МИНОБРНАУКИ РОССИИ
Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение
высшего профессионального образования
«Омский государственный технический университет»
АНГЛОЯЗЫЧНЫЕ СТРАНЫ:
ФАКТЫ, КУЛЬТУРА, ТРАДИЦИИ
Методические указания
Омск
Издательство ОмГТУ
2014
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Составители: М. В. Ласица, С. В. Богомолов
В издании представлен страноведческий материал по англоговорящим
странам, в первую очередь Великобритании и США, который знакомит студентов с историей, культурой, обычаями, традициями, существующими в странах
изучаемого языка.
Для студентов I–II курсов всех специальностей.
Печатается по решению редакционно-издательского совета
Омского государственного технического университета
© ОмГТУ, 2014
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Unit I
THE BRITISH
COMMONWEALTH
Introduction
The Best-Known Language on Earth
English is one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world (3rd after Chinese and Hindi). It has spread far and wide due to 2 main factors: 1) Britai’҆s growing
number of colonies, which by the 19th century accounted for one quarter of the
world’҆s population and 2) American
global influence. Nowadays English is
accepted as a go-between language, or
lingua franca, for international business
and politics. Although English is only
the 3rd most-spoken language in the
world, according to many estimatesit
comes close to being the best-known
language on Earth.
English is spoken on all the inhabited continents. It is the official language (either de jure or de facto) in 54 sovereign states and 27 non-sovereign entities. Mostly
English is spoken in the states of the British Commonwealth (the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, India, etc.), in Ireland and the USA
(both don’t belong to the Commonwealth) and in the US Insular Area (American Samoa, Guam, US Virgin Islands, etc.) In the USA there is no law about the official
language, English is the official language there de facto.
to spread – распространиться
due to – вследствие, благодаря
account for – насчитывать
go-between – посреднический
lingua franca – язык-посредник, лингва франка
estimate – оценка
sovereign – суверенный, независимый
non-sovereign entity – зависимая территориальная единица
de facto – де-факто, фактически
de jure – де-юре, юридически
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I. The British Commonwealth of Nations
The British Commonwealth that dates back to
the mid 20th century with the decolonization of the
Headquarters:
British Empire is a voluntary association of 53
Marlborough House
states and territories that have been or still are ruled
London, UK
by Britain. Independent states are “full members of
Official language: English
the Commonwealth”. Among these states are CanMembership: 53 states
Head: Queen Elizabeth II
ada, Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus, Barbados,
Establishment:
India, Kenya, Nigeria, Singapore, the UK, etc.
• Statute of Westminster,
Among dependent territories are Bermuda, the
11 December 1931
Falkland Islands, British Antarctic Territory, the
• London Declaration,
British Virgin Islands and others.
28 April 1949
Under the formula of the London Declaration
Flag:
(1949), Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of the
Commonwealth. Besides, 16 members of the
Commonwealth (the Commonwealth realms) recognize the Queen as their monarch. Thus, Elizabeth
II is:
Queen of Antigua and Barbuda
Queen of Australia
Queen of the Bahamas
Queen of Barbados
Queen of Belize
Queen of Canada
Queen of Grenada
Queen of Jamaica
Queen of New Zealand
Queen of Papua New Guinea
Queen of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Queen of Saint Lucia
Queen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Queen of the Solomon Islands
Queen of Tuvalu
Queen of the United Kingdom
However, when the monarch dies, the successor to the crown does not automatically become Head of the Commonwealth.
Fast Facts
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II. The Commonwealth Members
Canada
Canada is a vast country, the second largest
one after Russia. Its area is about 10 mln sq km.
As Canada extends for thousands of miles from
the Arctic Ocean to the United States and from the
Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, all kinds of
weather conditions and scenery are to be found there. The population of Canada is
more than 30 mln people. The capital of Canada is Ottawa; the major cities are Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. The name Canada comes from the Indian word
“Kanata”, meaning “a number of huts, a village”. Canada is known all over the world
for having the maple leaf as its national emblem, so the country is often called the
“Land of the Maple Leaf”. The story of Canada goes back to1600s. The French were
the first to settle down in this country. In 1759 Canada became a part of the British
Empire. In 1931 it became independent from Britain. Today Canada is an independent federative state, consisting of 10 provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba,
New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan) and 3 territories (Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory, Nunavut Territory). It is a member of the British Commonwealth, headed by the Queen
of Great Britain, and is one of the 16 Commonwealth Realms. In Canada there are
two official languages: English and French.
to extend – простираться
scenery – зд. ландшафт
to go back – брать начало, восходить
Australia
Australia is the only country in the world that is also a continent. It is the sixth
large country and the smallest continent. Australia lies between the South Pacific
Ocean and the Indian Ocean. The name of the country comes from Latin word
“australis” which mean southern. The country’s official name is Commonwealth of
Australia.
The Commonwealth of Australia is a federation of states. Australia has six states –
New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western
Australia. Each state has its government. Australia has two territories – the Australian
Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. The capital of the country is Canberra.
The major cities are Sidney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
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Australia is a constitutional monarchy
like Great Britain. The British monarch,
Queen Elizabeth II, is also queen of Australia and country’s head of state. But the
queen has little power in the Australian
government. She serves mainly as a symbol
of long historical tie between Great Britain
and Australia. Australia is a member of the
Commonwealth of Nations which is an association formed by Britain and some of its
former colonies.
1. English is … most spoken language in the world.
a) the 1st,
b) the 2nd,
c) the 3rd.
2. What language is supposed to be the current lingua franca?
a) English,
b) French,
c) Chinese.
3. English is the official language of the USA …
a) de facto,
b) de jure.
4. The British Commonwealth establishment dates back to the …
a) 18th century,
b) 19th century,
c) 20th century.
5. What country doesn’t belong to the British Commonwealth of Nations?
a) Singapore,
b) Ireland,
c) Australia.
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6. Commonwealth realms are the states-members of the British Commonwealth that …
a) share Queen Elizabeth II as monarch,
b) don’t recognize Queen Elizabeth II as monarch.
7. The Head of Canada is …
a) president,
b) prime minister,
c) British queen.
8. The capital of Canada is …
a) Toronto,
b) Vancouver,
c) Ottawa.
9. Official language(s) of Canada is(are) …
a) English,
b) French,
c) English and French.
10. The capital of Australia is …
a) Sidney,
b) Canberra,
c) Perth.
Unit II
THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT
BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
I. Some Interesting Facts About the UK
1. Read the information.
Do you know that...
• … almost 75% of the land in the UK is
taken for farming?
• …the highest point is Ben Nevis at 1,343
m and the lowest point is -4m at The Fens?
• …polo, soccer and rugby were introduced
to the world by the UK?
• …the British invented the world’s earliest
railways?
• … Big Ben refers to the bell and not the clock?
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• …the tube route from Leicester Square to Covent Garden can be covered
quicker on foot? However this seems to be the most popular route tourists take.
• …there is no portrait of William Shakespeare painted, when he was alive?
2. Work in pairs. Ask your partner what facts above are already known to
him (her) and what are not.
II. Britain in Sights and Pictures
1. Check up yourself.
Match the sights of London with the appropriate pictures.
❒ Tower Bridge
❒ The Houses of Parliament
❒ Westminster Abbey
❒ St Paul’s Cathedral
❒ Buckingham Palace
❒ Big Ben
1
2
3
4
8
5
6
2. What pictures do you think refer to the UK countries? Give the suitable
number to the pictures (A-D).
1. England.
2. Ireland.
3. Wales.
4. Scotland.
B
A
D
C
III. General Information about the United Kingdom and Northern
Ireland. Flags of the UK Countries
1. Read the information about the UK.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known
as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe. The term Britain is often used as synonym for
the United Kingdom. The term Great Britain, by contrast, refers geographically to the
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island of Great Britain, or politically to England (the capital is London), Scotland (the
capital is Edinburgh) and Wales (the capital is Cardiff) in combination.
The country includes the island of Great Britain (a term sometimes loosely applied to the whole state), the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, and many
smaller islands. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that shares a land border
with another state: the Republic of Ireland. (The capital is Belfast). The UK’s form of
government is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, and its capital
city is London.
Flags of the UK
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland uses as its national flag the royal banner known as the
Union Jack or Union. It consists of the red cross of Saint
George (patron saint of England), edged in white, laid on the
Cross of St Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which are laid on
the cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland). Wales, however, is not represented in the Union Flag by Wales’s patron saint, Saint David, as at the time the flag
was designed Wales was part of the Kingdom of England.
2. Discuss the information in the table with your desk partner.
The
country
The patron
England
St.George
Scotland
St. Andrew
The Symbol and Description
The association of the red cross
as an emblem of England can be
traced back to the Middle Ages, and
it was used as a component in the
design of the Union Flag in 1606;
however, the English flag has no official status within
the United Kingdom. Since the 1990s it has been in increasingly wide use, particularly at national sporting
events.
The Flag of Scotland, On a
Bluefield a White (Argent) saltire. Also known as Saint Andrew’s Cross or the Saltire, is the
national flag of Scotland. As the
national flag, the Saltire, rather than the Royal Standard
of Scotland, is the correct flag for all individuals and
corporate bodies to fly in order to demonstrate both
their loyalty and Scottish nationality. According to legend, the Christian apostle and martyr Saint Andrew, the
patron saint of Scotland, was crucified on an X-shaped
cross.
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Wales
St. David
Ireland
St. Patrick
The flag of Wales, meaning
“The Red Dragon” consists of a
red dragon passant on a green and
white field. As with many heraldic
charges, the exact representation
of the dragon is not standardized
and many renderings exist.
St. Patrics Saltire is used
by the government to represent
Northern Ireland alongside the
other countries of the United
Kingdom. It is represented by two
red diagonal crosses on the white field.
IV. History. England. The Great Mystery of Stonehenge
1. Read the text about one of the world’s wonders.
Who Built Stonehenge?
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, about 2
miles (3,2 km) west of Amesbury and
8 miles (13 km) north of Salisbury.
The question of who built Stonehenge
is largely unanswered, even today. The
monument’s construction has been attributed to many ancient peoples
throughout the years, but the most captivating and enduring attribution has been to
the Druids. Julius Caesar and other Roman writers told of a Celtic priesthood who
flourished around the time of their first conquest (55 BC). By this time, though, the
stones had been standing for 2,000 years, and were, perhaps, already in a ruined condition. The best guess seems to be that the Stonehenge site was begun by the people
of the late Neolithic period (around 3000 BC) and carried forward by people from a
new economy which was arising at this time. These “new” people began to use metal
implements and to live in a more communal fashion than their ancestors. Some think
that they may have been immigrants from the continent, but that contention is not
supported by archaeological evidence. It is likely that they were indigenous people
doing the same old things in new ways.
Construction of the Henge
In its day, the construction of Stonehenge was an impressive engineering feat,
requiring commitment, time and vast amounts of manual labor. In its first phase,
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Stonehenge was a large earthwork; a bank and ditch arrangement called a henge, constructed approximately 5,000 years ago. It is believed that the ditch was dug with
tools made from the antlers of red deer and, possibly, wood. It was then loaded into
baskets and carried away. Modern experiments have shown that these tools were
more than equal to the great task of earth digging and moving.
The list of unknown words:
to attribute – вносить вклад
to flourish – процветать
captivating – очаровательный, пленительный
enduring – длительный, долгий, продолжительный
Druids – друиды, жрецы и поэты у древних кельтских народов, организованные в виде замкнутой касты и тесно связанные с властью вождя
in a ruined condition – в разрушенном состоянии
implements – орудия труда
indigenous – аборигенный, местный, туземный
earthwork – земляные работы, земляное сооружение
2. Answer the following questions:
1. What is Stonehenge?
2. Who built the construction?
3. Was it a difficult task to make such a construction that time?
4. Do you think it is possible to solve the mystery of how Stonehenge
was built?
V. Festivals and Traditions. Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day
1. Guess the meaning of the following words and word-combinations:
Irish-at-heart, feast day, commemorate, diaspora, folklore, creature.
2. Read the text and be ready to answer the questions below.
Every year on March 17, the Irish and the Irish-at-heart across the globe observe
St. Patrick’s Day. What began as a religious feast day for the
patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and
a whole lot of green.
Saint Patrick’s Day was made an official Christian feast
day in the early 17th century and is observed by the Catholic
Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of
Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutheran Church.
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The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, as
well as celebrating the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.
Saint Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador and Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the
world; especially in Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina,
Australia and New Zealand.
On St Patrick’s Day it is customary to wear shamrocks and/or
green clothing or accessories (the “wearing of the green”).
One of the symbols of this day is leprechaun – a type of fairy
creature in Irish folklore, usually taking the form of an old man in
a red or green coat.
shamrock – растение трилистник (символ Ирландии)
heritage – наследие
VI. Culture. Scotland. Kilt. Bagpipe
List of unknown words:
ancestry – наследие, происхождение, истоки
honour – честь, почет, гордость
plaid – клетка, клетчатый рисунок
damp – сырой, влажный
garment – одежда, одеяние
Kilt
For anyone of Scottish ancestry, the kilt is a symbol of honour for the clan
which they belong. Prior to 1792 those who wanted to wear the kilt in the Lowlands
or Britain, had to join the British army. The reason
being that because the English were afraid that if
they let anyone wear the kilt it would spark the idea
of revolution.
The various plaids that one can see from time
to time are the colors of the particular clan that the
wearer belongs to. The kilt is more than just a covering. It allowed those who wore it to move much
more freely, especially in the Highlands of Scotland
where the weather can become very damp. With its tight weave of strong wool, it
created a barrier between the rain and skin. When the nights became cold, this garment was easily removed and spread out to create a blanket to keep the person
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warm. If the army needed to move with a quicker force, the garment could be easily
removed, allowing the soldier more freedom of movement.
Today the kilt is the national dress of Scotland and worn by many.
1. Tell if the statements about kilt are true or false.
1. Kilt is the symbol of young age.
2. The various stars that one can see from time to time are the colours of the particular clan that the wearer belongs to.
3. It allowed those who wore it to move much more freely especially in the
Highlands of Scotland where the weather can become very damp.
4. Today the kilt is the national dress of England and worn by many.
2. Work in pairs. Match the following English words with Russian equivalent. For help use the picture.
bagpipe
rustic
herdsman
reed pipe
squeezing
drone pipe
chanter
mouthpipe
flap
пастух
басовая трубка волынки
волынка
деревенский, сельский
клапан
трубка волынки
сжимая
загубник
тростник
3. Read and translate the text paying attention to the words in bold.
The origins of the bagpipe can be traced back to the most ancient civilizations.
The bagpipe probably originated as a rustic instrument in many cultures because a
herdsman had the necessary materials at hand: a goat or sheep skin and a reed pipe.
Through Celtic migration it was introduced to Persia and India, and subsequently to
Greece and Rome. During the Middle Ages, however, the bagpipe was heard and appreciated by all levels of society.
Bagpipes have always been made in many shapes and sizes, and have been
played throughout Europe from before the Norman Conquest until the present day.
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The construction of the bagpipe allows a continuous supply of air to be maintained. By squeezing the bag with his left hand while a breath is taken, the flow of air
can be kept up in both the drone pipes and chanter. Other features of this instrument
are the mouthpipe and the double reed of the chanter and drone. The mouthpipe contains a round piece of leather hinged onto the bag end which acts as a one way valve.
As the player blows air in, the flap opens; when he stops blowing the air pressure
within the bag forces the flap shut.
VII. Languages. Wales. The Welsh Language
1. Look at the example of Welsh language and compare it with English.
Have both languages anything in common?
Bore da – Good morning
Prynhawn da – Good afternoon
Sutmae? – How are you?
Os gwelwch yn dda – Please
Da – Good
Diolch – hanks
Dai awn – Very good
Bendigedig – Great
2. Read the text about the Welsh language and be ready to answer the questions.
We all speak English in Wales but the Welsh language is flourishing. It’s spoken
fluently by around half a million people in Wales, that’s about 19% of the population.
It’s called Cymraeg, and is a language with entirely regular and phonetic
spelling. Our place names may look complicated but once you know the rules, you
can learn to read and pronounce Welsh fairly easily.
Our Celtic language is closely related to Cornish and Breton and is one of Europe’s oldest living languages; the Welsh we speak today is directly descended from
the language of the Sixth Century.
The Welsh people are keen to keep the language alive, so Welsh is a compulsory
subject for all school pupils up to the age of 16 in Wales. Welsh medium schools are
also increasingly popular. There is no daily newspaper in Welsh, but there is a weekly national paper as well as Welsh language magazines and regional monthly papers.
1. How many people in Wales speak Welsh?
2. What are the special features of Welsh?
3. How do Welsh people try to keep the language alive?
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VIII. British Prominent People
1. Read the information about some of the most famous Britons.
Sir Winston Churchill (1874–1965) – Prime Minister
during World War II, historically ranked the greatest British
prime minister. Widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century, Churchill was also an officer in the British Army, a historian, a writer, and an artist.
He is the only British Prime Minister to have won the Nobel
Prize in Literature, and was the first person to be made an
honorary citizen of the United States.
John Lennon (1940–1980) – Composer, musician, philanthropist, peace activist, artist, and writer. Co-writer with Paul
McCartney in The Beatles and solo musician. Lennon revealed a
rebellious nature in his music, writing, drawings, on film and in
interviews. Controversial through his political and peace activism, he moved to Manhattan in 1971, where his criticism of the
Vietnam War resulted in a lengthy attempt by Richard Nixon’s
administration to deport him, while some of his songs were
adopted as anthems by the anti-war movement and the larger
counterculture.
Charles Darwin (1809–1882) – naturalist, originator of
the theory of evolution through natural selection and author
of On the Origin of Species. Darwin became internationally
famous, and his pre-eminence as a scientist was honoured by
burial in Westminster Abbey. Darwin has been described as
one of the most influential figures in human history.
William Shakespeare (1654–1616) was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the
English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. He is
often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon”.
His extant works, including some collaborations, consist of
about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a
few other verses, the authorship of some of which is uncertain.
His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other
playwright.
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Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727) was an English physicist
and mathematician who is widely recognized as one of the most
influential scientists of all time and played a key role in the scientific revolution. His book Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia
Mathematica (“Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy”), first published in 1687, laid the foundations for classical
mechanics. Newton also made several contributions to optics
and shares credit with Gottfried Leibniz for the invention of
infinitesimal calculus.
Diana, Princess of Wales (1961–1997). She was well
known for her fund-raising work for international charities and
as an eminent celebrity of the late 20th century. She also received recognition for her charity work. From 1989, she was
the president of Great Ormond Street Hospital for children, in
addition to dozens of other charities. Media attention and public mourning were extensive following her death in a car crash
in Paris on August, 31, 1997.
2. Great Britain is also famous for other eminent people. What do you know
about them? Match the person to the appropriate field of his/her activity
Robert Burns
philosophy
Francis Bacon
monarchy
Joan Rowling
poetry
Henry VIII
politics
David Beckham
modern literature
Margaret Thatcher
football
William Hogarth
cinema
Joe Cocker
piracy and sea-faring
Sir Francis Drake
painting
King Arthur
music
Sir Anthony Hopkins
mythology
1. What countries does the UK include?
a) Ireland, Wales, England,
b) Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland,
c) Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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2. What is the capital of Northern Ireland?
a) Belfast,
b) Cardiff,
c) Edinburgh.
3. What is the symbol of Wales’s fag?
a) lion,
b) dragon,
c) blue cross.
4. What does Stonehenge look like?
a) huge bricks built in a circle,
b) very tall ancient tower,
c) huge stones built like a henge.
5. When is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated?
a) April, 5th,
b) May, 11th,
c) March, 17th.
6. What is the origin of the Welsh language?
a) Roman,
b) Celtic,
c) French.
7. Who among these famous people was involved in charity work?
a) Charles Darwin,
b) Princess Diana,
c) William Shakespeare.
8. Who wore kilts in ancient times?
a) herdsmen,
b) soldiers,
c) housewives.
9. What materials were used in making a bagpipe?
a) ship skin and reed,
b) paper and metal,
c) wood and fiber.
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Unit III
THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA
Introduction
What Do You Know About America?
1. Read what people from different countries say answering the question in
the title.
2. How would you answer this question? Use the expressions:
I think the USA is mostly famous for … …
To my mind the USA is commonly known for … …
To me America is known for … …
The most famous thing about the USA is … …
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You, Omsk
I. Some Glimpses of American History
Discovery of America
It is a commonly held belief that America was
discovered by Christopher Columbus. This fact
however can neither be ruled out nor accepted blindly. In October, 1492, Columbus reached the shores
of America when he was in search of India. Some
historians believe that it was not America’s mainland that Columbus reached in 1492. The place was
actually an island of the Bahamas. Exploration of
American continent is also closely connected with the name of another European
sailor, Amerigo Vespucci, who reached America in 1497. However, one cannot say
for sure that Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci were the first to discover this huge
continent. They are supposed to have been preceded by the Vikings and Chinese sailors. As most expeditions prior to the times of Christopher Columbus were not documented properly, the Spanish explorer is now commonly considered to be the discoverer of America.
to rule out – исключить, отклонить, отмести как невозможное
to accept blindly – безоговорочно принять, слепо поверить
mainland – материк
to precede – предшествовать
prior to – до
The Mayflower
The Mayflower was the ship that transported Pilgrims
from England to Massachusetts, in 1620. There were 102
passengers and a crew of 25–30. This voyage has become
an iconic story in the earliest annals of American history
with its tragic story of death and of survival in the harshest
New World winter environment. The culmination of the
voyage in the signing of the Mayflower Compact (the first
governing document of Plymouth Colony) is one of the
greatest moments in the history of America.
annals – анналы, летописи
harsh – суровый, жесткий
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The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was one of a long series of conflicts between the American colonies and the British government. The decision by the British government in
1773 to grant the East India Company the right to import tea to the North American
colonies tax-free was intended to undermine
the economy of the colonies. It provoked the
indignation of the colonists, especially the
merchants who dealt in contraband tea. In
December 1773 a group of members of the
Sons of Liberty, dressed up as Indians, secretly boarded British ships standing in Boston harbor and threw a large quantity of tea
into the sea. The subsequent closing of Boston harbor, ban on meetings of the townspeople, and quartering of British soldiers in the city further sharpened the conflict between the mother country and the colonies.
to grant the right – предоставить право
tax-free – не облагаемый налогом
to undermine – подрывать, дестабилизировать
indignation – негодование, возмущение
merchant – торговец
to deal with – вести дела с
harbor – гавань
subsequent – последующий
The Emergence of the United States of America
The United States emerged from
13 British colonies located along the
Atlantic seaboard: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland,
South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina,
Rhode Island. Disputes between Great
Britain and these colonies led to the
American Revolution. On July 4, 1776, delegates from the 13 colonies unanimously
issued the Declaration of Independence. The ensuing war ended in 1783 with the
recognition of independence of the United States from the Kingdom of Great Britain,
and was the first successful war of independence against a European colonial empire.
to emerge – возникнуть
seaboard – побережье
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unanimously – единодушно
to issue – выпускать, издавать
ensuing – последующий
recognition – признание
independence – независимость
Check yourself. Fill out the chart.
US History Facts Chart
The accepted date of discovery of America
Explorers of America prior to Columbus
The place that Columbus actually reached
The ship that transported British Pilgrims to America in 1620
One of the conflicts between American colonies and British
Government happened in Boston in 1773
The number of American colonies to have confederated themselves as the United States of America
A significant event in American history happened on July 4,
1776
The years of the War of Independence
II. The United States of America: General Facts
1. America declared Independence in 1776 but wasn’t recognized until 1783.
2. The Constitution of the USA was adopted in 1787. Since then it has been
amended 27 times.
3. The 1st capital of the USA was Philadelphia, PA.
4. Washington, DC doesn’t belong to any state. The intention of the Founding
Fathers (отцы-основатели США) was that the US capital should be at a neutral site,
not giving favor to any existing state.
5. Alaska is the largest state in the US by land area.
6. Rhode Island is the smallest state and has got the longest name – the State of
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
7. Hawaii is the most recent of the 50 states in the US (joining in 1959) and is
the only one made up entirely of islands.
8. New England is a region in the North-Eastern corner of the United States consisting of the 6 states of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
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9. Besides 50 states the US territory includes the Insular Area (островная территория США) that comprises American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands,
Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands.
10. In the USA there is no official language at federal level.
11. Spanish is the second commonly spoken language in the US (after English).
12. The US two-party system consists of the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
13. Election Day in the United States occurs in November on the Tuesday after
the first Monday.
14. As any other nation, the United States have national symbols, both official
and unofficial:
Official Symbols of the USA
The flag of the United States is commonly
known as the “Stars and Stripes” or “Old Glory”. It
was adopted on June 14, 1777. The 50 stars on the
blue field stand for 50 states and the 13 red and white
stripes represent the 13 colonies the USA emerged
from. There is a legend that the first American flag
was made by Betsy Ross, a seamstress (швея) from
Philadelphia, and it was she who changed the stars on the flag from 6-pointed to easier-to-produce 5-pointed stars. The current 50-star flag is the 27th “edition” of the flag
and the one that has been in use the longest, since 1960.
The Great Seal of the United States is used to authenticate
certain documents issued by the United States federal government. The Great Seal was first used publicly in 1782.The obverse of the great seal is used as the national coat of arms of
the United States. It is officially used on documents such as
United States passports, military insignia, embassy placards,
and various flags. The Seal depicts a bald eagle holding 13 olive
branches in one talon and 13 arrows in the other. The olive branch stands for the
power to make peace, while the arrows stand for the power to make war.
Other official national symbols are:
National anthem: “The Star-Spangled Banner”.
National mottos: “In God We Trust”, “E Pluribus Unum” (лат. «из многих –
единое»).
National bird: Bald Eagle.
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National floral emblem: Rose.
National tree: oak.
Unofficial Symbols of the USA
Uncle Sam (initials U.S.) is a common national personification of the American government. The first use of
Uncle Sam in literature was in the 1816 allegorical book
“The Adventures of Uncle Sam in Search After His Lost
Honor” by Frederick Augustus Fidfaddy, Esq. An Uncle
Sam is mentioned as early as 1775, in the original “Yankee
Doodle” lyrics of the Revolutionary War. It is not clear
whether this reference is to Uncle Sam as a metaphor for the
United States, or to an actual person named Sam.
Other unofficial national symbols are:
Sights: the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, Washington Monument, Lincoln
Memorial, Mount Rushmore.
Sports: baseball, football.
Food: apple pie, hot-dog, bourbon whiskey.
Check yourself. Answer the questions:
1. What city was the 1st capital of the USA?
2. What state is the US capital situated in?
3. What is the largest US state? The smallest one?
4. What language has the status of the official one at federal level?
5. What is the nickname of the American Flag?
6. What do the 13 stripes on the US flag stand for?
7. What is American national bird, national tree, and national flower?
III. US Sights and Cities
Look at the pictures below. Say which US sights you know and what cities they
are located at.
1. _______ 4. ________
7.________
10._______
13. _____
2. _______ 5. ________
8.________
11. _______
14. _____
3. _______ 6. ________
9.________
12. _______
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
25
9
8
,
10
,
11
12
14
13
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The Top 10 Places to Visit in the USA
(tourist’s guide)
The United States has so many diverse cities and attractions that it is difficult to
narrow down the list to only 10 US destinations. The following list of top 10 places to
visit in the U.S.A. is an introduction to the best and most popular places to go in the
United States.
1. New York City
American icons, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and
Times Square, are just a few of the attractions to see in New York City, America’s
most populous and most popular city. Also known as the “Big Apple”, New York
City is a favorite destination for both domestic and international visitors.
2. Los Angeles
The lure of Hollywood, international celebrities, and the mild breezes from the
Pacific Ocean make Los Angeles one an obvious addition to the list of top US tourist
destinations. LA is famous for beaches, such as Malibu or Santa Monica, shopping on
Rodeo Drive, touring Beverly Hills, and more.
3. Chicago
Chicago has long been called the “Second City”, coming in second to New York
City in both size and population. A beacon in the Midwest, Chicago is actually third
in population these days but it has a skyline, restaurants, shopping, museums, and activities to easily rival NYC and LA.
4. Washington, DC
The United States’ capital city, Washington, DC, has miles of museums and
monuments – almost all of which are free – thereby making it one of the most visited
cities in the United States, especially for families and school groups.
5. Las Vegas
Most tourists go to Las Vegas to try their luck at its famous casinos. But Las
Vegas also has blockbuster shows, world class shopping, and top notch restaurants,
all of which make this city a true desert oasis and a top U.S. travel destination.
6. San Francisco
Symbolized by the red rafters of the Golden Gate Bridge, this legendary city on
the San Francisco Bay is known for its neighborhoods, such as Chinatown and the
hippie-turned-haute enclave of Haight-Ashbury. While San Francisco is an ideal city
for nature lovers as well as the jet set, it is also a great jumping-off point for trips to
the vineyard estates in Napa Valley or to the colossal tech campuses of Silicon Valley.
7. Hawaii
Say “Aloha” to Hawaii, a top U.S. destination that is also an island paradise.
From the natural beauty of its beaches and volcanoes to its rich South Pacific culture,
Hawaii is the perfect U.S. destination if you’re looking to really get away from it all.
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8. Grand Canyon
An incredible geological wonder stretching over 200 miles, the Grand Canyon is
a deep ravine carved out by the Colorado River over thousands of years. Located in
the state of Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a top destination to visit in the Southwest
United States and one of the most popular of U.S. National Parks.
9. Florida
Beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions like Disneyworld, and the Latino
culture and style of Miami make Florida, also known as the “Sunshine State”, one of
the most popular states in the U.S. for visitors. Learn more about the cities, theme
parks, and everything else that Florida has to offer.
10. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the international border between Canada and the United States. It is also the name of the city,
where the waterfalls are located. From largest to smallest, the three waterfalls are the
Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls.
Follow Up (for these tasks you may need additional material):
1. Find out why New York City is nicknamed “Big Apple”.
2. The city of Niagara Falls is situated partly in the USA and partly in Canada.
Find out what side (American or Canadian) the waterfalls are located at.
3. Choose one of the US destinations (New York, LA, Hawaii, Florida, etc.) and
get ready with its presentation (e.g. “10 Must-Visit Places in NYC”). For the presentation both the English and Russian languages are welcome.
IV. Some Facts AboutUS Higher Education
Ivy League
Ivy League is the name generally applied to 8 US universities (Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Yale) that over the years have had common interests in scholarship as well as in athletics. So originally
Ivy League is an athletic conference comprising 8 abovementioned private institutions of higher education located in the
Northeastern United States.
Stanley Woodward, New York Tribune sports writer,
coined the phrase Ivy League in the early 1930s. A common
folk etymology attributes the name to the Roman numerals
for 4 (IV), asserting that there was such a sports league originally with 4 members. The supposed “IV League” was
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formed over a century ago and consisted of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and a 4th
school that varies depending who is telling the story.
The first step towards organizing full league
competition came in 1952 with the announcement
that, beginning with the fall of 1953, each college
would play every other college in the group at least
once every 5 years. But of course the phrase Ivy
League has been historically perceived as connected
not only with University sports, but also with academic excellence and social elitism. The term Ivy League
is commonly used to refer to those 8 schools as a
group of highly prestigious educational institutions. The Ivy League universities are
also called the “the Ancient Eight” or simply the Ivies.
Ivy League Facts Chart
Institution
Brown
University
Est. 1764
Columbia
University
Est. 1754
Location
Athletic
Nickname
Motto
Providence,
Rhode Island
Bears
In Deo Speramum
(In God We Hope)
Lions
In lumine Tuo videbimus
lumen (In Thy light shall
we see light)
Big Red
I would found an institution where any person can
find instruction in any
study
New York City,
New York
Cornell
University
Est. 1865
Ithaca,
New York
Dartmouth
College
Est. 1769
Hanover,
New Hampshire
Big Green
Vox clamantis in deserto
(The voice of the crying
in the wilderness)
Harvard
University
Est.1636
Cambridge,
Massachusetts
Crimon
Veritas
(Truth)
Princeton
University
Est. 1746
Princeton,
New Jersey
Tigers
Dei sub numine viget
(Under God’s power she
flourishes)
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
Quakers
Leges sine moribus vanae
(Laws without morals are
useless)
New Haven,
Connecticut
Bulldog
Lux et veritas
(Light and truth)
University of
Pennylvania
Est. 1740
Yale
University
Est. 1701
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V. Some Facts about American Way of Life
1. The United States is often referred to as the “Melting Pot”, a metaphor that
connotes the blending of many cultures, languages and religions to form a single national identity.
2. Americans need a lot of “elbow room”; they like personal space around
them.
3. Americans must be over the age of 21 and must have an ID to buy or drink
alcohol.
4. The age for driver’s license varies from state to state. Normally, at 14 teenagers get Learner’s Permit. At 16 teenagers get restricted license (no driving from
midnight to 6.00 a.m., no more than one passenger allowed, etc.). Full license (no restrictions) is normally given when the driver is 16 years and 6 months old.
5. Americans are extremely informal and call most people by their first name
or nickname. They smile a lot and talk easily to strangers, sharing personal stories.
6. It is normal for an American teacher to sit on the desk and for an American
student to call the teacher by his or her first name. It’s also quite normal for students
to have a meal during the classes.
7. It is normal for American children to have very messy rooms.
8. A significant event in every American high school student’s life is Prom.
Prom (short for promenade) is a semi-formal (black tie) dance or gathering, typically
held near the end of the senior year (i.e., the last year of high school).
9. Most buses in the USA require the exact amount of money to pay the fare.
Passengers don’ get change.
10. Most American women do not feel comfortable having the man pay for everything all of the time.
11. Americans love “showers”. A bridal shower is a gift-giving party held for a
bride-to-be in anticipation of her wedding. A baby shower is a way to celebrate the
pending or recent birth of a child by presenting gifts to the parents at a party. The
term shower is often assumed to mean that the expectant mother or the bride-to-be is
“showered” with gifts.
12. Every corner or every street in America has fast food. McDonalds, Burger
king, Dunkin Donuts etc. are the favorite places to go. Hamburgers, hotdogs, fries
and coke is the basic meal.
13. Americans use pounds and ounces as weight units, inches and feet as length
units, gallons for liquids, and Fahrenheit system for temperature.
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14. Americans are addicted to sports. Baseball, football, ice hockey, and basketball are the most famous sports here. Sundays from early September to Super bowl in
February are considered holy Sundays for football fans.
15. Normally Americans celebrate their holidays on the following Monday (except for some holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas) so that to make a week-end longer.
1. Who was the first to reach the shores of America?
a) Columbus,
b) Vespucci,
c) Vikings and Chinese sailors.
2. Mayflower is …
a) the national floral symbol,
b) the ship that took the British Pilgrims to America,
c) American national festival.
3. One of the events in US history that led to War of Independence was …
a) Boston Tea Party,
b) signing of the Mayflower Compact,
c) recognition of the US independence.
4. How many colonies did the USA emerge from?
a) 8,
b) 10,
c) 13.
5. Which city was the first capital of the USA?
a) Philadelphia,
b) Boston,
c) Chicago.
6. Which state is the smallest by land area?
a) Maryland,
b) New Hampshire,
c) Rhode Island.
7. Which is the largest US state by land area?
a) Alaska,
b) California,
c) New York.
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8. Which state was the most recent to join the US?
a) Florida,
b) Hawaii,
c) Delaware.
9. What is the official language of the USA at federal level?
a) English,
b) Spanish,
c) none.
10. What language is the second commonly spoken one in the US?
a) Spanish,
b) Chinese,
c) Russian.
11. Election Day in the US occurs … in November
a) on the first Monday,
b) on the first Tuesday,
c) on Tuesday after the first Monday.
12. What is the US national bird?
a) bald eagle,
b) falcon,
c) hawk.
13. The 13 stripes on the US flag represent …
a) the US states,
b) the colonies that in the 18th century merged into the USA,
c) the first US presidents.
14. What US holiday is celebrated on July, 4th?
a) Father’s Day,
b) Memorial Day,
c) Independence Day.
15. The Golden Gates bridge is situated in …
a) Los Angeles,
b) San Francisco,
c) Las Vegas.
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16. New York City is nicknamed …
a) Big Apple,
b) Big Egg,
c) Big Pie.
17. Mount Rushmore, the monument with 4 American Presidents’ faces
carved in rock, is located in …
a) the mountains of South Dakota,
b) the Grand Canyon,
c) the Rocky Mountains.
18. The Ivy League is an association of…
a) American Football Clubs,
b) 8 US Universities,
c) American sports writers.
19. The oldest US University is …
a) Yale,
b) Harvard,
c) Princeton.
20. US nickname Melting Pot means that America…
a) is a multi-cultural and multi-national country,
b) has got a very hot climate,
c) metaphorically melts multi-cultural society into a single national identity.
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СПИСОК РЕКОМЕНДУЕМОЙ ЛИТЕРАТУРЫ
1. Англоговорящие страны (история и современность). Канада : метод.
указания / сост. Л.И. Воскресенская. – Омск : Изд-во ОмГТУ, 2002.
2. Англоговорящие страны (история и современность). Соединенное королевство Великобритании и Северной Ирландии : метод. указания / сост.:
Т.В. Акулинина, Л.И. Воскресенская, Л.К. Кондратюкова. – Омск : Изд-во
ОмГТУ, 2002.
3. Англоговорящие страны (история и современность). Соединенные
Штаты Америки : метод. указания / сост. Л.К. Кондратюкова. – Омск : Изд-во
ОмГТУ, 2002.
4. Голицынский, Ю.Б. Великобритания / Ю.Б. Голицынский. – СПб. :
Каро, 2011.
5. Голицынский, Ю.Б. Соединенные Штаты Америки / Ю.Б. Голицынский. – СПб. : Каро, 2010.
6. Макинерни, Д. США. История страны / Д. Макинерни. – М. : ЭКСМО,
2009.
7. Павловский, В.М. Great Britain: monarchy, history, culture = Великобритания: монархия, история, культура : книга по страноведению на английском
языке / В.М. Павловский. – СПб. : Каро, 2006.
8. Сатинова, В.Ф. Читаем и говорим о Британии и британцах / В.Ф. Сатинова. – Минск : Высшая школа, 1998.
9. Falk, R. Spotlight on the USA / R. Falk. – Oxford University Press, 1993.
10. In the English-speaking world. – Обнинск : Титул, 1998.
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ОГЛАВЛЕНИЕ
Unit I. The British Commonwealth ..............................................................................3
Test yourself ...................................................................................................................6
Unit II. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ..........................7
Test yourself .................................................................................................................17
Unit III. The United States of America........................................................................19
Test yourself ................................................................................................................31
Список рекомендуемой литературы .......................................................................34
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Редактор К.В. Муковоз
Компьютерная верстка Ю. П. Шелехиной
Сводный темплан 2014 г.
Подписано в печать 23.04.14. Формат 60×841/16. Отпечатано на дупликаторе.
Бумага офсетная. Усл. печ. л. 2,25. Уч.-изд. л. 2,25.
Тираж 50 экз. Заказ 266.
Издательство ОмГТУ. 644050, г. Омск, пр. Мира, 11; т. 23-02-12.
Типография ОмГТУ.
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