READING TEST - ENGLISH, the 10th form (Nersysian M. A., Pirozhenko A. O.) (SELF-ASSESSMENT: Exercise 4, p.158)

Read about the biggest cities in the UK. Decide whether the sentences are true (T) or false (F).

Historically, the designation of city status in the U.K. has been conferred by royal charter. While most people consider the term "city" to refer to a densely populated urban area, there are several U.K. cities no larger than a village. In present times, city status is granted by Queen Elizabeth II.

1) First settled during the reign of the Roman Empire over what is now Britain, today it is the capital city of both England and the United Kingdom. The city is the most populous with a population of 14,032,000 inhabitants who speak over 300 languages. It is one of the leading global cities in art, entertainment, commerce, finance, fashion, media, and healthcare. The city is also one of the world’s leading financial centers and has the fifth largest metropolitan area GDP in the world. Because of being a cultural capital and having the world’s largest city airport system, it is the most visited city. The city also hosts many international retailers and billionaires. In 2014, it was ranked first in software and multimedia design, technology readiness, and also the best in world university ranking. There are four World Heritage Sites and some magnificent buildings, including the Tower. But the number of homeless families has grown significantly in the city because of the increasing population. 

2) This metropolitan city is in the West Midlands of England, and is the largest city outside of London. The city is home to 3,737,000 inhabitants, the 9th most populous city in Europe. It grew to prominence in the 18th Century during the Midlands Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution. Today, the city’s economy is driven by the service sector being a major international commercial sector. The city is also a conference, retail, events, and transport hub. Its economy is the second largest in the United Kingdom with an average GDP of $121 billion. Its six universities make it one of the largest higher education centers. The cultural institutions in the city enjoy international recognition because of the vibrant art, music, culinary, and literary scenes. 

3) This city is in the Greater Manchester area of England, fringed by the Cheshire Plain and the Pennines. The city has a population of 2,794,000. It achieved its city status in 1853 and is currently managed by a City Council. The city is the third most visited in the United Kingdom because of its culture, media links, architecture, scientific output, social impact, and sports clubs. It is Europe’s most affordable city with a cost of living index below 95. The unemployment in the city is above the national average. However, the gender pay gap is only 3,3%, the lowest in the country. The city is well known for being a city of sport. Two Premier League football clubs bear the city name.

1) London was founded by the Britons.

2) London is the capital of England.

3) London is a cosmopolitan city.

4) Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK.

5) Birmingham became famous in the 1800s.

6) Birmingham is a well-known cultural and educational centre.

7) Manchester stands on a river.

8) Manchester was given city status only in the 19th century.

9) Manchester is a rather expensive city for living.