Moscow – A City of History and Modern Life

Moscow is the capital and the largest city in Russia. It is one of the most famous cities in the world. Moscow has a long history, which began more than 870 years ago. The city stands on the Moskva River and is home to more than 13 million people. Moscow is an important political, economic, and cultural center. The Kremlin, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in the heart of Moscow. The Russian President works there. Next to the Kremlin is Red Square, where you can see Saint Basil’s Cathedral with its colourful domes. This cathedral is an international symbol of Russia.

Moscow has a very efficient metro system, which is known for its beautiful stations decorated with mosaics, marble, and sculptures. Some people say the Moscow Metro looks like an underground palace. If you visit Moscow in winter, you can enjoy ice skating on large outdoor rinks, such as in Gorky Park. In summer, people love walking in parks and gardens; for example, VDNH and Tsaritsyno are very popular.

Moscow is also a city of education, art, and science. There are many famous theatres, such as the Bolshoi Theatre, where you can watch world-class ballet and opera. Students from all over the country and abroad study at Moscow State University, which is more than 260 meters tall and has one of the highest buildings in the city.

An interesting fact: Moscow has more than 600 churches and also many modern skyscrapers in the area called Moscow City. This mix of old and new makes Moscow special and unique. Today, Moscow is a dynamic city where you can see historical monuments and modern life together every day.

Vocabulary

• capital – столица
• history – история
• cathedral – собор
• symbol – символ
• metro – метро
• mosaic – мозаика
• ice skating – катание на коньках
• rink – каток
• palace – дворец
• monument – памятник
• skyscraper – небоскрёб
• unique – уникальный
• dynamic – динамичный
• outdoor – на открытом воздухе
• abroad – за рубежом

Questions about the text

1. What is the capital of Russia?
2. How old is Moscow?
3. On which river does Moscow stand?
4. How many people live in Moscow?
5. What is the Kremlin?
6. Who works in the Kremlin?
7. What is the name of the famous square next to the Kremlin?
8. Which cathedral is an international symbol of Russia?
9. What is special about the Moscow Metro?
10. What can people do in Gorky Park in winter?
11. What are VDNH and Tsaritsyno?
12. Which theatre in Moscow is famous for ballet?
13. Where do students from abroad study in Moscow?
14. What makes Moscow unique?
15. How many churches are there in Moscow?

Discussion questions

1. Have you ever visited Moscow?
2. Would you like to travel to Moscow? Why or why not?
3. What interesting places would you like to see in Moscow?
4. Do you like travelling to big cities or small towns?
5. What famous landmarks do you know in your country?
6. Do you think it is easy to live in a big city?
7. Why do people visit Moscow?
8. What are some advantages of living in a capital city?
9. Do you use public transport in your city? Is it efficient?
10. What types of monuments do you like to visit?
11. Is it important to learn about the history of your city?
12. Do you enjoy visiting parks and gardens?
13. Which is better: modern buildings or historical architecture? Why?
14. Would you like to study in a big university like Moscow State?
15. What is something unique about the place where you live?