Article Critique-работа из тематического портфолио

Olga Sharapova. The attraction of Mother Russia. The St Petersburg Times (March 2008):11.

The article describes Russian life in the past and Russia today, its development and society.

But the main question is why Russia attracts foreign people.

So, from the text we can see that foreign people come to Russia to make business, study or work. And, of course, they bring their own customs, cultures and habits. They often stay in the biggest Russian cities like St Petersburg and Moscow, and the cities always offer them considerable resources. Having been to Russian the  westerners notice that our country’s life is more difficult then in the west. The Majority of Russian, according to foreigners’ point of view, consider that wealthy foreign countries are the best places in the world.

However, not all the foreigners think that Russia is worse then other countries. Arjen Roodvoent, Dutch citizen, who teaches his native language to Russia, for example, considers that it is not true. He has been living in Russia for nine years and he absolutely loves our country. He says that Russia is really special and original country. Speaking fluent Russian, Arjen Roodvoent has become deeply involved in Russian society. According to his words, the best thing in Russia is conversation with the Russians. The Dutchman advises us to be who we are, to be natural and maintain our native values!

To my mind, the author of the article argues the opinion, that Russia is worse then other counties, European in general. And I agree with the author’s opinion. As saying goes «The grass is always greener on the other side».Naturally, Russia, being far from developed and strong countries, is often considered to be the worst, but it doesn’t mean, that other countries’ lives are so beautiful and wealthy.

Also the author points out, that what westerners think about Russia. From the words of Arjen Roodvoent we see that everything isn’t so too bad! This man loves our country and enjoys speaking our language. So why don’t we?! Why don’t we want to improve the life in Russia? Why don’t we love our native country? The place, we were born in?

I think these questions are brought up in the article. And the author tries to teach us to love our country.

 As I think the following conclusions are drawn from the article: we must love our country, appreciate its language, our culture and customs, help Russia to be better. So we must be patriotic.