Reading (the British Character)

Уважно прочитайте текст!

The British are often viewed as the most boring people in the world. They wear unimaginatively formal clothes, eat tasteless food, and practice slow sports and have a specific sense of humour which is not usually understood by foreigners. They are also said to be conservative, reserved and cool. Indeed, the British are not very open and spontaneous. They do not kiss or embrace by way of greeting so as not to allow familiarity. They always keep a certain distance and are not willing to manifest their feelings and emotions. It is not easy to make friends with them but once you have made a friend, it is a friend for life.

The English are said to be the masters of trivial conversation. Their “small talk” usually deals with the weather or some general questions as it is not accepted to interfere in someone’s private life.

The British are very polite. They always queue when they are waiting for a bus and hold the door open for the person behind them. On the other hand, the English football fans are regarded as hooligans and vandals. Generally speaking, however, the British are well – mannered.

“There is no place like home”, say the British. This proverb best express an Englishman’s traditional love of his home. About 70% of all the people have their own houses. Most homes have a garden in which the British spend a lot of time growing flowers and looking after the lawn – a national pride.

The English are completely crazy about pets. There are more animal rights groups in Britain than anywhere else in the world. Paradoxically, the English still love the hunting of wild animals, such as foxes or hares, with the aim of killing them.

It is not easy to decide on the typically British characteristics. Not all English people are cold, uncommunicative or boring, not all of them are crazy about lawns or animals. Still, there is one thing that is typically British: a strong connection with tradition and a wish to keep their country’s uniqueness. Some people say that the British live in the past, but they are simply proud of their country.

Task 1. Put « +» if the statement is true and « - » if the statement is false

 1)  Generally speaking, the British are rude.

 2) Most British people have their own homes.

 3)  British people still like hunting pets.

 4)  The British are closely connected to their tradition.

 5)  The British are often very open and spontaneous people.

 6)   British people still love hunting of foxes and hares.

Choose a correct answer

7. The British are often viewed as ___.

8. They have ____ which is not understood by the foreigners.

 9. Talking to other people they always discuss ____.

 10.  The British always queue when they are ____.

11. The clothes the British wear are usually ____.

12. If you have a British friend, this is ____.