Файл: English-speaking countries I,II.doc

Федеральное агентство по образованию

Государственное образовательное учреждение

высшего профессионального образования

«Воронежский государственный университет»

Учебно-методическое пособие для вузов

«ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES»

Часть I

Составители:

Верещагина Е.Н.

Пиевская И.М.

Фомина И.В.

Воронеж 2011

Утверждено Научно-методическим Советом факультета РГФ. Протокол

№ 6 от 14.06.2011 г.

Рецензент: канд. филол. наук, доцент Стрельникова М.А.

Учебное пособие подготовлено на кафедре английского языка гуманитарных факультетов факультета РГФ Воронежского государственного университета.

Рекомендуется для студентов I курса исторического факультета по специальностям 030401 «История», 030201 «Политология», 040201 «Социология», 032001 «Документоведение», изучающих английский язык.

ГСЭ.Ф.01

UNIT 1

WARM UP

Ex. 1. Think about Great Britain and tell your group-mates what words you associate with Great Britain?

READING

Ex. 2. Read the text and say what new facts you have learnt about Great Britain.

Great Britain

Great Britain is an island lying off the north-western of Europe. The English Channel separates it from the mainland in the South. The Strait of Dover, 18 miles wide, divides it from France. Great Britain is separated from Belgium and Holland by the North Sea and from Ireland by the Irish Sea.

The official name of Great Britain is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is the name of the major island of the United Kingdom including England, Scotland and Wales; the United Kingdom, or the UK comprises Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The UK is often referred to as Great Britain or the British Isles. It is an island state consisting of more than 5000 large and small islands, the most important being the Isle of Man and the Isle of Wight. England is a part of the island of Great Britain; the Cheviot Hills and the river Tweed divide it from Scotland.

No part of Great Britain lies more than one hundred miles from the coast. The coastline is broken and has a few bays and excellent natural harbours. Internationally famous ports include London, Bristol, Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover and others.

Geographically the island of Great Britain is subdivided into two main regions: Lowland Britain and Highland Britain. The highest mountain Ben Nevis (1343) is in Scotland; the highest peak in Wales is Snowdon (1085).

The greater part of the land is flat. There are plenty of short rivers in Great Britain; the Severn is the longest one, while the Thames is the deepest and the most important one.

Due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current washing Britain's western shores, the UK enjoys warmer winters and cooler summers than other countries at the same latitude.

There is much rain and fog in England. October is usually the wettest month, July is the hottest and January is the coldest one. All over the world Britain is notorious for its fogs. For many centuries, during the cold time of the year the English people have been using coal in their fireplaces in private houses, though smoke from factories contributed a great deal to the trouble too. That kind of fog and smoke English people used to call smog. An unusually thick smog in London in 1962 caused the death of some 4,000 people. During the 1960s and 1970s, laws were passed under which using open coal fires in homes in the city area was forbidden. The laws stopped much of the pollution from the factories, too. The ordinary damp mists which afflict all parts of the country from time to time are no worse than similar mists in many other countries.

The flora of the British Isles is varied and the fauna is similar to that of the north-west of Europe.

The country is not very rich in mineral resources. Over three-quarters of Britain's land is used for farming; farms produce nearly half of the food that Britain needs. The UK is a highly developed industrial country too, known as a producer and exporter of machinery, electronics, ships, aircraft and navigation equipment.

The capital of the UK is London, in England. The capital of Wales is Cardiff, and the Scottish capital is at Edinburgh; the capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast.

Britain has been many centuries in the making. The Romans conquered most part of Britain, but were unable to subdue the independent tribes in the West and in the North.

Further waves of invaders followed: Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Vikings and Normans. All these contributed to the mixture we call the English. For many centuries this country was known simply as England.

It had a strong army and Navy. It waged numerous colonial wars. England, once «the workshop of the world», was the first to become a highly developed industrial country.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Ex. 3. Answer the following questions:

1. Where does Great Britain lie?

2. What separates Great Britain from the mainland? From France, Belgium, Holland and Ireland?

3. What part parts do Great Britain and the United Kingdom include?

4. What are the most important isles?

5. What are the main important ports?

6. Where is England situated?

7. What main regions is the island of Great Britain subdivided into?

8. How can you define the climate of Great Britain?

9. What was the origin of smog in the UK?

10. What goods are produced in the UK?

11. What tribes and people was Great Britain conquered?

VOCABULARY

Ex. 4. Find the English equivalents for the following:

береговая линия, отделять от, материк (континент), охватывать (включать), называться (именовать), залив, бухта (гавань), течение, омывать берега, широта, быть (скандально) известным, обострить проблему, провести закон, загрязнение, сельское хозяйство (фермерство), высокоразвитая промышленная страна, оборудование, завоевать, подчинять независимое племя, военно-морской флот, вести колониальную войну

FOLLOW UP

Ex. 5. Talk to your partner about Great Britain according to the following plan:

1. Describe the geographical position of England.

2. Point out the obvious geographical differences. Say if you have a similar division in your country.

3. Compare the climate of Great Britain with that of your country.

4. Say if the UK is an unusual country, in your opinion. Give your reasons.

Useful vocabulary

- I quite agree with you.

- I can’t agree more.

- I disagree with you.

- Are you sure?

- I suppose so.

- I’m afraid you are wrong.

UNIT 2

WARM UP

Ex. 1. Name the English traditions you know. Expand upon one of them.

READING

Ex. 2. Read the text and say what it adds to your knowledge.

ENGLISH TRADITIONS

London has preserved its old ceremonies and traditions to a greater extent than any other city in England. Most of these traditions have been kept up without interruption since the thirteenth century.

Foreigners coming to London are impressed by quite a number of ceremonies, which seem to be incompatible with the modern traffic and technical conditions of a highly developed country. Uniforms are rather characteristic of this fact. When one sees the warders at the Tower of London with their funny hats and unusual dresses with royal monograms, one feels carried back to the age of Queen Elizabeth I.

Even in the unromantic everyday life of English businessmen we can see the same formal traditions. In the City of London there may be seen a number of men in top-hats. These are the bank messengers who had to put on these hats according to traditions. The same tradition makes the Eton boys (the boys of Eton College which was founded in 1440 by Henry VI) put on a silk hat, a very short jacket and long trousers.

All of you, of course, have seen English films and noticed official black dresses and white wigs of judges and advocates, though wigs have not been used for nearly two hundred years in other countries.

One of the most impressive and popular ceremonies is «Changing the Guard», which takes place at Buckingham Palace every day, including Sunday, at 11. 30. The uniform of the guards is extremely coloured - red tunics, blue trousers and bearskin caps, and they always attract London sightseers.

Another formal display is the «Ceremony of Keys» which takes place every night at 9. 53 p. m. when the Chief Warder of the Tower of London lights a candle lantern and carrying the keys makes his way with the Escort to the gates of the Tower and locks them. This ceremony takes place every night without interruption. It is said that on the night of April 16, 1941 air bombing stopped the ceremony, knocking out members of the Escort. Despite this the duty was completed.

Strange as they may seem to a modern European or American, nobody in London sees anything remarkable in these old traditions which mix harmoniously with the city everyday life.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Ex. 3. Mark the sentences T (true) or F (false). If the sentence is false, correct it.

1. London has preserved its old ceremonies and holidays to a greater extent than any other city in England.

2. When one sees the warders at Buckingham Palace, he/she feels carried back to the age of Queen Elizabeth II.

3. In the City of London there may be seen a number of men in top-hats.

4. The Eton boys (the boys of Eton College which was founded in 1440 by Henry VI) put on a silk hat, a very short jacket and long trousers.

5. On the night of April 16, 1941 air bombing stopped the ceremony, knocking out members of the Escort.

VOCABULARY

Ex. 4. Find the English equivalents for the following:

cохранять, в большей степени, несовместимый, страж в лондонском Тауэре,

цилиндр, курьер (посыльный), адвокат, медвежья шкура, фонарь со свечой, сбить с ног

FOLLOW UP

Ex. 5. Speak about British and Russian traditions you know. Compare them.

UNIT 3

WARM UP

Ex. 1. Define the English character as you see it.

READING

Ex. 2. Read the text and describe the author’s idea of the English character. Compare the two descriptions.

ENGLISH CHARACTER

One of the most striking features of English life is the self-discipline and courtesy of people of all classes. There is little noisy behaviour, and practically no loud disputing in the street. People do not rush excitedly for seats in buses or trains, but take their seats in queues at bus stop in a quiet and orderly manner.

Englishmen are naturally polite and are never tired in saying «Thank you», «I'm sorry», «Beg your pardon». If you follow anyone who is entering a building or a room, he will hold a door open for you. Many foreigners have commented on a remarkable politeness of the English people.

English people don't like displaying their emotions even in dangerous and tragic situations, and ordinary people seem to remain good-tempered and cheerful under difficulties.

The Englishman does not like any boasting or showing off in manners, dress or speech. Sometimes he conceals his knowledge: a linguist, for example, may not mention his understanding of a foreigner's language.

The Englishman prefers his own house to an apartment in a block of flats, because he doesn't wish his doing to be overlooked by his neighbours. «An Englishman's house is his castle».

Many Englishmen help their wives at home in many ways. They clean the windows on Saturday afternoon, they often wash up the dishes after supper in the evening.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Ex. 3. Answer the following questions:

1. What is the most striking feature of English life?

2. Are Englishmen naturally polite or rude?

3. What do Englishmen dislike?

4. How do ordinary people behave under difficulties?

5. What kind of home do the Englishman prefer?

6. How do Englishmen help their wives at home?

VOCABULARY

Ex. 4. Find the English equivalents for the following:

внутренняя дисциплина (сдержанность), вежливость, громкий спор, бросаться занимать места (в транспорте), занимать место в очереди, проявлять эмоции, всегда находиться в хорошем (бодром) настроении, хвастовство, позерство, скрывать свои знания, квартира, многоэтажный дом,

подсматривать (заглядывать), выбираться за город

FOLLOW UP

Ex. 5. Compare the typical features of English and Russian national characters?

UNIT 4

WARM UP

Ex. 1. Talk to your partner what typical English meals and drinks you know.

READING

Ex. 2. Read the text and describe one of the typical English meals.

ENGLISH MEALS

The English usually have 4 meals a day: breakfast, lunch, tea (5 o'clock) and dinner. Breakfast can be a full «English breakfast» of cornflakes with milk and sugar, or bacon and eggs, toast and marmalade, tea or coffee. Some people, however, have just a cup of tea or coffee with a toast or something similar. This is usually called a continental breakfast».

At midday everything is stopped for lunch. Most offices and small shops are closed for an hour and the city pavements are full of people on their way to cafes, coffee bars, restaurants. Factory workers usually eat in their canteens.

The English like what they call «good plain food». They must be able to recognize what they are eating. Usually they like steak, roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and fish and chips.

Afternoon tea is taken at about 5 o'clock, but it can hardly be called a meal. It is a cup of tea and cake or biscuits. At the weekends afternoon tea is a special occasion. Friends and visitors are often invited to have a chat over a cup of tea.

Dinner is the most substantial meal of the day. It is usually eaten at 7 o'clock. The first course may be soup (though the English don't like it very much). The main course will often be fish or meat, perhaps the traditional roast beef of old England, and a lot of vegetables. The next course will be something sweet and often cooked, such as fruit pie. Last of all there may be cheese, often with biscuits.

It is common knowledge that the English are very fond of tea. They like to have «a nice cup of tea» 6 or 8 times a day, sometimes even more.

On Christmas Day a roast turkey is traditionally cooked for dinner. It is usually followed by Christmas pudding. Long before Christmas housewives begin to plan what cake to make for Christmas. Usually they make fantastic Christmas cakes.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Ex. 3. Answer the following questions:

1. How many meals a day do the English have?

2. What is the traditional English breakfast like?

3. What is usually cold a “continental breakfast”?

4. When do the English usually have Lunch?

5. Why do the English like what they call “good plain food”?

6. What do the English prefer to have for dinner?

7. What is the traditional dish for Christmas table?

8. What other dishes are popular in England?

VOCABULARY

Ex. 4. Find the English equivalents for the following:

кукурузные хлопья, яичница с беконом, джем, кафетерий, столовая, простая пища, особый случай, плотный, первое блюдо, второе блюдо

FOLLOW UP

Ex. 5. Describe English cuisine. Do the Russian have similar traditions of cooking and eating? Give any English recipe.

UNIT 5

WARM UP

Ex. 1. Think of the USA and say what words you associate with this country.

READING

Ex. 2. Read the text and tell the audience the main idea of it.

U.S.A AND ITS GOVERNMENT

The United States of America is located on the continent of North America. There are 50 states in the U.S. Forty-eight of the states form the United States. The U.S. borders on Canada to the north, and Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. On the east coast, the U.S. is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west coast it is bordered by the Pacific Ocean.

To the northwest of Canada is the state of Alaska. The state of Hawaii is located in the Pacific Ocean, southwest of California.

In addition to the 50 states, the U.S. has several territories and possessions, located in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

The first type of government in America was based primarily on state government. Prior to the signing of the Constitution, America had been made up of thirteen colonies, which had been ruled by England. Following the Revolutionary War, these colonies, although they had formed a league of friendship under the Articles of Confederation, basically governed themselves. They feared a strong central government like the one they lived with under England's rule. However, it was soon discovered that this weak form of state government could not survive and so the Constitution was drafted.

The Constitution :

- defines and limits the power of the national government,

- defines the relationship between the national government and individual state governments, and

- guarantees the rights of the citizens of the United States.

This time, it was decided that a government system based on federalism would be established. In other words, power is shared between the national and state (local) governments. The opposite of this system of government is a centralized government, such as in France and Great Britain, where the national government maintains all power.

Sharing power between the national government and state governments allows Americans to enjoy the benefits of diversity and unity. For example, the national government may set a uniform currency system. Could you imagine having 50 different types of coins, each with a different value? You would need to take along a calculator to go shopping in another state. By setting up a national policy, the system is fair to everyone and the states do not have to bear the heavy burden of regulating their currency.

On the other hand, issues such as the death penalty have been left up to the individual states. The decision whether or not to have a death penalty depends on that state's history, needs, and philosophies.

After the American colonies won their independence from England, the thirteen colonies became thirteen states. The new states formed a league so they could work together. Their system of government was described in a document called the Articles of Confederation. In this system, the state governments had most of the power. The national government was very weak. This was very different from the government under the King.

The Founding Fathers saw that this system left the nation too weak. They decided to develop a new system of government. They wrote a new document, the Constitution, to replace the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution made a stronger national government. It divided power between the national government and the state governments. This system is called federalism. Since the signing of the Constitution, the division of power in the United States has been based on sharing power between the national government and individual state governments. This is known as federalism.

Let's take a look at how power is distributed in the United States:

In addition, the national government and state governments share the following powers:

- Make and enforce laws.

- Tax.

- Borrow money.

In order to carry out these duties, the national government and individual state governments are divided into areas. Each area is given a duty to perform.

State Government

Each state has its own constitution based on its unique history, needs, philosophy, and geography. A state's constitution is similar to that of the national Constitution; however, the laws made in individual states cannot conflict with the national Constitution or national laws. The national Constitution is "the supreme law of the land."

Just like that of the national government, each state's constitution separates power between three branches -- legislative, judicial, and executive. In addition, in most states, the legislative branch contains two houses. Instead of a president, each state elects a governor.

National government and state government are two types of government, but there are also local governments. Most Americans live under the national government, a state government, and several local governments. Local government is divided into five categories: county, town and township, municipality, special district, school district.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Ex. 3. Answer the following questions:

1. Where exactly is the United States of America located?

2. What countries does it border on?

3. What type of government was America primarily based upon?

4. Why was the original model of the government eventually considered as weak for the first thirteen states?

5. What are the primary functions of the US Constitution?

6. What benefits does the idea of sharing power between the national and state governments bring?

7. What kind of issues should be handled by the national government? Why?

8. What is Federalism?

9. What is the difference between the national and state governments? Enumerate their functions.

10. Why is the national Constitution considered as "the supreme law of the land"?

11. What branches share power, according to each state's constitution?

What are local governments responsible for?

VOCABULARY

Ex. 4. Give the antonyms for the following:

disadvantage, light (adj), on the one hand, dependence, strong, unite, be different from

Ex. 4. Provide the synonyms for the following:

be situated, have a boundary with, mainly, govern, be afraid of, determine, variety,

make effective (about a law)

Ex. 5. Give the derivatives of the following:

decide, nation, cover, diverse, govern, centre, divide, differ

Ex. 6. Give the Russian-English equivalents:

состоять из, под владычеством, выжить, основываться на чем-л., устанавливать, смертная казнь, исполнять обязанности, законодательная власть, исполнительная власть, судебная власть

FOLLOW UP

Ex. 7. Give a short characteristics of the American government and make a discussion with your partner about similarities and differences between the American and Russian Governments.

UNIT 6

WARM UP

Ex. 1. Tell your group-mates about the facts you know about the history of the USA.

READING

Ex. 2. Read the text and name the main events in the history of the USA.

HISTORY OF THE USA IN BRIEF

European nations came to the Americas to increase their wealth and broaden their influence over world affairs. The Spanish were among the first Europeans to explore the New World and the first to settle in what is now the United States.

By 1650, however, England had established a dominant presence on the Atlantic coast. The first colony was founded at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607. Many of the people who settled in the New World came to escape religious persecution. The Pilgrims, founders of Plymouth, Massachusetts, arrived in 1620. In both Virginia and Massachusetts, the colonists flourished with some assistance from Native Americans. New World grains such as corn kept the colonists from starving while, in Virginia, tobacco provided a valuable cash crop. By the early 1700s enslaved Africans made up a growing percentage of the colonial population. By 1770, more than 2 million people lived and worked in Great Britain's 13 North American colonies.

Defending the Colonies against attack by the French and others had cost the British a great deal of money. As a result, the British had very high taxes in their country. They thus decided to shift some of their financial burden to the colonists. The Stamp Act of 1765, which taxed all legal documents, newspapers and other documents, was met with a great uproar in the Colonies. In 1766, this tax was repealed, but it was just the beginning of the problems between the colonists and the British. The Boston Tea Party in 1773 was an act of revolt against the British and their tax on tea in the Colonies.

Tensions such as these eventually led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. A year earlier, the War of Independence, also known as the American Revolution, began. When the British finally surrendered on October 19, 1781, Americans were officially independent of Britain and set about establishing their own government.