英语国家概况

1、一 Briefly discuss the international influence the UK exercises on todays world. Please present your view of the ups and downs of the UK.1) By the turn of the twentieth century, the United Kingdom had built up a huge overseas empire, which at its height in 1922 encompassed almost a quarter of the wor

2、lds land surface, the largest empire in history. Today it has fourteen overseas territories, all remnants of the British Empire. British influence can continue to be observed in the language, culture and legal systems of many of its former colonies. 2) In modern times, it retains links with parts of

3、 its former empire through the British Commonwealth, including sharing with some of them the same monarchQueen Elizabeth IIas head of state. 3) It was the worlds first industrialized country and the worlds foremost power during the 19th and early 20th centuries, but the economic cost of two world wa

4、rs and the decline of its empire in the latter half of the 20th century diminished its leading role in global affairs. The UK nevertheless remains a major power with strong economic, cultural, military and political influence worldwide. 4) It is a developed country, with the fifth (nominal GDP) or s

5、ixth (PPP) largest economy in the world. 5) It is a nuclear power and has the second or third highest defense spending in the world. 6) It is a Member State of the European Union, holds a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, and is a member of the G8, NATO, OECD, World Trade Organi

6、zation and the Commonwealth of Nations. The UK today pursues an active global approach to foreign policy, which invariably involves a close military and political relationship with the United States. Britains global presence and influence is further amplified through its trading relations and its ar

7、med forces, which maintain approximately eighty military installations and other deployments around the globe.My view of the ups and downs of the UK: In eighteen forties, when the British Industrial Revolution had finished, England began to extend further outwardly its colonies. In addition, with th

8、e revolution of science and technology widely used in other fields ( especially in the field of military ), Britain maintained a world-class most advanced navy, which for its overseas colonial expansion and consolidation of the empire to provide a strong backing of the force. To 1860 time, about 1/4

9、 of the worlds land is “the Empire . But 50 years later it was on the decline, the beginning of the two world wars left “empire “era is gone further. The reasons of Britains decline were mainly that after the eighteen seventies, British failed to keep pace with the development trend of the world and

10、 the British economy owing to the limitations of conservative thought has not been much developed. Britains dominant position in the world economy is shaken, and the world economic crisis (1929-1933) and the outbreak of the Second World War brought the British declined from dominate the world” to” r

11、eturn to Europe . Finally the empire became the history.From the history of Britains ups and downs, we can draw some lessons: Timely to face up to themselves, to straighten out his own position, seize opportunity, advance with the times. Timely adjust their international and domestic policy, in orde

12、r to better adapt to the trend of world development, change the unreasonable economic and political system, and make their own country more prosperous and powerful.二Comment on the problems the Social Security System confronts in Present UK. Whats your suggestion to relief these problems?1) It makes

13、citizens dependent and less inclined to work.2) It has been expanded to provide a large number of people indiscriminately with more money than the country can afford. 3) The funding of its insurance side has always been problematic. 4) It is very complicated for claimants and administrators alike wi

14、th its array of benefits and is subject to fraud. 5) One technical difficulty in implementing the system is that accurate figures of poverty are hard to define.6) The system has been criticized for the racism and sexism in the mind of the original architect of the system.Suggestions: 1. To strengthe

15、n the operation and supervision of social security fund so that to prevent fraud.2. To pay more attention to fairness and the poor and disadvantaged groups3. To pay more attention to the investments of people.4. To create more job opportunities and improve working remuneration and benefit.5. To adju

16、st the relationship between job and benefit, relieving people by providing them with employment instead of outright grant.三 Throughout American history, there have been many movements, such as the Temperance Movement, Anti-slavery Movement, Progressive Movement, Civil Rights Movement, and Feminist M

17、ovement. Pick one of them and discuss its significance in U.S. history.Civil Rights Movement: The American Civil Rights Movement (1955-1968) is a national campaign organized by African Americans to fight against racial discrimination and oppression and seek political, economic and social equality. T

18、he blacks went through a long time to struggle for their equal rights by the way of non-violent protests. Many famous people have contributed a lot to American civil rights movement, such as Abraham Lincoln and Martin Ruther King, making the movement itself a great milestone in both American and wor

19、ld history.First of all, the movement really changed the Blacks life, striving for their basic human rights as any other human race entitled with equality, freedom and self-esteem. Thus, it reshaped the image of African Americans and made them more confident. Secondly, it also deeply influenced all

20、the Americans lives and made the concept of equality be deeply ingrained in American society. Besides, it improved Americas image among the international society. In addition, it became an incentive to other countries liberation movement in South America as well as Asia and Africa such as Satyagraha

21、 Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in India. Whats more, it matured the legislation and policy system of America and protected the authority and sanctity of constitutions. Last but not the least, it maintained and stabilized American society along with American regime.四 Explain the reasons why there ar

22、e so many lakes and islands in Canada and the factors which influence the climate of Canada.Canada occupies nearly all of North America north of latitude 79N and extends from east to west through six time zones. It is bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean; on the northeast by Baffin Bay and Davis

23、 Strait, which separate it from Greenland; on the east by the Atlantic Ocean; on the south by the United States; and on the west by the Pacific Ocean and Alaska. Most of lakes in Canada were carved out from the surface of the earth by the advance and retreat of glaciers during the Ice Ade. The islan

24、ds lying to the north of the mainland of Canada are generally referred to as the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, which include the Queen Elizabeth Islands which extend east-west approximately along 74latitude N.Canada is a country of vast coastlines and diverse weather. The country is bordered by the P

25、acific Ocean to the west, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Frozen more than half of the year, Hudsons Bay greatly influences eastern Canadas climate, facilitating the southward penetration of cold arctic air. The Gulf Stream makes the southeast of Canada warmer, but

26、 its effects are limited. The icy Labrador Current dramatically reduces the temperature in the northeast of the country. The summer months warm the Prairie Province in the West. Cities along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts such as Halifax and Vancouver have mild climates similar to Boston or Seattle

27、.五 Discuss the relationship between geography and economic activities in Australia, noting in particular, the different economic pursuits in various states and territories.1) Western Australia is known as “the state of excitement” as its vast expanse of red dust and desert contains most of the count

28、rys mineral wealth. It is a leading supplier of bulk ores for the worlds aluminum and steel industries. Other minerals produced include nickel and titanium, rare earths, gold and diamonds. With the development of major gas fields off its northwest coast, this state has become a source of bulk suppli

29、es of liquefied petroleum gas to North Asia.2) The Northern Territory is suited to the production of fruit and vegetables at the Top End. The Northern Territory forms the essence of the Australian Outback. It comprises almost one-sixth of Australias land mass and can be divided into two areas the To

30、p End and the Red Centre. It spans from lush, green tropical rainforest among the savannah woodlands at the Top End, spectacular waterfalls, and billabongs, to the dry and arid landscapes of the Red Centre and the Simpson Desert. Additionally, Northern Territory is also known as “the land of aborigi

31、nes”, as aborigines form a larger proportion of the population here than elsewhere. The capital of the Northern Territory is Darwin, a main port on the northwest coast.3) South Australia is a land rich in mineral resources. South Australia is the countrys driest state, with 60% of it being desert. I

32、t is a land rich in mineral resources where most of the worlds opals (the Australian national gem stone) are mined. The vineyards and wineries of South Australia are noted for producing wines of international quality and reputation. And the wine-producing areas, most notably the Barossa Valley, are

33、major tourist attractions. Adelaide, the capital, was a planned city that retains much of its early architecture. It is surrounded by numerous parklands and gardens, open spaces and wide roads. The Adelaide Festival is an internationally renowned arts festival. 4) Queensland ranks as Australias prem

34、ier tourist attraction. Queensland, located in northeast Australia, is the second largest state. Known as “the sunshine state”, it has 7.5 hours of sunshine daily. With its magnificent coastline, endless sandy beaches, national park forests, vast plains, lush tropical rainforests in the far north, f

35、orested mountains and massive wilderness areas, Queensland ranks as Australias No.1 tourist destination. And the coral of the Great Barrier Reef fringes the eastern coastline for more than 2,000 kilometers, forming one of the worlds greatest natural wonders. 5) New South Wales leads the country in i

36、ndustry and shipping with its geographical location. New South Wales is the first white settlement in Australia known as “the premier state”. It leads the country in industry, shipping and agriculture. As the most populous area of the country, it is home to nearly 6.5 million people, most of who liv

37、e along the temperate coastline and in Sydney, the state capital. In fact, Sydney is the countrys largest and most cosmopolitan city with ethnic communities from more than 100 countries and is the countrys largest seaport and major international gateway. The citys icons include the Harbor Bridge and

38、 the Sydney Opera House.6) The Australian Capital Territory was established in 1911 within the borders of New South Wales as the site for the future national capital, Canberra. Canberra is situated between Sydney and Melbourne. A well-planned city, it is laid out around an artificial lake. The Terri

39、tory became self-governing in 1989. National government remains its main industry, but private sector employment has expanded and includes production of sophisticated scientific and communications equipment, and computer software.7) Known as “the garden state”, Victoria is a land of tourist attractions. In the southeastern corner of Australia, Victoria is the smallest mainland state but the most densely populated and highly urbani