English-Speaking countries

Автор : Ліскевич Наталія Петрівна, викладач іноземної мови, спеціаліст вищої  категорії.

Рецензент: Дєєва Наталія Олексіївна, викладач - методист.

В методичній розробці розкривається методика проведення заняття предметного гуртка з англійської мови на тему «English-Speaking Countries»

Методична розробка містить ряд презентацій, аудіо – та відеоматеріалів, які спрямовані на вдосконалення у  студентів навичок мовлення та  аудіювання.  На занятті використано мультимедійні засоби навчання.

Розробка може бути використана викладачами іноземної мови вищих навчальних закладів І-ІІ рівнів акредитації під час вивчення відповідних тем програми з дисципліни.

ЗМІСТ

1. План заняття………………………………………………………………4
2. Методична розробка заняття…………………………………………….6
3. Використана література………………………………………………… 19

ПЛАН  ЗАНЯТТЯ  № __8_  

Зміст і хід заняття 

Викладач______________________       Ліскевич Н.П .

                                  підпис            прізвище                    

Хід заняття

Тема : “English – Speaking Countries”

Мета: Поглиблювати знання студентів про англомовні країни. Розвивати навички аудіювання, мовлення, а також  творче ставлення і пізнавальний інтерес до вивчення англійської мови. Збагачувати студентів знаннями країнознавчого характеру та формувати вміння оперувати ними. Виховувати у студентів позитивне ставлення до іншомовної культури та інтерес до країн, мова яких вивчається.

Т.:  Good afternoon! I`m glad to see you here. Welcome to our English Language Club “Happy English”. Who is absent today?  I hope you will enjoy every minute of our communication. Is everybody ready for the lesson?

Our today`s lesson is devoted to English – speaking countries. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are English - speaking countries. They are situated in different parts of the world and differ in many ways. The nature of these countries, their weather and climate and way of life of their people differ. Each coutry has it's own history, customs, traditions, its own national holidays. But they all have a common language - English -  the language of the people who left England to make their names in new countries. (appendix#1).

 At our previous meeting, some of you received a task -  to prepare information about English-speaking countries. So let`s imagine that we have  guests from these countries – Max, Taniya, Maryna, Aliona and Nastiya, and Maryna. They will imaginary take us to these countries , so we will not only brush up  our knowledge, but also will find out something new. Let it  be the aim of sitting.

As I have mantioned before we will listen to our students, and I would like to begin with Maxim and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The UK today is a diverse patchwork of native and immigrant cultures, possessing a fascinating history and dynamic modern culture, both of which remain immensely influential in the wider world. Its capital and largest city  is  London, along with New York often reckoned to be one of the only two cities of truly global importance but many come to see guaint villages and the beautiful and quickly changing countryside.  Max, will you continue?

Student 1:   I have prepared presentation about the UK (appendix #2 ) and at the end you will see the video (appendix #3 ), I hope you will enjoy it.              

The United Kingdom is situated to the north-west from Europe between the Atlantic Ocean on the north-west and the North Sea on the east.

The U. K. includes Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Great Britain, the largest island in Europe, comprises England, Scotland and Wales.

The United Kingdom has an area of 244,000 square kilometres. The capital of the country is London. English is the official language.

The population of the U. K. is nearly 65 million people. The population lives mostly in towns and cities and their suburbs. Four out of every five people live in towns. Over 53 012 456 people live in England. Over 3 063 456— in Wales. A little over 5 million — in Scotland. About 1 810 863— in Northern Ireland. London's population is over 7 million people. The British nation consists of the English, the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish. There are many people of all colours and races in the United Kingdom.

The climate of Great Britain is mild. It is not too hot in summer or too cold in winter. It often rains in England. Rain falls in summer and in winter, in autumn and in spring. Snow falls only in the north and west of the country. The surface of England and Ireland is flat, but Scotland and Wales are mountainous. Many parts of the country have beautiful villages. There are many rivers in Great Britain. The main river is the Thames. Many ships and barges go up and down the river. The longest river is Severn. It is 350 kilometres long.

There are many universities, colleges, libraries, museums and theatres in the country. The most famous universities are Cambridge University, Oxford University, Glasgow University.

The U. K. is a parliamentary monarchy. The British Parliament consists of two Houses: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The Prime Minister is the head of the government.

The United Kingdom has some mineral resources. Coal and oil are the most important of them. The United Kingdom is one of the world's most industrialized countries. The main industrial centres are Sheffield, Birmingham and Manchester. The largest cities of the country are London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin.

T.: Thank you. The video was wonderful. Let`s continue? The United States of America is a large country in North America, often referred to as the "USA", the "US", the "United States", "America", or simply "the States". Home to the world's third-largest population, with over 325,7 million people, it includes both densely populated cities with sprawling suburbs and vast, uninhabited natural areas.

With its history of mass immigration dating from the 17th century, it is a "melting pot" of cultures from around the world and it plays a dominant role in the world's cultural landscape. It's famous for its wide array of popular tourist destinations, ranging from the skyscrapers of Manhattan and Chicago, to the natural wonders of Yellowstone and Alaska, to the warm, sunny beaches of Florida, Hawaii and Southern California. As for me the USA is a country of contrasts: freedom and slavery, religious ideals and release from morality, the unity of the nation and extreme individualism in this country get along surprisingly harmoniously. Ethnic diversity has made the culture of America colourful and rich, and taught the people of this country  coexist peacefully with each other.

Tanya will you continue?

Student 2:   Yes, I will. Here`s my presentation (appendix #4 ). I also found an interesting video  about one talented man draws a map of the United States, it is incredibly!!! (appendix#5).  But first let me tell you some facts about the USA. The USA

The United States of America is the fourth largest country in the world (after Russia, Canada, and China). It occupies the southern part of North America and stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. It also includes Alaska in the north and Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. The total area of the country is about nine and a half million square kilometres. The USA borders on Canada in the north and on Mexico in the south. It also has a seaboarder with Russia.

The USA is made up of 50 states and the District of Columbia where the capital of the country, Washington, is situated. The population of the country is about 325 million people.

If we look at the map of the USA, we can see lowlands and mountains. The highest mountains are the Rocky Mountains, the Cordillera, and the Sierra Nevada. The highest peak is Mount McKinley, which is located in Alaska.

America's largest rivers are the Mississippi, the Missouri, the Rio Grande, and the Columbia. The Great Lakes on the border with Canada are the largest and deepest in the USA.

The climate of the country varies greatly. The coldest regions are in the north. The climate of Alaska is arctic. The climate of the central part of the country is continental. The south has subtropical climate. Hot winds blowing from the Gulf of Mexico often bring typhoons. The climate along the Pacific coast is much warmer than that of the Atlantic coast.

The USA is a highly developed industrial country. It is the leading producer of copper and oil and the worlds second producer of iron ore and coal. On the industrial enterprises of the country they produce aircrafts, cars, textiles, radio and television sets, weapon, furniture, and paper.

Though mainly European and African in origin, the Americans are made up from nearly all races and nations, including the Chinese and the native Americans — Indians.

The largest cities are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, San Francisco, and others.

The United States is a federal republic consisting of 50 states, each of which has its own government. The seat of the central (federal) government is Washington, D. C. According to the Constitution of the USA, the powers of the government are divided into 3 branches: the executive, headed by the President, the legislative, exercised by the Congress, and the juridical. The Congress consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are two main political parties in the USA: the Republican and the Democratic.

T.:  I knew you could do it! Good job! I would be happy to look over it again. But unfortunately we are short of  time, so let`s  move  to the next country – Australia. Maryna , please.

Student 3:   I want to tell you about an incredible country, Australia, its  nature will impress everyone. At the beginning and at the end of presentation I have prepared questions  for you. This will show how you know this country and how you have listened to me (appendix #6 ).           

T.: Thank you for such an excellent presentation and for your questions.

It is impossible to talk about New Zealand in few words . This is truly an amazing country. But I will try to tell about it  briefly.

New Zealand is known:

1. As one of the cleanest countries in the world.   

2. As the center of the exciting, crazy fun.

3. As the birthplace of the Maori people. Maori culture attracts tourists with stories and myths , the art of wood carving, weaving, dance groups and martial rituals. Don't believe? Then take a look. (appendix #7).   

Did you liked it? If I'm not mistaken,  girls have prepared 20 interesting facts about New Zealand (appendix #8). Welcome. 

Student 4, 5 :   Top 20 Cool Facts

About New Zealand

Facts 1 – 5

1. While it is no longer the case, New Zealand was once governed as a part of the territory of New South Wales (later a part of Australia). When Australia federated in 1901, New Zealand was offered a place as one of its states. New Zealand refused and it is its own country with no ties (other than economic and commonwealth) with Australia.

2. A kiwi is not a fruit – it is New Zealand’s native flightless bird and a slang term for a New Zealander. Kiwis call the fruit “kiwifruit” – they are also known as Chinese Gooseberries.

3. New Zealand was the first major nation to have universal suffrage. In 1893 it became legal to vote for all male and female citizens of New Zealand.

4. New Zealand was first discovered by Europeans in 1642 when Dutch sailor Abel Tasman arrived. He left New Zealand after several of his crew were killed by Maoris, and it was not until 1769 that English Captain James Cook arrived and mapped the land.

5. Queen Elizabeth II is officially Queen of New Zealand. She is represented in New Zealand by a Governor General, who ratifies all laws put before him or her by the elected parliament of New Zealand.

Facts 6 – 10

6. New Zealand is one of the only three countries that have two official national Anthems. The first is “God Save the Queen” (the English National Anthem) and the other is “God Defend New Zealand”. The other two countries with two anthems are Denmark and Canada which both have a Royal Anthem and a State anthem.

7. Another native bird of New Zealand, was one of the largest birds in history – standing up to 3.6m tall and weighing 300kg. Unfortunately they have been hunted to extinction by the Maoris by the end of the 1500s.

8. When the Europeans arrived in New Zealand, it was already inhabited by the Maori people – Eastern polynesian settlers who arrived there some time between 800 and 1300. Oral tradition says that they came from a place named Hawaiki; its location is unknown. The very strong linguistic connection to Cook Island Maori might suggest that they originated from that region of the Pacific.

9. Another group of settlers (who most likely came from the same group as the original Maoris) settled on the Chatham Islands. They were called the Morioris and they were pacifists. In 1835, groups of Maoris moved to the Chatham islands and wiped out nearly all of the Morioris – leaving only 100 by 1862. The last full-blooded Moriori (Tommy Solomon) died in 1933. [Image above: Tamati Waka Nene, a Maori Chief]

10. New Zealand was the first country to have its three top positions of power held simultaneously by women: The Prime Minister (Helen Clark), the Governor General (Dame Silvia Cartwright), and the Chief Justice (Sian Elias).

Facts 11 – 15

11. New Zealand has a strong hold on the international trade in sheep meat. There are presently around 9 sheep for every 1 human in New Zealand (the population of New Zealand is 4 million).

12. Wellington, the Capital City of New Zealand is the southernmost capital city in the world.

13. New Zealand was forced out of the ANZUS (Australia, New Zealand, United States) alliance in the 1980s when it outlawed nuclear arms and power. To this day, there are no nuclear power stations in New Zealand, and a change of law would be required before one could be built. New Zealand retains its military ties with the United Kingdom.

14. New Zealand has one of the most liberal media arenas in the world. Distinctly left wing versus right wing press is not as obvious there as in other nations.

15. New Zealand is a plastic nation – almost all personal financial transactions are made with a card – credit or otherwise. Most shops offer EFTPOS (similar to the UK Chip and Pin which appeared two years later) and cash is seen less and less. It is possible that New Zealand was the first nation to offer this system of payment (if someone can verify that I would appreciate it). The majority of taxis now allow you to pay without cash through this system.

Facts 16 – 20

16. New Zealand is a fairly liberal nation with homosexual marriage (Civil Union) being legal and prostitution, soliciting, and brothel keeping being legal.

17. Lake Taupo (one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations) was the source of the largest known eruption in the world in the last 70 thousand years. It had a Volcanic Explosivity Index of 8. It released over 530 kilometers of magma.

[Image: Lake Taupo]

18. New Zealand was the last major landmass to be populated (with the exception of the polar regions).

19. New Zealander and Nobel Prize Winner, Ernest Rutherford is known as the father of nuclear physics for his orbital theory of the atom.

20. Sir Edmund Hillary – the first man to reach the peak of Mount Everest  - was a New Zealander (born in Auckland) and his face is on the New Zealand $5 bill.

T.:  Thank  you.  Finally Marina will tell us about  the last English-speaking country.

Student 6:   I would like to start with a slide show that I made with  new song of famous canadian singer Avril Lavigne. (appendix #9 ), after slide show I will tell about Canada in details. (appendix #10).                 

T.: Beautiful song and beautiful presentation. And now it's time for a small quiz. Who knows the answer – please, raise your hands (appendix #11).   

So, let’s start:

1. What is the official name of Great Britain? ( The UK)
2. The flag of the UK is known as …. (Union Jack)
3. What is the capital of the USA? ( Washington)
4. Great Britain consists of … (England, Wales, Scotland)
5. What is the capital of Scotland? ( Edinburgh)
6. Name 5 biggest British cities.
7. What is the capital of Canada? (Ottawa)
8. What is the symbol of Wales? (red dragon)
9. Name the biggest lakes of the USA.
10.  People who live in Scotland are … (Scots)
11.  What are the main colours of the Union Jack? (blue, red and white)
12.  What is the capital of Ireland? (Belfast)
13.  What languages are spoken in Wales? (Welsh, English)
14.  What is the highest mountain of Great Britain? (Ben Nevis)
15.  What river does London stand on? (The Thames)
16.  Saint Patrick’s Day is the national holiday of … ( Ireland)
17.  What languages are spoken in Scotland? ( English, Gaelic)
18.  What is the symbol of England? ( a red rose)
19.  What is the name of the flag of the USA? ( “Stars and Stripes”)
20.  What English-speaking country lies in the southern hemisphere? (Australia)
21.  What is the capital of the UK? (London)
22.  How many states is the USA composed of? (50)
23.  What is the climate of Great Britain? (marritime)
24.  What languages are spoken in Canada? (English, French)

T.: Thank you , I hope you've enjoyed our journey and  in future you will definitely want to visit one of these countries. Your home task is  to watch the movie “Cold Mountain” and be prepared to discuss it.

  Використана література

1.  Ярцева Г.В., English texts for topiсs (Найкращі 1000 тем) – Харків: «Ранок» - «Веста», 2004.
2. Шпак В.К. Англійська мова для повсякденного спілкування. К. „Вища школа”, 2003.
3. Богацкий И.С., Дюканова Н.М. Бизнес-курс англ. языка. К. „ЛОГОС” 2000.
4. Англо-українські словники.

РЕЦЕНЗІЯ

Методична розробка гурткового заняття з англійської мови по темі «English-speaking countries» складена згідно з вимогами програми  та з використанням нетрадиційних форм і методів проведення занять.

 Під час  підбору матеріалу були використані додаткові джерела інформації, (відео матеріали, аудіо матеріали, створені тематичні презентації).

Використаний матеріал цікавий і пізнавальний для проведенні заняття гуртка. Виконуючи завдання, учасники навчального процесу вдосконалюють мовленнєву діяльність та  набувають практичних умінь і навичок.

Завдяки відео- та аудіоматеріалам активізується  пізнавальна діяльність студентів.

Використання інноваційних технологій робить процес навчання емоційнішим  і цікавішим, спонукає студентів до самоосвіти та  сумлінної підготовки до занять.

Розробка може бути використана викладачами іноземної мови вищих навчальних закладів І-ІІ рівнів акредитації як під час аудиторної роботи, так і в поза аудиторній діяльності.