human condition – человеческое состояние
relatively new – относительно новый
significant milestone – важная веха
nuanced stories – тонкие истории
QUESTIONS:
What is the main idea of the article?What is the title of the world's first novel?
Who wrote the world's first novel?
When was the world's first novel written?
What are the criteria for a work of fiction to be considered a novel?
Why is The Tale of Genji considered to be the world's first novel?
What are some other early novels that are mentioned in the article?
Fact 16. Did you know that the most popular sport in the world is football?
With over 3.5 billion fans worldwide, football is the most popular sport on the planet. It is played in over 200 countries and territories, and there are an estimated 250 million registered players.
What is football?
Football is a team sport played with a ball between two teams of 11 players. The object of the game is to score by getting the ball into the other team's goal. Football is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. The game is played for 90 minutes, and the team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
Why is football so popular?
There are many reasons why football is so popular around the world. Here are a few:
● It is a simple game to learn. The basic rules of football are easy to understand, and anyone can play it, regardless of their age or skill level.
● It is a fun and exciting game to play. Football is a fast-paced and action-packed game that is always exciting to watch.
● It is a social game. Football is a great way to meet new people and make friends. It is also a great way to stay active and healthy.
The history of football
The origins of football can be traced back to ancient China, where a game called cuju was played as early as the 2nd century BC. Cuju was a game played with a ball made of leather and stuffed with feathers or hair. The game was played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end.
Football was introduced to Europe in the Middle Ages, and it quickly became popular in England. The first official football match was played in England in 1863. The game quickly spread to other countries, and by the early 20th century, it was being played all over the world.
The World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious football tournament in the world. It is held every four years, and it brings together the best football teams from around the globe. The first World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930, and it has been held every four years since then, except for 1942 and 1946, when it was not held due to World War II.
The World Cup is one of the most watched sporting events in the world. The 2018 World Cup in Russia was watched by over 3.5 billion people.
Football today
Football is more popular than ever today. The game is played in over 200 countries and territories, and there are an estimated 250 million registered players. Football is a truly global sport, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
WORDLIST:
worldwide – во всём мире
estimated – предполагаемый
object of the game – цель игры
to score – забивать гол
the other team's goal – ворота другой команды
rectangular – прямоугольный
basic rules – основные правила
regardless of – независимо от
fast-paced – быстрый
action-packed game – захватывающая игра
origins – происхождение
can be traced back to – можно проследить до
leather – кожа
stuffed with feathers or hair – набитый перьями или волосами
tournament – турнир
due to – из-за
QUESTIONS:
How many fans does the most popular sport in the world have?
In how many countries and territories is the most popular sport in the world played?
What is the object of the game in the most popular sport in the world?
What are some reasons why the most popular sport in the world is so popular?
What are the origins of the most popular sport in the world?
When was the first official match of the most popular sport in the world played?
What is the name of the most prestigious tournament in the most popular sport in the world?
How often is the most prestigious tournament in the most popular sport in the world held?
Fact 17. Did you know that the world's largest museum is the Louvre in Paris?
With over 380,000 square meters of exhibition space and a collection of over 35,000 works of art, the Louvre is the largest and one of the most famous museums in the world. It is home to some of the most iconic works of art in history, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
The history of the Louvre
The Louvre's history dates back to the 12th century, when it was a fortress built by King Philip II of France. Over the centuries, the Louvre was expanded and remodeled, and it eventually became a royal palace. In 1793, during the French Revolution, the Louvre was opened to the public as a museum.
The Louvre's collection
The Louvre's collection is divided into eight departments:
● Ancient Near Eastern Art
● Egyptian Antiquities
● Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities
● Islamic Art
● Sculptures
● Paintings
● Drawings and Prints
● Decorative Arts
The Louvre's collection is vast and varied, and it includes works of art from