Билет № 20

Билет № 20

     1.     Let’s talk about Belarus. What attracts tourist to Belarus?

Belarus is situated in the centre of Europe. It borders on Poland, Latvia, Ukraine, Lithuania and Russia. The population is about 11 million people. The capital of the Republic of Belarus is Minsk.

The largest lake is Lake Naroch. The longest rivers are the Neman, the Western Dvina, the Prypyat and the Sozh. The largest and the most beautiful forests and national parks are Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Braslavsky and Narochansky National Parks which have rich flora and fauna.

Belarus is a country of developed industry, education and culture. Belarus produces tractors, fridges, TV sets, watches and bicycles.

Our country is worth visiting. Belarus is an ancient country and there are many places of interest: monuments, museums and ancient cities and towns.

Every year Belarus is visited by millions of tourists. Tourists from different countries travel around Belarus to see the castles, small towns and settlements. They enjoy its beautiful landscape: Belarus is a land of vast plains and picturesque hills, thick forests and green meadows, deep blue lakes and flowing rivers.

Minsk, Nesvizh, Mir and Turov are the main tourist attractions.

The Radzivills’ heritage consists of Nesvizh castle, the Farny Cathedral and parks. The castle is associated with mysterious legends about lost treasures and ghosts. 2 centuries ago there was one of the richest libraries and the richest collections of art and weapons. Now the castle is renovated and gathers tourist from abroad.

Mir castle near Grodno is built in a unique style. It was a fortress and now it is a museum. There is the Roman-Catholic Cathedral with the oldest European working clock in Grodno. It’s the masterpiece of the 17^th century.

Belarus is a member of the UNESCO and many other international organisations. I am proud of our people, our heroic past and tolerant present.

     2.     Are symbols of Belarus known to foreigners? Why or why not?

Yes, they are. The national symbols of Belarus are its national flag, national emblem and national anthem. I think they represent our country properly because they reflect our historical past and traditions. But there are three other symbols: the white stork is the symbol of good luck; the cornflower is the symbol of Belarusian fields; the symbol of Belovezhskaya Pushcha is the bison, a very strong animal.

     3.     What questions will you ask a journalist from the BelTA News Agency?

1. What places can you recommend tourist to visit in our country?

2. Do you like your job?

3. Have you ever been to Belovezhskaya Pushcha?

4. What problems is the country facing at present?

5. Do you know the national symbols of Belarus?

     4.     What advice will you give to people who want to visit Belarus?

You should choose what places of interest you want to visit. You should be friendly and polite. And I’m sure it will be nice of you to try to speak the Belarusian language.

     5.     They say that the Belarusian language is losing its popularity. What do you think about it?

There are two state languages in Belarus: Belarusian and Russian. We speak Russian more often than Belarusian. As we are Belarusian people I think we should speak the Belarusian language. It’s necessary if we don’t want to lose our identity and culture. Our language reflects our history.