英语专业国家概况期末复习总结
英语国家概况归纳
英语国家概况归纳英语国家概况，是指以英语为官方语言的国家或地区。
由于英语在全球范围内的广泛应用，这些国家或地区在经济、文化等方面都具有重要影响力。
本文将归纳一些英语国家的共同特点和各自的特色。
一、英语国家的共同特点1. 英语为官方语言：在这些国家或地区，英语被广泛用于政府、商务、教育等领域，并且是人们日常交流的主要语言。
2. 政治体制多样：英语国家的政治体制包括君主制、共和制等多种形式，每个国家都有自己的政治体系和法律制度。
3. 经济发达：大部分英语国家在经济方面表现出色，拥有发达的制造业、金融业和科技创新能力。
4. 教育系统完善：英语国家注重教育，拥有世界一流的高等教育机构和先进的教育体制。
二、英语国家的特色1. 英国（United Kingdom）英国是英语的发源地，拥有悠久的历史和丰富的文化遗产。
伦敦作为英国的首都和全球金融中心，吸引着全世界的人才和投资。
2. 美国（United States）美国是世界上最大的英语国家，拥有丰富多样的文化和民主制度。
美国的经济实力和科技创新能力以及好莱坞的电影产业都在世界范围内具有巨大影响力。
3. 加拿大（Canada）加拿大位于北美洲，是一个多民族多文化的国家。
加拿大的教育质量一直很高，吸引了许多国际留学生。
同时，加拿大在自然资源方面拥有丰富的优势，如石油和天然气等。
4. 澳大利亚（Australia）澳大利亚位于南半球，是一个发达国家和移民国家。
澳大利亚拥有独特的自然环境，包括大堡礁和艾尔斯岩等著名景点，吸引了大量的游客。
5. 新西兰（New Zealand）新西兰是一个位于太平洋上的岛国，以其美丽的自然风景和友好的社会环境而闻名。
新西兰的教育质量也很高，在国际教育市场上具有竞争力。
6. 南非（South Africa）南非是非洲大陆唯一的英语国家，同时也是一个多元文化的国家。
南非拥有得天独厚的自然景观，如克鲁格国家公园和好望角等。
7. 印度（India）印度是世界上使用英语最广泛的国家之一，也是英语国家中人口最多的国家。
英语国家概况知识点总结
U.K.&Ireland1.What is the full name of the United Kingdom?the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland大不列颠及北爱尔兰联合王国its short term :UK: the United Kingdom (大不列颠)联合王国2.What are the other names?Great Britain (大不列颠，英国）its short term: G.B. GBBritain(不列颠, 英国)England英格兰(the main part of Britain)英国the British Empire大英帝国(a historical term)the British Commonwealth英联邦3.What are the two large islands that make up the British Isles?The British Isles（不列颠群岛）：are made up of two large islands---Great Britain (the larger one) and Ireland, and hundreds of small ones.Great Britain and Ireland4.What are the four political divisions of the United Kingdom? Three political divisions on the island of Great Britain: England, Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland5.What’s its respective capital（首府）?England: LondonScotland: EdinburghWales：CardiffNorthern Ireland:. Belfast6.What’s the national anthem?God Save the Queen/King7. What’s its national flower?RoseWhat’s its national flag?the Union Jack9. What’s its nickname?John Bull. A personification of the British nation or a typical British man10.What kind of country is Britain in terms of its geographical feature? An island country11.Which river is important in Britain?The Thames River12.Can you tell me something about the location of Britain?It lies in the North Atlantic Ocean off the north coast of Europe. It is separated from the rest of Europe by the English Channel in the south and the North Sea in the east.13.What’s the climate like in Britain? Why do British people talk about weather very often?Britain has a maritime climate------winters are not too cold and summers are not too hot. It has a steady reliable rainfall throughout the whole year. The temperature varies within a smallrange. That’s why British people talk about weather a lot.14.What are the symbols of England?The royal policeman, Royal Coat of Arms(皇家徽章), Black Taxi, Foot Guard,Life Guard, Double Decker Bus ,Union Flag , Big Ben15.Can you list some landmarks of London?Tower of London, London Eye, the Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge16.What are the symbols of Scotland?Edinburgh, Edinburgh International Arts Festival, Tartan, Whiskey, Bagpipe, golf17.The earliest known settlers on the British Isles were Iberians18.Christianity was first brought to England by The RomansThe United States1. How do you know about the different names of USA?the United States of America; US; U.S. USA; U.S.A2. What’s its national flag?The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, The Starry Banner3.How do you know the meaning of its national flag?The stripes symbolize the 13 colonies that originally constituted the United States of America. The stars represent the 50 states of the Union. White signifies Purity and Innocence; Red, Hardiness and Valor; and Blue, Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.4. What’s the nickname of American people?Uncle Sam5. What’s its national anthem(国歌)?The Star-Spangled Banner 《星条旗永不落》6. There are many things that symbolize American culture, could you say some of them? No less than 10 itemsMany things that symbolize American culture. The list runs as follows:1) Statue of Liberty2)White House3) President Hill4)Lincoln Memorial Hall5)Empire State Building6)Times Square7)Broadway Theater DistrictWhere is the US? Could you tell me its boundary ?How large is it?What’s its rank respectively all over the world concerning to its area and population? How many states are there in the mainland of the United States?And which two states are geographically separated from the other?。
英语国家概况复习点2
英语国家概况复习点2Northern Ireland1. Basic information:It is often called “Ulster” and is the smallest of the four natoins (area/population)Physical feature: mostly rural, low hills, beautiful lake district in the south-west, rugged coastline, including its most famous landmark, the Giant’s CausewayEconomy: the lowest wealth per head and low living cost.Aircraft manufacturers and shipbuilders2. History(1) Political conflicts:--- 1914: The Home Rule Bill was finally passed by the British Parliament but was suspended because of theworld war1. (From 1801 to 1921, the full name of UK was “The United Kingdom of Grea t Britain and Ireland”, because the whole island of Ireland was politically integrated with Great Britain. But due to Irish desires for an independent Irish state, a campaign in parliament for “Home-rule” was launched, and the Home Rule Bill was finally passed in 1914.)--- 1916: the Easter Rising (The rebels took over Dublin’s Post Office forcing the British to retake it by military means. The leaders of the rebellion were executed by the British authorities.)--- 1919: IRA (the Irish Republican Army) expanded the fighting.--- The Sinn Fein party who were supporters of the Irish terrorists gained most of the Irish seats in the British parliament, Irish independence became inevitable. (a legal political party formed in1905, supporters of the Ir ish terrorists; support the IRA’s right to fight by a twin campaign, both political and military which they call the policy of “the Bullet and the Ballot Box” 暴力和民主手段)(2) Religious conflicts--- most Irishes are Catholics; most Britishes are Protestants--- In the 17th C., people emigrated from Scotland and Northern England to the north of Ireland. The people of this part thought of themselves as British, and wished to remain a part of the British state. They were Protestants.(3) A partition of Ireland in 1921Faced with these conflicting demands the British government chose a compromise and organised a partition of Ireland. The southern 26 counties formed a free state---Ireland; the other 6 north-eastern counties remained a part of Britain ----- Northern Ireland.---Northern Ireland was given its own Parliament to deal with Northern Irish internal affairs, based at Stormont3. Troubles and solutionsThe majority, the Protestants controlled the local democratically- elected parliament and used that power to support their own economic and social dominance in the province. Catholics found it harder to get jobs, or to benefit from social programs such as public housing. The armed conflict “troubles” developed.(1) a Civil Rights Movement(2) the presence of British soldiers on Northern Ireland since 1969 (the first British soldiers were seen on Northern Irish streets. They have been there ever since.)(3) IRA’s violence in the 1970s （IRA split in 1969, and a strong fac tion separated from the official IRA calling themselves “ Provisional IRA” which felt armed force was the only way to get the British out. So,this group continued the conflict for the last 30 years. And Protestants took revenge on Catholics.(4) Bloody Sunday (1972.01.30---13 Catholics who had been taking part in a peaceful civil rights march were shot dead by British soldiers. )(5) the Power-Sharing mechanism (in 1973, an agreement was reached between the main political parties in。
英语国家概况考试复习要点
英语国家概况复习要点Part One UKThe Country1.Different Names for Britain and its PartsName：England Britain Great Britain (GB/G.B.) British IslesBritish Empire The Commonwealth The United Kingdom(The UK)The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandParts：England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland2. Official name: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Geographically, the British Isles includes Great Britain, the whole of Ireland, and all the offshore islandsPolitically, the British Isles is made up of U.K. and Republic of Ireland.3. the highest mountain in Britain：Ben Nevis(本尼维斯山)the largest mountain range in Britain：the Grampians（格兰扁山脉）4.the longest river：The Severn River (塞文河)The most important river in Britain and the second longest river:Thames（泰晤士河）5. the largest lake in Britain：Lough Neagh（内伊湖）( Northern Ireland)6. Backbone of England：the Pennies（奔宁山脉）The people7.The first known settlers of Britain were the Iberians.人们所知的英国最早居民是伊比利来人。
英语国家概况期末重点(必考)
英语国家概况期末重点（必考）1 How many periods can the development of the English language be divided into and what are they ?The development of the English language can be divided into three periods:Old English, Middle English and Modern English.2 What are the two components of the British Parliament ?They are the House of Commons and the House of Lords.3 What were some of Queen Victoria’s major achievements?Queen Victoria made tremendous achievements in almost every aspect. She promoted further industrial revolution, the building of railways and the growing of trade and commerce. By the end of her reign, britain had developed to an empire including a quarter of the global population and nearly a quarter of the world’s landmass.4 What are the three functions of the House of Commons ?The three functions are: to draft laws, to scrutinize, criticize and restrain the activities of the government, and to influence future government policy.5 What kind of subjects do British comprehensive schools provide ? British comprehensive schools provide a general education, offering both academic subjects like literatuure and science,and practical subjects like cooking and carpentry.6 How do students in the Open University receive their education ?The students follow university course through textbooks, TV and radio broadcasts, correspondence, video, and a network of study centeres.7 What is Critical Realism ?Critical Realism is a literary school which flourished in the 40s and early 50s of the 19th century. The critical realists described the chief traits of the society and criticized the capitalist system from a democratic viewpoint. The greatest English critical realist was Charles Dickens.8 Briefly introduce the Liberal Party ?The Liberal Party is Canada’s largest political party. It has been in office for most of the time in Canadian history since 1867. The party combines a liberal social policy with a moderate economic policy.9 What does “cultural mosaic” mean in Canada ?“Cultural mosaic”indicates that people of diverse origins and communities are free to preserve and enhance their own cultural heritage while participating as equal partners in Canadian society. 10 What is Standard English ?Standard English is based on the speech of the upper class of southeastern England. It is widely used in media and taught at schools.It is preferred by the educated, middle-class people. It has developed and has been promoted as a model for correct BritishEnglish.It is also the norm carried overseas. Today, Standard English is codified to the extent that the grammar and vocabulary are much the same everywhere in the world where English is taught and used.11 What were the results of the Industrial Revolution in Britain ? The Industrial Revolution changed Britain in many ways. First, industrial productivity increased dramatically. Britain became the most advanced industrial country and also the financial center in the world. Second, urbanization took place. Many new cities sprang up. Third, it caused grest changes in the class structure. The old social classes declined, and new ones emerged and developed.12 The Rise and Fall of the British Empire ?Colonization of Newfoundland, the first British colony overseas, in 1583 marked the beginning of the British Empire. By1837, Britian had long been an empire which included the colonies in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and many small states in the West Indies. By the end of the 19th century, the British Empire included a quarter of the global population and nearly a quarter of the world’s landmass.During-the-mid-19th century,the-British-government-consol idated the existing colonies by bringing them under the direct control of the government.Before World War I,Britain had the largest colonial empire in the world. However, Britain suffered great loss to its manpower in the two World Wars and exhausted its reserves ofgold, dollars and overseas investment. Most of Britain’s colonies gained independence since the 1940s, which inevitably led to the fall the Empire.13 Give a brief account of Romanticism ?Romanticism is the literary trend that appeared in England at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. It is a revolt against the prescribed rules of Classicism. Writers of Romantic literature are more concerned with imagination and feeling than with reason and intellect. Discontent with the development of capitalism, they seek a literary refuge. William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge began the trend with their joint work Lyrical Ballads, whose preface is viewed as Rmnantic poetry’s "Declaration of Independence". It was the "second generation' Romantic poets such as Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley and John Keats who brought the Romantic Movement to its height.14 What are the goals of the four main political parties in Ireland ? Fianna Fail pursues a policy of complete political separation from Britain and supports peaceful reunification of the whole island. The key principles of Fine Gael are equality of opportunity, proenterprise Policies,security,and integrity and hope.The aim of the Labor Party is to establish a society without poverty, which is based on democracy , Equality,participation and cooperation. The Progressive DemocraticParty supports free enterprise, marked separation between church and state,and a peaceful resolution to the problems in Northern Ireland.15 What are the similarities between the major cities of Canada ? Canada's major cities, from east to west, are Quebec,Montreal, Ottawa,Toronto and Vancouver, all located near the Canadian-U.S. Border.The climate in this area is comparatively moderate, and cities in this area all enjoy distinct seasons.Each city has a large population with people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.16 What is the immigration policy in Canada ?Before World War II, Canada used to have a racist immigration policy which actively discriminated against racial and religious minorities. After Worid War II, the Canadian government began to adopt a new policy to eliminate pttjudice. Since Then, Canada has opened its door to immigrants of all races and religions from any countries. At the end of the 20th century, a kind of anti-immigrant sentiment spread in Canada, and the federal government made changes in immigration policy and rules that decreased the number of immigrants allowed into Canada. Now, it is more difficult for people to immigrate into Canada.17 Multilingualism and Multiculturalism in Canada ?Canadians are composed of many different races and ethnic groups;they speak different languages at home apart from English and French. while participating as equal partners in the Canadian society, they keep their own cultural heritage, constituting a "cultural mosaic". In 1971, Canada became the first country to implement a multiculturalism policy to admit pluralism as a fact of Canadian life. In 1988,the Canadian Multiculturalism act was passed,With globalization and increasing immigration,multilingualismand multiculturalism will remain a special feature of the Canadiansociety.。
英语国家概况复习资料
英语国家概况复习资料英语国家概况复习资料英语国家概况是学习英语的重要一环，了解英语国家的历史、文化、地理等方面，有助于更好地理解和运用英语。
在这篇文章中，我们将回顾一些关于英语国家的基本知识，帮助大家复习和加深对这些国家的了解。
一、英国（United Kingdom）英国是英语的发源地，也是英语国家中最重要的一个。
它由四个国家组成：英格兰、苏格兰、威尔士和北爱尔兰。
英国是一个具有悠久历史和丰富文化的国家，拥有众多的文学、音乐和戏剧作品。
莎士比亚、狄更斯、毛姆等伟大的作家都出自英国。
此外，英国还有许多著名大学，如剑桥大学和牛津大学。
二、美国（United States）美国是世界上最大的英语国家之一，也是世界上最强大的国家之一。
它拥有丰富的资源和多元化的文化。
美国是一个移民国家，各种不同的文化和宗教在这里融合。
美国有众多著名的城市，如纽约、洛杉矶和芝加哥，每个城市都有其独特的魅力和特色。
此外，美国还是全球科技和创新的领导者，许多世界知名的科技公司都来自美国。
三、加拿大（Canada）加拿大是北美洲的一个国家，是英语和法语并存的国家。
加拿大是一个拥有广阔土地和丰富资源的国家，同时也是一个多元文化的国家。
加拿大的自然风光非常壮观，有着世界上最美丽的国家公园和湖泊。
此外，加拿大在教育和医疗领域也非常发达，拥有世界一流的大学和医疗系统。
四、澳大利亚（Australia）澳大利亚是一个位于南半球的国家，也是一个英语国家。
澳大利亚拥有宽广的土地和独特的动植物资源，是世界上最大的岛屿国家。
澳大利亚的自然环境非常独特，有着世界上最壮观的珊瑚礁和大堡礁。
此外，澳大利亚还以其高质量的教育和研究机构而闻名，吸引着来自世界各地的留学生。
五、新西兰（New Zealand）新西兰是一个位于南太平洋的岛国，也是一个英语国家。
新西兰的自然环境非常优美，有着壮丽的山脉、湖泊和海岸线。
新西兰是一个农业和旅游业发达的国家，其乳制品和葡萄酒在世界上享有盛誉。
英语国家概况知识点总结
英语国家概况知识点总结Full name: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandOthers names: The United Kingdom /The UK/Britain/The Great Britain/The British Lion/England/The British IslesBritish Isles: 范围最大，包含了大不列颠岛和爱尔兰岛及其附近的许多小岛U K : Includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern IrelandGreat Britain: Includes only England, Scotland and WalesArea : 242,514 square kilometers (93,635square miles) Population: about 60,587,300National capital: LondonNational Flag: The Union JackNational Anthem: God Save the Queen/KingComponents:England:1.The largest and the most populated country of UK. It occupies more thanhalf the island of Great Britain.2.Area: 130,281 square kilometers (53.7 percent)3. Population: 50,762,900(83.8 percent) 401 people per square kilo4. Capital: London (the seat of government, center of business, the heart of artsand culture, dominates England just like England dominates TheUK)Scotland:1.The second largest of the four nations both in area and population .no longerhas a separate legislature and executive, and its economy is integrated intothat of the rest of Britain. But it does have a separate administration,different legal and educational systems as well as its Presbyterian nationalchurch. Above all it has retained much of its distinct cultural identity.2.area: 77,925 square kilometers(32.1 percent)3.population: 5,116,900 (8.4persent) 65 people per square kilo4.capital: Edinburgh (on the east cost represent the capital of theregion)5.the l argest city is Glasgow (In the west)Wales:1. A peninsular jutting from England into the Irish Sea, and is the smallestamong the three nations on the island of Britain. And has been dominated byEngland for longer period than the other three nations since its officiallyunion with England in 1536(actually England has ruled Wales in 1343 butnot officially recognized)2.area: 20732 square kilometers (8.5percent)3.population: 2,965,900(4.9persent) 142 people per square kilo4.capital: Cardiff (southern Wales) serving as an important seaport andindustrial center5.Wales retained a unique cultural social and economic development,notably its national language, Welsh, and a devolved Welsh Assembly Northern Ireland:1.Often referred to as the province of Ulster, is part of the island Ireland locatedin its northeast corner. And is the smallest both in area and population among the four nations of the UK.2.area: 13,576square kilometers (5.7 percent of the UK and one six of the islandof Ireland )3.population：1,741,600（2.9 percent）4.capital:Belfast (a seaport on the east cost , is a center of shipbuilding andlinen textiles and it created the Titanic)5.。
英语专业国家概况期末复习总结
英语国家概况名词解释1. The civil rights movement(1955–1968) refers to the reform movements in the United States aimed at abolishing racial discrimination against African Americans and restoring suffrage in Southern states.2. A federal systemA federal system is one in which power is shared between a central authority and its constituent parts with some rights reserved to each.3. King ArthurIt is said that he was the King of England in the 5th century and united the British and drove the Saxons back with his magical sword, Excalibur. His real existence is in doubt. He is the central figure of many legends.4. The Anglo-SaxonsThey were two groups of Germanic peoples who settled down in England from the 5th century. They were regarded as the ancestors of the English and the founders of England.5. RiverdanceRiverdance is a very popular form of dancing based on I reland’s intricate folk dances which are rearranged and modernized and adapted onto current stage performance. Dancing is traditionally part of Irish culture. It is usually accompanied by the Irish pipe and fiddle. The music usually sounds fast and furious. Most of the action is from the waist down, with the arms held rigidly at the sides.6. The House of CommonsThe House of Commons is the real centre of British political life because it is the place where about 650 elected representatives (Members of Parliament) make and debate policy. These MPs are elected in the General Elections and should represent the interests of people who vote for them.7. The CommonwealthIt is a voluntary association of states which is made up of Britain and mostly of former British colonies. There are 54 members of the Commonwealth including one currently suspended member: many of these are developing countries like India and Cyprus; others are developed nations like Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The Commonwealth was set up as a forum for continued cooperation and as a sort of support network.8. MaoritangaMaoritanga means ―Maori culture‖. It refers to all the elements of the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people in New Zealand, including their language, customs and traditions.9. The “Washminster” form polityThe ―Washminster‖ form of polity is adopted by the Australian government. It is a mixture of the US Washington system of government and the British Westminster system. This means that the political structure of the government is based on a Federation of States with a three-tier system of government. However, the chief executive is a Prime Minster, instead of a President as in the US system.10. Y ellowstone National ParkYellowstone National Park is the oldest and one of the largest national parks in the US. It is named after the Yellowstone River that flows through the area. It is known for its geyser and hot springs among other natural wonders.11. CountercultureIn the wake of Free Speech Movement and the New Left appeared a phenomenon that historians called the ―counter culture.‖ The Counter Culture rejected capitalism and other American principles. They had morals different from those taught by their parents. Some groups of youth tried to construct different ways of life. Among the most famous were the hippies. They sought new experience through dropping out, drugs. But it was music, rock music in particular, that became the chief vehicle for the counter cultural assault on traditional American society. The counter culture exerted a great influence upon people’s attitudes toward social mores, marriage, career, and success.12 Martin Luther King, Jr.A black Baptist minister, he was the leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. To promote his philosophy of nonviolent protest against segregation and other kinds of social injustice, King organized a series of "marches", including the March on Washington of August 1963, when King delivered his famous "I have a dream" speech. As a civil rights leader, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was assassinated in the city of Memphis in April 1968.13．Richard NixonRichard Nixon was the former President of the United States. He won the election in 1968 and was re-elected in 1972. While he was in office, he contributed to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China and visited China in 1972. Shortly after he was re-elected, he was involved in the Watergate scandal, for which he was forced to resign from the presidency.简答题1. Explain your understanding of how the United States is governed according to its constitution, including its polity and the check and balance mechanism of governing.In the course of the Convention, the delegates designed a new form of government for the United States. He plan for the government was written in very simple language in a document called the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution set up a federal system with a strong central government. A federal system is one in which power is shared between a central authority and its constituent parts, with some rights reserved to each. The Constitution also called for the election of a national leader, or president. It provided that federal laws would be made only by a Congress made up of representatives elected by the people. It also provided for a national court system headed by a Supreme Court.There are three branches of the federal government: legislative branch, executive branch and judicial branch. The legislative Branch is made up of elected representatives from all of the states and is the only branch that can make federal laws, levy federal taxes, declare war or put foreign treaties into effect. It consists of a Congress that is divided into two houses: The House of Representatives and The Senate.The chief executive of the United States is the president, who, together with the vice president, is elected to a four-year term. Under a Constitutional Amendment passed in 1951, a president can be elected to only two terms. The power of the presidency are formidable, but not without limitations. And the president has the authority to appoint federal judges as vacancies occur, including members of the Supreme Court. Under the Constitution, the president is primarily responsible for foreign relations with other nations.The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court, which is the only court specifically created by the Constitution. Federal judges are appointed for life or voluntary retirement, and can only be removed from office through the process of impeachment and trail in the Congress. The Supreme Court today consists of a chief justice and eight associate justices.When Americans talk about their three-part national government, they often refer to what they call its system of "checks and balances". This system works in many ways to keep serious mistakes from being made by one branch or another. But sometimes they do not work the way as they are supposed to work. Here are a example of checks and balances:If Congress proposes a law that the president thinks is unwise, the president can veto it. And the Senate must approve all treaties and confirm all appointments before they become official. In this way the Congress can prevent the president from making unwise appointments.2. How do you understand the saying:” British history has been a history of invasion.”?British history has been a history of invasions. Before the 1st century AD Britain was made up of tribal kingdoms of Celtic people. They brought the central European culture to Britain. Then in 43AD, Roman Empire invaded Britain and controlled it for slave society but also disseminated their Catholicism.However, in the 5th century, the Roman Empire rapidly waned in power and Britain was conquered by the Angles and the Saxons. In order to defend the Saxons, a great leader—King Arthur appeared. He created the "round table" to satisfy all the knights' requirement of having equal precedence. Thus it gradually formed the monarchy in Britain as a more democratic system. Whether Arthur's a real person in the history or not, Anglo-Saxons did succeed in invading Britain and they were the forefathers of the English.In the 8th century, the Vikings from Denmark controlled the northern and eastern England. A Anglo-Saxon hero, king Alfred the Great fought against the Vikings with the truly English. And that's why there's a certain cultural difference between northerners and southerners in England. Later, the Normans from northern France, under the leading of William of Normandy, killed the king and William became the First of England. They imported a ruling class that French-speaking Norman aristocracy ruled Saxon and English-speaking population. In this condition, there weren't a lot of rebellions among the English people. That directly formed an English unique character: a richly unconventional interior life hidden by an external conformity. Even today, we can still find this personality from the British people through their lifestyles.In fact, such invasion is a peaceful history of joining together the various parts of the British Isles and the power gradually transferred from the monarch to the parliament. So the constitutional monarchy has been established in Britain.3. Your understanding of the characteristics of American religion and its social functions.America is a country full of immigrants. Different immigrants have taken to the USA the different religious belief. Nearly about 80% Americans have their own belief in the past time. And its religion features with diversity and colorfulness. Nevertheless, the basic characteristic is the dominance of Christianity and religious-oriented. There are three obvious characters of American religion:First of all, American with different religions lives together under the same law. The Bill of Rights in the Us Constitution insists that there should be no state religion. That means that the government has no right to interfere in people's religious affairs.Secondly, the religious beliefs of Americans continue to be strong with social progress. Every Sunday morning, all over America, people pour into the churches. In America, through all the social and economic changes religion has remained a constant factor.Thirdly, in the United States every church is a completely independent organization, and concerned with its own finance and its own building. If one goes to a Protestant church, he or she will hear morality preached, but not a word of doctrine. Anglicans do not pay much attention to 39 articles on which the belief of the Anglican church is based.And the social function of American religion just like the function of glue that keeps society together. Protestantism is the most active and important element in the Christianity, and even in the American religion. The U.S. presidents, with few exceptions, are all Protestant. However, Roman Catholicism, the Orthodox Church and Protestantism, Judaism，Islam，Buddhism in addition to Christianity, the various Oriental religions, and all sorts of new and developing religions, are also members of American religions，which have their own distinctive features and are playing their own unique roles in American religions.The United States has always been considered a nation built on Christianity. Hence, the number of Christian is an important factor which can indicates the general condition of US religion. The investigation shows that in 2008 76% of American adults confessed they are Christian. However, the proportion in 1990 was 86%. In other words, over the past 20 years, the proportion of American Christians in population decreased by 10 %.4. Which foreign festival do you like best and why?Among all those foreign festivals, Christmas is my favorite. and I believe it's also the biggest and best loved holiday in many western countries.There are plenty of reasons for me to love Christmas. In western countries, schools close for the holiday period, as do shops and offices, so people can spend time at home with their families. While Christmas has a Christian meaning--it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ--celebrations of the Winter Solstice have taken place since ancient times and some "Christian" traditions such as decorating the house with evergreen plants like holly and ivy, or kissing under a twig of mistletoe, are actually Celtic or pagan traditions. Nowadays, Christmas is celebrated by most Britons by exchanging gifts and Christmas cards, preparing holiday foods, and decorating homes and workplaces with coloured lights, Christmas trees and ornaments.There are three Christmas traditions which are particularly funny.One is the Christmas Pantomime, a comical musical play. The "panto " is usually based on a version of a traditional children's story like Cinderella, written to include songs and jokes which can be enjoyed by adults and children. The main man character--the "principal boy"--is played by a young woman. In the days when women wore long skirts, it was considered rather naughty to see a woman appear in an outfit which revealed the shape of her legs. The main female character is a middle-aged, often ugly woman called "the Dame." The Dame is played by a man, often a famous actor or sportsman. When he appears in heavy make up, skirts and woman's shoes, it is considered very humorous. The audience is encouraged to cheer the hero on and boo when the villain appears.Another Christmas tradition in British is to hear the Queen give her Christmas message to her realm over the television and radio. The British Queen is also the Queen of other nations, like Canada and Australia, and so her message is broadcast to her millions of subjects throughout the world. She usually talks about the year that has passed and expresses her hopes for the future. The third funny tradition, which is also celebrated in countries with British heritages, is Boxing Day, which falls on the day after Christmas. Traditionally, it was on Boxing Day that people gave Christmas gifts or money to their staff or servants. Now that most British people do not have servants, this custom is no longer observed and most people cannot even tell you what one is supposed to do on Boxing Day. Some think it involves the sport of boxing and others think it has something to do with the Boxer uprising in China. However, a new Boxing Day custom has emerged, in the cities at least: shopping. Shops open up to sell off all their Christmas stock decorations, food, cards and gift items at low prices. But for most people, however, Boxing Day is a day for visiting, eating and relaxing.。
英语国家概况知识点总结
英语国家概况知识点总结Full name: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Others names : The The United United United Kingdom Kingdom Kingdom /The /The /The UK/Britain/The UK/Britain/The UK/Britain/The Great Great Great Britain/The Britain/The British Lion/England/The British Isles British Isles: 范围最大，包含了大不列颠岛和爱尔兰岛及其附近的许多小岛U K : Includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Great Britain: Includes only England, Scotland and Wales Includes only England, Scotland and Wales Area :242,514 square kilometers (93,635square miles) Population:about 60,587,300National capital: : London National Flag: The Union Jack National Anthem: God Save the Queen/King Components : England: 1. The The largest largest largest and and and the the the most most most populated populated populated country country country of of of UK. UK. UK. It It It occupies occupies occupies more more more than than half the island of Great Britain. 2. Area : 130,281 square kilometers (53.7 percent) 3. Population : 50,762,900(83.8 percent) 401 people per square kilo 4. Capital : London (the seat of government, center of business, the heart of arts and and culture, culture, culture, dominates dominates dominates England England England just just just like like like England England England dominates dominates dominates The The UK) Scotland: 1. The second largest of the four nations both in area and population .no longer has a separate legislature and executive, and its economy is integrated into that that of of of the the the rest rest rest of of of Britain. Britain. Britain. But But But it it it does does does have have have a a a separate separate separate administration, administration, different different legal legal legal and educational and educational systems systems as well as well as as its Presbyterian national its Presbyterian national church. Above all it has retained much of its distinct cultural identity. 2. area: 77,925 square kilometers(32.1 percent) 3. population : 5,116,900 (8.4persent) 65 people per square kilo 4. capital : Edinburgh (on the east cost represent the capital of the region) 5. the l a rgest argest city is Glasgow (In the west) Wales: 1. A A peninsular peninsular peninsular jutting jutting jutting from from from England England England into into into the the the Irish Irish Irish Sea, Sea, Sea, and and and is is is the the the smallest smallest among the three nations on the island of Britain. And has been dominated by England England for for for longer longer longer period period period than than than the the the other other other three three three nations nations nations since since since its its its officially officially union with England in 1536(actually England has ruled Wales in 1343 but not officially recognized) 2. area: 20732 square kilometers (8.5percent) 3. population: 2,965,900(4.9persent) 142 people per square kilo 4. capital: Cardiff (southern Wales) serving as an important seaport and industrial center 5. Wales retained a unique cultural social and economic development, notably its national language, Welsh, and a devolved Welsh Assembly Northern Ireland: 1. Often referred to as the province of Ulster, is part of the island Ireland located in its northeast corner. And is the smallest both in area and population among the four nations of the UK. 2. area : 13,576square kilometers (5.7 percent of the UK and one six of the island of Ireland ) 3. population ：1,741,600（2.9 percent ）4. capital: Belfast Belfast (a (a (a seaport seaport seaport on on on the the the east east east cost cost cost , , , is is is a a a center center center of of of shipbuilding shipbuilding shipbuilding and and linen textiles and it created the Titanic) 5.。
【word】《英语国家概况》期末复习提要
《英语国家概况》期末复习提要《英语国家概况》期末复习提要内蒙古电大责任教师宋慧文“英语国家概况”是中央广播电视大学英语专业的必修科目之一.本课程是通过英语阅读主要英语国家社会,文化背景材料,扩大知识面的文化知识课.所选教材是《英语国家社会文化入门》.本书分上下两册.上册内容包括英国部分l2章,澳大利亚部分4章和新西兰部分2章.每章都附有词汇表(V ocabulary),注释(Notes),本课重点(FCPoints),练习(Exercises)以及思考题(QuestionsforThought).通过学习本课程,学生应了解这三个国家的社会文化概貌,掌握这些国家的有关地理,历史,政治,经济,社会生活和文化传统的基本知识.具体而言,学生首先应认真通读各章的课文,借助课后的词汇表和注释,力求理解课文的基本内容,如:历史事件,社会背景,有关人物和时间地点等等.为帮助学生理解,注释部分不仅解释了课文中的难点,而且提供了一些必要的背景知识.本课重点部分列出课文的主要线索.这些内容是考查重点,学生复习时应尤其注意.练习部分共有三种题型:名词解释,填空和多项选择,目的是帮助学生进一步加深对课文的理解,并提供一个通过自我检测了解所学知识掌握程度的机会.书后附有标准答案.思考题是为了引导学生灵活运用所学知识,培养综合分析的能力.思考题不在考试范围之内.考试试题共分4个部分,所有考题内容不超过本教科书课文的范围.第一部分是选择题,2O小题,每题1分,共2O分,要求学生根据问题从A,B,C,D四个选项中选出一个正确答案.例如:问:WhichgroupofpeopleinBritain CANNOTvoteingeneralelections?选项为:[A]membersoftheHouseof Commons[B]LordsintheHouseofLords[C]theUKcitizensabovetheageof18[D]citizensoftheIrishRepubliclivingintheUK这是上册英国部分第4章”Polities”的内容,从课文中我们知道,英国上议院的议员是不能参加大选的,所以正确的选项应为[B], 有关A,B,C,D的内容都可以在”polities”这一章中找到.第二部分是填空题.每个空格为一题,2O个小题,每题1.5分,共3O分.例如: Sincethediscoveryofoilandgasunder——,Britainhasgainedastrongposition intheoffshoreoilindustry.这是英国部分第5章”TheUK Economy”的内容,从课文中我们知道这是指英国北海的石油和天然气资源,所以正确答案应为”theNorthSea”.这一部分答题时除应注意内容的准确性外,还应注意拼写,大小写及定冠词,不定冠词等.如这题中的”the”就不能遗漏,否则会被扣分.第三部分是简答题.10个小题,每小题2分,共2O分.要求学生用一句话简答问题.例如:问题为:Howmanykindsofhorse—racingalethereinBritainandwhatalethey?这是英国部分第7章”SportsinBritain”的内容,在英国共有两种赛马比赛:平地赛马一8】一和障碍赛马.因为这一部分答题时要求用一句话回答,所以要用一句完整的句子,语法和拼写都要注意.这个问题的正确回答应该是: Therearetwokindsofhorse——racingin Britain:flatracingandsteeplechasing.这部分考题形式在教材练习中没有出现过,需要学生在学习过程中自己综合.但只要对课文重点内容熟悉,对其他练习熟悉,这部分考题也不难.第四部分是解释题,在8题中任选6题,每小题5分,共30分.要求学生用简洁的英语(不超过5句话)解释每个词语.这部分主要考查学生的综合概括表达能力,问题的主要点应该抓住,同时注意语法,用词等.例题目:CharlesDickens这是英国部分第6章”BritishLiterature’’中的内容.按要求,学生应把有关狄更斯的知识综合概括一下,分为几点来写:他是什么时代的人,在文学史上的地位,作品的特点,代表作等等,简单扼要地总结一下.因为评分时是按点给分的,所以回答要全面,同时也应注意语法结构.下面的答案可作参考: CharlesDickensisregardedaSoneofthe greatest19th—centuryEnglishwriters.(2分)Hisworksarecharactericedbyvividcomic characterizationandsocialcriticism.(2分)He wrotemanywell—knownnovels,including OliverTwist,A TaleofTwoCities,David Copperfield,tonalTlejustafew.(1分)《英语国家概况》模拟试题I,.Thereare20questionsinthispart. Eachquestionisfollowedbyfourchoices markedA,B,CandD.Choosethecorrect answertoeachofthequestionsandwrite youransweratthecorrespondingplaceonthe82一ANSWERSHEET.(20points)1.TheTowerofLondon.andhistorical sight,locatedinthecentreofLondon,WaS builtby.A.KingHaroldB.RobinHoodC.OliveCromwellD.WilliamtheConqueror2.1972WaStheworstyearofthe politicaltroublesinNorthemIrelandbecause ●._.,-._____.__-_●●●_一●A.13Catholicswereshotdeadbythe policeB.468peoplewerekilledinNorthem IrelandC.thegovemmentcarriedoutapolicy known aS”internment’’D.bloodykillingof468peoplefortified CatholieoppositiontotheBritishpresenceinNorthemIreland3.WhichofthefollowingisN0Ttrue abouttheBritishConstitution.*A.ItiSadocumentwhichlistsoutthe baSicprinciplesforgovemmentB.ItiSthefoundationofBritish governancetodayC.ConventionsandLawspassedby ParliamentarepartoftheConstitutionD.Thecoinmonlawsarepartofthe Constitution4.WhoiStheleaderoftheBritish Labourpartyatpresent?A.JohnMajorB.TonyBlairC.HaroldWilsonD.MargaretThatcher5.Whichofthefollowingstatements abouttheUKeconomyisN0Ttrue?A.BritainremainsoneoftheGroupof SevenlargeindustrialeconomiesB.Britainhasexperiencedarelative economicdeclinesince1945C.Therehasbeenaperiodofsteady decreasingoflivingstandardsD.Somesmallereconomieshave overtakentheUKintermsofoutputper capita6.WhichofthefollowingsportsWasnot inventedinBritain?A.FootballB.TennisC.ArcheryD.Cricket7.Whichofthefollowingistrueabout theGuyFawkes’Night?A.ItiscelebratedbyScottishpeoplein NovemberB.ItiscelebratedbyEnglishpeoplein NovemberC.ItiscelebratedbyScottishpeoplein AugustD.ItiscelebratedbyEnglishpeoplein August8.Whichofthefollowingschoolswouldadmitchildrenwithoutreferencetotheir academicabilitiesinBritain?prehensiveschoolsB.SecondaryschoolsC.IndependentschoolsD.Grammarschools9.Whichofthefollowingaboutclass systemintheUKisNoTtrue.9A.Peopleofdifferentclassestendtoread differentkindsofnewspaperB.CIass—divisionisonlydecidedby people’SincomeC.Th0ughsocialadvancementis possible,classaffectsaperson’slife—chancesD.Thewaypeoplespeakidentifies themselvestoparticularclass10.InBritain.thegreatmajorityof parentssendtheirchilderntoA.privateschoolsB.independentschoolsC.stateschoolsD.publicschools11.WhichofthefollowingisNOT characteristicofthehereditaryaristocracyin theUK?A.Thenobletitlescanbeinheritedby thechildrenB,Theyusuallyownhistorichousesin thecountryC.Theyaretherichestgroupofpeople intheUKD.Theseniormemberscanbelordsin theHouseofLords12.NowdaystheBritishforeignpolicyis largelyshapedbyitspraticipationinA.theCommonwealthB.theEuropeanEconomicCommunityC.theUnitedNations,theEuropean Union,UA T0,etcD.aEuropeanfederalgovernment13.WhichofthefollwingistheBritish oldestdailynewspaper?A.TheTelegraphB.TheNewsoftheWorldC.TheGuardianD.TheTimes14.WhichofthefollwoingisN0T consideredacharacteristicofLondon?A.TheculturalcentreB.ThebusinesscentreC.ThefinancialcentreD.Thesportscentre15.Whichofthefollowingstatements abouttheBritisParliamentiSNoTtrue?A.Parliamenthasnopowertochange 一83—thetermsoftheConstitutionB.Therearenolegalrestrainsupon ParliamentC.Parliamenthasthesupremepowerof passinglawsD.strictlyspeaking,theQueenispartof theParliament16.WhichofthefollowingcitiesisthecapitalofScotland?A.EdinburghB.GlasgowC.CardiffD.Manchester17.WhydidtheEnglishgovemment encouragepeoplefromScotlandandNorthem EnglandtoemigratetotheNorthofIrelandin the17thcentury?A.Theywanttoincreaseitscontrolover IrelandB.Theyhadtoomanypeopleanddidnot haveenoughspaceforthemC.Theyintendedtoexpandtheir investmentD.TheYbelievedthatIrelandWasthe bestplaceforthem18.Whichofthefollowingtwocountries areaheadofBritaininaerospaceindustry?A.TheU.S.andRussiaB.TheU.S.andGermanyC.FranceandRussiaD.GermanyandRussia19.WhichofthefollowingbooksiswrittenbyGeoffreyChaucer?A.BeowulfB.TheUsterCycleC.More tD’ArthurD.TheCanterburyTales20.Ⅵichofthefollowingistrulyasport oftheroyalfamily?A.CricketB.HorseracingC.GolfingD.Skiing1I.Theretitlealtogether15blanksinthe一84一followingsentences.Fillintheblanksandand writeyouransweratthecorrespondingplaces ontheANSWERSHEET.(30points) Britainconsistsof(21)——nations, including(22)——,(23)——,and(24) InBritain.theofficialheadofstateiS (25)——whiletherealcentreofpolitical lifeisin(26).Normally.aBritishgovemmentcanbein powerfor(27)——years,andthenishasto resighandholdageneralelection.In1979,theConservativePartyunder (28)——cameintopowerandcarriedouta programmeofprivatization.Since1945.theUKeconomyhas experienced(29)——declineratherthan (30)——decline. Sincethediscoveryofoilandgasunderthe(31)——,Britainvhasgainedastrong positionintheoffshoreoilindustry. InBritain,parentscanchoosebetween sendingtheirchildrento(32)——schoolsor (33)——schools. Parentsfromwealthiermiddleclassin Britainprefertosendtheirchildrento(34) schoolsS0astohavebetter(35)——●Ⅲ.Theretitle10questionsinthispart. Answereachofthe sentenceandwrite correspondingplaceSHEET.(20points)36.WhatarecountriesoftheUK? questionsinonefull youranswerattheontheANSWER thefourconstituent37.Whichpartofthegovernmentinthe UKhasthepowertochangethetermsofthe Constitution?38.WhatarethetwobroadstylisticperiodsfortheBritishliteratureinthe20th century?39.Whichholidayisthebiggestandbest lovedBritishholiday?40.WhatdoesthenicknameOxbridge standfor?41.Whichtwoareasoftheworldhave suppliedthemajorityofBritishrecent immigrants?42.Whodecideonthegeneraldirection ofBritain’Sforeignpolicy?43.WhandidBritainiointheEuropean EconomicCommunity?44.WhichisthelargestcityinScotland?45.WhendopeopleinNorthernIreland CelebrateSt.PatrickDay?IV.Explaineachofthefollowing6outof8innomolethanfivesentences.Write youranswerattheappropriateplaceonthe -ANSWERSHEET.(3opoints)46.MargaretThatcher47.theBillofRightsof168948.theLabourPartyofBritain49.theBrontesisters50.theRoyalAscotprehensiveschoolsintheUK52.theAnglo—Saxons53.WilliamShakespeare参考答案I.Thereale20questionsinthispart. Eachquestioninfollowedbyfourchoices markedA-B-CandD.Chooesthecorrectansewertoeachofthequestionsandwrite youransweratthecorrespondingplaceonthe ANSWERSHEET.1.D2.A3.D4.D5.A6.B7.C8.B9.C1O.C11.C12.C13.D14.D15.A16.A17.A18.A19.D20.BⅡ.Therearealtogether15blandsinthe followingsentences.Fillintheblandsand writeyouransweratthecorrespondingplaces ontheANSWERSHEEI’.21.four22.Scotland23.walas24.NorthernIreland25.Queenfive26.theHouseofCommonsMargaret27.five28.Thatcher29.areative30.anabsolute31.NorthSea32.State33.Private34.privatecationllI.Thereare10questionsinthispart. AnswereachofthequestionsinonefIIllsentenceandwriteyouransweratthe correspondingplaceontheANSWER SHEEI’.36.Thefourconstituentcountriesofthe UK.TheyareEngland,Scotland,Wra1asand NorthernIreland.37.Parliamenthasthepowertochange thetermsoftheConstitution.38.Thetwobroadstylisticperiodsare ModernismandPostmodernism.39.Christmasisthebiggestandbest lovedBritishholiday.40.OxbridgestandsforOxford UniversityandCambridgeUniversity. 41.Thetwoare~1sareSouthAsiaand Caribbeancountries.42.ThePrimeMinisterandCabinet decideonthegeneraldirectionofBritain’S foreighpolicy.43.BritainjointheEurpeanEconomic Communityin1972.44.G1asgowisthelargestcityin一85—Scotland.45.PeopleinNorthernIrelandcelebrateSt.Patrick’sDayonMarch17.VI.Explaineachofthefollowing6outof8innomorethanfivesentences.Write youranswerattheappropriateplaceonthe ANSWERSHEI.46.MargaretThatchercalTleintopower asBritishfirstwomanPrimeMinisterin1979 whenherConservativepartywonthegeneral election.Sheadvocatedtheideaofsmal1 governmentandfree—marketeconomics. DuringhertermasthePrimeMinister,she carriedoutpoliciestoprivatizethenationalized industryandcuttaxrates.Asaresult,many businessesboomedbutemploymentrate increased.ShewaslaterreplacedbyJohn Majorin1990.47.In1688,KingJamesII’sdaughterMaryandherhusbandWilliamwereinvited bythepoliticiansandchurchauthoritiesto takethethrone,onconditionthattheywould respecttherightsofParliament.Afterthis GloriousRevolution,theBillofRightswas passedin1689toensurethattheKingnever beabletoignoreParliament.48.TheLaboutrPartyinoneofthetwo biggestpartiesintheUK.itisalsothenewest party,createdbythetradeunionmovementat theendofthe19thcentury.Itisasocialist party,believingthatasocietyshouldbe relativelyequalineconomicterms,andthat thegovernmentshouldredistributethewealth betweentherichandthepoor.Italsothinks thatthegovernmentshouldprovidearangeof publicservicesforallthepeople.49.TheBrontesistersarethedaughters一86一oftheviearofavillagechurchinY orkshireof England.Thoughtheywerepoor,theywereeducatedandrespectable.Theyalldiedyoung, butwererememberedlongaftertheirdeath fortheircontributiontoEnglish1iterature. Charlottewaswel1一knownforJaneEyreand EmilywasnotedforherWutheringHeights. Theyhadtousemalepseudonymsinorderto gettheirbookspublished.50.TheRoyalAscotisthebiggestsocial eventassociatedwithhorseracingintheUK. Peopledressupandgotoshowofftheir? fashionablechothesaswel1towatchtheraces. andplacetheirbets.Womenespeciallywear veryelaborateandexotichats.Thiseventgets muchattentionfromthemediaandthe public.prehensiveschoolsarethemost popularsecondaryschoolsinBritaintoday. Suchschoolsadmitchildrenwithoutreference totheiracademicabilitiesandprovideageneral education.Pupilscanstudyeverythingfrom academicsubjectslikeliteraturetomore practicalsubjectslikecooking.52.TheAnglo—Saxonsweretwogroups ofGermanicpeopleswhosettleddownin Englandfromthe5thcentury.Theywere regardedastheansestorsoftheEnglishand thefoundersofEngland.53.WiIliamShakespearewasanEnglish dramatistandpoetintheElizabethanage.He? isgenerallyregardesasthegreatestplaywright inEnglishliterature.Hisplaysfallintothree categories:tragediessuchasHamlet,comedies suchasMerchantofV eniceandhistorical playsLikeCharlesII.。
《英语国家概况》英国`期末整理
The United KingdomStep1 The Country & People1、Geographical locationThe UK is an island country.The UK is located in the northwestern Europe.The UK is a country of island surrounded by North sea (to its east), Atlantic ocean (to its north), Irish sea (to its west and between Great Britain and Ireland), English Channel（英吉利海峡）and Strait of Dover（多佛尔海峡）(to its south).2、Common-sense knowledgeNational Anthem：《上帝保佑女王》"god save the queen"（男性君主为"god save the king"）National Flower：RoseThe Capital: London3、Area and populationArea: 244, 820 sqkmPopulation: 60.9 million(2008)The most densely populated area: England (84%)The least densely populated area: ScotlandThe least populated area: Northern Ireland (less than 3%)4、British Commonwealth (1931) P9 (expressing in English)British Commonwealth —Also known as the Commonwealth of Nations, it is an association comprising the United Kingdom and fifty or so former British colonies that are now sovereign states with a common allegiance to the British Crown, including Canada, Australia, India, and many countries in the West Indies and Africa. It was formally established by the Statute of Westminster in 1931. Among the members of the Commonwealth, sixteen sovereign states separately recognize Queen Elizabeth Ⅱas their monarch and are named the Commonwealth Realms. It includes the UK itself, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.英联邦(Commonwealth of Nations)，是以英国为主导的国家联合体，由英国及其自治领和其他已独立的前殖民地、附属国组成，由54个主权国家（含属地）所组成，成员大多为前大英帝国的殖民地或附属国。
英语国家概况复习整理
英语国家概况复习整理英语国家概况一、国家概况英语是世界上使用最广泛的第二语言，几乎所有英语国家都以英语为官方语言。
以下是几个代表性的英语国家概况：1. 英国（United Kingdom）英国位于欧洲大陆的西北部，由四个国家组成：英格兰、苏格兰、威尔士和北爱尔兰。
英国是一个君主立宪制国家，伦敦是其首都和最大城市。
英国是工业革命的发源地之一，对现代科学、文化和法律产生了重要影响。
2. 美国（United States）美国是一个位于北美洲的联邦共和制国家，由50个州组成。
华盛顿特区是其首都，纽约市是最大城市。
美国是世界上最大的经济体和军事力量之一，对全球政治、经济和文化具有巨大影响。
3. 加拿大（Canada）加拿大是北美洲最北端的国家，是一个君主立宪制国家。
渥太华是其首都，多伦多是最大城市。
加拿大是世界上最大的国家之一，拥有丰富的自然资源和文化多样性。
4. 澳大利亚（Australia）澳大利亚是世界上面积第六大的国家，位于南太平洋地区。
堪培拉是其首都，悉尼是最大城市。
澳大利亚以其独特的自然景观、丰富的动植物种类和多元文化而闻名。
5. 新西兰（New Zealand）新西兰位于南太平洋地区，由北岛和南岛组成。
惠灵顿是其首都，奥克兰是最大城市。
新西兰以其美丽的自然景观和友好的人民而闻名，是旅游和冒险活动的热门目的地。
二、国家特点1. 文化和历史英语国家的文化和历史各具特色。
英国的文化底蕴深厚，有着悠久的王室传统和文学艺术遗产。
美国是一个移民国家，融合了来自世界各地的文化，拥有独特的美国梦和好莱坞电影文化。
加拿大和澳大利亚等英联邦国家也保留了英国文化的一些传统，并发展了自己的多元文化。
2. 经济和科技英语国家在经济和科技领域具有强大实力。
英国在金融、教育、文化创意产业等领域发达，是世界上最重要的金融中心之一。
美国是全球最大的市场之一，科技创新领域具有很高的竞争力。
加拿大和澳大利亚等国也在自然资源开发和高科技产业方面表现出色。
英语国家概况复习整理精选全文完整版
可编辑修改精选全文完整版英语国家概况复习整理一、单选题知识点：1.英国部分英国的主要岛屿：Great Britain and IrelandEdinburgh(爱丁堡)是苏格兰的首都英国有超过60 million的人口Northern Ireland是4个英国组成部分中最小的一个1/4 人口住在southeastern England英语属于Indo-European 语系中的Germanic(日耳曼语)基督教额引入为英国添加了第一笔 Latin and Greek色彩中世界英语被Norman influence强化塞缪尔.约翰逊的词典的意义是建立了Spelling的标准目前，将近a quarter的世界人口讲英文The Gremanic对罗马的进攻结束了罗马人占领英国在7世纪晚期，Roman Christianity(天主教会)处于英格兰的主导地位Westminster Abbey(威斯敏斯特教堂)建立在Edward the confessor(忏悔者爱德华)时期The Norman conquest 标志着Feudalism(封建制度)在英国的建立玫瑰花战争带来the House of Tudor的统治宗教改革(Religious Reformation)的直接原因是亨利三世国王divorce his wife英国革命在1642年爆发于Royalists and Parliamentarians(保皇党人和国会议员)之间Bill of Right(人权法案)在Glorious Revolution (光荣革命)后被通过19世纪中期英国的Industrial Revolution完成英国在20世纪初期面临着强烈的全球帝国统治挑战英国政府的三权分立：judiciary(司法),legislature(立法)及executive(行政)，而不包括momarchy(君主) 英国君主的重要性体现在他在public attitude方面的影响British Cabinet(内阁)在Collective responsibility(集体负责制)的原则下工作英国Priry Council(枢密院)的主要责任是Give advice英国议会大选每5年举行一次Scotland拥有建立在罗马法律基础上的独特的法律系统英国议会的经营是two-party(两党的)模式保守党的政策是典型的Pragmatism(实用主义)和 a belief in individualism(个人主义的信仰)工会党(The Labor Prty)的影响是建立了全国健康服务体制(National Health Service)英国经济到1800s实现了全球统治在1946年，英国议会通过了两个重要法案，建立了福利规定1970s早期的The oil crisis(石油危机)恶化了本来已经不景气的英国经济布莱尔政府没有在reducing inequality方面获得成功英国开垦了74%的土地用于发展农业英国的渔业地区不包括The sea area between Britain and Ireland在英国，煤矿产业提供了1/4的能源英国汽车产业几乎全部是Foreign-owned(外企)英国文艺复兴时期最光辉的成就是drama(戏剧)"Preface to Lyrical Ballads"是浪漫诗的开篇之作Thomas Hardy 是19世纪批判现实主义的代表Waiting for Godot是Samuel Bekett 写的2.美国部分美国大陆上有48个statesAlaska是最大的州美国在 central North America ,加拿大在它的北面，墨西哥在南面，大西洋在它的东面，太平洋在它的西面美国最大的河流是Mississippi River哈佛、耶鲁和MIT等著名大学位于New EnglandNiagara Falls(尼亚加拉瀑布)位于美国-加拿大边境上阿拉斯加人口中没有the Blacks美国最大的少数民族是the Blacks1924年的移民法案限制美国的进一步移民，尤其是来自欧洲的美国文化主流的特点是：English-speaking,Western European,Protestant and Middle-class第一个北美殖民地建立在Jamestorn,VirginiaPilrim Fathers 是一群Paritans(清教徒)，他们为了逃避在英国的迫害而来到美国7年战争发生在French and British之间"No taxation without represtation"是The people of 13 colonies的口号美国独立战争的第一枪在Lexingto (列克星顿)打响1775年5月，The second continenta congrsee 在Philadelphia举行林肯签发了Declaration of Independence承诺给予所以奴隶自由第二次世界大战开始时，美国是neutrality(中立的)政策Roosevelt(罗斯福)新政处理了大萧条的问题越南战争继续受Eisenhower,kennedy and johnson的影响美国的ore(矿石)只占世界很小部分现代美国经济经历了faming economy,handcraft economy,最终形成industrial economy第一家国家银行是在Alexander Hamilton时期建立的美国1/3粮食用于出口目前，美国出口占世界10%美国常规教育包括elementary,secondary and higher education美国高等教育开始于Harvard University 的建立MIT没有出过总统美国国庆节在July 4thWashington Irving 是美国文学之父Tony Morrison是第一个获得诺贝尔奖文学奖的非裔美国人二、名词解释：1. American Civil War(美国内战)American Civil War is a war that was fought in the US between 1861 and 1865 when 11 southern states rebelled against the federal government. The southern states were beaten, and as a result of the war, slaves became free.2.Melting pot and salad(大熔炉)The melting pot is an analogy for the way in which homogeneous societies develop, in which the ingredients in the pot (people of different cultures, races and religions) are combined so as to develop a multi-ethnic society. The term, which originates from the United States, is often used to describe societies experiencing large scale immigration from many different countries.3.American Constitution(美国宪法)American Constitution，which was drawn up in 1787 and came into effect in 1789,is the basic law of the land.For over two centuries,it has guided the development of government institution and has the basis for the nation，s political stability,economic growth and social progress.4.Cold War(冷战)In the spring of 1947 ,for the purpose of establishing the U.S.hegenmiony(霸权) in postwar world,President Truman declared the "Tueman Doctrine",aiming at expanding American sphere of influence.This marked the beginning of the Cold War period.the Cold War exerted great influence in Europe,and two Germanys were founded.Then,in April 1949,the U.S.allied with other Western countries,forming the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.While seeking to prevent Communist ideology from gaining further adherents(追随者) in Europe, the U.S.also responded to the challenges elsewhere.5.Thanksgiving(感恩节)Thanksgiving is a associated with the time when Europeans first came to the New World.In1620,the Mayflower arrived and brought about 150 Pilgrims.Life at the beginning was very hard and there was not enough food,so many of them died.During the following summer the Native Americans helped them and then they had a bountiful harvest.So they held a big celebration to thank God and the Native Americans.6.British Labor Party(英国工会党)British Labor Party known as a party of high taxation,was created by the growing trade union movement at the end of the 19th century.It quickly replaced the Liberal Party as one of the two largest political parties.The Labor government that come to power in 1945 had a major effort on British society. It set up the National Health Service.The party activities are largely funded by the trade unions.7.British Conservative Party(英国保守党)By and large, the Conservative Party is supported by those who have something to "conserve".Economically,the Conservative Party supports free enterprise and privatization of state-owned enterprise.It is against too much government intervention,especially nationalization.The Conservative Partyfavors reducing the influence of trade unions and minimizing expenditures on social welfare.Its policies are charactized by pragmatism and a belied in individualism.monwealth of Nations（联邦国家）The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of independent sovereign statse,all of which acknowledge the British monarch as the head.The Commonwealth is not a political union of any sort,and its member states have full autonomy to manage their internal and external affairs.It is primarily an organization in which countries with diverse economic backgrounds have an opportunity for close and equal interaction after gaining independence.The major activities of the Commonwealth are designed to advocate democracy,human rights,and to promote economic cooperation and growth within its members.9.Critical Realism(批判现实主义)The Critical Realism of the 19th centry flourished in the 1840s and the early 1850s.The Critical Realism described the chief traits of the society and criticized the capitalist system from a democratic viewpoint.The greatest English realist was Charles Dickens.10.Standard English (标准英语)Standard English is based on the speech of the upper class of southeastern England.It is widely used in media and taught at school .It is preferred by the educated,middle-class people .It has developed and has been promoted as a model for correct British English .It is also the norm carried overseas.Today Standard English is codified to the extent that the grammar and vocabulary are much the same everywhere in the world where English is thought and used.三、简答题：1.what is the full name of the UK?The full name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland2.why do tourists from all over the world like to go to Scotland?They like to enjoy the beautiful Scottish scenery ,to drink Scotch whisky and to see Scotsmen wearing kilts and playing bagpipes.3.How many periods can the development of the English language be divided into and what are they ?The development of the English language can be divided into three periods : Old English ,Middle English and Modern English.4.Why did English become more important after the Black Death?The laboring and merchant classes grew in economic and social importance after the Black Death,so English also grew in importance compare to French.。
整理英语国家概况期末考试题型及复习要点
英语国家概况期末考试题型及复习要点I.Fill in the blanks. （20 points，1 point for each）II.Multiple choice questions. (20 points，1 point for each）III.True or False。
（10 points，1 point for each）IV.Explain the following terms: （25 points, 5 points for each）V.Answer the questions。
（25 points, 5 points for each）填空、选择和判断正误部分：关注所学英美国家内容中的重点史实和重要知识要点。
名词解释部分:1.British CommonwealthAlso known as the Commonwealth of Nations。
a)It is a free association of independent countries that were once colonies of Britain.b)It was established in 1931，replacing the former British Empire.c)Member nations are joined together economically and have certain trading arrangements。
d)Today there are about 50 member countries within the Commonwealth2. Lake PoetsThe Lake Poets are a group of English poets who all lived in the Lake District of England and were inspired by it to create romantic works at the turn of the 19th century。
英语国家概况笔记整理
英语国家概况笔记整理英语国家概况是指使用英语作为官方语言或主要语言的国家。
这些国家分布在全球各个大洲，包括欧洲、北美洲、南美洲、非洲、亚洲、大洋洲等地区。
下面是对英语国家概况的整理和相关参考内容。
一、英语国家概况1. 英语国家数量截至目前，全球有超过70个国家和地区官方或主要使用英语。
其中包括英国、美国、加拿大、澳大利亚、新西兰等国家，以及南非、印度、新加坡等国家。
2. 英语在国际交流中的地位由于历史、文化、经济和政治原因，英语成为了世界共通的交流语言。
在国际贸易、国际关系、科学技术、旅游等领域中，英语的地位举足轻重。
很多国家把英语作为第二语言学习，以便更好地融入国际社会。
3. 英语国家文化特点英语国家拥有丰富多样的文化，包括文学、艺术、音乐、电影等。
英国文化以其悠久的历史、文学作品和皇室传统而闻名；美国文化则以其多元文化、好莱坞电影、流行音乐等领域有着巨大影响力。
4. 英语国家的教育体系英语国家拥有世界顶尖的教育体系，包括英国的牛津大学、剑桥大学等，美国的哈佛大学、斯坦福大学等。
这些学府不仅吸引着来自全球的学生，也为国际学生提供了优质的教育资源。
二、参考内容1. 英国英国是英语国家的发源地，拥有悠久的历史、文化和传统。
英国的教育体系著名于世，在全球范围内享有盛誉。
参考内容可包括英国的地理位置、历史概述、国家特色、名胜古迹、教育体系等。
2. 美国美国是使用英语的最大国家，也是世界上最强大的国家之一。
美国的文化多元，享有世界级的艺术、电影和音乐产业。
参考内容可包括美国的地理、历史、政治制度、经济实力、文化特点等。
3. 加拿大加拿大是英语国家中面积最大的国家，也是全球最宜居的国家之一。
加拿大的教育体系、医疗服务和社会福利享誉国际。
参考内容可包括加拿大的地理特点、历史发展、多元文化、经济实力等。
4. 澳大利亚澳大利亚是一个位于南半球的国家，英语是其官方语言。
澳大利亚是一个富有自然景观和野生动物资源的国家，吸引着来自世界各地的游客和留学生。
英美国家概况复习资料
英美国家概况复习资料英美国家概况期末复习考试题型说明：10个简答题和5个论述题。
一．简答题1. What is the full name of the U.K.?The full name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.2. What are the two components of the British Parliament?They are the House of Commons and the House of Lords.3. Why did Britain cooperate closely with the United States after World War Ⅱ?Because they were allied during the war and shared the same worries about the former Soviet Union.4. What are the three functions of the House of Commons?The three functions are : to draft laws, to scrutinize, criticize and restrain the activities of the government, and to influence future government policy.5. In what ways do British universities enjoy complete academic freedom?British universities enjoy complete academic freedom because they can appoint their own staff, decide which students to admit, provide their own courses and award their own degrees.6. What are the three categori es of Shakespeare’s plays and their representatives?Shakespeare’s plays fall into three categories: comedy, tragedy and historical play. The representatives of his comedies include A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The Merchant of Venice, As You Like It and Twelfth Night. His major historical plays include Richard III, Henry IV and Antony and Cleopatra. His greattragedies are represented by Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet.7. What were Nixon's well-known contributions during his presidency?Nixon made three well-known contributions:a) brought the Vietnam War to a close;b) reestablishing U.S. relations with China;c) negotiating the first Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty with the former Soviet Union.8. What are the two characteristics of the U.S. Constitution?One is "check and balances". The other is that the powers of the central government and the power of state governments are specified.9. 说出三个英国的节日Christmas, Easter and "Trooping the color"二．论述题1. What are the characteristics of English literature in the 20th century?English literature in the 20th century can be roughly divided into two periods: Modernism and Postmodernism. Modernism prevailed before the Second World War, It can be viewed as a deliberate departure from tradition and is characterized by the use of innovative forms of expression. Modernist writing seems unorganized, hard to understand. It often portrays the action form the viewpoint of a single confused individual, rather than from the viewpoint of all-knowing, impersonal narrator .After World War II, postmodernism begins. Postmodernism differs in some ways from Modernism. Modernism, for example, tends to present a fragmented view of human subjectivity, but present that fragmentation as somethingtragic, something to be lamented as a loss. Postmodernism does not lament the idea of fragmentation but rather celebrates it .Modernists look for buried meaning below confusing surfaces, while postmodernists abandon that search, However, there are still many postwar writers who continue traditional themes.2. Why is the United States regarded as a "melting pot" anda "salad"?The United States "is not merely a nation but a nation of nations". The immigrants came in waves, including the Europeans, the Africans and the Asians. Therefore, America was described as a "melting pot" where various racial and ethnic groups were combined into one culture. Recently, Americans have been called a "salad" in that people of different races and ethnic groups mix harmoniously but at the same time keep their distinct culture and custom.3. What was the cause of the American Civil War?(可能该题考简答)The issue of slavery was the focus of American politics, economics and cultural life by the mid-19th century.The southern planters needed a large number of laborers to manage their plantations and they regarded the black slaves as their property. In the North, with the development of industry, there was a growing demand for free labor. What's more, the Northerners demanded a law protecting tariffs and asked the government to finance the building of railways and roads, but the Southerners were strongly against it and advocated free trade so that they could purchase cheaper goods from foreign countries. The accumulating conflicts led to the division of the North and the South and finally the Civil War.4. How is a President voted into office in America? What areyour ideas about the American election?Each party holds its national convention every four years to choose a candidate for the presidency. To win a presidential election, a candidate has to spend millions of dollars, travel all over the country to make speeches, and debate on television with the rival. The general election is technically divided into two stages. During the first stage, presidential electors for each state will be chosen. In the second stage the electors meet and vote a President. Since the second stage is only a kind of formality, everyone knows who will be the next President as soon as the first stage is over.I think the candidates spend too much money on the electoral campaign. However, the election can not solve the social and economic problems as some candidates do not keep their word after they become President.5. How did the U.S. Constitution lay groundwork for America's economic development?The U.S. Constitution, as an economic charter, established that the entire nation, was a unified or "common" market. There were no tariffs or taxes on inter-state commerce. It provided that the federal government could regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states, establish uniform bankruptcy laws, create money and regulate its value, fix standards of weights and measures, establish post offices and roads, and fix rules governing patents and copyrights. The last mentioned clause was an early recognition of the importance of "intellectual property", a matter that began assuming great importance in trade negotiations since the late 20th century.6. What are the characteristics of American writing during the Romantic period?During the Romantic period, most of the American writings placed an increasing emphasis on the free expression of emotions, and they displayed an increasing attention to the psychic state of their characters, They celebrated America’s landscape with its virgin forests, meadows, endless prairies, streams and vast oceans. The Romantic writers had a strong tendency to exalt the individual and the common man.。
英语国家概况完整篇复习重点
英语国家概况Chapter1LandandPeople第一章英国的国土与人民I.DifferentNamesforBritainanditsParts?英国的不同名称及其各组成部分1.Geographicalnames:theBritishIsles,GreatBritainandEngland.地理名称：不列颠群岛，大不列颠和英格兰。
2.Officialname:theUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland.官方正式名称：大不列颠及北爱尔兰联合王国。
英国的西部和北部主要是高地，东部和东南部主要是低地。
III.RiversandLakes河流与湖泊BenNevisisthehighestmountaininBritain(1,343m).本尼维斯山为英国最高峰，海拔1,343米。
SevernRiveristhelongestriverinBritain(338km).塞文河是英国最长的河流。
全长338公里。
ThamesRiveristhesecondlongestandmostimportantriverinBritain.(336km).泰晤士河是英国第二大河，也是英国最重要的河。
全长336公里。
LoughNeaghisthelargestlakeinBritainwhichislocatedinNorthernIreland.(396squarekilometres).讷湖（内伊湖）是英国最大的湖，位于北爱尔兰。
面积为396平方公里。
RiverClydeisthemostimportantriverinScotland.克莱德河是苏格兰最重要的河流。
SnowdoniaisthehighestmountaininWales.（1,085m）斯诺多尼亚是威尔士的最高点，海拔1,085米。
IV.Climate气候1.Britain'sfavorableclimate英国有利的气候条件：Britainhasamaritimeclimate-wintersarenottoocoldandsummersarenottoohot.Ithasasteadyreliablerainfallthroughoutthewholeyear.Thetemperaturevarieswithinasmallrange.?英国属于海洋性气候：冬季不过于寒冷，夏季不过于炎热。
英语国家概况期末内容总结
英语国家概况期末内容总结Introduction:The United Kingdom (UK) is a country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. It is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The UK has a rich history, diverse culture, and strong economy. This overview will delve into various aspects of the UK, including its geography, history, economy, politics, education, and cultural heritage.I. Geography:The UK is composed of the island of Great Britain, the northeastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands. It has a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers. The landscape is diverse, ranging from rolling hills and fertile farmlands to rugged mountains, such as the Scottish Highlands. Major rivers include the Thames and the Severn.II. History:The UK has a fascinating history that spans thousands of years. It was once part of the Roman Empire and later saw the arrival of Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and Normans. It became a major global power during the colonial era and played a central role in both World Wars. The British Empire at its height spanned territories across the globe. The UK experienced industrialization in the 18th and 19th centuries, which led to significant social and economic changes.III. Economy:The UK has one of the world's largest economies, with a strong service sector that includes finance, healthcare, education, and creative industries. It is renowned for its financial hub in London, known as the City. Other important sectors include manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The UK is a member of the European Union, although in 2016, it voted to leave the EU, a process commonly referred to as Brexit.IV. Politics:The UK is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II, serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The UK Parliament consists of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The political landscape is dominated by two major political parties: the Conservative Party and the Labour Party.V. Education:The UK is renowned for its prestigious universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. It has a highly regarded education system, offering a wide range of options from primary totertiary education. The UK is home to numerous cultural institutions and museums, enriching the overall educational experience. The country also promotes lifelong learning, with various adult education programs available.VI. Cultural Heritage:The UK has a rich cultural heritage that encompasses literature, music, art, and sport. It has produced renowned authors like William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and J.K. Rowling. The music scene has also thrived, with iconic bands and artists such as The Beatles, Queen, and Adele. The UK's art galleries, museums, and theaters are renowned worldwide. Additionally, sport, particularly football, plays a central role in British culture.Conclusion:The United Kingdom is a country of immense historical, cultural, and economic significance. It has played a pivotal role in shaping world history and has contributed significantly to various fields of knowledge and art. With its diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and strong economy, the UK continues to be a prominent nation on the global stage.。
英语国家概况笔记整理
英语国家概况笔记整理英语国家概况：英语是目前世界上使用最广泛的语言之一，被称为国际语言。
以下是关于英语国家的概况。
1. 英语国家概述英语国家是指以英语作为官方语言或重要语言的国家。
主要的英语国家包括英国、美国、加拿大、澳大利亚、新西兰、爱尔兰等。
此外，英语也是许多其他国家和地区的官方语言或教育语言，如印度、菲律宾、南非等。
2. 英国英国是英语的发源地和最重要的英语国家之一。
它由英格兰、苏格兰、威尔士和北爱尔兰组成。
英国是一个世界上最多元化和文化历史最悠久的国家之一，拥有众多的名胜古迹，如大本钟、巨石阵、伦敦塔等。
3. 美国美国是世界上最大的英语国家之一，拥有丰富的资源和多元文化。
美国是一个移民国家，人口大部分由来自不同国家的移民组成。
美国的经济实力雄厚，是世界上最大的经济体之一。
美国的主要城市有纽约、洛杉矶、芝加哥等。
4. 加拿大加拿大是世界上第二大国家，拥有广袤的土地和丰富的自然资源。
英语和法语是加拿大的两种官方语言，但英语在加拿大的大部分地区得到广泛使用。
加拿大是一个文化多元化的国家，各个城市和地区拥有不同的文化特点。
5. 澳大利亚澳大利亚位于南半球，是世界上最大的岛屿国家。
澳大利亚是一个拥有多种语言和文化的国家，但英语是其主要语言。
悉尼和墨尔本是澳大利亚最大的城市，也是该国的文化和商业中心。
6. 新西兰新西兰位于太平洋地区，是一个自然环境优美的国家。
英语是该国的官方语言，也是教育、商务和政府机构使用的主要语言。
新西兰是一个小而友好的国家，拥有丰富的户外活动和独特的文化。
7. 爱尔兰爱尔兰位于欧洲西部，是一个英语国家，英语是该国的官方语言。
爱尔兰是一个美丽而古老的国家，有着浓厚的文化和历史。
爱尔兰以其独特的音乐、文学和舞蹈而闻名，如爱尔兰民谣和著名的作家詹姆斯·乔伊斯。
8. 其他英语国家除了以上国家，英语也是印度、菲律宾、南非等许多国家和地区的官方语言或教育语言。
这些国家拥有丰富的历史和文化遗产，每个国家都有自己独特的文化和风景。
英语国家概况的复习重点
英语国家概况的复习重点英语国家概况六国比较国英语国家概况 - 地理、人口、气候篇 [UseMoney=8]一、地理位置,面积: 英国:The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Britain is an island country. It is surounded by the sea. It lies in the north Atlantic Ocean off the north coast of Europe.It is separated from the rest of Europe by the English Channel in the south and the Borth sea in the east. The Britain covers an area of 244,100 square kms. It runs 1,000 kms from north to south and extends, at the widest part, about 500 kilometres. 美国:the United States of America The continental United States lies in central North America with Canada to its north.Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico to its South,the Atlantic Ocean to its east and the Pacific Ocean to its west.The two newest states Alaska and Hawaii are separated from the continetal United States.(Joined in 1959) The U.S. has a land area of 9.3 million square kilometres(the 4th largest country in the world).It streches 2,575 kilometres from north to south and 4,500 kilometres from east to west. 爱尔兰:the Republic of Ireland(Eire) The Republic of Ireland covers an area of 70,282 sq.km.The cuntry's total boundary si 3,603 km long,of which its land border with Northern Ireland is 434 km. It is bounded on the northeast by Northern Ireland,on the east and southeast by the Irish Sea and St. Geogore's Channel and on the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean. 加拿大:Canada Canada is the world's second largest country after Russia. It has a land area of about 10 million sq.km. It covers about two fifths of North American comtinent.North to South(3,200 kilometres),east to west(6,400 kilometres).Canada and United States share a 6,378 kilometre boundary that has not been fortified for over a hundred years. Canada lies to the north of the United States.The 45th parallel marks the boundary between Canada and norhtern Vermont and New York of the United States. 澳大利亚:Australia Australia streches from 10 south to 44 south of latitude and 113 east to 154 east of longitude. Australia is the world's smallest continent with an area of 7.7 milion sq.km. But Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It surrounded by the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean to the east,by the Indian Ocean to the west,by the Coral Sea,the Atlantic Sea and Timor Sea to the north,and the Southern Indian Ocean and the Great Australian Bight to the south. 新西兰:New Zealand New Zealand is in the Southern Pacific Ocean,halfway between the equator and South Pole. About 1,500 km to the northwest,across the Tasman Sea,is Australia. To the east,10,600 km of the Pacific Ocean separate New Zealand from South America.The icy continent of Antarctica lies 2,300 km to the south. The latitude of the capital city,Wellington,is 40S;the latitude of China's capital is 40N.It is just west of the International Date line,so it is the first country to get the new day. The size of the country is similar to Britain or Japan.三、气候，人口英国: Britain has a population of 57,411,000(1990). A maritime type of climate. Winters are mild,not too cold and summers are cool,not too hot,and it has a steady reliable rainfullthroughtout the whole year. It has a small range of temperature. 美国: The United States of America,with a population of 255.5 million in July 1992,is the third most populous country in the wrold. By the year 2050,the population is expected to climb to 383 million,a50% increase. The United States is located in the middle latitudes north of the equator. And there are different types of climate in different regions. 1)A humid continental climate is found in the north-eastern part of the country.(New England) 2)In the south-eastern United States you can find a humid subtropical climate. *these two zones stretch westward across the United States until they approach the 100th meridian. 3)Beyond this point they gradually give way to the continental steppe climate of the Great Plains. 4)The Pacific northwest is favoured with a maritime climate. 5)The souther part of the Pacific coast in California has a Mediterranean climate. 爱尔兰: The population of Ireland in 1990 was estimated at 3.5 million. It is expected to grow to 4 million by 2000. The weather of Ireland is described as "mild,moist and changeable".Extreme cold,long frosts,heavy snows in winter and scorching days in summer are uncommon. 加拿大: Canada has a population of only a little over 29 million(1994).Toronto(3.4 million),Montreal(2.9 million)and Vancouver(1.3 million) are the most populous cities in Canada. Except for southwestern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta,Canada recieves adequate rainfall.However the climate throughout Canada is varied. 1)A maritime climate similar to that of Washington and Oregon states in the United States is found in the southwestern part of British Colombia. 2)North of these regions lie the evergreen forests of the subarctic taiga. 3)In the far north there is a polar climate with a treeless tundra zone Generally speaking the climate in Canada is unfavourable.Much of Cananda has long and cold winters with deep snow. 澳大利亚: Today(1996) Australia's population is about 18 million or about two people to the square kilometre. Most Australia do not know their continent very well because they live on the cool,wet,forested south-east coastland. This is the most pleasant part of the country and the forests are unique but it is not Australia's most common environment. Two thirds of the coutry is hot and dry. 新西兰: The population of New Zealand is 3.5 million. Approximately 10% are Maori,or part Maori. The climate in New Zealand is generally temperate,but becasue the country runs northsouth,the climate is varied. In the far north it is subtropical and in some mountainous areas of South island it is almost subarcitc.Seasonal variations are less extreme than in many other countries. 英语国家概况 - 政治篇一、基本政治制度和国家元首[UseMoney=8]英国： The United Kingdome is a constitutional monarchy:the head of States is a king or a queen. In practice,the Sovereign reigns,but does not rule:the United Kongdom is governed,in the name of the Sovereign,by His or Her Majestty's Government--a body of Ministers who are the leading members of whichever political party the electorate has voted into office,and who are responsible to Parliament. The present Sovereign is Queen Elizabeth II. 美国： The American Consitution set up a federal systerm of government which has two layers of rule.(central of federal government for the nation ,state and local governments.) The President of the Unites States is head of the executive branch. The White House is hisofficial residence. He is also head of state elected by the whole nation.(4years,two times at the most) 爱尔兰： Ireland is a parliamentary republic and a unitary state under the 1937 Consitution. The head of the state is the president.(7years) 加拿大： Canada,a self-governing memeber of the Commonwealth of Nations,is a federation of 10 povinces and two territories. Canada, along with Australia, New Zealand and some other Commonwealth countries, recognizes Britain' monarch, Queen Elizabath II, as Head of State. 澳大利亚：The Commonwealth of Australia is a federation.The Six colonies joined together as sovereign States. 新西兰： New Zealand is a sovereign independent State,which a parliament government and a constitutional monarchy立法机构 ,执法机构[UseMoney=8]二、立法机构英国:Parliament(maximum 5 years duration)Parliament consisted of the Sovereign,the House of Lords(made up of the Lords Spiritual and the Lords Temporal) and House of Commons(651).美国：CongressArticle I of the Constitution grants all legislative power of the federal government to a Congress composed of two chambers,a Senate(two members from each state,six year term and every even year,one-third of the Senate stands for re-election ) and a House of Representatives(based on population and its size is therefore not specified in the Constitution.435).爱尔兰：All the legislative power are vested in the national parliament.(Oireachats) Oireachats has two houses. They are the Senate(Seanad) and the House of Representives(Dail Eireann)加拿大：All the legislative power of the federal administration are vested in the Parliament of Canada,which consists of the Crown,the Senate(104) and the House of Commons(295).Therefore,laws must be passed by both Houses of Parliament and signed by the Governor-General in the Queen's name.澳大利亚：The Australian Federal Parliament is modelled on the Westminster system.It is the Legislature.It consists of the Queen and two Houses of Parliament:the House of Representatives and the Senate. 新西兰：New Zealand follows the British Parliamentary system with some varitions.Since 1950 the New Zealand Parliament has had only one chamber,the House of Representatives. (every 3 years)三、执法机构英国:The Prime Minister is apointed by the Queen.He always sits in the House of Commons.And his residence is No.10 Downing Street in London.The party which wins sufficient seats at a General Election to command a majority of supporters in the House of Commons usually forms the Government.Ministers are appointedby the Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The most senior ministers compose the Cabinet.美国：The head of the departments,chosen by the President and approved by the Senate,form a council of advisers generally known as the President. This inculdes the White House staff,the Office of Management and Budget,the Council of Economic Advisers,and the Office of Emergerency Preparedness. The department are as follows(不打上来了,是书上的P305)爱尔兰：The Article 13 of the Constitution provides that the president shall appoint the prime minister(toiseach) on the nomination of the House of Representatives(Dail) and that he shall appoint the other members of the government on the nomination of the prime minister with the previous approval of the Dail.The prime minister holds office either until he chooses to resign or until he loses the support of the majority in the Dail.加拿大：Queen is represented in Canada by the Governor-General,who is appointed on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. In practice, the Governor-General acts only the advice of the Canada Prime Minister and the Cabinet, who also sit in the federal parliament.The Prime Minister and other members of the Cabinet exercise executive power as the "Government".澳大利亚：In Australia the Queen is represented by the Govenor-General.(这里和加拿大是完全一样的) The executive is the government of the day.It is formed by the party or coalition of parties,which has a majority of seats in the House of Representatives.The Executive consists of the Prime Minister and the other members of the ministry.新西兰：The leader of the party with a majority of members in the House of Representatives becomes Prime Minister.He or she and about 20 other chosen members,form the Cabinet.党派,司法机构[UseMoney=8]四、党派英国:Since the 1945 eiher the Conservative Party or the Labour Party has held power.A new party--the Social and Liberal Democratic Party was formed in 1988.美国：In general,America has a two-party system.The Democrats(the major party now) and the Republicans.爱尔兰：Ireland has a bipolar political system with two major paries,Finna Fail and Fine Gael.The Irish Labour Party is the oldest of all the parties in Ireland. The Progressive Democrats is the largest of the minor partiesafter 1987 election.加拿大：Two party system and one party rule.There are two main federal parties in Canada.They are the Liberal Party and the Progressive Conservative Party.澳大利亚：We can say that Australia has a two-and-half party system of the ALP(Australia Labour Party) on one side and the Liberal Party and National parties on the other.新西兰：For the last 50 years the two main parties have been the National party and the Labour Party.五、司法机构英国: Criminal Courts in England and Wales including: Magistrates Courts,Youth Courts and the Crown CourtsScotland: 1.the High Courts of Justiciary 2.the sheriff court 3. the district court Northern Ireland: Magistrates' courts,Country courts and the Crown CourtCivil Courts in England and Wales: are the Country Court of which there are 270.The High Court deal with the more complicated cases.Scotland:the civil courts are the sheriff court and the Court of Session.Northern Ireland:Country courts are primarily civil law courts. The magistrates' court also deals with certain limited classes of civil cases.The High Court of Justice is the superior civil law court.Appeals from country courts are dealt with by the High Court or the Court of Appeal.美国：The judicial,consists of a system of courts headed by the Supreme Court and including subordinate courts throughtout the country.And it is the organ which has the power to interpret the Constitution.The judicial system has evovlved into the present structure:the Supreme Court,11 courts of appeals,91 district courts,and three courts of special jurisdiction.爱尔兰：Statutes passed by the British Parliament before 1921 have the force of law except those repealed by the Irish Oireachats.The high court has full origianal jurisdiction and power in all matters of law.It also can determine the validity of any law within the provisions of the Constitution.The Supreme Court is the court of final appeal.(a chief jusice and six other jusices)加拿大：Canada law has its source in acts and judicial decisions,and also in British common law. Quebec is an exception since its system is based on the French civil law.The provincial and federal governments have the power to establish courts. The federal Parliament created the Supreme Court of Canada,the Federal Court and various of special jurisdiction.澳大利亚：The High Court is the most superior.It consists of a chief jusice and six other jusices.The Federal Court of Australia was established in 1977.The Family Court was established in 1976.In each state there is a Superior Court. Below it are intermediate courts commonly called District or County Courts. Below them are Magistrates Courts,Local Courts or Courts of Petty Session. 二、农业[UseMoney=8]英国: The Britain were pioneers in modern agriculture and were among the first to bring science and machinery to farming.The new farming has been called "agribusiness".There are mainly six farming types in Britain.They are arable farning,dairy fariming,stock farming,mixed farming,hill farming and market gardening. Because of the cool climate,apples,pears and plums grwo very well in Britain. The North Sea has very good fishing grounds. 美国: Yet the United States grows nearly one fourth of the world's grain and supplies a half of all the exports of grain in the world. It ranks first,second,or third in the production and export of corn, wheat, rice, soybeans, oranges, meat,milk, apples,oats,cotton,tobaoo, peanuts,and edible vegetable oil.(具体的在什么地方种什么东西可以参照书上P289-291) 爱尔兰: Agriculture generates anestimated 11% of the Ireland GNP,employs 17% of the labour force and produces 25% of total exports. The most signigicant recent development in Irish agriculture has been membership in the European Community. 加拿大: The land used for agriculture makes up only 7% in Canada. Canada farms specialize in producing wheat,food crops for animals dairy products,and fruit.Fishing and mining are quite important. The Canada Prairie is the centre of a rich wheat belt. Eastern Canada is noted for a variety of farm products. Dairying is in the lowlands of Quebec and Ontario. Fruits are grown in Western Nova Scotia. 澳大利亚: Today,agriculture is the nation's largest and most diverse industry.Australia is one of the world's leading producers of foodand natural fibres.Australia is the world's largest exporter of wool,the second largest exporter of meat,the third largest exporter of wheat and a major international supplier of sugar,dairy products,fruits,cotton and rice. Australia's agriculture importance has declined in recent years. 新西兰: Vineyards produce international award-winning red and white wines. 四、对外贸易[UseMoney=8]英国: Britain is the fifth largest trading country in the world.Napoleon called it a "nation of shopkeepers" Britain's foreign trade is mainly with other developed countries. Which accounts for 79% of exports and 85% of imports. About half with EC. Traditionally,Britain has had a deficit on visible trade and a surplus on invisible trade. 美国: Currenty U.S. exports are about 15% of the world's total.The Unites States imports about 13% of all world imports. Canada is the largest single source og goods imported by the U.S.,accounting for nearly 30% of the total. Outside of North America,Europe is the largest source of imports with about 30%,Asia provides about 18%,with smaller percentages from Latin America,Africa,and Australia. 爱尔兰: Successive Irish governments have adopted a consistent and postive approoach toward attracting overseas investment. The new foreign firms now account for over 70% of manufactured exports. Ireland is new an industrial exporter. Manufactured goods account for about two-thirds of total wxports. 加拿大: A total about four fifths of all foreign investments in Canada are American. 澳大利亚: Australia is a middle-level trading nation. The main feature of Australia's trade is that it has always involved the exchange of raw materials for finished products. Australia's trade relations with China have been developing rapidly in recent years. China accouts for about 3% of Australian total exports. 新西兰: Trade is New Zealand's linelihood.Foreign investment is increasing and financial markets are active. Western Europe and particularly Britain have traditionally been New Zealand's major export market. The main imports are industrial raw materials,capital equipment and consumer goods. New Zealand is the world's largest exporter of lamb and mutton as well as dairy products. 五、当今面临的问题[UseMoney=8]英国: Britain is the oldest industrial country in the world.The term "Britain disease" is noew often used to characterise Britain's economic decline. The Evolution of the Britain Economy since the War:1.Steady development in the 50s and 60s.2.Economic recession in the 70s.3.Economic recovery in the 80s. 这里有一部分是撒切尔的宏,微观措施比较重要(P91-92) 美国: The Untied States has a free-market economy with a dominant private sector So the economy system of the United States is principally privately owned.But today,many of American people still live under the poverty line. Unemployment,inflation,finacial deficit,and trade deficit are the troubles that alwaysface the United States. 爱尔兰: The value of imports generally exceeds that of exports. That's why Ireland has a chronic negative balance of trade. Continuing dependence on imported oil is one of the reasons for the high import bill. 加拿大: In the past few years however,Canada's unemployment rate has been high.But what is worth nothing is that the cost for manufacturing has increased while the productivity per worker has decreased as compared with the United States or with its ten trading partners. While Canada has one of the world's highest standards of living,not all regions of the country have enjoyed the same degree of prosperity. Some measures have been taken by the Federal government to help those slow grownth regions. 澳大利亚: Problems of Australia economy:1.Over-reliance on commodity exports.2.Failure to share in the expansion of international trade.3.The decline of manufaturing industries and the effects of tariffs. 二、教育[UseMoney=8]英国: Education is compulsory for between the ages of 5(4 in Northern Ireland) and 16.The protortion of young people entering higher education in universities and colleges was one in four(one in three in Northern Ireland) in 1994.There are 90 universities,including the Open University. The government education departments formulate education policies and are also responsible for the supply and trainging of teachers. Most state school education is the responsibility of local education authorities (LEAs);the rest is provided by self-governing grant-maintained(GM) schools.The British universities are governed by royal charters or by Act of Parliament and enjoy academic freedom. The universities of Oxford and Cambridge date from the 12th and 13th centries. 美国: In the United States,education is regarded as both an individual benefit and a social necessity. Formal education in the United States consisteds of elementary,secondary and higher education. Diversity is considered to be an outstanding characteristic of American education.The America Constitution makes it clear that education is a funcation of the state,not the federal government. Higher education in the United States began with the founding of Harvard College in 1636. The system of higher education in the United States has three principle funcations:teaching,research,and public serivce. Another aspect of American higher education that has drawn the world's attention is the community college and the role it plays. 爱尔兰: Schooling is complusory between ages 6 and 15. The chief lanugage of instruction is English. Ireland's oldest university is the University of Dubin. It was founded in 1591. 加拿大: Virtually all Canadians devote at least ten years to formal cation is a provincial responsibility. Canadian education is divided into three seccessive levels:elementary,secondary,and post-secondary.The oldest university is Laval University in Quebec City,origianlly founded in1663. The largest is the Universityfo Torontao with full-time enrolment of over 31,000 students. 节日、社会福利篇一、社会福利[UseMoney=8]英国: Britain is a welfare state.(The welfare state is a system of government by which the state provides the economic and social security of its citizens through its organization of health services,pensions and other ficilities.)The system is funded out of national insurance and contributions and taxation.In Britain the term applies mainly to the National Health Service--NHS(1948,the largest single employer of labour in the U.K.),national insurance and social security. Personal Social Services assist elderly people,disabled people,people with learning disabilities or mental illness,children ,and families facing special problems. The Social Security is designed to secure a basic standard of living for people in financial need.(Contributory social security benefit: Retirement pension,Unemployment Benefit,Sickness and Invalidity Benefit,Maternity Allowance and Widows' Benefit.Non-contributory social security benefits: War Pensions,Industrial injuries Disablement Benefit,Child Benefit,Family Credit) 加拿大: National health policies and programs have developed in Canada as a result of joint efforts by federal and provincial governments.A universal program for hospital care was introduced in 1958,followed ten years later by universal insurance to meet the cost of physicians'service.The Federal Government paid the provinces one-half the cost of the insurance programs.No Canada lacks access to hospital and medical care for finacial reasons. Federal,provincial and local governements provied a wide range of publicly funded and administered income security and social programs,which are complemented by the serivce of voluntary agencies. 新西兰: Treatment at public hospital is free.A percentage of doctor's fees is paid by the state.The Accident Compensation Corporation provides immediate benefits of free medical trearment for everyone who suffers personal injury by accident. New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world to establish a free national dental service for young people. Infants and pre-school children receive free health care and free immunization against a range of diseases. The social support system helps people with personal,family and financial difficulties. 二、节日(按照时间的排列,不是按照国家排列,主要是英美两国，其他国家没有涉及，因为其实和他们都是一样的）[UseMoney=8]1.New Years Day/January 1st(所有国家) New Year's Day is part of Scotish "Hogmanay"(New Year's eve)festival,which is more important than Christmas to Scots. It is a legal holiday in U.S. and most people have a day off from work.One of the biggest and most exciting places in the United States on New Year's Eve is Time Square in New Year City.On the first day of the New Year,there are a lot of activities.(Mummers Parade in Philadelphiaand the Rose Tournament in Pasadena,California.) 2.Martin Luther King's Day/Third Monday of January (美国) Martin Luther King was a black minister,who became a great leader of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. He delivered his best-know speech "I have a dream" before the Lincoin Memorial and he was awarded the Nobel Prize for peace in 1964. By the vote of Congress in 1968,the third Monday of every January is now a federal holiday in his honour. 3.Lincoln's Birthday/February 12 (美国) Lincoln led the country during the difficult time of Civil War and he issued the Emancipation Proclamation which officially freed all slaves in the United States. 4.Valentine's Day/February 14 (美国) Valentine's Day is a day for lovers. 5.Washington's Birthday/February 22 (美国) George Washington is remebered as a great general,as one of the founders of the Republic,as the first President of the United States of America,and also as "the Father of his Country." 6.April Fool's Day/April 1st (英国) April Fool's Day is hardly a festival,but on that day you may find that someone has tied your shoe-lace together,ot given you a false message from your employer,or play some practice jokes on you to make you an "April Fool" 7.Easter Sunday/A Sunday in March or April (英国,美国) East is the chief Christian festival,which celebrates the Resurrection of Christ,on the first Sunday after the first full moon that conincides with,or comes after,the sprign equinox. Easter Sunday,which comes from the ancient Norweigian festival of Spring sun,is the second of the two most important holidays for Christians. There are several symbols for Easter.(Egg and the hare) The Easter Parade is very popluar in the United States.The most famous one is along the Fifth Avenue in New Year City. University students susally have a week-long "Spring Break" to return home to spend the holiday with thier parents. 8.Whit Sunday/falls on the seventh Sunday after Easter(英国) It is a major festival in the Christian church. It celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit to Christ's apostles seven weeks after his death. 节日(二)。
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英语国家概况名词解释1. The civil rights movement(1955–1968) refers to the reform movements in the United States aimed at abolishing racial discrimination against African Americans and restoring suffrage in Southern states.2. A federal systemA federal system is one in which power is shared between a central authority and its constituent parts with some rights reserved to each.3. King ArthurIt is said that he was the King of England in the 5th century and united the British and drove the Saxons back with his magical sword, Excalibur. His real existence is in doubt. He is the central figure of many legends.4. The Anglo-SaxonsThey were two groups of Germanic peoples who settled down in England from the 5th century. They were regarded as the ancestors of the English and the founders of England.5. RiverdanceRiverdance is a very popular form of dancing based on I reland’s intricate folk dances which are rearranged and modernized and adapted onto current stage performance. Dancing is traditionally part of Irish culture. It is usually accompanied by the Irish pipe and fiddle. The music usually sounds fast and furious. Most of the action is from the waist down, with the arms held rigidly at the sides.6. The House of CommonsThe House of Commons is the real centre of British political life because it is the place where about 650 elected representatives (Members of Parliament) make and debate policy. These MPs are elected in the General Elections and should represent the interests of people who vote for them.7. The CommonwealthIt is a voluntary association of states which is made up of Britain and mostly of former British colonies. There are 54 members of the Commonwealth including one currently suspended member: many of these are developing countries like India and Cyprus; others are developed nations like Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The Commonwealth was set up as a forum for continued cooperation and as a sort of support network.8. MaoritangaMaoritanga means ―Maori culture‖. It refers to all the elements of the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people in New Zealand, including their language, customs and traditions.9. The “Washminster” form polityThe ―Washminster‖form of polity is adopted by the Australian government. It is a mixture of the US Washington system of government and the British Westminster system. This means that the politicalstructure of the government is based on a Federation of States with a three-tier system of government. However, the chief executive is a Prime Minster, instead of a President as in the US system.10 Martin Luther King, Jr.A black Baptist minister, he was the leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. To promote his philosophy of nonviolent protest against segregation and other kinds of social injustice, King organized a series of "marches", including the March on Washington of August 1963, when King delivered his famous "I have a dream" speech. As a civil rights leader, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was assassinated in the city of Memphis in April 1968.简答题1. Explain your understanding of how the United States is governed according to its constitution, including its polity and the check and balance mechanism of governing.In the course of the Convention, the delegates designed a new form of government for the United States. He plan for the government was written in very simple language in a document called the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution set up a federal system with a strong central government. A federal system is one in which power is shared between a central authority and its constituent parts, with some rights reserved to each. The Constitution also called for the election of a national leader, or president. It provided that federal laws would be made only by a Congress made up of representatives elected by the people. It also provided for a national court system headed by a Supreme Court. There are three branches of the federal government: legislative branch, executive branch and judicial branch. The legislative Branch is made up of elected representatives from all of the states and is the only branch that can make federal laws, levy federal taxes, declare war or put foreign treaties into effect. It consists of a Congress that is divided into two houses: The House of Representatives and The Senate.The chief executive of the United States is the president, who, together with the vice president, is elected to a four-year term. Under a Constitutional Amendment passed in 1951, a president can be elected to only two terms. The power of the presidency are formidable, but not without limitations. And the president has the authority to appoint federal judges as vacancies occur, including members of the Supreme Court. Under the Constitution, the president is primarily responsible for foreign relations with other nations.The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court, which is the only court specifically created by the Constitution. Federal judges are appointed for life or voluntary retirement, and can only be removed from office through the process of impeachment and trail in the Congress. The Supreme Court today consists of a chief justice and eight associate justices.When Americans talk about their three-part national government, they often refer to what they call its system of "checks and balances". This system works in many ways to keep serious mistakes from being made byone branch or another. But sometimes they do not work the way as they are supposed to work. Here are a example of checks and balances:If Congress proposes a law that the president thinks is unwise, the president can veto it. And the Senate must approve all treaties and confirm all appointments before they become official. In this way the Congress can prevent the president from making unwise appointments.2. How do you understand the saying:” British history has been a history of invasion.”?British history has been a history of invasions. Before the 1st century AD Britain was made up of tribal kingdoms of Celtic people. They brought the central European culture to Britain. Then in 43AD, Roman Empire invaded Britain and controlled it for slave society but also disseminated their Catholicism.However, in the 5th century, the Roman Empire rapidly waned in power and Britain was conquered by the Angles and the Saxons. In order to defend the Saxons, a great leader—King Arthur appeared. He created the "round table" to satisfy all the knights' requirement of having equal precedence. Thus it gradually formed the monarchy in Britain as a more democratic system. Whether Arthur's a real person in the history or not, Anglo-Saxons did succeed in invading Britain and they were the forefathers of the English.In the 8th century, the Vikings from Denmark controlled the northern and eastern England. A Anglo-Saxon hero, king Alfred the Great fought against the Vikings with the truly English. And that's why there's a certain cultural difference between northerners and southerners in England. Later, the Normans from northern France, under the leading of William of Normandy, killed the king and William became the First of England. They imported a ruling class that French-speaking Norman aristocracy ruled Saxon and English-speaking population. In this condition, there weren't a lot of rebellions among the English people. That directly formed an English unique character: a richly unconventional interior life hidden by an external conformity. Even today, we can still find this personality from the British people through their lifestyles.In fact, such invasion is a peaceful history of joining together the various parts of the British Isles and the power gradually transferred from the monarch to the parliament. So the constitutional monarchy has been established in Britain.3. Which foreign festival do you like best and why?Among all those foreign festivals, Christmas is my favorite. and I believe it's also the biggest and best loved holiday in many western countries.There are plenty of reasons for me to love Christmas. In western countries, schools close for the holiday period, as do shops and offices, so people can spend time at home with their families. While Christmas has aChristian meaning--it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ--celebrations of the Winter Solstice have taken place since ancient times and some "Christian" traditions such as decorating the house with evergreen plants like holly and ivy, or kissing under a twig of mistletoe, are actually Celtic or pagan traditions. Nowadays, Christmas is celebrated by most Britons by exchanging gifts and Christmas cards, preparing holiday foods, and decorating homes and workplaces with coloured lights, Christmas trees and ornaments.There are three Christmas traditions which are particularly funny.One is the Christmas Pantomime, a comical musical play. The "panto " is usually based on a version of a traditional children's story like Cinderella, written to include songs and jokes which can be enjoyed by adults and children. The main man character--the "principal boy"--is played by a young woman. In the days when women wore long skirts, it was considered rather naughty to see a woman appear in an outfit which revealed the shape of her legs. The main female character is a middle-aged, often ugly woman called "the Dame." The Dame is played by a man, often a famous actor or sportsman. When he appears in heavy make up, skirts and woman's shoes, it is considered very humorous. The audience is encouraged to cheer the hero on and boo when the villain appears.Another Christmas tradition in British is to hear the Queen give her Christmas message to her realm over the television and radio. The British Queen is also the Queen of other nations, like Canada and Australia, and so her message is broadcast to her millions of subjects throughout the world. She usually talks about the year that has passed and expresses her hopes for the future.The third funny tradition, which is also celebrated in countries with British heritages, is Boxing Day, which falls on the day after Christmas. Traditionally, it was on Boxing Day that people gave Christmas gifts or money to their staff or servants. Now that most British people do not have servants, this custom is no longer observed and most people cannot even tell you what one is supposed to do on Boxing Day. Some think it involves the sport of boxing and others think it has something to do with the Boxer uprising in China. However, a new Boxing Day custom has emerged, in the cities at least: shopping. Shops open up to sell off all their Christmas stock decorations, food, cards and gift items at low prices. But for most people, however, Boxing Day is a day for visiting, eating and relaxing.。