2020-10-09
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The continent of Australia is situated between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. The country's official name is Commonwealth of Australia. It is unique, because it is at the same time a continent, the smallest one in the world.
Australia is a very young country. The explorers from Europe unanimously called it a wonderful continent. There are really a lot of wonders: strange animals and wildlife, unusually mild weather, warm winters, etc. Even the sun rises there in the west, which is strange for Europeans. Besides, there is great stock of mineral resources: gold, oil, coal and much more.
Australia is a constitutional monarchy, with the Queen of Great Britain at its head. The queen is represented by the Governor General, who is appointed by the Australian government. The Governor General appoints members of the Executive Council, his advisory cabinet.
The main legislative body in the country is Federal Parliament. It consists of the Queen, the Senate and the House of Representatives. The members of the Senate are elected for a six-year term. There are ten senators from each state and two from each territory in the Senate. The House of Representatives is elected by general direct vote for a three-year term.
The executive power belongs to the queen and the government. It is headed by the Prime Minister. The ministers are chosen from members of Parliament and the Executive Council. Till the 1930s Australia mostly depended upon Great Britain in its political affairs. But in 1931 Australia became fully independent from Great Britain.
The Commonwealth of Australia is a federation of six states: South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and Western Australia. The central part of the country is scarcely populated. The majority of the inhabitants live along the seashore or on the islands surrounding the continent: Tasmania is probably the most famous of them.
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There are not very many cities in Australia. Agriculture is very well developed there. It is the world's leading manufacturer of wool. The largest and the most famous city is Sydney. It was the capital of the Olympic games in 2000. The capital of the country is Canberra, which is a remarkable city, with lakes, parks and skyscrapers.
IV. Comprehension Check.
Match the words with their meanings.
1. commonwealth a. чудо
2. unique b. окружать
3. explorer c. замечательный
4. wonder d. производитель
5. stock e. уникальный
6. inhabitant f. исполнительный совет
7. remarkable g. запас, фонд
8. manufacturer h. исследователь
9. surround i. житель
10. Executive Council j. содружество
Answer the questions.
1. Where is Australia situated?
2. What is the size of the country?
3. What are its main cities? What is the capital of the country?
4. Where is the majority of the population concentrated?
5. What is the most important sphere of economy of the country?
6. Is Australia rich in natural resources? What are they?
7. Who is the Head of State in Australia?
8. What is the official name of the country?
9. What is the main legislative body of the country?
10. Does Australia depend upon Great Britain in its political affairs?
Make a plan to the text.
V. Discuss the following with your groupmates.
Which of the English-speaking countries attracts you most of all? Give a short review of it. Speak on the following:
1. The country's territory.
2. The country's population.
3. Head of State.
4. The country's main cities.
5. The country's economy and resources.
6. Would you like to visit it? Why?
Getting about Town
I. First thoughts. Imagine you are lost in London. Whom would you ask for help? Why?
II. Study the words and topical phrases. Make sure you know them. Practice the pronunciation.
To get about town, to get on/off the bus, to go by tube (Am. subway), to go on foot, to change a bus, fare, to cross the street, traffic lights, rush hours, parking place, to go straight, to turn around the corner, turn to the right/left.
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How could I get to...?
Could you show me the way to...?
Am I right for...?
Is it far from here?
How long will it take me to get there?
III. Read and act out the dialogues.
1. “Excuse me, how could I get to the British Museum?”
“Sorry, I can’t tell you. I’m a stranger here myself. You’d better ask a policeman.”
2. “Excuse me!”
“Yes, what is it?”
“Could you show me the way to the center, please?”
“Why, yes. Hmm... let me think. Take bus 31 and go as far as Trafalgar Square.”
“Is that in the very center of London?”
“Yes, of course.”
3. “Excuse me, am I right for Hyde Park?”
“Hyde Park? Well, I’m sorry to say, you aren’t. You’ll have to go back one block and then turn to your left.”
“Oh, I see. Isn’t it better to take a taxi?”
“Well, you needn’t. It won’t take you ten minutes to get there.”
“Thanks a lot.”
“No trouble.”
IV. Comprehension Check.
Make up questions using the pattern and the prompt words.
Pattern: Can you show me the way to the station? Excuse me, what is the quickest way to the station?
Prompt words: the Zoo, the University, the Bank of England, the Central Post Office, Oxford Street, the Central Park, the railway station, the airport
2. Answer the questions using the following opening phrases: As far as I know; I suppose; as a rule; in fact; actually; as for me etc.
1. Which is the most convenient way of getting about town?
2. When do you have rush hours in your city?
3. Is it easy to get on the bus during it? Why not?
4. What’s the bus fare in your city? What about London?
5. What happens if someone hasn’t paid the fare?
6. How should you address a passer-by in London when you want to ask the way? How should you address a policeman in London?
7. Do you know the town you live in very well? What kind of transport do you use when getting to your work?
8. Do the traffic rules in Britain differ from those in other European countries?
9. What is the main street in your town (London, New York, Moscow, Orel)?
