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Elementy wiedzy o krajach obszaru języka angielskiego
The United States of America
Ćwiczenie 1.
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Country profile: United States of America
The US is the world's foremost economic and military power. It is also a major source of entertainment: American TV, Hollywood films, jazz, blues, rock and rap music are primary ingredients in global popular culture.
Ethnic and racial diversity- the 'melting pot' - is celebrated as a core element of the American ideology. The 1964 Civil Rights Act outlawed racial and other discrimination, but race continues to be a live issue. The ongoing debate includes topics such as affirmative-action programmes - intended to remedy past discrimination - and housing segregation.
The US originated in a revolution which separated it from the British Crown. The constitution, drafted in 1787, established a federal system with a division of powers even at the central level which, uniquely among modern nation-states, has remained unchanged in form.
The early settlers came predominantly from the British Isles. Slaves from Africa joined them involuntarily in a second wave. Millions of Europeans constituted a third stage of immigration.
American foreign policy has often mixed the idealism of its 'mission' with elements of self-interest. In September 2001 the US was shaken after three hijacked aircraft were deliberately crashed into the World Trade Center in New York and the Defence Department - the Pentagon -near Washington DC, killing thousands of people. A fourth hijacked aircraft, thought to be heading for Washington DC, crashed in Pennsylvania, killing all on board.
The attacks had a momentous impact as the country continued to redefine its role as the world's only superpower. In October 2001 the US led a military campaign in Afghanistan which unseated the Taleban regime. In March 2003 Washington initiated military action in Iraq which led to the toppling of the Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
United States of America
New England Famous for its history, seafood, traditional universities and autumn colours, the region is actually made up of six states - Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. The coast is a place of holiday homes, many of which are mansions owned by some of the country's wealthiest, as well as pretty villages and good beaches. One of the most popular beach areas is Cape Cod. The islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket have quieter beaches. Towns to spend time in include Boston and Newport.
New York
New York City is made up of five boroughs, the main attractions are in Manhattan but there's also plenty to see and do in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and on Staten Island. Nearly 40 million visitors come here every year and spread themselves around the city's 10,000 shops, 18,000 restaurants, 150 museums and every sort of other entertainment you could imagine. One way to get your bearings is taking a bus tour that lets you get off and on as much as you like. A trip on the free Staten Island ferry is an excellent way of seeing the famous skyline and Statue of Liberty. Nearby Ellis Island's Immigration Museum is fascinating.
You could spend all your time on or around Fifth Avenue. Its Museum Mile has nine of the city's most prestigious museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and countless shops. Other must sees include Times Square, Chinatown,
- Attractions
Broadway, Madison Avenue, Little Italy, Greenwich Village and the Brooklyn Bridge. The city has a surprising amount of green space, the most famous being Central Park. It's good to explore on bike or foot, but not a place to be after dark. Attractions within the park include Strawberry Fields, an area dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, a wildlife centre, a zoo and outdoor concerts during the summer.
California
Endless sunshine, brilliant beaches, vineyards, mountains, vibrant cities and stunning wilderness make this one of the most popular holiday states. Los Angeles is the biggest city with its fantasy lands of Disney and Hollywood alongside the reality of summer smog. San Francisco is much prettier with steep streets and colourful buildings. The state has some famous National Parks including Yosemite and Death Valley, the hottest place on earth.
New Orleans
Not a place for the nervous or those seeking peace and quiet. This city is bursting with life, music and excitement and is regarded as one of America's most dangerous places. Its seductive music, decadence, lacy ironwork and delicious Creole food are enough to keep most visitors happy. The event not to miss is the Mardi Gras, weeks of parties and parades leading up to 'Fat Tuesday' itself, the day before the start of Lent. The huge Jazzfest is at the end of April and beginning of May.
Pytania do dyskusji
What places in the USA would you like to visit? Present and justify your choice.
The USA is frequently described as 'the melting pot'. How does ethnic and racial diversity affect American popular culture? Give examples, and justify your opinion.
Australia and New Zealand
Ćwiczenie 2.
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Australia - Attractions
Sydney is the great outdoor and party city. Landmarks include the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and The Rocks area, site of the original Sydney. Beaches are the focal point for many and include Bondi and Manly. The Blue Mountains, an hour west by train, are excellent for bushwalks, biking, waterfalls and gum trees.
Canberra, Australia's capital is more of a garden than a party city, but not as dull as many Australians would have you believe. It has some of the most aggressive magpies in the world, music, science, folk and ballooning festivals. The man-made Lake Burley Griffin in the centre is good for water sports and surrounded by parks and green space. Adelaide is also often written of as a backwater but turns out to be a pleasant surprise for those who bother to go.
Melbourne sees itself as the country's cultural capital, with loads of theatre, art, ballet and music on offer. The city hosts international comedy, film, arts and fringe festivals. Chinatown is at its eastern end and dates back to the gold rush. The Victorian Alps north of the city are excellent for hiking and biking. You can also ski there from June to October.
Brisbane lies between the popular resorts on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast with their beaches, theme parks and high rise. Further north are Townsville, Cairns and The Great Barrier Reef.
Lamington offers an escape from the Gold Coast with miles of walking tracks in subtropical rain forest among exotic birds and wallabies.
Tasmania is often overlooked by visitors. It's off the south coast, slightly smaller than Scotland and relatively unspoiled. The capital Hobart has its fair share of theatres, cinemas, pubs and clubs, but the island is mostly a place for those who enjoy mountains and wilderness. There are eight national parks and some of the least explored areas of Australia. The east coast has the best beaches, the west is wilder with steep mountains, gorges and rain forest.
The Outback, an area of scrubland, mountain wilderness and desert,
makes up the rest of Australia and is preserved in the many national parks. One of the best known is Uluru-Kata Tjuta in the Red Centre, home to Ayres Rock. Kakadu in the Northern Territories is a quarter the size of Britain and the place for birds, crocs, wetlands and aboriginal art. A visit to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is a must.
Country profile: Australia
Australia is the smallest continent, but combines a wide variety of landscapes.
These include deserts in its interior, hills and mountains, tropical rainforests,
and heavily-populated coastal strips with long beaches and coral reefs off the shoreline. Isolated from other continents, Australia has an abundance of unique plant and animal life.
The British founded the first settlement and named it Sydney in 1788. Many of the first settlers were convicts. Free settlers arrived in increasing numbers, particularly after the discovery of gold in the mid-19th century.
Australia's original inhabitants, the Aborigines, numbered a few hundred thousand before the Europeans arrived. But two centuries of discrimination and expropriation followed, and at one point the number of Aborigines fell as low as 60,000.
Today 99% of the population are of European or Asian descent, but calls for a formal apology for past injustices towards the Aborigines are still made. Migration continues to shape Australia, although it remains a sensitive issue.
The country has considered cutting its ties with the British monarchy. In 1999 Australians voted against plans for the country to become a republic.
The sport-mad Australians are known for their uncomplicated friendliness. This was particularly in evidence at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, which were dubbed the 'friendly Games'.
Country profile: New Zealand
Composed of two main islands, New Zealand is also dominated by two cultural groups: New Zealanders of European descent, and the Maori.
According to Maori oral history, the Maori arrived on the islands about 1,000 years ago. European settlement in New Zealand during the 19th century led to the Treaty of Waitangi (1840) between representatives of the British Crown and Maori chiefs. New Zealand's economy is based largely on agriculture, but manufacturing is of growing importance and the country has a developing film industry, recently boosted by the success of Tie Lord of the Rings. Tourism is on the rise; visitors are drawn to the glacier-carved mountains, lakes, beaches and thermal springs.
Migration patterns have changed in recent years, with most incomers coming from Asia and Pacific island states, rather than from the UK and Australia. Officials estimate that Asians will make up 13% of the population by 2021.
Pytania do dyskusji
What places would you like to visit in Australia and New Zealand? Present and justify your choice.
Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada have special programmes to compensate their native population of Aborigines, Maori and Native Americans for the years of discrimination. Why do you think it is important for these countries to look after their indigenous peoples? Take into account culture, social problems, human rights and the international reputation of these countries.
Ireland
Ćwiczenie 3.
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Country profile: Ireland
Although the history of Ireland has seen troubled times, its people have always been associated with a love of music and storytelling. Often referred to as the land of saints and scholars, the country is the birthplace of many famous English-language writers, among them Yeats, Joyce, Beckett, Wilde and Shaw. For centuries British dominion in Ireland gave rise to unrest which erupted into violence with the Easter Rising of 1916 when independence was proclaimed. The rising was crushed and many of its leaders executed but the campaign carried on. In the early 1920s, 26 counties of Ireland gained independence from London following negotiations which led to partition. The island's other six counties, part of the province of Ulster, remained in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Partition brought a year of civil war between those who accepted it and those who felt that the whole island should be independent. Relations between Dublin and London remained strained for many years afterwards. Northern Ireland saw decades of violent conflict between those campaigning for a united Ireland and those wishing to stay in the United Kingdom. In an unprecedented and concerted effort to resolve the situation, the Irish and UK governments worked closely together in negotiations which led to the'Good Friday Agreement on the future of Northern Ireland in 1998.
Since joining the European Community in 1973, the Republic of Ireland has accelerated its growth from a largely agricultural society into a modern, technologically-advanced economy. The speed of this advance has highlighted divisions on some issues between the traditional influence of the Roman Catholic Church and the modernising values of those who believe that the individual must have freedom of choice. For centuries Ireland's young citizens have emigrated to Britain, Europe or the US in search of jobs. This trend was reversed in the years up to 2002 as the economy flourished. But more recently the Celtic Tiger has become subdued and some have even pronounced it dead.
Population: 4 million (official figure, 2003)
Capital: Dublin
Area: 70,182 sq km (27,097 sq miles)
Major languages: English, Irish
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 74 years (men), 80 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Euro = 100 cents
Main exports: Machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs
GNI per capita: US $26,960 (World Bank, 2003)
Internet domain: .ie
International dialling code: +353
President: Mary McAleese
Prime minister: Bertie Ahern
Pytania do dyskusji
To what extent do you agree with the statement that Ireland and Poland have much in common? Justify your opinion.
Since Poland joined the European Union more Poles have travelled to Ireland in search of work than to Britain. What could be the reasons behind their choice of destination in your opinion?
Ćwiczenie 4.
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COUNTRY PROFILE:Canada Canada's indigenous peoples make
up less than two per cent of the
Canada is the second largest population. The way in which
country in the world after Russia. provincial governments share land
Its population is only about and natural resources with native
one-fifth of Russia's however. groups is an ongoing issue.
Nearly 90% of Canadians live Separatist aspirations within the
within 200 km of the border with predominantly French-speaking
the United States, which means province of Quebec are a major
that Canada contains vast expanses domestic issue. The last referendum
of wilderness to the north. On the issue in 1995 saw advocates
Immigration has helped to make of an independent Quebec only
Canada one of the world's richest narrowly defeated. Since then,
countries, and the country is largely opinion polls have indicated
free of racial tension. Many recent a fal1 in support for independence,
newcomers have arrived from Asia.
Canada and wetter in the summer with
milder winters. The eastern
Size: 3,850,000 square miles provinces have four distinct
(9,971,445 sq km) - the world's seasons, with a lot of coastal fog
second largest country all year round. Canada is such
Capital: Ottawa a huge country that most visitors
Language: English and French cope with it by heading for one of
Currency: Canadian dollar the major cities and exploring the
Weather: Extremely varied from region around it. A National Park
the frozen north to the more or wilderness area is never far
moderate south. Central areas away. This is a country of
have very hot summers and cold coastline, mountains, lakes,
winters. The west coast is cooler prairies, and forests.
Canada - Attractions
Toronto is the largest and most multicultural of Canada's cities. It has an excellent Chinatown and a busy and exciting Harbour front area along Lake Ontario. Its most prominent building, the CN Tower, is the world's tallest. Next door is the Skydome, home to the Blue Jays baseball team. The Ontario Science Centre is worth a visit if you like lots of hands on exhibits to play with. The Art Gallery of Ontario has Canadian and world art and the Bata Shoe Museum is more interesting than you might think.
Niagara is two hour's drive from Toronto. Although the falls are spectacular, the resort that's grown around them is less so. Algonquin Park, 186 miles north of Toronto is a hikers and canoeists' paradise, with nearly 1,000 miles of canoe routes. Bear, moose and wolves like it here too.
Montreal is stylish, bilingual and relaxed. It's the largest French speaking city outside Paris, a mixture of modern skyscrapers and old cobbled streets. Underground City is a good place for shopping on a wintry day with malls, hundreds of boutiques, restaurants, concert halls, cinemas, ice rinks and swimming pools. Vieux Montreal, on the banks of the St Lawrence is the place for old buildings, cobbled streets, bars, galleries and street entertainers.
Quebec province has 19 national parks, home to deer, caribou, moose and black bear. The Laurentian Mountains are good for canoeing and hiking in summer and skiing in winter. The Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park is the place to see whales and barking seals. Winter activities in the province include snow rafting, ice fishing, dog sledding and ice climbing. Quebec claims to have the most extensive snow mobile trail network in the world.
What places would you like to visit in Canada? Present and justify your choice.
Canada is a huge country with a relatively small population. What could be some advantages and disadvantages of living in a country with such a low density of population? Justify your opinion.
Dodatkowe zagadnienia do dyskusji
The Immigration Museum on Ellis Island in New York is unique - not many countries commemorate their immigrants. To what extent would you agree with the statement that the USA is a nation of immigrants? Do you think that it is easier or more difficult to migrate today? Think of transport, control at the borders, access to language learning.
The Lord of the Rings filmed on location in New Zealand made the wilderness and beauty of its landscape famous all over the world. To what extent can the countryside be an asset of a country? Would you agree with the statement that protecting the natural beauty of a country can be as profitable as industry? Why? Why not?
English people are said to be reserved, Australians are said to be friendly, but not all of them are like that. How do you think stereotypes are formed? Do stereotypes facilitate or hinder communication between people of different nationalities? Justify your opinion.