英美概况课后练习答案.doc

Britain version2.0Part One GeographyChapter I A brief introduction to physical geographyWhere is the U. K. ? And what is it made up of? What is its total area?- The U.K. is situated in Northwestern Europe, lying to the north of France and the west of the Netherlands and Denmark. It is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its total area is 242 534 square kilometers.What are the present features of the climate of Britain?- Britain has a maritime c1imate- winters are not too cold and summers are: not too hot. Therefore, its temperature varies within a small range, rarely falling below -5C in winter or rising about 24C in summer. Sunshine hours are fewer in more southerly climatesThe backbone of England: It refers to the Pennines, a range of hills extending about 257 km southward from the Cheviot Hills on the Scottish border to central England.What percentage of the countrys water requirements are obtained from underground sources?- About 38% of the countrys water requirements depend on underground sources.Chapter III EconomyWhat are the characteristics of the British economy?- The British economy was the first to have been fully industrialized. Britain was one of the worlds most advanced manufacturing and trading nations. The pound sterling is the exchange currency for about one third of the worlds foreign trade. The agriculture does not produce enough food to meet the countrys basic needs and part of all vital foodstuffs has to be imported. The labor force is homogeneous. Chapter V The Main CitiesWhich city is the capital of England and Great Britain? Is it the political centre of the Commonwealth?- London is the capital of England, and it is also the political centre of the Commonwealth.What does London consist of administratively?- London administratively consists of the city of London, the original nucleus, retaining a medieval system of government of courts of aldermen and an elected lord mayor; and Greater London a metropolitan county, made up of Inner London boroughs and 20 Outer London boroughs.Greater London: It is a metropolitan county (pop. 7 million), made up of 12 Inner London boroughs, 20 Outer London boroughs.Part Three CultureChapter I EducationHow many years does a pupil study at a primary state school?- Six years, from the age of five to eleven.Which type of schools enrolls the top pupils at secondary education?- Grammar schools enrolls the top pupils at secondary education. How many types of universities are there in Britain? Which two universities are the most famous ones?- There are five types: 1) old universities, 2) the four Scottish universities, 3): the middle-aged universities, 4) the new universities, 5) the Open University, and Buckingham University (independent university). Oxford and Cambridge are the oldest and the most famous in the world.How are public schools financed?- Public schools in the UK are financed mainly by fees paid by parents and private funds.Eton College: It is one of the largest independent secondary schools in England and one of the most prestigious.How do you understand Marriage signifies the beginning of a new and independent family?- British society is based on family life and the family is a self-contained economic and social unit with mother, father and children living together alone in their own house. So marriage signifies the beginning of a new and independent family.How do the newlyweds solve the problem of housing?- 1) They look through advertisements to find a house for rent. 2) They may mortgage a house through a building society. 3) If they have enough money they may buy a house, but this seldom happens.What is the first course of an English lunch? Do you think it similar or different from the Chinese way of serving food?- The first course of an English lunch is a small quantity of soup. It is different from the Chinese way of serving food. In China this is usually the last course.Can you show us an example of the conservative characteristic of the British people?- One example is that the British people have been slow adopting rational reforms, such as the metric system.Some people say that the Englishman is like a cold fish that has just come out of the ice. What do you think of that?- This may be true. The British people are cold by nature. They do not show their feelings very much and do not show their emotion if they are very happy and neither do they if they are sad. For example, when you work at a factory, the guy whom you work with never tells you anything about himself. You may work with him for years, yet you even dont know where he lives, how many children he has and what his interests are.fierce individualism: It is the idea that the rights and freedom of the individual are the most important rights.exclusiveness: This is the best-known quality of the British people. It means, I am English. You stay away from me. I am exclusive. I am quite happy to be: myself. I do not need you. Leave me alone. Chapter III Customs and HabitsWhat did John Bull denote in the seventeenth century and what is his image?- John Bull denotes Britain or any Englishman in the 17th century. His image is short and fat, with a tall hat on his head and pair of boots on his feet.Why does an Englishman like to talk about the weather?- There are probably two reasons. One is the uncertainty of the weather. Another reason is that weather is a subject which is quite safe, friendly to talk. about.What are the three Donts? And three ings?- Three Donts: Dont jump up the queue. Dont ask a womans age. Dont try to bargain in Britain when you do shopping.Three Ings: betting, drinking and tipping.John Bull: It is the nickname of England or a typical Englishman.Chapter IV Holidays and FestivalsHow long approximately do the industrial workers have for holidays?- The industrial workers have at least four weeks paid holiday.How do the English people usually spend holidays?- They usually spend their holidays at the resorts of the seaside. There they have swimming, bathing, or have other kinds of amusement, such as shooting, roundabouts, watching a beauty contest, going to a concert or a party. And some of the people go abroad for sightseeing.What festival is the greatest in Britain? What is its significance and at what time is it celebrated?- Christmas Day is the greatest festival in Britain. Its significance is to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ which is on December 25.Christmas: Christmas Day is on December 25, which is the greatest of the Christian festivals, commemorating it as the birth of Jesus Christ. It is basically, a home or family festival. Those who live away try to get back home to: celebrate the day with the family. People send presents; cards to each other especially children have their presents from Santa Claus. People usually have al sumptuous dinner, many kinds of amusement.Chapter V Wages and Social BenefitsHow long is the standard working week usually in Britain?- The standard working week is usually thirty-five and forty hours, and often spread over five days, from Monday to Friday.What is the difference between wages and Salary?- Wages is payment made or received for work or services, usually week in cash. Salary is payment for regular work, usually monthly.How many kinds of pensions in the United Kingdom?- There are mainly six kinds of pensions in the United Kingdom. They are Occupational Pension, Personal Pension, State Pension, Pension Credit, Over 80 Pension and Stakeholder Pension.What are the three main groups of Christianity? Which group does the Church of England belong to?- The three groups of Christianity are Catholicism, the Orthodox Eastern Church, and Protestantism. The Church of England belongs to Protestantism.What are the main features and tendencies of religion in Britain?- The main features are: 1) There is no Christian political party, no anti-religious or anti-clerical party either. 2) There is a widespread interest in religion. The main tendencies of religion in Britain are 1) the unity among the churches, 2) more social, 3) up-to-date.What are Crowns constitutional rights?- The Queen appointed all ministers in the Government. She summons, prologues and dissolves Parliament. She concludes treaties and declares war. In the new session she makes the opening speech and outlines her governments programme. She gives her assent to bills before they become law. She confers peerages and other honors.What is the core of the leadership of the British government?- The Cabinet is the core of the leadership of the British government.What does the Cabinet consist of?- The Cabinet consists of the Prime Minister, the Lord President of the Privy council, the heads of the most important Departments and a few ministers without portfolios. 13