Topics for discussion: Imagine you are writing about Belarus to a foreign magazine. Describe our country to its readers.

 My Country Structure

• Location (The country is located ... . It borders .... .The population .... . The capital ... .)
• The origin of its name.
• Landscape
• Statistics ( Industry and agriculture.)
• Nation's character
• Places of interest, sights. (What is your country famous for?)
• Conclusion

Sample 1

Belarus is my homeland. It is a country with unique history and rich cultural heritage. Officially it is called the Republic of Belarus, a sovereign independent state with its own government, constitution, state emblem, flag and anthem. Belarus is situated in the eastern part of Europe. Its area is 207 600 square kilometres. It borders on Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. The population of the country is about 9,4 million people. The territory of Belarus is divided into 6 regions. The capital of Belarus is Minsk.

The name “Belarus” corresponds with the term “White Rus”. There are several ideas about where the name “White Rus” came from. One of the possible origins of the name is for the white clothing that was worn by the local Slavic population. Yet another theory suggests that the old Rus lands (Polotsk, Vitebsk and Mogilev) were not conquered by the Tatars and as a result of this were described as “white”.

Our native land is fascinating and varied with its blue lakes and ribbons of rivers edged with thick forests, with its endless fields, meadows and swamps, with its varied and plentiful animal and plant kingdom. Because of its unique nature the country has been included into the list of countries called “the lungs of Europe”. There are some 3000 rivers flowing over the territory of Belarus. The longest rivers are the Dnieper, the Nieman, the Western Bug and the Western Dvina. There are over 10 000 lakes in Belarus. The largest of them is Lake Naroch. That’s why Belarus has often been referred to as the blue-eyed country.

More than a quarter of the country is covered with forests. An ancient forest on the border between Belarus and Poland, Belovezhskaya Pushcha is a national reservation which is the home of the aurochs (or European bison). This animal is one of the symbols of Belarus, as well as a stork and a cornflower.

The climate of Belarus is continental with comparatively mild winters and pretty warm summers. The nature of Belarus has suffered much from the nuclear catastrophe that took place in Chernobyl in 1986. The radiation has spoiled our soil and air, rivers and lakes, it has poisoned our flora and fauna. Besides, it has badly affected people's health. 

Belarus is a developing industrial state. It's known for its production of tractors, motor-cycles, bicycles, TV-sets, refrigerators, watches and many other goods. The country's major crops are potatoes, flax, barley, rye and sugar beet.

The geographical position of Belarus got our country involved in major European events over the centuries. The advantageous geographical position – on the crossroads from east to west – turned into disadvantage. Belarus was the arena of many wars, invasions and aggressions. All these events slowed down but didn’t stop the development of the nation. I must admit that despite all the hardships our country managed to preserve its unity and strong spirit.

Speaking about Belarusian national character, many foreigners admit that our people are extremely sociable, hospitable, generous and welcoming. They are also described as resourceful and peaceful. When socialising, Belarusians are open, warm-hearted, fun-loving, humorous and outgoing.

However, when Belarusians are moving around the city, shopping or travelling on public transport they are a bit reserved and tend to keep themselves to themselves. There is a high respect for education and culture, so the majority of people are highly professional, hard-working and intelligent.

If you ask me about national landmarks worth visiting, firstly, I will mention Neswizh and Mir castles, they look incredible, and excursions are very interesting, you will learn many legends from this part of Belarusian history. Don't forget to visit Grodno and Brest, there are a lot of must-see attractions. And, of course, the National library. The view from the observation deck is simply stunning. I will also advise to visit The Narochansky National Park and Belovezhskaya Pushcha, which are the peculiar symbols of our country and thanks to them you can see and appreciate all the beauty of our nature.

In conclusion, I'd like to say that I'm proud of my country and its people. Each time I go abroad I tell foreigners about our great past and achievements. Belarus is the place my heart will always belong to!

5. Imagine you are writing about Belarus to a foreign magazine. Describe our country to its readers.

1) Would you like to take part in a British holiday celebration? Why?

2) What Belarusian festivals would you advise a foreigner to visit?

3) What questions will you ask a zoologist who works in the Belavezhskaya Pushcha?

4) What kinds of sport are popular in Belarus?

6. Your English friend asks you about your Motherland. What will you tell him about Belarus?

1) What Belarusian sights would you recommend a foreigner to visit?

 2) What Belarusian festivals would you advise a foreigner to attend?

3) What questions about Belarus do you expect to hear from a British teenager?

4) Do Belarusians like sport?

12. Imagine you are writing about Belarus to a foreign magazine. Describe our country to its readers.

1) What Belarusian sights would you recommend a foreigner to visit?

 2) What Belarusian festivals would you advise a foreigner to attend?

3) What questions about Belarus do you expect to hear from a British teenager?

4) Do Belarusians like sport? What sports are especially popular in Belarus?

18. Belarus is a beautiful country. Tell new foreign friends about the beauty of the Republic of Belarus.

1) What do you know about Belarusian traditions?

2) What Belarusian festivals would you advise a foreigner to attend?

3) Do you know any Belarusian writers?

4) What questions about Belarus do you expect to hear from a professor of History from the UK?

20. Imagine you are writing about Belarus to a foreign magazine. Describe our country to its readers.

1) Would you like to take part in a British holiday celebration? Why?

2) What Belarusian festivals would you advise a foreigner to visit?

3) What questions will you ask a zoologist who works in the Belavezhskaya Pushcha?

4) Do Belarusians like sport? What sports are especially popular in Belarus?