in any country. For example, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Sydney Opera House, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, or Queen Sofia Palace of Arts in Valencia, Spain.