Unit 1. The dawn of British history

UNIT 1. THE DAWN OF BRITISH HISTORY

1.1. Translate and remember the words:

the dawn -

stone tools -

  already in existence -

social development -

ancient Greek historian Herodotus -

  tin –

 

Read and translate the text.

    At the dawn of their history the peoples of this planet lived in primitive societies. These primitive peoples wherever they lived, began their long path of progress with stone tools, but they did not reach the same level of civilisation at the same time in different countries.

    The ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome were already in existence when the people living in Britain were only at the first stage of social development.

    The Greeks were the first to mention the British Isles in their books. The ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who is called the father of history, wrote that in the 5th century BC the Phoenicians used to come to the British Isles for tin, which is used for making bronze. The Greek called the British Isles the Tin Isles.

     The very first stages of the existence of people on the British Isles are frequently described as prehistoric and referred to as unwritten history of Britain.

The geographical position of the land was both a blessing and a problem: on the one hand the insular position protected the country from invasions; and on the other – the lowland facing the continent always invited invasions.

1.3. Indicate the correct variant:

1. At the dawn of their history the peoples of this planet lived in ………….

А. well-organised groups

B. big towns

C. primitive societies

 

2. The primitive peoples began their long path of progress with ……………… tools

А. bronze

B. stone

C. metal

 

3. The level of civilisation ………… the same at the same time in different countries.

A. was

B. was not

 

Which of these statements is correct?

A. The ancient civilisation of Rome was already in existence when the people living in Britain were at the last stage of social development.

B. The ancient civilisation of Britain was already in existence when the people living in Greece and Rome were only at the first stage of social development.

C. The ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome were already in existence when the people living in Britain were only at the first stage of social development.

 

1. 5. Write the statements correctly:

1. The Greeks were	a. the Tin Isles
2. The ancient Greek historian Herodotus	b. used to come to the British Isles
3. In the 5^th century BC the Phoenicians	c. is called the father of history
4. Tin	d. is used for making bronze
5. The Greek called the British Isles	e. the first to mention the British Isles in their books

 

 

UNIT 2. IBERIANS

 

2.1.  Translate and remember the words:

 

first inhabitants -

descendants -

to breed or tame animals - 

herds of cattle -

to till soil -

to cultivate crops - 

the art of grinding and polishing stone - 

make smooth objects of stone with sharp edges and points –

 

UNIT 3. CELTS

 

3.1.  Translate and remember the words:

Invade - 

to be armed with -

weapons: spears, swords, daggers, axes -

to charge fiercely in battle -

war-chariots -

detachments of warriors -

to be slain -

UNIT 4. THE WAY OF LIFE OF THE CELTS

 

4.1.  Translate and remember the words:

an iron plough -

to build dwellings -

to make clothing -

private property -

a period of transition from primitive to class society -

to predominate -

 

UNIT 5. DRUIDS

 

5.1. Translate and remember the words:

pagan gods -

the learned class -

to offer human sacrifices -

innocent victim -

a sacred place -

to foretell the future -

under smb’s charge -

principles of conduct –

 

UNIT 6. The Decline of Welsh

Answer the questions:

1. What is Wales?
2. Where do people like to spend holidays?
3. Where did the Prince of Wales receive his title?
4. Why was the Castle built?
5. What is the main industry in South Wales?
6. Does the Welsh language differ from English?

 

Complete the sentences:

1. Wales is a land of… ………………
2. The highest mountain is …………………
3. Castles were built by the English ……………………….
4. The English and Welsh have been …………
5. Offa’s Dyke was ……………………………
6. It was built in the 8th century ……………………………..
7. The most populated part of Wales is ………………………..
8. The Welsh take pride in ……………………..
9. The Welsh language is ……………………..

 

True or false:

1. Wales is a land of mountains.
2. The highest mountain is Кazbek.
3. Snowdon is in Snowdonia National Park.
4. The Welsh don’t like hiking.
5. The Prince of England received his title in Caernavon Castle.
6. Most Castles were built by the Welsh.
7. The English wanted to keep the Welsh under control.
8. The English and Welsh have been bad neighbours for centuries.
9. The English have invaded Wales many times.
10. The Welsh have invaded England.
11. Offa’s Dyke is on the River Thames.
12. Offa’s Dyke was built in the 20th century.
13. The most populated part of Wales is the south around Cardiff.
14. This place is where gold is.
15. For 200 years the Welsh have been mining coal in these valleys.
16. The Welsh are proud of their traditional choirs.
17. The Welsh speak only English.
18. They have their own TV and radio stations.

UNIT 8. THE US А

Discovery

The Colonies

Answer the questions:

1. Who were the first settlers?

2. Where did the Pilgrims come from?

3. What did they seek in the New World?

4. What colony was founded by the Pilgrims?

5. What were other religious groups who came to the New World?

The Civil War

World War I

UNIT 15. SIGHTS OF THE US А

Answer the questions:

1. What are the most popular American holidays?

2. When do they celebrate Halloween? In what way do Americans celebrate it?

3. When is Thanksgiving day celebrated?

4. What is the most important event of the day?

5. What do you know about the Fat Stock Show?

UNIT 19. GEOGRAPHY

Read and translate the text

Australia is located southeast of Asia, and is the only country in the world to occupy a single continent. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean, the Tasman Sea, the Coral Sea and the Arafura Sea. The nearest country is not New Zealand and Australia or Oceania. The Australia continent and the nearby island of Tasmania, form the sixth largest country on earth, with a total area of 7,686,850 sq km. This large area is populated by only 19 million people, making Australia the most sparsely populated continent after the Antarctica. Australia continents of six states and two territories.

Area of Australia’s States:

New South Wales	802,000 sq km
Victoria	228, 000 sq km
Queensland	1,727,000 sq km
South Australia	984,000 sq km
Northern Territory	1,346,000 sq km
Western Australia	2,526,000 sq km
Tasmania	68,000 sq km
Australia Capital Territory	2,400 sq km

The Northern Territory, appropriately situated in the north, is a tropical area that runs into desert in the south. The Stated is very sparsely populated, and stations (huge farms). In the extreme north lies the biggest city, Darwin. It is not a big city by Australian standards, but Darwin is the main gateway to this vast state, and is also the closest city to Asia.

Queensland is situated in the northeastern corner of Australia, and lies in the tropical and subtropical climatic zones. The largest city is Brisbane, which has a population of 1.2 million people.

New South Wales to the south of Queensland is situated in the Subtropical to Temperate climatic zones.

This state is Australia is most populated, and is also home to the biggest city in Australia. That city is Sydney and is considered by many to be the most beautiful big city in the world.

The New South Wales coastline is blessed with many superb beaches, and contains many famous surf breaks such as Byron Bay.

Australia Capital Territory, which is home to the nation’s capital city Canberra. Canberra was planned before the first stone was laid, and was chosen as the site of the new capital city as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, who both competed for this title.

Across the New South Wales border lies the state of Victoria. Victoria is the smallest mainland state in Australia, but has the highest density of population. Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne is located near the south coast of the state.

If you continue west from Victoria you will eventually cross the border into South Australia.

South Australia is bordered by the Southern Oceanic and other mainland states. South Australia is sometimes referred to as the driest state in the driest continent on earth.

Toward the west of South Australia lies Western Australia. This state covers one third of the continent and is approximately five times the size of Texas. Yet there are only about 1.4 million people here. This makes Western Australia the most sparsely populated of all states, especially when you consider that over 1 million people live in the state’s capital city, Perth.

The only State in Australia that is not found on the mainland, is south of Victoria, and sits on the same latitude as central New Zealand. The State is roughly the size of Ireland, or Sri Lanka, and is one of the most mountainous islands on earth. Tasmania’s climate is temperate and the island is covered in wilderness. In fact, about one quarter of Tasmania is protected wilderness.

Australia is the lowest, flattest and, apart from Antarctica, the driest of the continents.

From north to South Australia spans 3,200 kilometers. From east to west, Australia’s widest point is approximately 4,000 kilometers. Australia’s coastline measures approximately 36,800 kilometers.

 

UNIT 20. GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION OF AUSTRALIA

Read and translate the text

Australia occupies the continent of Australia, which lies south­east of Asia and the island of Tasmania with a number of small islands. It is washed by the Timor Sea in the north, by the Coral and Tasman Seas in the east, and by the Indian Ocean in the south and west.

Australia is the most droughty continent on the earth. About one half of its territory is occupied by deserts and semi deserts. It is also the land of great plains.

The main part of Australia lies in tropics. Southwestern parts of the country are situated in subtropics. December, January and February are summer months in Australia. The average summer temperature there is from 20 to 30 degrees above zero. Winter comes in June, July and August. Then the average temperature is from 12 to 20 degrees above zero. Droughts are common in Australia. The rainfall in the country is rather small, and that’s why a special plan was worked out for irrigation of plains.

The largest rivers in Australia are the Darling and the Murray. In the middle part of Australia there are salt lakes, such as Lake Eyre and Torrance.

Australia is an agricultural country. Cattle breeding is highly developed in Australia. It exports sheep wool, wheat, meat, butter and cheese, and raw materials. Its major partners are Japan, the USA and Great Britain.

20.2. Answer the questions:

1. What is Australia washed by?

2. What occupies about one half of its territory?

3. What are summer and winter months in Australia?

4. What are the main industries in Australia?

 

UNIT 21. “THE DRY CONTINENT”

Read and translate the text

The climate in Australia is varied and ranges from tropical to sub alpine.

Australia is also the driest inhabited continent on earth, but the eastern seaboard where the majority of the population is concentrated, is a lush and fertile area, with a climate ranging from temperate to tropical. The main mountain range is known as the Great Dividing Range has an area known as the Snowy Mountains, or otherwise known as the Australian Alps. This area actually receives snow than Switzerland, and is the only area suitable for skiing in Australia.

Most of the continent receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, or nearly 70% of the total possible.

Australia also contains many pockets of tropical and temperate rain forest on the eastern coast, but the predominate forest in Australia is Eucalypti forest.

The southwest corner of Western Australia has a Meditarranean climate and the Northern regions of this continent have areas of Rainforest and below that are large areas of savanna grasslands. Tasmania, the island state in the south has large areas of temperature wilderness and steep mountains.

Many parts of Australia have scanty and irregular rainfall. Only where rainfall is plentiful and reliable one can see tall trees are the blue gums of Tasmania, the Big Trees of eastern Victoria, which reach a height of 300 feet. Other tall trees grow along the rainy east coast and many other small trees and plants crowd the forest here, including the ferns and creepers.

The commonest trees of Australia are the eucalyptus, of which there are over 500 kinds.

Some Australian trees and plants produce hard woody fruits and seeds.

Australia has 20,000 species of plants and brilliant wild flowers such as the red and green kangaroo paw. The continent has many species eucalypti or gum trees. Many of the trees lose their bark not leaves and many flowers.

Nature fauna in Australia are protected and managed by state and territorial governments.

The climate of Australia varies greatly. The climate ranges from tropical (monsoonal) in the north to temperate in the south. The tropical region, which includes about 40 percent of the total area of Australia, has only two seasons: a hot, wet season with rains falling mainly in February and March, during which the northern and north-eastern coast have an average annual rainfall of 1524 mm in parts of Queensland overade annual rainfall exceeds 2540 mm.

UNIT 22. CLIMATE AND NATURE OF AUSTRALIA

 

22.1. Read and translate the text

Australia is situated to the southeast of Asia. It is washed by the Timor Sea in the north, by the Coral and Tasman Seas in the east, and by the Indian Ocean in the south and west.

Australia is the most droughty continent in the earth. It is an extremely hot country. Summer months are December, January and February. The average summer temperature is from 20 to 30 degrees above zero. Winter months are June, July and Au­ gust. The average winter temperature is from 12 to 20 degrees above zero. The most part of the territory lies in tropics. Its southwestern territories lie in subtropics. As droughts are rather common and the amount of rainfall is rather small There are not many rivers in Australia. The largest rivers are the Darling and the Murray.

The isolation of Australia from other continents explains much of the unusualness of Australian plant and animal life. There are forests in the southern and eastern parts of the country. The commonest tree of Australia is the eucalyptus. In the drier areas there is the Australian acacia or mimosa. In those areas one can also find strange bottle trees. They preserve water in their trunks.

Australian animals are also very unusual. Among them there are kangaroos, duck­bills, koala bears, and others. Nine tenth of animal species of Australia do not exist in other parts of the world.

 

22.2. Answer the questions:

1. How many seas is Australia washed by?

2. What are winter and summer months in Australia?

3. What is the average summer and winter temperature?

4. What are the longest rivers?

5. What are the commonest trees in Australia?

 

Animals

The dry, desert-like plains of the Australian outback cover more than two-thirds of the continent. Much of the region receives less than 250 mm of rainfall a year. Although the rains may come at any time of the year, there are often long periods of drought, which make it difficult for animals to survive.

Many of the animals avoid the heat of the day by staying in their burrows, since it is cooler and damper underground. Some small animals sleep underground right through the hottest summer months. This is called aestivation. Many outback animals can survive with little or no water. Their bodies are adapted to store water from their food and to lose very little water in their urine. A number of animals have long back leas to help them more rapidly and find what little food is available.

There are many animals and birds in Australia:

Koala (length: 80 cm);

Long jumper. Red kangaroo (height: 2m; tail: 1m);

Wild dog. Dingo (height at shoulder: 50 cm; length: up to 90 cm);

High-speed runner emu: (height: 2m);

Huge burrow (height at shoulder: 45cm);

Huge lizard (length including tail: up to 2,4 m);

Spiny coat (length: 50 cm; spines: 6 cm);

Silky killer (length: 3 cm);

Numbat (body length: up to 30 cm; tail: up to 20 cm);

Raggiana’s bird of paradise (body length: up to 95 cm; tail feathers: 50 cm) and many others.

 

Religion

During the 1800s, European settlers brought their traditional churches to Australia. In 1996 Australian religions were 27% - Catholic, 22% - Anglican, 22% - other Christian denominations and 3% non-Christian religions, with some 25% uncommitted or professing no religion.

On the 10th January, 2001 at 06:37:28 (Canberra time), the resident population of Australia was projected to be 19,272,053.

Aborigines

The world Aborigine is derived from Latin and means “from the beginning”. This is the name given to the native Australians by the Europeans. The first human inhabitants of the Australia were the Aborigines. They are a dark-skinned people belonging to the Australoid group. They may have walked and sailed here from Asia. They gathered fruits, nuts and yam, which they ate. In Melbourne and Sydney, the sparse Aboriginal population includes many militants. The whites – who have little experience of Aboriginal traditions an appealing theoretical alternative to western society’s moneymaking and rule by the clock. And public policy tends to be generous towards Aboriginal causes and claims.

Facts & Figures

Languages	Ehglish
Ethnic groups	Caucasian - 92%, Asian–7%, aboriginal and other – 1%
Birth rate	13.47 births/1,000
Death rate	6.89 deaths/1,000
Fertility rate	1.82 children/woman
Life expectancy	76
Life expectancy	82
Mortality rate	5.26 deaths/1,000 live births

Australian people accept guests with openness and cordiality. It is just characteristic of their life there.

In Australia, everyone is allowed to visit the building of the State Parliament, for example. Enormous posters invite everyone to visit the local museums of space exploration.

Also surprising is the way the Australian people treat each other. White people go to demonstration to protect the rights of aborigines (who are seldom seen on the streets of big cities) – in general, their total number is about 2% of the population of the continent. People on the train, who are really far from agriculture, gladly welcome clouds as possible rains are a blessing to farmers. The harvest there depends on the amount of precipitation, since Australia is the driest continent in the world.

It’s uncommon to surround a house with a high fence, with the exception of the Prime-Minister’s residence (which is strictly guarded). It is also a tradition to appear with a smile on your face in public, a common thing for Americans and probably to some extent for English people as well. And if you need some help, and then even people whom you don’t know well will be glad to help you without saying too much. ” That’s what we are here for” is the key phrase to understanding Australia.

People live there as if to help and protect each other and maintain the land of their ancestors in its unique and indescribable beauty. Of course, one can speak a lot about the difficulties of living in the southern hemisphere, but to experience it all, one would need live there longer as an ordinary citizen, rather than as a visitor.

Australia townspeople are bright and sunny, full of light and surrounded by the care and warmth of people’s relationships, even if it’s a bit idealized there.

 

UNIT 24. OUTSTANDING HISTORICAL EVENTS OF   AUSTRALIA

24.1. Read and translate the text

Geologically Australia is the most ancient of the continents. But for many centuries it was marked on the maps as “terra incognita”. The first man who reached the Australian coasts was Willem Jansz,

a Dutch seaman. He landed on the northern coast of the continent in 1606.

The northern and western coasts were investigated by the Dutch in the 17th century. The sailors named the continent New Holland.

In 1770 James Cook, a British navigator, reached the coasts of Australia. He was the first to investigate Australia and named a lot of its mountains and bays.

The beginning of the British colonization of Australia was connected with the loss of the thirteen American colonies during the War of Independence. The British government lost the right to send criminals from England to North America. The loss was compensated by seizing new territories.

24.2. Answer the questions:

1. How did they call Australia for many centuries?

2. Who was the first man who reached the Australian coasts?

3. When did James Cook reach Australia?

4. What years were the turning point in the history of Australia?

5. What deposits were found?

UNIT 27. GOVERNMENT

27.1. Read and translate the text

The system of government was based on a written constitution approved by the British Parliament and reflected the political traditions of Europe and North America. The Australian government is given the power of low by being elected by a majority, of the people using the secret ballot.

Australia is an independent sovereign nation within the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II is formally Queen of Australia. The representative of the English queen is the formal head government structure.

The Australian Federation has a three-tier, Federal, State, and local, system of government. It is historically based on a two system, the party or coalition of parties with the majority in the House of Representatives forming the government.

The Australian Parliament and government are responsible for all matters of national interest. Six state governments complement activities of the national government on a state level. Parliamentary elections are conducted by a statutory electoral office, which is part of the permanent. Four political parties are represented in the Australian Parliament – the Liberal Party, the Australian Labor party, the National Party of Australia and the Australia Democrats.

The Australian National Flag

The Australian flag is major national symbol, both within Australia and overseas. It belongs to equally to all Australians and anyone in Australia may fly it. The Australian National Flag has a spacious blue background and depicts three symbols: the Commonwealth star, the stars of the Southern Cross and the Union Flag. The Commonwealth star has seven points, one for each state and one for the additional territories.

The Australian Faunal Emblem: the Emu

The emu appears with the kangaroo on Australia’s Coat of Arms. During pre-historic times in Australia there were giant emus called Genyornis.

Economy

Australia has a prosperous western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP at the level of the highly industrialized West European countries. Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, consumer goods and equipment, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. The government is pushing for increased exports, so that a downturn in a world commodity prices can have a big impact on the economy. The government is pushing for increased exports of manufactured goods, but competition in international markets continues to be severe. The country buys abroad farm equipment, office equipment and other goods.

Cultural Growth

Australians are world famous for their love of sport, but they are also enthusiastic supporters of the arts and the communications industries.

Australian cultural achievements are becoming well known internationally through the awards gained by films and literature, and the reputation of touring Australian groups.

Government support has been an important factor in developing the arts.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra, established 20 years ago, become a permanent orchestra five years ago and now tours overseas several times a year.

Government-supported television and radio channels play an important part in artistic and cultural development, with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) receiving $515.1 million from the Federal Government in 1994-95 and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) $75.7 million.

Aboriginal Arts

Aboriginal art was little known and appreciated until recent years.

Indigenous dance and music have been introduced to national and international audiences through Federal Government support.

Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal musicians and combines traditional and modern Aboriginal musical styles, has also proved popular in Australia and overseas. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writes like Sally Morgan and Jack Davis, and the late Kevin Gilbert and Oodgeroo Nunuccal, are well known throughout Australia.

The Federal Government has decided that it will establish a gallery of Aboriginal Australia in Canberra to provide a national perspective on indigenous cultures.

Aboriginal Music

For many thousands years, music has played a very significant part in the life of Australia Aborigines. Song and dance are vital in many rituals and ceremonies, and are often used to dramatize and illustrate a story. The actions of birds and animals are imitated. Children enjoy imitating and learning the dances of their ciders. The word ‘corroboree’ is well known and is often used as the name for an Aboriginal ritual dance.

UNIT 28. AUSTRALIAN CITIES AND TOWNS

28.1. Read and translate the text

The capital of Australia, Canberra, is a young and comparatively small city. It was founded in the 20th century and now has a population of about 260 000 people.

The centre of Canberra is a small hill. Several streets run from that hill. Special charm is given to Canberra by an artificial lake in the centre of the city. A fountain more than 100 meters high is in the western part of the lake. At night powerful lights illuminate the water. It is the Captain Cook Fountain, one of the main places of interest in Canberra.

Another one is a memorial military museum. The building of the Australian Academy of Sciences is quite unusual in form — it is like a huge overturned bowl.

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia.

28.2. Answer the questions:

1. What is the capital of Australia?

2. When was it founded?

3. What are the main cities of Australia?

4. What are the main places of interest in Sydney?

5. What can you say about Melbourne?

 

There is a large network of

a. 200 protected areas

b. 100 protected areas

c. 500 protected areas

NSW Parks include

a. the World Heritage-listed rainforests of the north coast

b. the red desert landscapes of the far west

c. the fragile alpine herbfields of the Snowy Mountains

29.3. Give the reasons for:

1. existence of conservation groups and their efforts to protect Sydney’s environmental wealth

2. existence of Sydney’s national parks

UNIT 30. ЗАДАНИЯ ПО ТЕМЕ «АВСТРАЛИЯ»

Put the missing letters.

Abro_d,,       Abor_g_ne,       K_ngaro_,      N_tive,       Harb_ _r

Complete the sentences:

1. Australia was discovered in ______ by ________.
2. The discoverer of Australia claimed it for ___________.
3. The first settlers were ________________.
4. People rushed to Australia because _________.
5. Australia’s is located in __________ hemisphere.
6. The hottest month in Australia is ________.
7. About 70 per cent of the population live in the __________.
8. ________ is the capital of Australia.
9. The Olympic Games were held in Sydney in ___________.
10. If in London it’s 8 a.m., in Sydney it is _______.
11. People in Australia speak ________.
12. Australia became independent in _____.

 

Answer the questions:

1. What is the official name of the country?  
2. When was the Commonwealth of Australia formed?
3. What kind of state is Australia?
4. What is the capital of Australia?
5. Who is the Head of State?
6. Who is the Head of State?
7. How many states and territories are there in Australia?
8. What is the population of Australia?
9. Which is the official language in Australia?
10. What colour is the flag of Australia?
11. Which are the national colours?
12. What animals can be seen on Australia’s coat-of-arms?
13. Which is the hottest month in Australia?
14. What are the main ports in Australia?
15. How long does kangaroo live?
16. Can emu fly?  
17. What are Australian’s best-known animals?
18. When is spring in Australia?
19. What is the main occupation in Australia?                                 

   20.What does Koala eat?  

30. 8. Do the crossword puzzle.

Across:

2. Tropical climate. Population 70 000. Capital of Nothern Territory.
4. Tropical climate makes this city a year-round vacation place.
5. An industrial city. Population about 1 million.
8. Australia’s oldest and largest city.

Down:

1. Capital of Australian island-state of Tasmania. Cold winters.
3. Capital of Australia. Hosted 1956.
6. 2nd largest city of Australia. Hosted 1956 Olympics.
7. It has one of the best climates in Australia. Capital of Western   Australia.

  30. 9. Choose the right answer.

1. What is the capital of Australia?

a) Sydney;

b) Melbourne;

c) Canberra.

2. When did Europeans settle in Australia?

a) 1488;

b) 1788;

c) 1492;

d) 1901.

3. Which is/ are a popular Australian animal(s)?

a) Koala;

b) Kangaroo;

c) Emu;

d) All of the above

4. Which two animals can you see on the Australian coat of arms?

a) Kangaroo and Dingo;

b) Koala and Parrot;

c) Kangaroo and Emu.

5. Which city is Australia’s oldest and largest?

a) Sydney;

b) Melbourne;

c) Canberra.

6. Who are the Australian natives?

a) Eskimos;  b)Aborigines; c)Indians.

 

7. Who discovered Australia?

a) Christopher Columbus;

b) Captain Cook;

c) Lewis and Clark.

8. Australia is not a (an)

a) Country;

b) Island;

c) City;

d) Continent.

9. Approximately how many nationalities live in Australia?

a) 200;

b) 20;

c) 75;

d) 5.

10. What is the official language in Australia?

a) French;

b) German;

c) English.

11. In which season do Australians celebrate Christmas?

a) Spring;      b)Summer; c)Autumn;   d)Winter.

 

 

UNIT 31. CANADA

Read and translate the text

Canada is an independent federative state. It is one of the most developed countries. Canada consists of ten provinces and two territories. It is situated on the North American continent. In size Canada is the second in the world after Russia. Its area is almost 10 million km2.

The capital of Canada is Ottawa, which is situated on the bank of the Ottawa River. It is famous for its beautiful parks. It is also known as the city of bridges.

Canada is very rich in forest, minerals and fur­bearing animals. It holds the first place in the world in the amount of  forests. It is rich in the following natural resources: non­ferrous metals, uranium, oil, natural gas, coal.

Canadian industries produce cars, airliners, locomotives, sea vessels, snow removal machines, and agricultural equipment. The most developed industries are timber, mining, chemical, meat and milk and food industries. Canada grows wheat, barley, flax, potatoes, vegetables and fruit. Fishing is also one of the  prosperous industries.

Official languages of Canada are English and French. Nearly 60 per cent of the population speaks English and 27 per cent speaks French. The rest speaks other languages, such as Eskimo, Indian, German, Russian  and  Italian.

Canada is a founding member of the United Nations. It has been active in a number of major UN agencies.

31.2. Answer the questions:

1. What kind of country is Canada?

2. What is the capital of Canada?

3. What are the main industries in Canada?

4. What are the official languages of Canada?

5. What place does Canada hold in the world in the amount of forests?

 

 

Read and translate the text

Canada occupies the northern part of the North American continent and some islands. It borders on the USA. The country is washed by the Pacific Ocean in the west, by the Atlantic Ocean in the east and by the Arctic Ocean and  its seas in the north.

The Canadian north remains one of the least settled and least exploited parts of the world. About 2 per cent of the Canadian territory is covered by glacier ice.

The eastern parts of the country are mainly valleys and plains. The western territories are occupied by the Cordilleras. They stretch from the American border to the Arctic Ocean.

The Cordillera region is composed of numerous mountain groups: the Rocky Mountains, the Coast Mountains and others.

The main Canadian  islands are New­foundland, Victorian Island, Baffin Island and  others.

There are a lot of  rivers and  lakes in Canada. Among them there are the Great Bear Lake, the Great Slave Lake and the Great Lakes District. The largest rivers are the Nelson, the Ottawa, the Mackenzie and the Yukon.

The population of Canada is about 25 million people. It is mainly concentrated in large cities.

The economically significant area of the country is its western part.

Canada is rich in mineral resources, such as non­ferrous metals, uranium, oil, natural gas and coal. It is also exceptionally rich in forests and fur­bearing animals.

All these factors led Canada to the position of a highly­developed country.

32.2. Answer the questions:

1. What oceans is Canada washed by?

2. What are the main islands of Canada?

3. What kind of landscape is there in the western territories?

4. What are the main mountains?

5. What are the biggest rivers and lakes in Canada?

 

UNIT 33. CLIMATE AND NATURE OF CANADA

33.1. Read and translate the text

Canada is situated in the northern part of the North American continent. It is washed by the Pacific Ocean in the west, by the Atlantic Ocean in the east and by the Arctic Ocean and its seas in the north. That is why the climate and the nature of Canada are much varied. The northern parts lie in the subarctic and arctic climatic zones. Most of the northern islands are covered with ice. The bays between them are covered with ice for 9—10 months a year. This territory has a climate with very cold winters and short, cool summers. The average winter temperature is about 35 degrees below zero. The average summer temperature is about 4 degrees above zero.

   It contrasts with the rest of the territory, where the climate is moderate. This part gets enough amount of rainfall and  heat. In the south there are large areas of fertile soils. The west of the country has a mild and humid climate thanks to a warm Pacific current. The average winter temperature is about 4 degrees above zero there. The average summer temperature is 21 degrees above zero. The region of the Cordilleras is famous for its beautiful forests. Canadian west is the most attractive part of the country. The snow­capped mountains and ocean bays create a surprisingly beautiful atmosphere. Besides, Canadian south is known for its changeable weather. Sometimes it is too humid, and some­ times it is too dry: the weather can change very quickly.

     The Niagara Falls situated in that part of the country attracts people from all over the world by its unusual beauty.

33.2. Answer the questions:

1. Where is Canada situated?

2. Where are the northern parts of Canada situated?

3. What is the average temperature in summer and in winter?

4. What kind of climate is it in Canada?

5. What do you know about the Niagara Falls?

UNIT 34. OUTSTANDING HISTORICAL EVENTS OF CANADA

34.1. Read and translate the text

Modern Canada originated as a country of immigrants.

Before the 15^th century Canada was populated by different Indian tribes. In the far north there were tribes of Eskimos. An English seaman, John Cabot, discovered the island of Newfoundland in 1497. Then many settlements of Spanish, English and French fishermen appeared on the coasts of Newfoundland. In the 16^th century Jacques Carter, the French navigator, explored the Saint Lawrence River, and later French colonies were set up. The long struggle for Canadian territories between England and France finished in 1763 after the Seven­Years’ War. The whole Canada was  proclaimed a British possession. Only some minor parts of the country remained French. After the War of American Independence a lot of English colonists immigrated to Canada. In 1837 there were rebellions in both parts of the country. The English and French settlers wanted to have the government and the state of their own. At last, in 1867, after long discussions, a federation was formed out of four provinces. Later the rest of the provinces joined this federation. Thus 1867 is considered to be the birth year of the modern state of Canada. But only after World War I Canada became more independent.

34.2. Answer the questions:

1. Who was Canada populated by before the 15th century?

2. Who discovered the island of Newfoundland?

3. Who explored the Saint Lawrence River?

4. When was Canada founded?

5. When did Canada become more independent?

 

UNIT 35. POLITICAL SYSTEM OF CANADA

35.1. Read and translate the text

Canada is an independent federal parliamentary state. The Queen of Great Britain, Elizabeth II, is the official head of the state, but the Governor General acts as her representative.

Canada combines the American federal form of government with the British cabinet system. As a federation, Canada is made up of ten provinces and two territories. Canadian central government in Ottawa represents all the peoples of Canada. Each province has its own government and parliament.

Parliament of Canada consists of two houses, the Upper House called the Senate, and the Lower House called the House of Commons. The Senate has 104 members. Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The Senate has less power than the House of Commons. Members of the House of Commons are elected for a term of five years.

The cabinet system of Canada unites the legislative and the executive branches. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are usually members of the House of Commons, which is the highest authority in the government. The Cabinet consists of 20 or more ministers, chosen by the Prime Minister from leaders of the majority party in the House of Commons.

  Today most of the Governor General’s powers have disappeared and he follows the directions of the Cabinet.

  The two leading political parties in Canada are the Progressive Conservative Party and the Liberal Party. The New Democratic Party is also rather influential.

The Constitution of the country was only adopted in 1982.

35.2. Answer the questions:

1. Who is the head of the country?

2. Where is the government situated?

3. How many provinces are there in Canada?

4. What does Parliament of Canada consist of?

5. How many leading political parties are there in Canada nowadays?

 

UNIT 36. CANADIAN CITIES AND TOWNS

36.1. Read and translate the text

Canada is a country with rapid growth of the population. It is mainly concentrated in large cities. The most important among them is the capital of the country, Ottawa. It is situated on the picturesque bank of the Ottawa River. One third of its population is descendants of English and French immigrants. Before the colonization the Ottawa region was an Indian trading centre. The name of the city comes from the Indian word meaning “trade”. For a very long time Ottawa was a fur­ trading centre. The suburbs of the city house different industrial factories: electronic enterprises, food­ processing factories, paper mills and others. Ottawa is a city of bridges. There are more than 20 bridges in the city. Ottawa is famous for its walks, along which about a million of tulips bloom in spring.

Toronto, one of the largest cities, is the home of leading banks and corporations. It is the major industrial centre of the country. Toronto is a port on Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes.

Another huge port of Canada is Montreal, situated on the St Lawrence River. More than 5000 freight ships come to that port every year. Three universities are situated in the city. It is also one of the shopping and cultural centres of the country.

Vancouver is a garden city. It is a very picturesque city, which lies between snow­capped mountains and an ocean bay in the west of Canada. It is the largest port on the Pacific coast and the centre of Canadian trade.

36.2. Answer the questions:

1. What is the capital of Canada?

2. Where is Ottawa situated?

3. What are the main cities and towns in Canada?

4. What is the major industrial centre of the country?

5. What are the hugest ports in Canada?

UNIT 1. THE DAWN OF BRITISH HISTORY

1.1. Translate and remember the words:

the dawn -

stone tools -

  already in existence -

social development -

ancient Greek historian Herodotus -

  tin –