sharply in two. Most of central London is on the north bank of the river. The Thames at London is
tidal and there have been several serious floods. The risk of this is increasing as southern England is
sinking in relation to sea level. Threat of disaster, however, has been lessened by the construction of
a flood barrier.
It is always interesting for tourists to take a trip along the Thames in a boat as it gives a
striking panorama of London. The best way to see the city quickly is from the top of London red
double-decker buses. Special tourist buses go on two-hour circular tours. The other quick and easy
way of getting around London is by "tube" — the Underground railway. During the "rash hours",
when office workers hurry to and from work, the tube train doors can hardly close behind the
crushed crowds.
London is an ancient city. But it is also a living city and like all living cities it is constantly
developing.
VOCABULARY NOTES
1. historicadj исторический (имеющий историческое значение, вошедший в историю),
е.g. historic place, date, speech, event, battle, etc. 1812 was a historic year for Russian people.
historicaladj исторический (связанный с историей, имеющий отношение к истории),
е.g. historical materialism, science, principles, method, approach (to); historical novel, picture, play,
film; historical department, museum, etc.
26 Constable, John (1776-1837): a famous English painter.
27 a "fringe" theatre stages experimental theatrical plays performed by amateurs.
28 Barrie, James M. (1860-1937): a Scottish novelist. Peter Pan — a fairy-tale boy who refused to grow up preferring to lead
children into his magic "Never-Never Land" where they fought pirates.
historyn история, е.g. the history of our country, the history of the language; a history
lesson; the History Museum.
Note 1: In names of academic subjects no article is used, е.g. History of the English language
is a difficult subject
Note 2: The Russian word история has several English equivalents: а) история (ход
развития чего-л.) — history, е.g. This town has an interesting history.; b) рассказ, повествование
— story, е.g. I don't like stories of such kind. He told us the story of his whole life.; с)
происшествие — event, е.g. Tell us something about this strange event. But: A funny thing
happened to him. (С ним произошла забавная история.) There's a pretty kettle of fish! (Вот так
история!)
2. worthn ценность, е.g. It's a discovery of great worth. This information is of no worth.