All about Ukraine. Reading

How many words can you find? There are 12 words:

• - 2 countries,

• - 2 seas,

• - 2 sports,

• - 1 tree in Kyiv,

• - 1 soil type,

• - 1 Europe's largest ethnolinguistic group of people,

• - 1 Carpathian ...

• - 1 popular Ukrainian dish made of boiled dough with diverse fillings, such as meat, mushrooms, vegetables, fruits, cheese 

• - 1 Ukrainian city is in north-central Ukraine along the Dnieper River. 

  (If you find 10-12 words - 3 points; 6-9 words - 2 points; 4-5words - 1 point, 1-3 words - 0,5 points)

  

Read the text "All about Ukraine"

Where is Ukraine?

Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe. It is 603,000km2 and has seven other countries that it shares borders with. These are Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia. The coast of Ukraine joins the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.

Mostly, Ukraine consists of flat plains. These plains are split into the highland areas and the lowland areas. The average height of the land is 175m above sea level. The largest highland area contains many river valleys and gorges. In the lowland areas in the north of the country, marshland can be found.

Ukraine is also famous for its black soils, which are good for crop production. As a result, Ukraine is one of the largest producers of grain and potatoes in Europe.

What is the Weather Like in Ukraine?

Ukraine is close to the Atlantic ocean so it has warm, humid air. It has a mostly continental climate that changes a lot throughout the year.

Furthest from the coast, the western and northern parts of Ukraine usually see the highest levels of annual rainfall. Along the coast, the climate is much warmer and provides dry, hot summers.

What is the Capital City?

The capital city of Kyiv lies in the north of Ukraine. Kyiv is the most populated city in Ukraine and one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is believed that Kyiv has been a center for trading since the fifth century. That was around 1600 years ago! About three million people call Kyiv their home and enjoy its beautiful gardens and parks. The Dnieper River runs through the city.

Which Animals Live in Ukraine?

The high peaks of the Crimean Mountains and the Ukrainian Carpathians are on the borders of Ukraine. These Carpathian mountains, as well as the other wooded areas of Ukraine, provide homes for lots of wild mammals. These include wolves, wild boars, lynxes, martens, and brown bears.

Beavers, otters, mink, carp, and catfish live in the rivers and lakes. The plains are also home to wildlife, including huge numbers of rodents, such as gophers and hamsters, in the east.

Ukraine's Culture

The majority of people speak the Ukrainian language. It is similar to Polish as it is part of the Slavic family of languages. Most of the population is ethnic Ukrainian but there are also groups of Russians, Moldovans, Belarusians, and Crimean Tatars living in Ukraine.

Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the main religion but Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam are also practiced.

Although Ukraine is most famous for its boxing success, football, basketball, rugby and even chess are popular sports. Music is also a large part of the local culture, with Ukraine having many live music venues, such as opera houses.

Answer the questions?

1. What is the area of Ukraine?

2. What is the name of Ukraine’s capital city?

3. Fill in the missing words: Ukraine is one of the largest producers of and in Europe.

4. List two bordering countries of Ukraine.

5. Which two rodents are given as examples of Ukrainian wildlife?

6. Summarise what you have learnt about the Ukrainian weather in 25 words or fewer.

7. Explain in your own words why Kyiv is a significant part of Ukraine.

8. Compare the highlands and lowland areas of Ukraine in 25 words or fewer.