Short texts for reading

[TatianaP]

A Talented Russian Writer and Diplomat Alexander Griboyedov

     Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov was a remarkable man who lived in Russia in the early 19th century. He was born in Moscow in 1795 and died in 1829. Griboyedov had many talents — he was a writer, a diplomat, a musician, and a poet.
     As a young man, Griboyedov studied at Moscow University. He was highly intelligent and learned several languages, including French, German, and Persian. During the War of 1812, he joined the army, but later he decided to pursue a career in diplomacy — helping his country build good relations with other nations.
     Griboyedov is best known for writing a famous play called Woe from Wit (Gore ot Uma in Russian). He wrote it in 1824. The play is a comedy that satirizes the rich and powerful people of his time. It shows how outdated and foolish some of their ideas were. Even today, this play is performed in Russian theatres and is studied in schools.
     In his diplomatic career, Griboyedov worked in the Caucasus region and later became Russia's ambassador to Persia (now Iran). While there, he helped negotiate an important treaty between Russia and Persia.
     Sadly, in 1829, Griboyedov died in Tehran while protecting the Russian embassy during a violent attack. Alexander Griboyedov's life was short but full of achievements. He left behind a great literary work and a legacy of service to his country. His story reminds us that one person can make a big difference in history.

A Talented Russian Writer and Diplomat Alexander Griboyedov

     Griboyedov was a writer, a diplomat, a musician and a poet. He was born in Moscow in 1795 and died in 1829. He wrote a famous play called Woe from Wit. The play is about rich and powerful people of his time and about their foolish ideas. The play is very famous and is performed in Russian theaters and in schools.

* * *

     Griboyedov was a diplomat. He worked as Russia's ambassador in Persia (Iran).
     In 1829, he died in Tehran while protecting the Russian embassy. He left behind a great literary work. And his play Woe from Wit is now a master piece.

[InkJoy]

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

     Anton Chekhov was born in 1860 in the town of Taganrog. He grew up in a big family and from a young age he loved books and stories.
     When Chekhov grew up, he studied medicine at university and became a doctor. But he never stopped writing! He started publishing short stories while he was still a student, and soon people began to notice his talent.
     Chekhov wrote many short stories and plays. His works are famous all over the world. He had a special gift — he could show everyday life in a very interesting way. In his stories, you can find both laughter and sadness.
     Some of his most famous works include:
     1. "The Cherry Orchard" (a play about change and memories);
     2. "Ward No. 6" (a story about life in a hospital);
     3. "Kashtanka" (a touching tale about a dog).
     Chekhov's stories often teach us something about people and life. He wrote with kindness and understanding, and he made readers think about what it means to be human.
     Anton Chekhov died in 1904, but his stories live on. Many theatres still perform his plays, and children and adults still enjoy reading his books.


     Общие вопросы (Yes/No questions):
     1. Was Anton Chekhov born in 1860?
     2. Did Chekhov study medicine at university?
     3. Did he start publishing stories while he was a student?
     4. Are Chekhov's works famous all over the world?
     5. Do theatres still perform his plays today?

     Специальные вопросы (Wh‑questions):
     1. Where was Anton Chekhov born?
     2. What did Chekhov study at university?
     3. When did Chekhov die?
     4. What are some of his most famous works?
     5. Why do people still enjoy reading Chekhov's books?

[InkJoy]

Welcome to the Moscow Zoo!

     The Moscow Zoo was opened in 1864. That's more than 150 years ago! It is located in the very heart of Russia's capital, Moscow. Every year, millions of visitors come here to see the amazing animals from all over the world.
     The zoo is home to more than 8 000 animals! You can see big and small creatures — from huge elephants and majestic tigers to tiny birds and colourful fish.
     Let's meet some of the zoo's famous residents:
     The polar bear — a white giant from the cold Arctic. It loves swimming in its pool.
     The Amur tiger — one of the rarest tigers in the world. It has beautiful orange fur with black stripes.
     The giraffe — the tallest animal on Earth! Its long neck helps it eat leaves from high trees.
     The panda — a cute black‑and‑white bear that eats bamboo. Pandas are very rare, so it's a special treat to see one.
     In the zoo, you can also visit the Terrarium (where reptiles and amphibians live) and the Aviary (a big cage for birds). There's even a special children's area where you can learn more about animals and sometimes pet some friendly ones!
     The Moscow Zoo doesn't just show animals — it helps protect them. Scientists and zookeepers work hard to care for endangered species and teach people how to look after nature.

[InkJoy]

Valentina Tereshkova - the first woman in space

    Valentina Tereshkova was born on March 6, 1937, in the Yaroslavl Region of Russia. She was the first woman in space. She left school at 16 to work in a factory and later learned parachuting — a skill that helped her become an astronaut.
     In the 1960s, during the Space Race, the USSR wanted to send a woman to space after Yuri Gagarin's flight. Tereshkova was chosen from hundreds of applicants because of her parachuting experience.
     On June 16, 1963, she launched aboard Vostok 6 and spent nearly three days in space, completing 48 orbits around Earth.
     After her safe return on June 19, 1963, Tereshkova received the title Hero of the Soviet Union and became a global icon. Her flight inspired many female astronauts and remains a key moment in space exploration history.


1. When and where was she born?
2. Which skill helped her become an astronaut?
3. Why was Tereshkova chosen from hundreds of applicants?
4. How many days did she spend in space?
5. What happened after her safe return?

[TatianaP]

Red Square — The Heart of Moscow

     Red Square is a very famous place in Russia. It is in the center of Moscow, next to the Kremlin. Many people visit it every year — tourists and locals.
     The name "Red Square" does not come from the colour of the buildings. In Old Russian, "Red Square" means a "beautiful square".
     Many famous landmarks are located on or near Red Square:
     1. St. Basil's Cathedral.
     2. GUM — a large shopping center.
     3. Lenin's Mausoleum.
     4. State Historical Museum.
     5. Kremlin Wall.
     Today, Red Square is used for modern events: parades, concerts, ice skating in winter, and festivals. Every year, on the 9th of May, there is a big military parade for Victory Day.
     Red Square is a symbol of Russia. It shows the country's past and present. If you visit Moscow, you must see it!

[info]

A Talented Russian Writer and Diplomat Alexander Griboyedov

     Griboyedov was a writer, a diplomat, a musician and a poet. He was born in Moscow in 1795 and died in 1829. He wrote a famous play called Woe from Wit. The play is about rich and powerful people of his time and about their foolish ideas. The play is very famous and is performed in Russian theaters and in schools.

* * *

     Griboyedov was a diplomat. He worked as Russia's ambassador in Persia (Iran).
     In 1829, he died in Tehran while protecting the Russian embassy. He left behind a great literary work. And his play Woe from Wit is now a master piece.

[InkJoy]

Joseph Kobzon. A Famous Russian Singer

     Joseph Davydovich Kobzon was one of the most well‑known singers in Russia and the former Soviet Union. He was born on 11 September 1937. From a young age, he loved music and singing, and later he became famous for his strong, beautiful voice.
     Kobzon studied at a music school and began his professional singing career in the 1950s. He performed many different kinds of songs — patriotic songs, folk songs, and romantic ballads. His performances were full of emotion, and people loved listening to him.
     Over the years, Joseph Kobzon gave thousands of concerts in Russia and many other countries. His voice was so powerful and clear that audiences always remembered his performances. Some of his most popular songs include "Daleko‑daleko" ("Far, Far Away") and "Moya Moskva" ("My Moscow").
     Besides being a singer, Kobzon was also a teacher. He taught young singers and shared his knowledge with them. Many of his students later became successful musicians themselves.
     Joseph Kobzon was not only an artist — he also cared about helping people. He often gave charity concerts and supported good causes. He received many awards and honours, including the title People's Artist of the USSR. This is one of the highest awards a performer can get in Russia.
     He continued performing almost until the end of his life. Joseph Kobzon passed away on 30 August 2018, but his music is still loved by many people.
     Today, people remember him as a great singer, a kind person, and a true legend of Russian music. His songs continue to bring joy to listeners of all ages.

[InkJoy]

Red Square — The Heart of Moscow

     Red Square is one of the most famous places in Russia. It is located in the very centre of Moscow, right next to the Moscow Kremlin. Many people visit it every year — both tourists and locals.
     The name "Red Square" does not come from the colour of the buildings. In Old Russian, the word krasnaya (красная) meant "beautiful" or "important". So, Red Square means a "beautiful square" or an "important square".
     Red Square has a long history. It appeared in the late 15th century, after Grand Duke Ivan III ordered the area near the Kremlin walls to be cleared. At first, it was a market and a place for public announcements. Over the centuries, it became the main square for big celebrations and events.
     Many famous landmarks are located on or near Red Square:
     1. Saint Basil's Cathedral — a beautiful and unusual church with bright, colourful domes. It was built in the 16th century by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible.
     2. The GUM Department Store — a large and elegant shopping centre with beautiful architecture.
     3. Lenin's Mausoleum — a building where the body of Vladimir Lenin is kept.
     4. The State Historical Museum — a big museum with many exhibits about Russian history.
     5. The Kremlin Wall — the ancient fortress that surrounds the Moscow Kremlin.
     Today, Red Square is not only a historical site but also a place for modern events. There are parades, concerts, ice‑skating rinks in winter, and festivals. Every year, on the 9th of May, a big military parade takes place here to celebrate Victory Day.
     Red Square is a symbol of Russia. It shows the country's rich past and its lively present. If you ever visit Moscow, this is the place you must see!

[InkJoy]

A Talented Russian Writer and Diplomat Alexander Griboyedov

     Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov was a remarkable man who lived in Russia in the early 19th century. He was born in Moscow in 1795 and died in 1829. Griboyedov had many talents — he was a writer, a diplomat, a musician, and a poet.
     As a young man, Griboyedov studied at Moscow University. He was highly intelligent and learned several languages, including French, German, and Persian. During the War of 1812, he joined the army, but later he decided to pursue a career in diplomacy — helping his country build good relations with other nations.
     Griboyedov is best known for writing a famous play called Woe from Wit (Gore ot Uma in Russian). He wrote it in 1824. The play is a comedy that satirizes the rich and powerful people of his time. It shows how outdated and foolish some of their ideas were. Even today, this play is performed in Russian theatres and is studied in schools.
     In his diplomatic career, Griboyedov worked in the Caucasus region and later became Russia's ambassador to Persia (now Iran). While there, he helped negotiate an important treaty between Russia and Persia.
     Sadly, in 1829, Griboyedov died in Tehran while protecting the Russian embassy during a violent attack. Alexander Griboyedov's life was short but full of achievements. He left behind a great literary work and a legacy of service to his country. His story reminds us that one person can make a big difference in history.

     Level 1: Understanding the Basics (Базовое понимание)

Task 1. True or False? Read the statements below and decide if they are true or false according to the text.
1. Alexander Griboyedov was born in St. Petersburg in 1795.
2. He studied at Moscow University.
3. He spoke French, German, and Spanish.
4. His most famous work is a novel called Woe from Wit.
5. He worked as a diplomat in the Caucasus and in Persia.
6. He died in Tehran in 1829.

Task 2. Fill in the Gaps. Use the words from the box to complete the sentences. (talents, university, languages, play, ambassador, achievements)
1. Griboyedov had many ____________, including writing and music.
2. As a young man, he studied at Moscow __________________.
3. He learned several ________________, including French and Persian.
4. He is best known for writing a famous _____________________ called Woe from Wit.
5. Later in his career, he became Russia's ____________________ to Persia.
6. His life was short but full of _____________________.


     Level 2: Language Focus (Работа с языком)

Task 3. Vocabulary Matching. Match the words on the left with their definitions on the right.
Word                    Definition
1. remarkable    a) to try to reach an agreement by discussion
2. diplomat        b) very unusual or special
3. negotiate       c) a person who represents their country in another country
4. satirizes        d) to leave something behind for others after you are gone
5. legacy           e) makes fun of human weaknesses in a clever way

Task 4. Grammar: Past Simple. Find and write down five verbs in the Past Simple tense from the text. Then, write their infinitive forms. Example: lived → live

Task 5. Paraphrasing. Rewrite these sentences from the text using different words. Keep the same meaning.
1. He was highly intelligent and learned several languages.
2. The play is a comedy that satirizes the rich and powerful people of his time.
3. His story reminds us that one person can make a big difference in history.


     Level 3: Deeper Comprehension & Analysis (Глубокое понимание и анализ)

Task 6. Answer the Questions. Answer the questions in full sentences.
1. What are the four main talents of Alexander Griboyedov mentioned in the text?
2. Why did he decide to change his career path after the War of 1812?
3. What is the significance of the play Woe from Wit today?
4. How did Griboyedov contribute to his country as a diplomat?
5. What does the author want us to learn from Griboyedov's story?

Task 7. Cause and Effect. Complete the table below with information from the text.
Cause (Причина)                                   Effect (Следствие)
He was highly intelligent.                           ...
He wrote Woe from Wit.                           ...
He helped negotiate an important treaty.   ...
He was protecting the Russian embassy.   ...


     Level 4: Creative & Critical Thinking (Творческое и критическое мышление)

Task 8. Role Play: Interview. Work in pairs. Student A is a modern journalist. Student B is Alexander Griboyedov (imagining he is alive today). Prepare and act out a short interview (5–7 questions and answers) about his life, work, and views. Use information from the text and your imagination.

Task 9. Opinion Essay. Write a short essay (120–150 words) on the following topic: «Do you agree with the statement that 'one person can make a big difference in history'? Use the example of Alexander Griboyedov and one other historical figure to support your opinion.»

Task 10. Creative Writing. Imagine you are a young actor preparing for the role of a character from Woe from Wit. Write a diary entry (100–120 words) from this character's perspective. Describe what you think about society in Griboyedov's time and how you feel about the events of the play. Try to reflect the satirical tone of the original work.


Notes for the Teacher (Примечания для преподавателя):

Levels 1–2 are designed for consolidation of vocabulary and basic grammar, checking factual understanding.
Level 3 encourages students to analyze the text, find connections, and express their understanding in their own words.
Level 4 tasks are open-ended and require students to use the text as a springboard for their own creativity, critical thinking, and personal expression, which is key to advanced language learning.

[Narayana]

Alexander Pushkin. The Father of Russian Literature

     Imagine a writer whose influence on his country's literature is as great as Shakespeare's in Britain — that's Alexander Pushkin for Russia. Born on June 6, 1799, in Moscow, Pushkin grew up in a well-off family that valued books. He spent hours in his family's library, devouring stories and developing his love for words.
     One of the most important people in young Pushkin's life was his nanny, Arina Rodionovna. She told him traditional Russian folk tales — stories full of magic and wisdom. These tales stuck with him and later inspired some of his most famous works.
     When Pushkin was 12, he went to the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum near St. Petersburg. This school was for boys from noble families, and it was here that Pushkin started writing poetry. His talent was obvious from the start — his teachers and friends quickly realised he was special.
     After finishing his studies, Pushkin began to write seriously. He tried many genres: poems, plays, stories, and fairy tales. You might have heard of The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish. It's about an old man who catches a magical golden fish that can grant wishes. But his wife's greed ruins everything. It's a simple but powerful lesson about being grateful for what you have. Another famous story, The Tale of Tsar Saltan, is a thrilling adventure about a prince who ends up on a desert island and meets magical creatures.
     Pushkin also wrote beautiful poems about nature. He loved autumn — he felt it was the perfect time for writing. But he could capture other seasons too. His poem Winter Morning starts with the line "Frost and sun; a wonderful day!" and paints a vivid picture of a bright winter day.
     What really made Pushkin special was his language. Before him, Russian literature often used complicated, old-fashioned words. Pushkin changed that. He used clear, everyday language that people could easily understand. Because of this, he's known as the founder of modern Russian literature — he made it accessible and beautiful.
     Sadly, Pushkin's life ended tragically. He died in 1837 at the age of 37 after a duel. But his work lives on. In Russia, June 6 is celebrated as Pushkin Day. His poems are studied in schools, and his stories are often turned into films and cartoons.
     Pushkin showed the world the beauty of the Russian language and folklore. His stories teach us about honesty, kindness, and the dangers of greed. If you ever get a chance to read his work, you'll see why he's still so highly regarded — not just in Russia, but all over the world.

[Narayana]

Alexander Pushkin: Life and Works

     Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, one of the most famous Russian writers and poets, was born on June 6, 1799, in Moscow. He loved books from an early age — his family had a large library.
     His nanny, Arina Rodionovna, told him Russian folk tales that later inspired his works. At 12, he entered the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum near St. Petersburg, where he began to write poems and quickly gained recognition for his talent.
     After graduation, Pushkin created many works — poems, stories, plays, and fairy tales beloved in Russia. The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish tells about an old man who catches a magical golden fish. The story teaches to be content with what you have. Another famous tale, The Tale of Tsar Saltan, is full of adventure — it follows Prince Gvidon cast away to a desert island.
     Pushkin also wrote poems about nature — he especially loved autumn, though one of his well‑known poems, Winter Morning, beautifully describes a winter day.
     He became the founder of modern Russian literature by using clear, everyday language instead of the old‑fashioned style common before him.
     Pushkin died in 1837 at the age of 37 after a duel, but his works remain popular. On June 6, Russia celebrates Pushkin Day. His poems are studied at school, and his tales are adapted into films and cartoons. Pushkin showed the world the beauty of the Russian language and folklore and taught important lessons about kindness and honesty.

Questions
1. When and where was Alexander Pushkin born?
2. Who told Pushkin Russian folk tales in his childhood?
3. At what age did Pushkin go to the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum?
4. Name one of Pushkin's famous fairy tales.
5. What is the main lesson of The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish?
6. Which season was Pushkin's favourite?
7. What is special about Pushkin's writing style? Why is he important for Russian literature?
8. How old was Pushkin when he died?
9. What event is celebrated in Russia on June 6?
10. Why do you think Pushkin's works are still popular today?

[Narayana]

Mikhail Lermontov: A Great Russian Poet

     Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov was a famous Russian poet and writer. He was born on October 15, 1814, in Moscow.
     After his mother's death, Mikhail lived with his grandmother in the village of Tarkhany. She hired the best teachers for him. From an early age, he showed talent: he learned to play the piano and the violin and started writing poems. He loved reading, especially the works of the English poet Lord Byron.
     Later, Lermontov moved to Moscow to continue his studies. He was a good student and was very interested in literature, history, and languages.
     Then he joined the army and was sent to the Caucasus — a mountainous region that he loved. The beauty of the mountains and the local traditions inspired him.
     Lermontov wrote many works. One of them is the poem "Borodino". It tells about the battle between Russia and France in 1812. Another famous work is the novel "A Hero of Our Time". It tells the story of Pechorin and shows what life was like in Russia at that time. The poem "The Demon" is also well known — it's a dramatic story about a lonely spirit who falls in love with a girl.
     Lermontov's life ended tragically. He was killed in a duel in 1841 when he was only 26 years old. But his works are still read in Russia and around the world. He wrote about love, freedom, nature, and his homeland. Many people consider him one of the greatest Russian poets, along with Alexander Pushkin.

[Narayana]

The Sukharev Tower: A Lost Landmark of Moscow

     Long ago in Moscow, there was the Sukharev Tower — one of the city's most famous buildings.
     Tsar Peter I ordered to build it. The construction started in 1692 and finished in 1701. The tower was named in honor of Colonel Lavrenty Sukharev. During the Streltsy Uprising of 1689, Sukharev's regiment remained loyal to the young Peter the Great against his half-sister. The Tsar ordered the construction of the tower as a ceremonial gateway and a monument to his triumph.
     The tower was about 64 metres high and made of red brick with white decorations. It had several floors. On the first floor there was a big archway like a city gate. The second floor was for guards. On the third floor there was the Moscow School of Mathematics and Navigation — it taught young people to become sailors and engineers. On the top floor there was Russia's first astronomical observatory.
     Near the tower, a big market called the Sukharevka appeared. People sold books, vegetables and many other things there. Later, the tower also helped to supply Moscow with water — engineers put water tanks inside it.
     In 1934 the tower was demolished to widen the city roads. Some parts of it, like the clock, were saved and can now be seen in museums. Even though the tower is gone, it remains an important part of Moscow's history.

[InkJoy]

     Mary, John and Boris are sitting in the living room and talking.Boris has just come back from London, where his family had celebrated Christmas, which is their favorite holiday.

Ivanova K

[sasha t]

    Mary, John and Boris are sitting in the living room and talking. Boris has just come back from London, where his family had
celebrated Christmas, which is their favourite holiday.
-What do you usualy do on the Christmas day?-Mary asks Boris
-We give presents to each other, we decorate the Christmas tree at home and sometimes we go to the center of London on the Christmas Eve. And what is your favourite holiday?

-Our favourite holiday is New Year-,John answers,-It falls on the first of  January and the most important time is the New Year's  Eve. At midnight the Kremlin clock strikes times, our parents open chapagne an clink glasses/
-And what to children do?
-We wait for Ded Moroz (Grand Father Frost) to come with his granddaughter Snegurochka.