Английский язык. Александрова Г.А. - 69 стр.

                                     Text 6
        In English homes, the fireplace has always been, until recent times
the natural centre of interest in a room. People may like to sit at a window
on a summer day, but for many months of the year they prefer to sit round
the fire and watch the dancing flames.
        In the Middle Ages the fireplaces were, in the halls of large castles,
very wide. Only wood was burnt, and large logs were carted in from the
forests, and supported, as they burnt on metal bars. Such wide fireplaces
may still be seen in old inns, and in some of them there are even seats
inside the fireplace.
        Elizabethan fireplaces often had carved stone or woodwork over
the fireplace, reaching to the ceiling. There were sometimes columns on
each side of the fireplace. In the 18 th century, space was often provided
over the fireplace for a painting or mirror.
        When coal fires became common, fireplaces became much smaller.
Grates (metal frames like baskets) were used to hold the coal. Above the
fireplace there was usually a shelf, on which there was often a clock, and
perhaps framed photographs.
        Today, in houses where gas and electric fires are used, the fireplace
is losing its importance. In houses where central heating or shut- in stoves
are preferred, there need be no fireplace at all.

        Notes:
        inn - гостиница
        Elizabethan - здесь имеется в виду королева Елизавета 1 (1588-
1603)
     to cart - вeзти в телеге
     to carve - резать по дереву или кости; гравировать; высекать
из камня

     Read text 6 and answer the questions
1. What fuel was used in English fireplaces before coal fires became
   common?
2. Were the fireplaces in large halls narrow or wide?
3. Why were they made so wide?
4. What were the logs supported on while they burnt?

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