Geography
The USA is situated in the southern part of North America. Its neighbors are Canada in the north, Mexico in the south and Russia by Alaska. The largest rivers are the Mississippi and the Missouri. There are big variations of climate. Temperatures change from arctic cold in northern Alaska to subtropical warmth in Hawaii and the Gulf Coast States. There are many national parks in the USA, especially in the Rocky Mountains Region, where there are Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons.
People
The USA population is about 250,000,000. Now there are about 80% Caucasian, 12% black, 1.5% Asian and Pacific Islanders and 0.6% American Indians and Eskimos. The main language spoken here is American English. American English differs from British English in vocabulary, pronunciation and spelling.
History
Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492. The first English colony was founded in Virginia at Jamestown in 1607. In 1620 the ship named Mayflower brought 102 English men, women and children. They were Puritans. They called themselves the Pilgrim Fathers. In October 1621 they celebrated a good harvest. They called this day Thanksgiving Day. During the 17th century many colonists, mostly British but also French, German, Dutch and Irish settled in the country, mainly along the eastern coast. In the 17th century about half a million Africans were brought as slaves.
Foundation of the USA, The War for Independence (1775 - 1783)
In 1775, at Lexington, the War began. On July 4th, 1776 they agreed on the Declaration of Independence written mainly by Thomas Jefferson. The War for Independence lasted until 1783 when Britain recognized the USA.
National Economy
The main industrial items are manufacturing steel, car industry, electronics, machinery, and clothing. The main agriculture products are corn, cotton, tobacco, fruit and vegetables. The USA is rich in coal, copper, gold, iron and oil.
Government
The USA with the President as the head of state is a federation of 50 states with 48 on the continent, Alaska in the north and Hawaii in the Mid Pacific. The USA is the member of all major international organizations: UN, NATO, OECD.
American Political System
The main body is called Congress - its seat is in the Capitol. The Congress is divided into two parts - the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives consists of 435 lawmakers who are elected for two years. The Senate has 100 members - 2 members from each state, who serve six years. The President together with his Vice President is chosen every 4 years. There are two main political parties in the USA - The Democratic Party and The Republican Party.
Capital of the USA
Washington D.C. has the 10th largest population in the country (3.4 million). There are the most important buildings in the USA - the White House - residence of the American President, the Capitol - the seat of the Congress, the Pentagon - the center of military forces. There are no factories and industry in Washington and that is why the city seems so clean and nice.
Interesting Places
On the western coast the most well known places are Los Angeles and San
Francisco. Los Angeles is the second largest. Here we can find the famous film center Hollywood. LA is also the center of crime. The biggest zoo in the world is in San Diego. Florida is mainly a tourist area with loud beaches in Miami. Florida also has Disney World and Epcot Center.
London
Is the capital of the United Kingdom. It is the 9th largest city in the world - it´s population is about 10 million. London is situated on the river Thames in south-east England. The Romans came to London in 43 A. D. They built a small town on the Thames, its name was Londinium. In 1066 William the Conqueror came to England. He came from Normandy after the battle of Hastings. He became the King of England. On Sunday 2nd September 1666, there was a great fire, which destroyed almost all the city.
There are many places of interest. We can see them by walking or going by various means of transport. London´s famous red double-deckers go almost everywhere. To be faster, we can use the underground which is the oldest underground in the world. There are also 3 airports in London (the most important are Heathrow and Gatwick).
How I have said, in London we can find a lot of places of interest. We can start our sightseeing tour in centre on Piccadilly Circus. When we walk from Piccadilly Circus threw Regent Street and Oxford Street which are the most famous shopping centers, we come to Hyde park, which is the largest green park in London.
From Hyde Park, we can go to Buckingham Palace. It is the Queen’s residence in London. Here is one of the biggest London’s parades - Changing the Guard. Near the Buckingham Palace there is the Victoria Station. Victoria station is railway station, where the trains from France threw the Channel tunnel come. When we go thru Victoria Street, we come to Westminster Abbey. It was founded in the 11th century. Britain´s Kings and Queens have been crowned here and many of them are buried here. It is an excellent example of gothic architecture.
Then we can visit The Houses of Parliament. They are in gothic style but they were built only in 1840 after the old building had burnt down. The only part which escaped the fire was Westminster Hall. There is also a famous clock-tower with Big Ben and its characteristic bell-ringing. The best photo you can take from the Westminster Bridge.
Then we can go along Whitehall, in which takes place Horse Guards Parade, come we to the Downing Street 10, which is the official home of British Prime Ministers since 1731. At the end of Whitehall is Trafalgar Square. It was named after Admiral Nelson’s victory over Napoleon. Here is a Nelson’s statue. This place is very popular place for demonstrations and meetings. At Christmas time a big Christmas tree stands here.
One part of London is called The City. It is the oldest part of London around St. Paul´s. There are many banks e. g. the Bank of England. St. Paul´s Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. This great renaissance dome is the work of the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren and it was built in the 17th century after the great fire. The Cathedral is known for its Whispering Gallery.
The next interesting place is The Tower of London. It was built in the 11th century. It served as royal palace first, then prison and fortress. It is a museum now. The Crown Jewels are kept here. Tower Bridge is one of the most famous symbols of London. It was built only in the last century. It can open in the middle and let large ships go through.
The British Museum is the largest museum in the world. There is a collection of Egyptian mummies and antiquities from ancient Greece. The admission is free. The Post Office Tower is the tallest building in Great Britain. It is 190 m high.
With 40 theatres and music halls London is the centre of cultural life. The most important are: The National Theatre, the Royal Festival hall and The Royal Albert Hall. In Kew Gardens we can find the largest collection of living plants in the world. Greenwich is the seat of the National Maritime Museum.
There are many places of interest. We can see them by walking or going by various means of transport. London´s famous red double-deckers go almost everywhere. To be faster, we can use the underground which is the oldest underground in the world. There are also 3 airports in London (the most important are Heathrow and Gatwick).
How I have said, in London we can find a lot of places of interest. We can start our sightseeing tour in centre on Piccadilly Circus. When we walk from Piccadilly Circus threw Regent Street and Oxford Street which are the most famous shopping centers, we come to Hyde park, which is the largest green park in London.
From Hyde Park, we can go to Buckingham Palace. It is the Queen’s residence in London. Here is one of the biggest London’s parades - Changing the Guard. Near the Buckingham Palace there is the Victoria Station. Victoria station is railway station, where the trains from France threw the Channel tunnel come. When we go thru Victoria Street, we come to Westminster Abbey. It was founded in the 11th century. Britain´s Kings and Queens have been crowned here and many of them are buried here. It is an excellent example of gothic architecture.
Then we can visit The Houses of Parliament. They are in gothic style but they were built only in 1840 after the old building had burnt down. The only part which escaped the fire was Westminster Hall. There is also a famous clock-tower with Big Ben and its characteristic bell-ringing. The best photo you can take from the Westminster Bridge.
Then we can go along Whitehall, in which takes place Horse Guards Parade, come we to the Downing Street 10, which is the official home of British Prime Ministers since 1731. At the end of Whitehall is Trafalgar Square. It was named after Admiral Nelson’s victory over Napoleon. Here is a Nelson’s statue. This place is very popular place for demonstrations and meetings. At Christmas time a big Christmas tree stands here.
One part of London is called The City. It is the oldest part of London around St. Paul´s. There are many banks e. g. the Bank of England. St. Paul´s Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. This great renaissance dome is the work of the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren and it was built in the 17th century after the great fire. The Cathedral is known for its Whispering Gallery.
The next interesting place is The Tower of London. It was built in the 11th century. It served as royal palace first, then prison and fortress. It is a museum now. The Crown Jewels are kept here. Tower Bridge is one of the most famous symbols of London. It was built only in the last century. It can open in the middle and let large ships go through.
The British Museum is the largest museum in the world. There is a collection of Egyptian mummies and antiquities from ancient Greece. The admission is free. The Post Office Tower is the tallest building in Great Britain. It is 190 m high.
With 40 theatres and music halls London is the centre of cultural life. The most important are: The National Theatre, the Royal Festival hall and The Royal Albert Hall. In Kew Gardens we can find the largest collection of living plants in the world. Greenwich is the seat of the National Maritime Museum.
Great Britain
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Occupies an area of 245 thousand square kilometers and has about 59 million inhabitants. The capital of Great Britain is London, the seat of the Queen, government and House of Commons and the political, cultural and economic center of the country.
Besides the largest islands – Great Britain (divided into England, Scotland and Wales) and Ireland (the northern part of which belongs to the United Kingdom) – we should mention the Isle of Wight off the southern coast of England, the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea etc. Western Scotland is surrounded by numerous islands – the Hebrides, Orkneys and the Shetlands. The island of Great Britain can be divided roughly into the lowland area and the highland area. There are the Grampian Mountains, Pennies and Cambrian Mountains. The highest peak; however is not in England, is Ben Nevis. Of course there are several important rivers. The longest rivers are the Severn, the Thames in England, while Scotland’s chief river is the Clyde. Britain has a temperate and equable climate, but the country is notorious for cool, rainy and foggy weather.
The history of Great Britain began by the Roman occupation in the 1st century. In the 5th century was carried out the Celtic revival. At the beginning of the 9th century the Danes and the Norsemen attacked England. King Alfred the Great was successful in stopping their influence in the southern parts of the country. They naturally gathered round a strong man for protection, so that their land could be cultivated in piece. After several years, in 1066, Harold was elected as the heir of throne. William of Normandy saw his chance of an invasion to England. At Hastings, luck and good archery skills gave William the victory and he was crowned in the same year.
Then was followed a lot of kings (William II., Henry I., Stephen, Henry II. etc.). The best known king was Richard I. (Lion Heart), who took part in the third crusade. In years 1337-1453 brought out the Hundred Years War, the fight between England and France. In this war was killed the Czech king – John Luxemburg. The war ended in the battle of Castillo, where England was defeated by French king. The Wars of the Roses took place in years 1455-1485.. They were the wars between the House of York and the House of Lancaster. The battle which ended these wars was the Battle of Bosworth, when the king Richard III. was killed and Henry Tudor became King Henry VII. The Tudor Monarchy lasted till 1603.
The Tudor Age can be characterized by the consolidation of royal power. The most important Queen was Elizabeth I., which was able to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588. When Elizabeth I. died in 1603, England was a European power. The English throne got the Stuart dynasty – James I. These kings evoked the English Revolution (1640-1658). The man of the Revolution was Oliver Cromwell., which elected himself as the Lord Protector.
Then followed restorations of the Stuart dynasty untill The Glorious Revolution in 1688. The important document was declared – the Bill of Rights, which definitely put the power into the hands of the Parliament. It was constituted the formal union of England and Scotland in 1707. At the beginning of the 19th century, the England cooperated with other European to war against Napoleon. In the second half of the 19th century, England became the economic and colonial great power.
The head of Great Britain and other dominion (Canada, Australia etc.) is Queen Elizabeth II. The official language is English, but in some areas people speak Welsh or Gaelic. The currency in this state is pound sterling.
Occupies an area of 245 thousand square kilometers and has about 59 million inhabitants. The capital of Great Britain is London, the seat of the Queen, government and House of Commons and the political, cultural and economic center of the country.
Besides the largest islands – Great Britain (divided into England, Scotland and Wales) and Ireland (the northern part of which belongs to the United Kingdom) – we should mention the Isle of Wight off the southern coast of England, the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea etc. Western Scotland is surrounded by numerous islands – the Hebrides, Orkneys and the Shetlands. The island of Great Britain can be divided roughly into the lowland area and the highland area. There are the Grampian Mountains, Pennies and Cambrian Mountains. The highest peak; however is not in England, is Ben Nevis. Of course there are several important rivers. The longest rivers are the Severn, the Thames in England, while Scotland’s chief river is the Clyde. Britain has a temperate and equable climate, but the country is notorious for cool, rainy and foggy weather.
The history of Great Britain began by the Roman occupation in the 1st century. In the 5th century was carried out the Celtic revival. At the beginning of the 9th century the Danes and the Norsemen attacked England. King Alfred the Great was successful in stopping their influence in the southern parts of the country. They naturally gathered round a strong man for protection, so that their land could be cultivated in piece. After several years, in 1066, Harold was elected as the heir of throne. William of Normandy saw his chance of an invasion to England. At Hastings, luck and good archery skills gave William the victory and he was crowned in the same year.
Then was followed a lot of kings (William II., Henry I., Stephen, Henry II. etc.). The best known king was Richard I. (Lion Heart), who took part in the third crusade. In years 1337-1453 brought out the Hundred Years War, the fight between England and France. In this war was killed the Czech king – John Luxemburg. The war ended in the battle of Castillo, where England was defeated by French king. The Wars of the Roses took place in years 1455-1485.. They were the wars between the House of York and the House of Lancaster. The battle which ended these wars was the Battle of Bosworth, when the king Richard III. was killed and Henry Tudor became King Henry VII. The Tudor Monarchy lasted till 1603.
The Tudor Age can be characterized by the consolidation of royal power. The most important Queen was Elizabeth I., which was able to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588. When Elizabeth I. died in 1603, England was a European power. The English throne got the Stuart dynasty – James I. These kings evoked the English Revolution (1640-1658). The man of the Revolution was Oliver Cromwell., which elected himself as the Lord Protector.
Then followed restorations of the Stuart dynasty untill The Glorious Revolution in 1688. The important document was declared – the Bill of Rights, which definitely put the power into the hands of the Parliament. It was constituted the formal union of England and Scotland in 1707. At the beginning of the 19th century, the England cooperated with other European to war against Napoleon. In the second half of the 19th century, England became the economic and colonial great power.
The head of Great Britain and other dominion (Canada, Australia etc.) is Queen Elizabeth II. The official language is English, but in some areas people speak Welsh or Gaelic. The currency in this state is pound sterling.
Weather, seasons of the year
The Czech Republic has a continental climate. There are some differences between summer and winter but they are not so big. A year is divided into four seasons: spring, summer, autumn (fall) and winter. Each season lasts about three months and is attractive in some way. Spring begins on the 21st March. Many people consider spring and summer the most beautiful seasons of the year and that is why or that is just because they usually fall in love in spring and take their holiday in summer. Nature begins to awake from its long winter sleep and new life begins. Nights get shorter and days get longer.
The weather in spring, especially in April is really unpredictable and changeable. The temperatures are often below zero at night although days may be quite warm. Sometimes the sun shines and soon after it is overcast, pours with rain or it may even snow. But when it clears up, the air is fresh and people go for walks and enjoy the good weather.
June 21 is the date when summer begins. Schoolchildren love this season best because they have two months holidays ahead. Everybody starts to be more interested in the weather because people set out on journeys and take holidays. The temperature rises to 25°C or more and we may have fine days in a row.
In summer rain often comes in the form of storm. All of a sudden the sky clouds over, it gets dark and cools down, a breeze changes into a strong wind and the storm is about to break. Then there is a crash of thunder and a flash of lightning and a heavy downpour. People who happen to be outside seek shelter from the rain but still often they get wet to the skin. It is dangerous to stand under a tree during a storm because the lightning might hit it. After the storm dies down a rainbow may appear in the sky and you can see pools of water everywhere.
At the beginning of September when the school year begins, summer in reality is over and on the 23rd September autumn comes. In autumn the sun sets earlier and rises later and days get shorter. The nice weather breaks although we can still enjoy a few fine days of Indian summer. In the gardens it is the time of harvest, we pick apples, pears and plums as well as gather potatoes. We are delighted with the colors of leafy trees in the woods. Many people go mushrooming.
But this colorful period does not last long because soon the trees shed their leaves and by November they will be bare. Birds flock together and set out on the journey to the south. In autumn the weather is unsettled, the sky is often cloudy. It usually does not clear up by day.
The first frosts come and a cold wind blows from the north. No wonder that in such weather one may get cold easily and catch a cold or flu. According to the calendar, winter comes on December 21, but in fact it often begins earlier. Typical winter weather brings snowfall, icy wind and hard frosts. Children enjoy their winter pleasures, such as throwing snowballs, building snowmen, sliding and skating on lakes that are frozen over. The temperature sometimes drops to as low as some 20°C below zero and then the frost binds the ground. The roads become icy and slippery and it makes driving hazardous because you can skid easily.
Fortunately winters like that are rare in the temperate zone. As the climate gets warmer, we miss a real winter more and more. But no matter what kind of winter it is, finally the frost lets up and the thaw sets in, the snow melts and paths are full of mud. Spring comes earlier to the lowland while in the highlands snow-capped hills and mountains look beautiful till April. Nature is unpredictable and you can never rely upon the weather, which makes it a frequent topic of a conversation.
The weather in spring, especially in April is really unpredictable and changeable. The temperatures are often below zero at night although days may be quite warm. Sometimes the sun shines and soon after it is overcast, pours with rain or it may even snow. But when it clears up, the air is fresh and people go for walks and enjoy the good weather.
June 21 is the date when summer begins. Schoolchildren love this season best because they have two months holidays ahead. Everybody starts to be more interested in the weather because people set out on journeys and take holidays. The temperature rises to 25°C or more and we may have fine days in a row.
In summer rain often comes in the form of storm. All of a sudden the sky clouds over, it gets dark and cools down, a breeze changes into a strong wind and the storm is about to break. Then there is a crash of thunder and a flash of lightning and a heavy downpour. People who happen to be outside seek shelter from the rain but still often they get wet to the skin. It is dangerous to stand under a tree during a storm because the lightning might hit it. After the storm dies down a rainbow may appear in the sky and you can see pools of water everywhere.
At the beginning of September when the school year begins, summer in reality is over and on the 23rd September autumn comes. In autumn the sun sets earlier and rises later and days get shorter. The nice weather breaks although we can still enjoy a few fine days of Indian summer. In the gardens it is the time of harvest, we pick apples, pears and plums as well as gather potatoes. We are delighted with the colors of leafy trees in the woods. Many people go mushrooming.
But this colorful period does not last long because soon the trees shed their leaves and by November they will be bare. Birds flock together and set out on the journey to the south. In autumn the weather is unsettled, the sky is often cloudy. It usually does not clear up by day.
The first frosts come and a cold wind blows from the north. No wonder that in such weather one may get cold easily and catch a cold or flu. According to the calendar, winter comes on December 21, but in fact it often begins earlier. Typical winter weather brings snowfall, icy wind and hard frosts. Children enjoy their winter pleasures, such as throwing snowballs, building snowmen, sliding and skating on lakes that are frozen over. The temperature sometimes drops to as low as some 20°C below zero and then the frost binds the ground. The roads become icy and slippery and it makes driving hazardous because you can skid easily.
Fortunately winters like that are rare in the temperate zone. As the climate gets warmer, we miss a real winter more and more. But no matter what kind of winter it is, finally the frost lets up and the thaw sets in, the snow melts and paths are full of mud. Spring comes earlier to the lowland while in the highlands snow-capped hills and mountains look beautiful till April. Nature is unpredictable and you can never rely upon the weather, which makes it a frequent topic of a conversation.
Travelling
Nowadays is travelling very important for us. We travel to overcome the long distances. We can´t imagine our lives without travelling, because we live in modern world. We live in world which advances very fast. It was different in the past. People didn´t have so many possibilities as we have now. They used to travel on foot or by sea. This kind of overcoming the long distances usually take a lot of time. So people started to discover the new faster ways of travelling - bicycles, cars, airplanes and nowadays the rockets.
Travelling is a part of our everyday lives. It doesn´t matter if we want to overcome short or long distances. Every day we travel to work, children go to school regularly. We can travel by bus, by car; we have a lot of possibilities.
Many people like travelling because it is a good way to learn about life. They want to recognize the others ways of living in foreign lands, other cultures, traditions and habits of other nations. Many people prefer staying at the seaside, lying on the beach, while others are interested in local traditions, history and like talking to local people. They try to spend so much time as possible using the foreign language they have learned at home.
People can spend much time by planning their holidays. The type of holiday they choose depends mostly on money. Travel agencies are offering a large scale of holidays. People with lot of money can afford an expensive holiday with all services like expensive accommodation, suitable insurance and comfortable way of travelling mostly by bus or by plane. On the other hand, people with less of money prefer travelling on their own. They stay at camp, prepare meals on their own.
Travelling is very important part of our lives. We can travel for pleasure, for holiday or just commute to work. We can´t live without overcoming the distances, because we want to be fast and live fast too.
Questions:
1. Which means of transport do you prefer using to get to your holiday destination and why?
I have spent all my holidays with my parents. We always travel with travel agency. So we prefer the services that they can offer to us. We have travelled by bus. It wasn´t very comfortable to spend 15 hours in bus, but it was quite funny. I have never travelled by plane, so I don´t know how it is and I can´t compare this types of travelling.
2. Many cities protect their historical buildings by setting up pedestrian zones where cars are not allowed. What do you think about this idea?
I think it´s a good idea. It protects not only the historical buildings but the people too. People can´t be crashed or injured by car accident. And it protects the environment too.
3. What do you think about cycling trips?
I think it´s a good idea. Especially for people who like spending their time by sport. By these trips they can recognize the land and the history of land from their bicycles.
4. Many people consider riding a motorbike to be very dangerous. What do you think?
I think riding a motorbike is dangerous, but it´s because the people who rides are not enough responsible. They are ridding very fast and they ignore the safety.
5. Many people think that travelling to exotic countries might be very dangerous to their health.
It could be dangerous because there is lot of unknown illnesses. Before you will travel to exotic country you should be vaccinated.
6. Describe how you protect yourself when you go on holiday?
I always pack to my suitcase some medicine. Some headache pills or nose drops. I always use a suntan lotion by sunbathing.
7. Describe how you prepare for your holiday?
I buy the things I will need new soap or shampoo. One day before departure I always pack my suitcase.
8. What would you do if you missed your flight abroad?
I would book a next plane ticket. Then I would call my family and tell that I arrive later.
9. What do you think about safety precautions before flying?
I think they are very necessary. They can protect people from terrorists.
10. Are you satisfied with the services provided by tourist agencies in Slovakia?
I have been allways satisfied with their services. If I would not ,I will complain of them and they should offer me a compensation.
11. Do you prefer travelling with a travel agency or do you organize holidays yourself?
I prefer travelling with travel agency because they can offer a large scale of services like travel insurance to me. If I would not be satisfied with their services they will return money to me.
12. Compare staying in a tent with staying in a cottage.
I think staying in a cottage is more comfortable. You can sleep in a bed, there isn´t so many insects. You can prepare your food in the kitchen. Spending your time in a tent isn´t comfortable because you have to sleep in sleeping- bag direct on the ground. There is lot of insects. Your clothes are damp.
Travelling is a part of our everyday lives. It doesn´t matter if we want to overcome short or long distances. Every day we travel to work, children go to school regularly. We can travel by bus, by car; we have a lot of possibilities.
Many people like travelling because it is a good way to learn about life. They want to recognize the others ways of living in foreign lands, other cultures, traditions and habits of other nations. Many people prefer staying at the seaside, lying on the beach, while others are interested in local traditions, history and like talking to local people. They try to spend so much time as possible using the foreign language they have learned at home.
People can spend much time by planning their holidays. The type of holiday they choose depends mostly on money. Travel agencies are offering a large scale of holidays. People with lot of money can afford an expensive holiday with all services like expensive accommodation, suitable insurance and comfortable way of travelling mostly by bus or by plane. On the other hand, people with less of money prefer travelling on their own. They stay at camp, prepare meals on their own.
Travelling is very important part of our lives. We can travel for pleasure, for holiday or just commute to work. We can´t live without overcoming the distances, because we want to be fast and live fast too.
Questions:
1. Which means of transport do you prefer using to get to your holiday destination and why?
I have spent all my holidays with my parents. We always travel with travel agency. So we prefer the services that they can offer to us. We have travelled by bus. It wasn´t very comfortable to spend 15 hours in bus, but it was quite funny. I have never travelled by plane, so I don´t know how it is and I can´t compare this types of travelling.
2. Many cities protect their historical buildings by setting up pedestrian zones where cars are not allowed. What do you think about this idea?
I think it´s a good idea. It protects not only the historical buildings but the people too. People can´t be crashed or injured by car accident. And it protects the environment too.
3. What do you think about cycling trips?
I think it´s a good idea. Especially for people who like spending their time by sport. By these trips they can recognize the land and the history of land from their bicycles.
4. Many people consider riding a motorbike to be very dangerous. What do you think?
I think riding a motorbike is dangerous, but it´s because the people who rides are not enough responsible. They are ridding very fast and they ignore the safety.
5. Many people think that travelling to exotic countries might be very dangerous to their health.
It could be dangerous because there is lot of unknown illnesses. Before you will travel to exotic country you should be vaccinated.
6. Describe how you protect yourself when you go on holiday?
I always pack to my suitcase some medicine. Some headache pills or nose drops. I always use a suntan lotion by sunbathing.
7. Describe how you prepare for your holiday?
I buy the things I will need new soap or shampoo. One day before departure I always pack my suitcase.
8. What would you do if you missed your flight abroad?
I would book a next plane ticket. Then I would call my family and tell that I arrive later.
9. What do you think about safety precautions before flying?
I think they are very necessary. They can protect people from terrorists.
10. Are you satisfied with the services provided by tourist agencies in Slovakia?
I have been allways satisfied with their services. If I would not ,I will complain of them and they should offer me a compensation.
11. Do you prefer travelling with a travel agency or do you organize holidays yourself?
I prefer travelling with travel agency because they can offer a large scale of services like travel insurance to me. If I would not be satisfied with their services they will return money to me.
12. Compare staying in a tent with staying in a cottage.
I think staying in a cottage is more comfortable. You can sleep in a bed, there isn´t so many insects. You can prepare your food in the kitchen. Spending your time in a tent isn´t comfortable because you have to sleep in sleeping- bag direct on the ground. There is lot of insects. Your clothes are damp.
My town, my region
Pleasant countryside, numerous cultural and historical monuments, attractive rural residences, interesting architecture, unlimited opportunities for hiking, winter and water sports, hunting as well as the rest and recreation - that all is Orava.
Geography
Orava is a very hilly region in the north of Slovakia. It lies on the border with Poland. Its territory is 1,661 square kilometers. It is under the administration of Žilina Province and there are 3 districts: Dolný Kubín, Námestovo and Tvrdošín.
The natural borders of Orava are formed by many mountain ranges. Popular are the West Tatra Mountains with their most beautiful part Roháče. They are a part of the Tatra National Park. The highest peak in Roháče is Baníkov (2,187m). From the botanical point of view, the flora includes over 700 species of plants protected by the law. Tourists are attracted here by the high mountain ranges, waterfalls and lakes. Orava forests are rich in various kinds of mushrooms and forest fruits – blueberries, blackberries, cranberries and others.
Rivers
The Orava River flows through the region. Waters of Slovak White Orava and Polish Black Orava run into the Orava lake. Orava dam was created to prevent villages from frequent floods. It is known as „the Orava Sea“ and covers 35 square kilometers. This lake is the ideal place for lovers of water sports. The frequent winds suit yachting and windsurfing fans.
Climate
This region is the coldest in Slovakia; winters are long and severe (harsh), with plenty of snow. Snow covers Orava for a long time, from November to April. The coldest months of the year are December and January with the temperatures between minus 4* C (4 degrees below zero) and minus 20*C (20 degrees below zero). Summers are short but not very hot. The warmest months are July and August with temperatures about plus 30*C (30 degrees above zero). There are a lot of rainfalls.
Economy
Agriculture has always been the main component of an economy in Orava. Typical regional products include products from sheep` s and cow` s milk in various forms.
- Hard sheep’s cheese (ovčí syr) - cheese in twisted stripes (korbáčiky)
- Smoked cheese (oštiepky) - steamed cheese (parenica)
- Items from wood, e.g. wooden furniture and utensils
- Woven carpets
- The ornamental embroidery on the Goral folk costumes and tablecloth.
Places to go
Orava region is a birth - place of many great people:
Famous persons:
-Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav, a great Slovak poet was born in Vyšný Kubín. His museum is situated in a district town Dolný Kubín.
-Anton Bernolák, the first codifier of literary of Slovak language. He was born in Slanica. We can admire his statue on „The Slanica Island of Art“. There is a permanent exposition of the Sacral Folk Sculpture and Painting. A modern nice boat provides regular voyages to this island.
-Martin Kukučin, a famous writer who was born in a small Orava village Jasenová.
Sightseeing:
-Orava Castle
Is a treasure of the history of Orava and still attracts thousands of tourists every year. This castle is situated on an 112m high cliff above the river Orava, in the village Oravský Podzámok. The first document about castle comes from 1267. There are still impressive exhibitions, e.g. the castle chapel, the knight’s hall, the picture gallery, the natural science exhibition and so on.
-Tvrdošín
It is the administrative centre of the Upper Orava region. The pride of this district town is the little late Gothic Wooden Roman-Catholic Church of All Saints from 15th century. It was awarded by the EUROPA NOSTRA PLAQUE in 1993 and this monument was included in the list of European Cultural Heritage. It has a beautiful wooden altar with patrons of the church. Today, the church is only used occasionally, e.g. for weddings, but its main purpose is to serve tourists. The final destination for many visitors of the town is The Gallery of Mária Medvecká (1914 – 1987), the painter of Orava. There is a permanent exposition of her paintings that give an untraditional view of the beauties of this region.
-Oravice
It is the complex of newly constructed thermal pools that offer healing bath and relaxing cures. The water temperature is about 36/38*C and it is suitable for the treatment of diseases of the moving parts, the urinary tract and kidneys.
- Zuberec
It is the entry village to Roháče. Three kilometers from Zuberec is Brestová, a unique Open–air museum of Orava village. There are exhibitions of wooden folk architecture, e.g. various kinds of huts, sacral buildings and the craftsman’s houses. The surrounding area offers many walking and cross country skiing paths.
Geography
Orava is a very hilly region in the north of Slovakia. It lies on the border with Poland. Its territory is 1,661 square kilometers. It is under the administration of Žilina Province and there are 3 districts: Dolný Kubín, Námestovo and Tvrdošín.
The natural borders of Orava are formed by many mountain ranges. Popular are the West Tatra Mountains with their most beautiful part Roháče. They are a part of the Tatra National Park. The highest peak in Roháče is Baníkov (2,187m). From the botanical point of view, the flora includes over 700 species of plants protected by the law. Tourists are attracted here by the high mountain ranges, waterfalls and lakes. Orava forests are rich in various kinds of mushrooms and forest fruits – blueberries, blackberries, cranberries and others.
Rivers
The Orava River flows through the region. Waters of Slovak White Orava and Polish Black Orava run into the Orava lake. Orava dam was created to prevent villages from frequent floods. It is known as „the Orava Sea“ and covers 35 square kilometers. This lake is the ideal place for lovers of water sports. The frequent winds suit yachting and windsurfing fans.
Climate
This region is the coldest in Slovakia; winters are long and severe (harsh), with plenty of snow. Snow covers Orava for a long time, from November to April. The coldest months of the year are December and January with the temperatures between minus 4* C (4 degrees below zero) and minus 20*C (20 degrees below zero). Summers are short but not very hot. The warmest months are July and August with temperatures about plus 30*C (30 degrees above zero). There are a lot of rainfalls.
Economy
Agriculture has always been the main component of an economy in Orava. Typical regional products include products from sheep` s and cow` s milk in various forms.
- Hard sheep’s cheese (ovčí syr) - cheese in twisted stripes (korbáčiky)
- Smoked cheese (oštiepky) - steamed cheese (parenica)
- Items from wood, e.g. wooden furniture and utensils
- Woven carpets
- The ornamental embroidery on the Goral folk costumes and tablecloth.
Places to go
Orava region is a birth - place of many great people:
Famous persons:
-Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav, a great Slovak poet was born in Vyšný Kubín. His museum is situated in a district town Dolný Kubín.
-Anton Bernolák, the first codifier of literary of Slovak language. He was born in Slanica. We can admire his statue on „The Slanica Island of Art“. There is a permanent exposition of the Sacral Folk Sculpture and Painting. A modern nice boat provides regular voyages to this island.
-Martin Kukučin, a famous writer who was born in a small Orava village Jasenová.
Sightseeing:
-Orava Castle
Is a treasure of the history of Orava and still attracts thousands of tourists every year. This castle is situated on an 112m high cliff above the river Orava, in the village Oravský Podzámok. The first document about castle comes from 1267. There are still impressive exhibitions, e.g. the castle chapel, the knight’s hall, the picture gallery, the natural science exhibition and so on.
-Tvrdošín
It is the administrative centre of the Upper Orava region. The pride of this district town is the little late Gothic Wooden Roman-Catholic Church of All Saints from 15th century. It was awarded by the EUROPA NOSTRA PLAQUE in 1993 and this monument was included in the list of European Cultural Heritage. It has a beautiful wooden altar with patrons of the church. Today, the church is only used occasionally, e.g. for weddings, but its main purpose is to serve tourists. The final destination for many visitors of the town is The Gallery of Mária Medvecká (1914 – 1987), the painter of Orava. There is a permanent exposition of her paintings that give an untraditional view of the beauties of this region.
-Oravice
It is the complex of newly constructed thermal pools that offer healing bath and relaxing cures. The water temperature is about 36/38*C and it is suitable for the treatment of diseases of the moving parts, the urinary tract and kidneys.
- Zuberec
It is the entry village to Roháče. Three kilometers from Zuberec is Brestová, a unique Open–air museum of Orava village. There are exhibitions of wooden folk architecture, e.g. various kinds of huts, sacral buildings and the craftsman’s houses. The surrounding area offers many walking and cross country skiing paths.
Best friend
I have never had many friends. First friends I met, when I began attending kindergarten. Friends changed with changing the school. Only one girl attended with me kindergarten and first three classes of basic school. Her name was the same as mine - Jitka. She was as tall as me, had shoulder-length blond and straight hair and blue eyes. She was very agile, and had a good sense of humor. She attended with me also a pioneer club, where I had also some friends, but nobody of them was as good friend as Jitka was. I lost any contact with her when my family moved away.
When we moved away I started attending new school. There I met many new children. Some of them became my friends. The best was Helena, I think. She had black long straight hair, brown eyes and she was higher than me. She wore it long to her shoulders, sometimes loose, sometimes done in a chignon. She was very intelligent she had always best marks. I could with her discus about many things, about science, about books, or only talking. She has played accordion since she was eight. Unfortunately, when I started attending the grammar school I met her only sometimes. Now she attends university, the pedagogical faculty.
When I started to attend the grammar school I also met many new people. I cannot say that somebody of them is my best friend but friends I have among then. The best of them is Lucie, I thing. She is about one head smaller than me, have chestnut short wavy hair. Her eyes are green. She is agreeable, intelligent, loves animals especially horses and dogs. She wants to study history at philosophical faculty. She is a member of a riding club and every minute of her spare time she devotes to horses.
I have also other friends. I think the friends from holidays. I attended camps and there I met Kateřina, I called her Kaťa, because she lives in the part of the Czech Republic called Slovácko and people there speak with a dialect. I met her about three years ago. She is old as me, I'm about two weeks older. She has shoulder length straight black hair, dark-brown eyes and she is a little bit taller than me. Her character is very similar as mine. She is agile, intelligent, loves animals and nature. In one side is different. She grew up with two brothers, so she behaves a little bit like a boy. She studies a secondary poly-technique school with a view to instruments. Now she is just on the university where she continues in her brunch.
Now something about my boyfriend his name is Aleš. We met about one and half year ago in special dance course. In the beginning we were only friends, he in this time visited the dance club, and he invited me there, I started attend this club and as the time went we fell in love. He has chestnut short hair, changed color eyes, is taller than me and he is about two and half year older than me. He is intelligent and has two big hobbies sport dancing and electronics. He studies electronics on the polytechnics university, now he is in the fourth semester. He is not self-centered, on the contrary, he is sensitive to other people's problems, tries understand them and help if he can. He does not get irritated easily and very rarely is in bad mood. He has a sense of humor and his whole disposition is optimistic. We say that we so long searched each other until we found each other. Though we have many things in common - dancing, travelling, and nature - and share the same opinions, I must say that he also has some faults. He is a little bit fat, is too sensitive on his failure and spends too much money on the electronic components. But, I love him very much, and I hope that I never lose him.
When we moved away I started attending new school. There I met many new children. Some of them became my friends. The best was Helena, I think. She had black long straight hair, brown eyes and she was higher than me. She wore it long to her shoulders, sometimes loose, sometimes done in a chignon. She was very intelligent she had always best marks. I could with her discus about many things, about science, about books, or only talking. She has played accordion since she was eight. Unfortunately, when I started attending the grammar school I met her only sometimes. Now she attends university, the pedagogical faculty.
When I started to attend the grammar school I also met many new people. I cannot say that somebody of them is my best friend but friends I have among then. The best of them is Lucie, I thing. She is about one head smaller than me, have chestnut short wavy hair. Her eyes are green. She is agreeable, intelligent, loves animals especially horses and dogs. She wants to study history at philosophical faculty. She is a member of a riding club and every minute of her spare time she devotes to horses.
I have also other friends. I think the friends from holidays. I attended camps and there I met Kateřina, I called her Kaťa, because she lives in the part of the Czech Republic called Slovácko and people there speak with a dialect. I met her about three years ago. She is old as me, I'm about two weeks older. She has shoulder length straight black hair, dark-brown eyes and she is a little bit taller than me. Her character is very similar as mine. She is agile, intelligent, loves animals and nature. In one side is different. She grew up with two brothers, so she behaves a little bit like a boy. She studies a secondary poly-technique school with a view to instruments. Now she is just on the university where she continues in her brunch.
Now something about my boyfriend his name is Aleš. We met about one and half year ago in special dance course. In the beginning we were only friends, he in this time visited the dance club, and he invited me there, I started attend this club and as the time went we fell in love. He has chestnut short hair, changed color eyes, is taller than me and he is about two and half year older than me. He is intelligent and has two big hobbies sport dancing and electronics. He studies electronics on the polytechnics university, now he is in the fourth semester. He is not self-centered, on the contrary, he is sensitive to other people's problems, tries understand them and help if he can. He does not get irritated easily and very rarely is in bad mood. He has a sense of humor and his whole disposition is optimistic. We say that we so long searched each other until we found each other. Though we have many things in common - dancing, travelling, and nature - and share the same opinions, I must say that he also has some faults. He is a little bit fat, is too sensitive on his failure and spends too much money on the electronic components. But, I love him very much, and I hope that I never lose him.
Environmental problems
Civilization has brought people many advantages but its products also pollute and damage the environment in which we live. Britain has been implementing policies to protect the environment against pollution from industry and other sources for more than a century, while in the Czech Republic we are only at the beginning. Pollution affects air, water, land, forests, people, animals and plants.
Technology has an important role to play in reducing pollution and developing new means for reducing harmful emissions. It can be used to protect the environment in several ways, including basic changes which result in less waste or pollution and developing ways to recycle materials. Waste materials which were previously dumped can be converted into useful products. “End-of-pipe” systems can be installed to clean up emissions. And cleaner or less harmful alternative products may be manufactured.
Air pollution is the biggest problem in large cities and in areas with concentrated industrial production. Emissions range from smoke, dust, and smells to car and truck exhausts. Smoke contents sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide which are produced by coal-fired power stations and industrial plants burning fossil fuels. Substances, such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide can cause major changes in the environment which can lead to climate changes. These substances mix with water vapour in the atmosphere and form sulphuric acid and nitric acid. Sunlights turns these acids into poisonous oxidants which fall in the form of rain (acid rain) or snow onto trees and gradually kill them.
Trees are vitally important for our life because they are the lungs of our planet. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and give out oxygen in return. In some parts of the world, such as Asia and South America, trees are not threatened by pollution, but by people. The great rain forests are being destroyed for firewood and building materials. Since the Amazon rain forest covers an area as large as the whole of Europe and contains one third of the world’s trees, scientists believe that it provides 50% of the world’s annual protection of oxygen. If we lose tropical forests, it will become more difficult, perhaps even impossible, to breathe.
With more carbon dioxide in the air, the temperature will rise; the icecaps at the North and South Poles will melt, and the sea level will rise which will result in the flooding of many coastal cities. Several gases have been identified as contributing to the “greenhouse effect”, which can also cause climate change. Without this geenhouse effect there could be no life on earth because the earth is warmed up naturally by the atmosphere which traps solar radiations. But manmade atmospheric emissions, such as carbon dioxide (produced by burning fossil fuels), nitrogen oxides (from car exhausts), chlorofluorocarbons from aerosol and refrigerators) and water vapour prevent the heat from escaping. The result is a rise in the Earth’s temperature, the melting of arctic ice and the flooding of areas situated near sea level.
Ozone is another air pollutant that contributes to the greenhouse effect at lower atmospheric levels. It is produced by the reaction of sunlight on car exhaust fumes and is a major air pollutant in hot summers. On the ground level ozone can cause asthma attacks and corrosion of certain materials. On the other hand, ozone forms a layer in the upper atmosphere which protects life on Earth from ultraviolet rays. These rays are a cause of skin cancer. A continent-sized hole has formad over Antarctica as a result of damage of the ozone layer, caused in part by chlorofluorocarbon.
Technology has an important role to play in reducing pollution and developing new means for reducing harmful emissions. It can be used to protect the environment in several ways, including basic changes which result in less waste or pollution and developing ways to recycle materials. Waste materials which were previously dumped can be converted into useful products. “End-of-pipe” systems can be installed to clean up emissions. And cleaner or less harmful alternative products may be manufactured.
Air pollution is the biggest problem in large cities and in areas with concentrated industrial production. Emissions range from smoke, dust, and smells to car and truck exhausts. Smoke contents sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide which are produced by coal-fired power stations and industrial plants burning fossil fuels. Substances, such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide can cause major changes in the environment which can lead to climate changes. These substances mix with water vapour in the atmosphere and form sulphuric acid and nitric acid. Sunlights turns these acids into poisonous oxidants which fall in the form of rain (acid rain) or snow onto trees and gradually kill them.
Trees are vitally important for our life because they are the lungs of our planet. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and give out oxygen in return. In some parts of the world, such as Asia and South America, trees are not threatened by pollution, but by people. The great rain forests are being destroyed for firewood and building materials. Since the Amazon rain forest covers an area as large as the whole of Europe and contains one third of the world’s trees, scientists believe that it provides 50% of the world’s annual protection of oxygen. If we lose tropical forests, it will become more difficult, perhaps even impossible, to breathe.
With more carbon dioxide in the air, the temperature will rise; the icecaps at the North and South Poles will melt, and the sea level will rise which will result in the flooding of many coastal cities. Several gases have been identified as contributing to the “greenhouse effect”, which can also cause climate change. Without this geenhouse effect there could be no life on earth because the earth is warmed up naturally by the atmosphere which traps solar radiations. But manmade atmospheric emissions, such as carbon dioxide (produced by burning fossil fuels), nitrogen oxides (from car exhausts), chlorofluorocarbons from aerosol and refrigerators) and water vapour prevent the heat from escaping. The result is a rise in the Earth’s temperature, the melting of arctic ice and the flooding of areas situated near sea level.
Ozone is another air pollutant that contributes to the greenhouse effect at lower atmospheric levels. It is produced by the reaction of sunlight on car exhaust fumes and is a major air pollutant in hot summers. On the ground level ozone can cause asthma attacks and corrosion of certain materials. On the other hand, ozone forms a layer in the upper atmosphere which protects life on Earth from ultraviolet rays. These rays are a cause of skin cancer. A continent-sized hole has formad over Antarctica as a result of damage of the ozone layer, caused in part by chlorofluorocarbon.
Daily routine, leisure time, hobbies
People like spend their time in different manner (způsob). It is caused by upbringing. People whose parents love sports will be probably sportsmen too. Some people are sick or some are lazy. Someone likes art, someone books, someone likes playing heroes. It is good if someone has some hobbies, because people who are not interested of anything are boring.
1) Theatres
I like visiting theatres, because I like operas. I would like to visit National Opera, because I haven’t been there yet. I would like to see there Nabucco – it is an opera about Jews in exile. My favourite opera is La Traviata. After the final exam I would like to visit theatre more often. But opera is not the only theatre. It is also the tragedies and comedies, musicals and historical plays. If I have time I would like to see William Shakespeare’s plays, because the reading of them was wonderful.
2) Cinemas
People usually go to the cinema because they want to entertain themselves (bavit se). We can see action films, romantic films, historic films, detective films, horrors, funny and crazy comedies, films about some personality or musicals. But for today’s people video is the most interesting. If we wait for a short time we can borrow a film on a videocassette. It is cheaper than cinema, we can stay sitting at home and do what we want. Sometimes it is good, but I prefer to go out with friends.
3) Music
Music is an important part of our lives. We like it, we hate it but it everyone has his or her music which she or he adore (zbožňovat). We can listen different kinds of music. It can be classical music, or modern music – rock, punk, metal, techno, tekkno, pop, hip-hop, rap, soul, ballads, hard-core, jazz, house etc. People visit concerts or music clubs to listen the music or dancing. There are different types of dancing, it can be Latin-American dance, disco dance, pogo, classical dances like a cha- cha, rumba, tango etc.
4) Fashion
This is the a topic specially for girls. Any girl sometimes stands in front of the mirror and says that she doesn’t have anything to wear. Some girls say this every day and go to the shop to buy some new clothes or shoes. They can do shopping at Mark & Spencer, United colours of Beneton, Giga sports or some others shops. Someone has the fashion like a hobby and sew their some clothes themselves. I have been never tried to make my clothes myself, but I like make things like a bags, or a rucksack.
5) Computer
More and more young people like the computers and Internet so much than don’t leave their homes. They play games all day. they loose contact with other people. But if they like it, I don’t mind. I like the computer games too, but on my old computer I can play only some of them. But I need computer to learn. Many of books are nowadays on the CD-ROM and it is sometimes better to buy CD than a book. It is smaller and you can look for words easier.
6) Going out
Going out is a good leisure time activity. You can go by bus, to another town and walk home, or you can go by boat. You can choose between a steam boat or barge, whiff (veslice), kayak or raft. If you don’t like water, you can walk. If you don’t like walking you can drive a car, ride a donkey, a horse or some other animal. If you are a sportsman and you like biking you can travel by bike to the nature or to the old castles.
7) Sports
I do active sport. I like to do something what is good for physical condition. I do a rowing. I am not a good rower, but I like to do it. Before that I did gymnastics and judo. In a rowing club you can make friends for going to the theatres, concerts and to the pub. I like a bicycle riding, badminton and running too. Sometimes it is hard to do sport but it is wonderful feeling when you can say to you that your life has some aim. (cíl)
8) Fantasy games
There is a special game named Dragon lodge and it depends (záviset) on human fantasy how interesting the game will be. You can choose a figure you wish to play it can be a barbarian, a pygmy, a man, a hobbit, a kroll – it is the type of giant, an elf, and you can choose the profession for it – a warrior, a mage, an alchemist, a thief or a borderer. Somebody must play the Lord of the cave (jeskyně) and this person must be prepared for all adventure (dobrodružství). You can play in the cave, in the dungeon, in the fields. You can give your figure the random (libovolné) name.
9) Books
Many people of my generation don’t like reading books. It is a pity, because some books are very good. Maybe some films made according the books are better than reading these books. But authors like Stephen King, John Steinbeck, J.R.R. Tolkien, Peter Straus, Lion Feuchtwanger, Henrich Mann, or some other classic authors are really good. Maybe some day we start reading the books again
10) Art and people who do it
Art is interesting for people who like the pictures and galleries, exhibitions and fairs (veletrhy). Usually it is the people who are do art on their own. They are the artists, players on a musical instrument, poets, architects, writers, and people who understand the art. It can be modern art or art from the period of classicism, renaissance, baroque, rococo etc. Art is a great hobby for people have more free time, but it is very demanding (náročný).
1) Theatres
I like visiting theatres, because I like operas. I would like to visit National Opera, because I haven’t been there yet. I would like to see there Nabucco – it is an opera about Jews in exile. My favourite opera is La Traviata. After the final exam I would like to visit theatre more often. But opera is not the only theatre. It is also the tragedies and comedies, musicals and historical plays. If I have time I would like to see William Shakespeare’s plays, because the reading of them was wonderful.
2) Cinemas
People usually go to the cinema because they want to entertain themselves (bavit se). We can see action films, romantic films, historic films, detective films, horrors, funny and crazy comedies, films about some personality or musicals. But for today’s people video is the most interesting. If we wait for a short time we can borrow a film on a videocassette. It is cheaper than cinema, we can stay sitting at home and do what we want. Sometimes it is good, but I prefer to go out with friends.
3) Music
Music is an important part of our lives. We like it, we hate it but it everyone has his or her music which she or he adore (zbožňovat). We can listen different kinds of music. It can be classical music, or modern music – rock, punk, metal, techno, tekkno, pop, hip-hop, rap, soul, ballads, hard-core, jazz, house etc. People visit concerts or music clubs to listen the music or dancing. There are different types of dancing, it can be Latin-American dance, disco dance, pogo, classical dances like a cha- cha, rumba, tango etc.
4) Fashion
This is the a topic specially for girls. Any girl sometimes stands in front of the mirror and says that she doesn’t have anything to wear. Some girls say this every day and go to the shop to buy some new clothes or shoes. They can do shopping at Mark & Spencer, United colours of Beneton, Giga sports or some others shops. Someone has the fashion like a hobby and sew their some clothes themselves. I have been never tried to make my clothes myself, but I like make things like a bags, or a rucksack.
5) Computer
More and more young people like the computers and Internet so much than don’t leave their homes. They play games all day. they loose contact with other people. But if they like it, I don’t mind. I like the computer games too, but on my old computer I can play only some of them. But I need computer to learn. Many of books are nowadays on the CD-ROM and it is sometimes better to buy CD than a book. It is smaller and you can look for words easier.
6) Going out
Going out is a good leisure time activity. You can go by bus, to another town and walk home, or you can go by boat. You can choose between a steam boat or barge, whiff (veslice), kayak or raft. If you don’t like water, you can walk. If you don’t like walking you can drive a car, ride a donkey, a horse or some other animal. If you are a sportsman and you like biking you can travel by bike to the nature or to the old castles.
7) Sports
I do active sport. I like to do something what is good for physical condition. I do a rowing. I am not a good rower, but I like to do it. Before that I did gymnastics and judo. In a rowing club you can make friends for going to the theatres, concerts and to the pub. I like a bicycle riding, badminton and running too. Sometimes it is hard to do sport but it is wonderful feeling when you can say to you that your life has some aim. (cíl)
8) Fantasy games
There is a special game named Dragon lodge and it depends (záviset) on human fantasy how interesting the game will be. You can choose a figure you wish to play it can be a barbarian, a pygmy, a man, a hobbit, a kroll – it is the type of giant, an elf, and you can choose the profession for it – a warrior, a mage, an alchemist, a thief or a borderer. Somebody must play the Lord of the cave (jeskyně) and this person must be prepared for all adventure (dobrodružství). You can play in the cave, in the dungeon, in the fields. You can give your figure the random (libovolné) name.
9) Books
Many people of my generation don’t like reading books. It is a pity, because some books are very good. Maybe some films made according the books are better than reading these books. But authors like Stephen King, John Steinbeck, J.R.R. Tolkien, Peter Straus, Lion Feuchtwanger, Henrich Mann, or some other classic authors are really good. Maybe some day we start reading the books again
10) Art and people who do it
Art is interesting for people who like the pictures and galleries, exhibitions and fairs (veletrhy). Usually it is the people who are do art on their own. They are the artists, players on a musical instrument, poets, architects, writers, and people who understand the art. It can be modern art or art from the period of classicism, renaissance, baroque, rococo etc. Art is a great hobby for people have more free time, but it is very demanding (náročný).
Human body,health
Medical care of any type in our country is free of charge, although there are now many private doctors. We don't pay for prescription or for some medicines. But for other medicines, especially for those from abroad, we must pay.
For a long time the state has been looking after each of its citizens - even before birth - under the scheme called Mother and Child Care. There are medical check-ups before the child is born and maternity ward services. As to financial help after giving births mothers get benefits for three years after the birth of a child. For the first 26 weeks she gets 90 per cent of her pay and for the rest of her maternity leave she gets fewer benefits.
Then comes medical and social care during the pre-school and school age, up to old age. The term "free medical care" includes any type of medical treatment - from seeing your doctor because of common cold to the most complicated operation. The Health insurance system is undergoing some changes at present. Employers pay health insurance for their employees but everybody can pay extra money for his/her health insurance. Private people must buy their health insurance themselves.
If we fall ill or if we have an accident, we go to the Health Centre, Policlinic, Hospital or to some Private Doctor. Many factories and offices have their own doctors. To improve the situation and promote the competition we can choose our doctors now.
There are various types of physicians who treat various diseases and disorders. They are e g. GP (general practitioners), dentists, surgeons, interns, oculists, paediatricians, gynaecologists, psychiatrists, dermatologists, ear and throat specialists, orthopaedic specialists etc.
Illnesses can be classified as light, heavy, fatal ones, infectious, short or long ones, injuries as light, heavy, serious, lethal ones etc. However it's impossible to qualify everything as illness, sickness or disease. In case of light disorders or ailments we usually say: I feel unwell, I feel seedy or dizzy, I feel sick, I have a headache, I have a cold etc.
We cannot underrate any kind of illness. A patient getting over a feverish sickness without taking to ( staying in ) bed takes a risk, as it usually leaves traces sometimes very dangerous ones.
Each person should undergo a regular check-up at last once a year. However we usually go to see our doctor when we don t feel well or have a temperature. There are various types of medical treatment for our different types of troubles. Doctor may ask you to strip to the waist before he/she examines your chest and throat. They check our blood pressure, feel the pulse or put our blood or urine through lab-tests to take for example a blood count. They look down our throat, see our tongue and listen to our heart and lungs. Sometimes they may X-ray our lungs or bones. We must go through many types of vaccination during our lives. Dentists may check our teeth and sometimes pull out one of them or drill and fill them. For older people they sometimes fit bridges on their teeth or make dentures. Doctors usually prescribe some medicines to us - pills, antibiotics, gargling, eye-wash, sleeping pills, ointments or they tell us to go on a diet. After operations, scars remain on our bodies.
We can suffer from various illnesses beginning with common children diseases such as: chicken-pox, mumps, measles, scarlet fever, otitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, which are a scourge for children of kindergarten and school age. But owing to vaccination and hygiene, diseases like diphtheria, measles, infantile paralysis, hepatitis aren't a serious danger for them any more.
We usually suffer from common infections such as cold, flu (influenza), tonsillitis, indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation. Thanks to new and effective medicaments like various kinds of antibiotics even these feverish diseases are no more dangerous to life. A patient usually has to stay in bed, drink warm tea with lemon and honey, perspire, take pills, drops or vitamins, test his temperature and sleep as much as possible. However the situation may sometimes be more serious and needs special treatment in hospital, e.g. heart attack, appendicitis, breaking an arm or leg, animal or snake bite, severe bleeding, poisoning, unconsciousness or in case of some real dangerous diseases such as tuberculosis, anaemia, pneumonia, leukaemia, diabetes, hepatitis etc. The doctors care must be very attentive because human life is in danger. It is the same with all possible operations and surgical interferences. The biggest threat are insidious diseases like cancer or encephalitis whose virus is transferred by ticks. The last world threat is AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) which cannot be cured. One must protect himself from such a disease by increased caution and by observing hygienic laws and advice.
There are also many other problems which do not help avoid or prevent health problems (e.g. extreme poverty of many people all around the world, large sums of money put toward armament instead of health insurance, the human environment is spoiled, we do not live in balance with nature).
The best way to keep one s health is prevention, which is better than cure. In other words, the best way to cure yourself of a disease is not to catch it. We should try to live a healthy way of life, which means we should have a good proportion of work to leisure time, between our sleep and the time up, to keep our mental state in order.
We should practise sports, at least swim or go for walks, we should not smoke, drink too much alcohol, become drug addicts or change our intimate friends too often. Generally speaking we should lead such a way of life to keep our mind and body in a perfect state and balance.
Public health education plays its role especially among children and young people, e.g. prize contest competitions in knowledge of the first aid (every driver should know the contents of his box of first aid), swimming courses etc.
For a long time the state has been looking after each of its citizens - even before birth - under the scheme called Mother and Child Care. There are medical check-ups before the child is born and maternity ward services. As to financial help after giving births mothers get benefits for three years after the birth of a child. For the first 26 weeks she gets 90 per cent of her pay and for the rest of her maternity leave she gets fewer benefits.
Then comes medical and social care during the pre-school and school age, up to old age. The term "free medical care" includes any type of medical treatment - from seeing your doctor because of common cold to the most complicated operation. The Health insurance system is undergoing some changes at present. Employers pay health insurance for their employees but everybody can pay extra money for his/her health insurance. Private people must buy their health insurance themselves.
If we fall ill or if we have an accident, we go to the Health Centre, Policlinic, Hospital or to some Private Doctor. Many factories and offices have their own doctors. To improve the situation and promote the competition we can choose our doctors now.
There are various types of physicians who treat various diseases and disorders. They are e g. GP (general practitioners), dentists, surgeons, interns, oculists, paediatricians, gynaecologists, psychiatrists, dermatologists, ear and throat specialists, orthopaedic specialists etc.
Illnesses can be classified as light, heavy, fatal ones, infectious, short or long ones, injuries as light, heavy, serious, lethal ones etc. However it's impossible to qualify everything as illness, sickness or disease. In case of light disorders or ailments we usually say: I feel unwell, I feel seedy or dizzy, I feel sick, I have a headache, I have a cold etc.
We cannot underrate any kind of illness. A patient getting over a feverish sickness without taking to ( staying in ) bed takes a risk, as it usually leaves traces sometimes very dangerous ones.
Each person should undergo a regular check-up at last once a year. However we usually go to see our doctor when we don t feel well or have a temperature. There are various types of medical treatment for our different types of troubles. Doctor may ask you to strip to the waist before he/she examines your chest and throat. They check our blood pressure, feel the pulse or put our blood or urine through lab-tests to take for example a blood count. They look down our throat, see our tongue and listen to our heart and lungs. Sometimes they may X-ray our lungs or bones. We must go through many types of vaccination during our lives. Dentists may check our teeth and sometimes pull out one of them or drill and fill them. For older people they sometimes fit bridges on their teeth or make dentures. Doctors usually prescribe some medicines to us - pills, antibiotics, gargling, eye-wash, sleeping pills, ointments or they tell us to go on a diet. After operations, scars remain on our bodies.
We can suffer from various illnesses beginning with common children diseases such as: chicken-pox, mumps, measles, scarlet fever, otitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, which are a scourge for children of kindergarten and school age. But owing to vaccination and hygiene, diseases like diphtheria, measles, infantile paralysis, hepatitis aren't a serious danger for them any more.
We usually suffer from common infections such as cold, flu (influenza), tonsillitis, indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation. Thanks to new and effective medicaments like various kinds of antibiotics even these feverish diseases are no more dangerous to life. A patient usually has to stay in bed, drink warm tea with lemon and honey, perspire, take pills, drops or vitamins, test his temperature and sleep as much as possible. However the situation may sometimes be more serious and needs special treatment in hospital, e.g. heart attack, appendicitis, breaking an arm or leg, animal or snake bite, severe bleeding, poisoning, unconsciousness or in case of some real dangerous diseases such as tuberculosis, anaemia, pneumonia, leukaemia, diabetes, hepatitis etc. The doctors care must be very attentive because human life is in danger. It is the same with all possible operations and surgical interferences. The biggest threat are insidious diseases like cancer or encephalitis whose virus is transferred by ticks. The last world threat is AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) which cannot be cured. One must protect himself from such a disease by increased caution and by observing hygienic laws and advice.
There are also many other problems which do not help avoid or prevent health problems (e.g. extreme poverty of many people all around the world, large sums of money put toward armament instead of health insurance, the human environment is spoiled, we do not live in balance with nature).
The best way to keep one s health is prevention, which is better than cure. In other words, the best way to cure yourself of a disease is not to catch it. We should try to live a healthy way of life, which means we should have a good proportion of work to leisure time, between our sleep and the time up, to keep our mental state in order.
We should practise sports, at least swim or go for walks, we should not smoke, drink too much alcohol, become drug addicts or change our intimate friends too often. Generally speaking we should lead such a way of life to keep our mind and body in a perfect state and balance.
Public health education plays its role especially among children and young people, e.g. prize contest competitions in knowledge of the first aid (every driver should know the contents of his box of first aid), swimming courses etc.
Young people - generation problem
There are two groups of young people. The first group is formed by teenagers in the age of 15-20. These people aren’t children no more, but not yet adults. They attend school and they still live with their parents. It is quite simple to influence them. They are influenced by parents, friends and of course by society. They only want to find themselves, their lifestyle and their place in society. They want to form their personality and want to find their own style. They like to experiment with their image. They experiment with their clothes very often. There are lot of reasons for it, for example if they want to fit in with friends and imitate them. They are usually members of groups of young people, which have their own rules and their members have to keep them. They can be dressed in one style, for example punk or rock style (they can wear leather clothes or disrupted jeans; they can have tattoos or piercing). They want to be members of these groups, because they want to show their independence. The most frequently reason is that they have problems at home. They are arguing with parents. Their parents are too strict and they don’t understand to each other. For these people is very dangerous to be in these groups. They are quite simply to influence and they can get easy to drugs, alcohol or violence. That’s the reason why parents should talk with their children about everything. They should obtain (získať) their confidence (dôvera) and they should have understanding for them, if they want to protect them.
The other group is formed by people in the age of 20-30. These people are enough responsible and they have found their place in society. They live alone, they study or have a job, and they want to enjoy their life. They don’t have pledges and they feel free. They only want to have fun and life is a big challenge for them.
Young people have lot of opportunities. They are young and they can do everything what they want, because they don’t have pledges. Of course from some certain age (when they are of age). It is different in different countries. In Slovakia it is 18, in USA it is the age of 21. From this age they are responsible for themselves. They can work and study; they can travel, recognize foreign land and obtain new experiences. It’s a big advantage to be young. On the other hand there are also some disadvantages. In opinion of adults and elderly people are young people not enough responsible, they don’t have experiences. They think that young people can’t do things like they can. Elderly people think that they know everything better.
Relationships between adults, elderly people and young people can be different. Elderly people always think that young people are cheeky (drzý), ill-mannered (nevychovaný) and foolish (pochabý), they don’t know how should they behave. In opinion of young people elderly people always want to be right and are old. That is the reason why these relationships so tense (napäté).
Questions
1. Describe what the ideal childhood for you would be like.
For me was my childhood ideal. I was a happy child because my parents have been great. They have done everything what was good for me. They have always had patience (trpezlivosť) and understanding for me. We could talk about everything. They can always give me advice and always can help me. Of course sometimes we argued but I think it is normal in every family.
2. What do you know about your parents or grandparents childhood? How was it different to yours?
My parents childhood was similar to my. They have been living in the town too. The only difference is that they grew up few years earlier. So they hadn’t the same possibilities like I have now. There weren’t computers and the Internet. I think for me is everything easier. Young people today have access to all the modern inventions that make or lives easier. They are used to saving time; we can find everything what we want. My grandparent’s childhood was another. They have been living on the village. They grew up in nature. They could be out all the day. They could be in nature.
3. Give the pros and cons of being young today. Would you prefer to be teenager 10, 20 or 50 years ago?
I think there are lot of pros of being young today. Young people have lot of possibilities today. Everything is easier. Teenagers can use computers for everything, they can use it for school, and they can find a sea lot of information on the Internet. And it is very simple. It is enough to make one click. Young people have today also lot of study possibilities. They can study and work abroad; they can recognize foreign lands and different people with their culture and can get new experiences. And it is a big advantage. There are also some cons of being young. People expect from young people to be more responsible and have more experiences. They think they aren’t equivalent partners for them. I would not prefer to be young few years ago. I think that my life is easier like it was then. I have lot of opportunities; I have access to modern inventions like computers are. I don’t want to change my life.
4. Sometimes we do thing that hurt our parents. Talk about an experience you know of (in your own life or someone else’s) in which that happened.
Every one of us sometimes do thing that hurt our parents. It is because every teenager wants to be independent. We want to be free and do things on our own. Our parents always say to us what should we do. We are fed up with it. We want to make mistakes and get experiences. And sometimes we aren’t brave and we do things which hurt our parents. I know a situation of real life. A daughter of our family friend wanted to travel, learn new language. She wanted to be independent. He parents didn’t agree. So she left school and home and went to Spain. Now she lives and works there. Only sometimes she send a message, but she doesn’t come home. Her parents are sad.
5. What is beauty for you? Define beauty or beautiful.
Today there is a big pressure on women, especially on young girls. Everywhere around us there are mass media, which offer beauty to us. But it is their definition of beauty. Something what is not natural, tall and slim girls which looks like pegs. In my opinion everyone can be beautiful. Every one has something pretty in himself. These can be character traits or pretty face. I don’t matter if somebody is slim or fat. The most important thing is his behaviour and character.
6. What do you expect from your university studies?
I expect that after university I will find a good job. Something what will I like to do. I expect I will have more possibilities by searching for a job with university education.
The other group is formed by people in the age of 20-30. These people are enough responsible and they have found their place in society. They live alone, they study or have a job, and they want to enjoy their life. They don’t have pledges and they feel free. They only want to have fun and life is a big challenge for them.
Young people have lot of opportunities. They are young and they can do everything what they want, because they don’t have pledges. Of course from some certain age (when they are of age). It is different in different countries. In Slovakia it is 18, in USA it is the age of 21. From this age they are responsible for themselves. They can work and study; they can travel, recognize foreign land and obtain new experiences. It’s a big advantage to be young. On the other hand there are also some disadvantages. In opinion of adults and elderly people are young people not enough responsible, they don’t have experiences. They think that young people can’t do things like they can. Elderly people think that they know everything better.
Relationships between adults, elderly people and young people can be different. Elderly people always think that young people are cheeky (drzý), ill-mannered (nevychovaný) and foolish (pochabý), they don’t know how should they behave. In opinion of young people elderly people always want to be right and are old. That is the reason why these relationships so tense (napäté).
Questions
1. Describe what the ideal childhood for you would be like.
For me was my childhood ideal. I was a happy child because my parents have been great. They have done everything what was good for me. They have always had patience (trpezlivosť) and understanding for me. We could talk about everything. They can always give me advice and always can help me. Of course sometimes we argued but I think it is normal in every family.
2. What do you know about your parents or grandparents childhood? How was it different to yours?
My parents childhood was similar to my. They have been living in the town too. The only difference is that they grew up few years earlier. So they hadn’t the same possibilities like I have now. There weren’t computers and the Internet. I think for me is everything easier. Young people today have access to all the modern inventions that make or lives easier. They are used to saving time; we can find everything what we want. My grandparent’s childhood was another. They have been living on the village. They grew up in nature. They could be out all the day. They could be in nature.
3. Give the pros and cons of being young today. Would you prefer to be teenager 10, 20 or 50 years ago?
I think there are lot of pros of being young today. Young people have lot of possibilities today. Everything is easier. Teenagers can use computers for everything, they can use it for school, and they can find a sea lot of information on the Internet. And it is very simple. It is enough to make one click. Young people have today also lot of study possibilities. They can study and work abroad; they can recognize foreign lands and different people with their culture and can get new experiences. And it is a big advantage. There are also some cons of being young. People expect from young people to be more responsible and have more experiences. They think they aren’t equivalent partners for them. I would not prefer to be young few years ago. I think that my life is easier like it was then. I have lot of opportunities; I have access to modern inventions like computers are. I don’t want to change my life.
4. Sometimes we do thing that hurt our parents. Talk about an experience you know of (in your own life or someone else’s) in which that happened.
Every one of us sometimes do thing that hurt our parents. It is because every teenager wants to be independent. We want to be free and do things on our own. Our parents always say to us what should we do. We are fed up with it. We want to make mistakes and get experiences. And sometimes we aren’t brave and we do things which hurt our parents. I know a situation of real life. A daughter of our family friend wanted to travel, learn new language. She wanted to be independent. He parents didn’t agree. So she left school and home and went to Spain. Now she lives and works there. Only sometimes she send a message, but she doesn’t come home. Her parents are sad.
5. What is beauty for you? Define beauty or beautiful.
Today there is a big pressure on women, especially on young girls. Everywhere around us there are mass media, which offer beauty to us. But it is their definition of beauty. Something what is not natural, tall and slim girls which looks like pegs. In my opinion everyone can be beautiful. Every one has something pretty in himself. These can be character traits or pretty face. I don’t matter if somebody is slim or fat. The most important thing is his behaviour and character.
6. What do you expect from your university studies?
I expect that after university I will find a good job. Something what will I like to do. I expect I will have more possibilities by searching for a job with university education.
Czech republic
History:
First state in this territory, inhabited by Slavonic tribes was Samoa’s Empire. Than The Big Moravia Empire followed. It was very famous and the capital was probably situated in the southern Moravia near village Mikulčice. Even when the Great Moravia still existed, another state formed at the region of Bohemia. It was called Czech Crown Kingdom. In 9th century the power was taken by Přemyslid dynasty. When the Přemyslid dynasty died out by the sword, the Czech throne went by way of a dynastic wedding to the Luxembourg. Under Charles IV. the Czech Kingdom became the centre of the Holy Roman Empire and the Prague was the capital town. Charles IV. built in Prague the second oldest stone bridge in our republic, establish an archbishop there and founded Charles University, the oldest one in the middle Europe. The first part of the 15th century is marked by the Hussite Movement. It is named after John Huss, rector of Charles University and preacher, who tried reform Catholic Church. He was burnt at the stake as a heretic. After the reign of Jiří of Poděbrady, who is known for his appeal to other European kings to make a treaty securing peace, Jagiellonian dynasty was established on the Czech throne. But they reigned only for a short time and the throne was passed to Habsburg dynasty. The centre of culture and politic moved from Prague to Vienna and we became a part of big Austria Empire. They oppressed Czech nation for almost 400 years. They tried to re-catholic and germanise; they also tried to liquidate Czech literature. Then the WWI began. Austria lost this war and it was split into five states. One of them was new established Czechoslovak Republic with our first president Tomáš Garigue Masaryk. This state was destroyed by the German occupation and it appeared again after WWII. But the power was taken over by the communists directed by the Soviet Union. In 1968 the Czechoslovakia was oppressed by the invasion of the Soviet army and the “normalisation” lasted about another 20 years till the “velvet revolution” in 1989. The following development led to the splitting of the republic and in 1993 two new states appeared – the Czech republic and the Slovak Republic. Our president is Václav Klaus.
Geography:
The Czech Republic is situated in the centre of Europe and sometimes it is called a heart of the Europe. It has a population of 10 million people and covers an area about 80,000 sq. km. The Czech borders are the oldest one in the Europe. We border with Germany in the west with nature border made by the Ore Mountains, the Czech Forest and Šumava range. The border with Poland are made by the Jizerské Mountains, the Giant Mountains the Eagle Mountains and the Jeseník Mountain range. Border with Austria are made by the Dyje river and the border with Slovakia are made by the Morava river and White Karpat hills. Czech Republic consists of three lands: Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. Natural border between Moravia and Bohemia are made by Bohemian-Moravian Highland. The biggest mountain in Czech Republic is Sněžka (1612m) in Giant Mountains and the longest river is Vltava. Other important rivers are Labe, Jizera, Ohře, Svitava, Svratka, Dyje, Morava and Oder. At the southern Moravia the fertile lowlands can be found. Our republic lies in the Temperate Zone. We haven’t a sea. There are the warmest areas in Southern Moravia and the coldest area in the Giant Mountains. The average annual rainfall is about 600cm.
Population:
The biggest city is the capital, Prague and it has about one million inhabitants. The other big cities are Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, České Budějovice, Hradec Králové. The major nationalities living here are Czech and Moravian, but there are also minority groups such as the Silesians, the Romes, the Poles, the Germans, the Ukrainians and the Russians.
Economy and industry:
The most important part of our economy is engineering (machine tools, locomotives, tractors, and agricultural machines). Other important branches are metallurgical and chemical industries and tourism, textile and glass industries have a long tradition. One of our most significant raw materials is coal. Black coal and anthracite are to be found mainly in the Ostrava Coal Basin, but also in the area of Kladno and elsewhere. Because of intensive mining are these regions the most polluted ones in Czech Republic. The supplies of brown coal or lignite can be found in the Nort Bohemia Coal Basin and in Western Bohemia in the Sokolov Basin. We also hove minor supplies of iron ore, uranium and oil. Our rich deposits of kaolin and clay are important for the ceramics and glass industries as well as limestone for the building industry. Also agriculture in our republic is developed enough. The most fertile soil is in the South Moravia. Them main items grown there are wheat, sugar-beet, maize, grapes, hops and fruits. In animal production are the most important cattle-breeding and pig-breeding. Fish-breeding, especially carp-breeding can be found in South Bohemia, in the region called Třeboňsko. Bohemia and Moravia are quite rich in mineral springs and spas (Karlovy Vary, Mariánské lázně, Františkovy lázně, Poděbrady, Luhačovice,…).
Beauty spots:
There are many spots of great natural beauty in Czech Republic, as well as areas totally spoiled by industries. South Bohemia is particularly rich in pond. The most beautiful natural places are Czech Paradise, “rock town” in Prachov rocks, the Děčín walls, Czech Switzerland, the Boubín virgin forests, Macocha abyss and so on. We have also some protested areas, some of them are really very nice (for example one of the protected are is the region near river Dyje) and National parks). There are also many places associated with our history. Among the most beautiful historic towns belong Prague, Kutná Hora, Tábor, Telč, Olomouc, Kroměříž,… Also many castles, ruins and chateaux can be found in our republic. To the most interesting ones belong Karlštejn, Křivoklát, Bezděz, Hluboká, Zvíkov, Loket, Kuks, Lednice and of course the Prague castle.
System of government:
The Czech Republic is a democratic state. Its government is divided into three branches – the legislative, represented by the Parliament, the executive, represented by president and the government, and the judicial, represented by courts. Our Parliament, according to constitution, consists of two chambers – the Chamber of Deputies (200 deputies, served for four years) and the Senate (81 senators, every two years, one third of the Senators is renewed). Elections are public, secret, democratic, equal, direct and universal. Every body, who is above 18 and who is Czech nationality can take part in them. The parliament makes a bill, but it must be approved by government and signed by the head of the president, before it became a law. The president is elected every five years by Parliament and he can serve only for two terms in a row. Our contemporary president is Václav Havel. He represents the country abroad, he is the commander-in-chief of the army, has right to veto or refuse a bill, can declare amnesty, call general election and makes appointments of all the members of the government. The leader of the winning party became the Prime Minister. The government is composed of the premier, the vice-premier and the ministers. There are many ministries, headed by ministers, eg. Interior, Foreign Affairs, Defence, Justice, Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, Finance, Transport, Labour and Social Affairs, Education, Culture and Health. The judicial power is divided into a system of courts. There is Constitutional court and the Supreme Court, which are at the highest level and they go down to region and district courts. In elections the citizens can choose from a variety of political parties from three main groups – the left wing, moderate and right wing. Our contemporary parts are: Civic Democratic Party, the Civic Democratic Union, the Christian Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Liberal Social Union, Left Block, Czech-Moravian Communist Party,… Our national anthem is called Kde domov můj? (Where is my home?). Our flag consists of three colours, red, blue and white. The red is at the bottom, the white is at the top and the blue makes a triangle at the left side.
First state in this territory, inhabited by Slavonic tribes was Samoa’s Empire. Than The Big Moravia Empire followed. It was very famous and the capital was probably situated in the southern Moravia near village Mikulčice. Even when the Great Moravia still existed, another state formed at the region of Bohemia. It was called Czech Crown Kingdom. In 9th century the power was taken by Přemyslid dynasty. When the Přemyslid dynasty died out by the sword, the Czech throne went by way of a dynastic wedding to the Luxembourg. Under Charles IV. the Czech Kingdom became the centre of the Holy Roman Empire and the Prague was the capital town. Charles IV. built in Prague the second oldest stone bridge in our republic, establish an archbishop there and founded Charles University, the oldest one in the middle Europe. The first part of the 15th century is marked by the Hussite Movement. It is named after John Huss, rector of Charles University and preacher, who tried reform Catholic Church. He was burnt at the stake as a heretic. After the reign of Jiří of Poděbrady, who is known for his appeal to other European kings to make a treaty securing peace, Jagiellonian dynasty was established on the Czech throne. But they reigned only for a short time and the throne was passed to Habsburg dynasty. The centre of culture and politic moved from Prague to Vienna and we became a part of big Austria Empire. They oppressed Czech nation for almost 400 years. They tried to re-catholic and germanise; they also tried to liquidate Czech literature. Then the WWI began. Austria lost this war and it was split into five states. One of them was new established Czechoslovak Republic with our first president Tomáš Garigue Masaryk. This state was destroyed by the German occupation and it appeared again after WWII. But the power was taken over by the communists directed by the Soviet Union. In 1968 the Czechoslovakia was oppressed by the invasion of the Soviet army and the “normalisation” lasted about another 20 years till the “velvet revolution” in 1989. The following development led to the splitting of the republic and in 1993 two new states appeared – the Czech republic and the Slovak Republic. Our president is Václav Klaus.
Geography:
The Czech Republic is situated in the centre of Europe and sometimes it is called a heart of the Europe. It has a population of 10 million people and covers an area about 80,000 sq. km. The Czech borders are the oldest one in the Europe. We border with Germany in the west with nature border made by the Ore Mountains, the Czech Forest and Šumava range. The border with Poland are made by the Jizerské Mountains, the Giant Mountains the Eagle Mountains and the Jeseník Mountain range. Border with Austria are made by the Dyje river and the border with Slovakia are made by the Morava river and White Karpat hills. Czech Republic consists of three lands: Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. Natural border between Moravia and Bohemia are made by Bohemian-Moravian Highland. The biggest mountain in Czech Republic is Sněžka (1612m) in Giant Mountains and the longest river is Vltava. Other important rivers are Labe, Jizera, Ohře, Svitava, Svratka, Dyje, Morava and Oder. At the southern Moravia the fertile lowlands can be found. Our republic lies in the Temperate Zone. We haven’t a sea. There are the warmest areas in Southern Moravia and the coldest area in the Giant Mountains. The average annual rainfall is about 600cm.
Population:
The biggest city is the capital, Prague and it has about one million inhabitants. The other big cities are Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, České Budějovice, Hradec Králové. The major nationalities living here are Czech and Moravian, but there are also minority groups such as the Silesians, the Romes, the Poles, the Germans, the Ukrainians and the Russians.
Economy and industry:
The most important part of our economy is engineering (machine tools, locomotives, tractors, and agricultural machines). Other important branches are metallurgical and chemical industries and tourism, textile and glass industries have a long tradition. One of our most significant raw materials is coal. Black coal and anthracite are to be found mainly in the Ostrava Coal Basin, but also in the area of Kladno and elsewhere. Because of intensive mining are these regions the most polluted ones in Czech Republic. The supplies of brown coal or lignite can be found in the Nort Bohemia Coal Basin and in Western Bohemia in the Sokolov Basin. We also hove minor supplies of iron ore, uranium and oil. Our rich deposits of kaolin and clay are important for the ceramics and glass industries as well as limestone for the building industry. Also agriculture in our republic is developed enough. The most fertile soil is in the South Moravia. Them main items grown there are wheat, sugar-beet, maize, grapes, hops and fruits. In animal production are the most important cattle-breeding and pig-breeding. Fish-breeding, especially carp-breeding can be found in South Bohemia, in the region called Třeboňsko. Bohemia and Moravia are quite rich in mineral springs and spas (Karlovy Vary, Mariánské lázně, Františkovy lázně, Poděbrady, Luhačovice,…).
Beauty spots:
There are many spots of great natural beauty in Czech Republic, as well as areas totally spoiled by industries. South Bohemia is particularly rich in pond. The most beautiful natural places are Czech Paradise, “rock town” in Prachov rocks, the Děčín walls, Czech Switzerland, the Boubín virgin forests, Macocha abyss and so on. We have also some protested areas, some of them are really very nice (for example one of the protected are is the region near river Dyje) and National parks). There are also many places associated with our history. Among the most beautiful historic towns belong Prague, Kutná Hora, Tábor, Telč, Olomouc, Kroměříž,… Also many castles, ruins and chateaux can be found in our republic. To the most interesting ones belong Karlštejn, Křivoklát, Bezděz, Hluboká, Zvíkov, Loket, Kuks, Lednice and of course the Prague castle.
System of government:
The Czech Republic is a democratic state. Its government is divided into three branches – the legislative, represented by the Parliament, the executive, represented by president and the government, and the judicial, represented by courts. Our Parliament, according to constitution, consists of two chambers – the Chamber of Deputies (200 deputies, served for four years) and the Senate (81 senators, every two years, one third of the Senators is renewed). Elections are public, secret, democratic, equal, direct and universal. Every body, who is above 18 and who is Czech nationality can take part in them. The parliament makes a bill, but it must be approved by government and signed by the head of the president, before it became a law. The president is elected every five years by Parliament and he can serve only for two terms in a row. Our contemporary president is Václav Havel. He represents the country abroad, he is the commander-in-chief of the army, has right to veto or refuse a bill, can declare amnesty, call general election and makes appointments of all the members of the government. The leader of the winning party became the Prime Minister. The government is composed of the premier, the vice-premier and the ministers. There are many ministries, headed by ministers, eg. Interior, Foreign Affairs, Defence, Justice, Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, Finance, Transport, Labour and Social Affairs, Education, Culture and Health. The judicial power is divided into a system of courts. There is Constitutional court and the Supreme Court, which are at the highest level and they go down to region and district courts. In elections the citizens can choose from a variety of political parties from three main groups – the left wing, moderate and right wing. Our contemporary parts are: Civic Democratic Party, the Civic Democratic Union, the Christian Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Liberal Social Union, Left Block, Czech-Moravian Communist Party,… Our national anthem is called Kde domov můj? (Where is my home?). Our flag consists of three colours, red, blue and white. The red is at the bottom, the white is at the top and the blue makes a triangle at the left side.
Prague
Prague is the capital of the Czech republic and lies in the middle of Bohemia. It cover an area of nearly 500sq km and its population is about 1,200,000. Prague is divided into many boroughs. The historical centre is made up by the Old Town, Josefov, the Lesser Quarter, Hradčany, the New Town and Vyšehrad. Together they make a town preserve which is quite unique. On the other hand Prague is now surrounded by a ring of modern housing estates serving as residential quarters.
A legend connects the founding of Prague with Princess Libuše of the Přemysl dynasty who prophesised the future glory of Prague, which would “touch the stars”. The oldest settlements of this region dates 25,000 years ago. In the latter half of the 10th century St. Vitus Rotunda, the Prince’s Palace and convert with a church were built on Hradčany. Prague’s other castle – Vyšehrad – was built in the 11th century and for some time it was the seat of Czech rulers.
Prague became the imperial residence of Charles IV (1346-1378). During reign of Charles IV there was founded archbishopric (1344), Charles University (1348), the New Town with the Horse Market ( now Wenceslas Square ), the Cattle Market ( now Charles Square ) in Prague. Charles IV promoted the construction of other important buildings such as St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge.
In 1918 Prague became the capital of Czechoslovakia. Prague is the seat of our President, Czech government, all important state ministries and the Czech Parliament.
Prague is also an important industrial and business centre and transport crossroad. It is the industrial centre of engineering, food-industries, ready-made garment, chemical, polygraphic industries and tourism.
It is also a cultural centre of the republic and can offer many outstanding theatrical and musical performances ( e.g. the Prague Spring International Music Festival in May-June each year). We can find here the best theatres, galleries and museums such as:
The National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square.
The National Gallery which is spread out in various Prague spots: Gothic art in St. George Church at the Prague Castle, Czech 19th century art in St. Agnes Monastery, sculpture collection in Zbraslav.
The National Theatre, built in late renaissance style from the public money collection of the people in the second half of the19th century. Before its ceremonial opening in 1881 it was severely damaged by fire and was rebuilt within the next two years. The best artists of the 19th century decorated the theatre ( M.Aleš, F.Ženíšek, V.Hynais ).
Other important places of culture include the Smetana Theatre, the Palace of Culture, the Magic Latern, the Lucerna Hall, the Tyl Theatre, The Vinohrady Thearte, the Semafor, the Viola, the Činoherní klub, Divadlo na zábradlí and many new clubs for young people and young art e.g. Bunkr, Rock Café etc.
Many world known personalities lived or spent some time in Prague, e.g. Mozart, Beethoven, Einstein etc. And many famous personalities visited Prague such as the Pope, George Busch Queen Elizabeth II. etc.
Prague is also important centre of sports. There are many stadiums, parks ( Letná, Stromovka, Kampa, Petřín) and swimming pools. The biggest stadium is Strahov which was built by communists. In Prague there are many sports clubs. The majority of Czech universities, colleges and student residences is in Prague.
The most visited tourist sights include:
The Prague Castle: It was founded 880 A.D. by the first Přemysl prince Bořivoj. Its greatest period was during the reign of Charles IV. In 1344 the construction of the ST. Vitus Cathedral started. In the time of Rudolf II the castel became a famous centre of science, arts and culture. Famous sights in Prague Castle include: St.Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace with Vladislav Hall, Spanish Hall, the Golden Lane ( a legend connects it with Rudolf II’s alchemists). The Prague Castle is surrounded by the Strahov Monastery and Petřín hill with its famous watchtower.
Old Town Square – portions of Old Town Hall were hit by bombs in May 1945. The Astronomical Clock strikes every 60 minutes and is controlled by a very complicated mechanism built in Middle Ages. In the upper part of the horologe a procession of the Apostles can be seen every hour. The horologe is decorated by 12 outler medallions representing the course of village life, painted by famous Czech painter J.Mánes. There are also 12 signs of the Zodiac. On the Old Town Square there is the monument of Master John Huss. Worthy of attention in the square the gothic church of , a gothic tower house called At the Stone Bell and baroque St Nicholas Church designed by K.I.Dienzenhofer.
Vyšehrad – formerly one of the Prague’s towns and originally the castle of the Přemysl in the latter half of the 11th century and first half of the 12th century. Nowdays we can visit the National Cemetery here with graves of outstanding Czech personalities in cultural sphere, scientists and politics. The original Romanesque Church of Saints Peter and Paul now has a neo-gothic appearance.
The Charles Bridge – commissioned by Charles IV in 1357 and built by famous Gothic architect Petr Parléř. On both ends of the bridge there are Gothic Bridge Towers. It is the second oldest stone bridge in Central Europe. It is 520 m long and 10 m wide. In the 18th century the bridge began decorated by baroque statues by Matyáš Braun and Jan Brokoff. The bridge gradually became one of the lively centres of Prague life. During summer it is always full of tourists, souvenir stalls and street artists.
The Powder Tower – a monument of the Czech late gothic period, stands at the end of Prague’s new pedestrian zone called King’s Road.
The Carolinum - the oldest building of Charles University founded on 4th April 1348 as the first institution of this kind in Central Europe.
The Clementinum – the second largest building in Prague ( after Prague Castle ), was built at the 17th century. Now it serves as the largest branch of state library.
Wenceslas Square – the centre of the city. It is about 750 m long and 60 m wide. The statue of the Czech patron – St.Wenceslas – made by J.V.Myslbek is a symbol of a free and independent republic. People usually gather here in troublesome moments of Czech history.
The River Vltava ( which inspired Smetana to compose his unforgattable music ) flows through Prague and surrounds 7 islands. About 18 bridges stretch over the river.
King’s road
The name of the King’s road comes from the times, when the way was used by the kings of Bohemia at their coronation. It starts at the POWDER TOWER a monument of the Czech late gothic which was built during the reign of Vladislav Jagellonský at the end of the 15th century. It was rebuilt in the 18th century by Matyáš Rejsek.
Next to the Powder tower we can see the MUNICIPAL HOUSE. An example of the secession style of the beginning of our century. In the 14th century it was the manor house of bohemian kings.
Passing through the Powder tower we enter CRLETNA STREET. In the 13th century the street was named according special kind of bread which was baked there. There are a lot of houses in different styles. The most interesting one is the cubist House at the Black God’s Mother. Some houses are decorated by signs which were used instead of numbers.
Celetna street lead to the OLD TOWN SQUARE. An old intersection of trade roads and a market place which became a square in the 12th century. Above the arcades of the Latin school with gables in Venetian Renaissance style, raises one of the dominants of the square – spires of the TÝN CHURCH. It is a fine example of gothic from the 14th century.
Another interesting architecture monument is the HOUSE AT THE STONE BELL. After removing the baroque facade we can see the original gothic architecture from the 14th century. The biggest house in the square is the KINSKÝ PALACE built in the rococo style. Our attention is also attracted by the baroque Church of the ST. Nicholas built in the 18th century by Kilian Dienzenhofer.
But the most important building at the square is the OLD TOWN HALL dating back to the 14th century when Jan Lucemburský allowed Old Town burgesses establish their own administration.
Behind the Old Town Square there is Little square with renaissance fountain.
Another interesting monument is the PALACE OF CLAM-GALLAS on the corner of the KARLOVA STREET. It leads passed the Clementinum to the Charles Bridge.
The Clementinum was the jesuit collage founded in the 16th century. In the 17th century it became the seat of the Charles University and now it is used as national library.
Before entering Charles Bridge we cross Little Square with two baroque churches of St.Frances and St.Salvator which is a part of the Clementinum
Charles Bridge is guarded by three towers. The Old Town Tower is the oldest but the wall of the Lesser Town Towers comes from the 12th century when there was a wooden bridge.
Mostecká street leads to the LESSER TOWN SQUARE. There is dominate the baroque church of St.Nicolas built by father and son Dienzenhofer.
NERUDOVA STREET contains some of the fines Prague baroque houses and palaces. It was named after Jan Neruda, famous Czech writer and poet who lived in the 19th century in the House of Two Suns. The Nerudova street is the border between two part of Prague, Hradčany and Lesser Town. Before an entrance to the Castle our sight is captured first by the panoramic view of Prague.
A legend connects the founding of Prague with Princess Libuše of the Přemysl dynasty who prophesised the future glory of Prague, which would “touch the stars”. The oldest settlements of this region dates 25,000 years ago. In the latter half of the 10th century St. Vitus Rotunda, the Prince’s Palace and convert with a church were built on Hradčany. Prague’s other castle – Vyšehrad – was built in the 11th century and for some time it was the seat of Czech rulers.
Prague became the imperial residence of Charles IV (1346-1378). During reign of Charles IV there was founded archbishopric (1344), Charles University (1348), the New Town with the Horse Market ( now Wenceslas Square ), the Cattle Market ( now Charles Square ) in Prague. Charles IV promoted the construction of other important buildings such as St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge.
In 1918 Prague became the capital of Czechoslovakia. Prague is the seat of our President, Czech government, all important state ministries and the Czech Parliament.
Prague is also an important industrial and business centre and transport crossroad. It is the industrial centre of engineering, food-industries, ready-made garment, chemical, polygraphic industries and tourism.
It is also a cultural centre of the republic and can offer many outstanding theatrical and musical performances ( e.g. the Prague Spring International Music Festival in May-June each year). We can find here the best theatres, galleries and museums such as:
The National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square.
The National Gallery which is spread out in various Prague spots: Gothic art in St. George Church at the Prague Castle, Czech 19th century art in St. Agnes Monastery, sculpture collection in Zbraslav.
The National Theatre, built in late renaissance style from the public money collection of the people in the second half of the19th century. Before its ceremonial opening in 1881 it was severely damaged by fire and was rebuilt within the next two years. The best artists of the 19th century decorated the theatre ( M.Aleš, F.Ženíšek, V.Hynais ).
Other important places of culture include the Smetana Theatre, the Palace of Culture, the Magic Latern, the Lucerna Hall, the Tyl Theatre, The Vinohrady Thearte, the Semafor, the Viola, the Činoherní klub, Divadlo na zábradlí and many new clubs for young people and young art e.g. Bunkr, Rock Café etc.
Many world known personalities lived or spent some time in Prague, e.g. Mozart, Beethoven, Einstein etc. And many famous personalities visited Prague such as the Pope, George Busch Queen Elizabeth II. etc.
Prague is also important centre of sports. There are many stadiums, parks ( Letná, Stromovka, Kampa, Petřín) and swimming pools. The biggest stadium is Strahov which was built by communists. In Prague there are many sports clubs. The majority of Czech universities, colleges and student residences is in Prague.
The most visited tourist sights include:
The Prague Castle: It was founded 880 A.D. by the first Přemysl prince Bořivoj. Its greatest period was during the reign of Charles IV. In 1344 the construction of the ST. Vitus Cathedral started. In the time of Rudolf II the castel became a famous centre of science, arts and culture. Famous sights in Prague Castle include: St.Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace with Vladislav Hall, Spanish Hall, the Golden Lane ( a legend connects it with Rudolf II’s alchemists). The Prague Castle is surrounded by the Strahov Monastery and Petřín hill with its famous watchtower.
Old Town Square – portions of Old Town Hall were hit by bombs in May 1945. The Astronomical Clock strikes every 60 minutes and is controlled by a very complicated mechanism built in Middle Ages. In the upper part of the horologe a procession of the Apostles can be seen every hour. The horologe is decorated by 12 outler medallions representing the course of village life, painted by famous Czech painter J.Mánes. There are also 12 signs of the Zodiac. On the Old Town Square there is the monument of Master John Huss. Worthy of attention in the square the gothic church of , a gothic tower house called At the Stone Bell and baroque St Nicholas Church designed by K.I.Dienzenhofer.
Vyšehrad – formerly one of the Prague’s towns and originally the castle of the Přemysl in the latter half of the 11th century and first half of the 12th century. Nowdays we can visit the National Cemetery here with graves of outstanding Czech personalities in cultural sphere, scientists and politics. The original Romanesque Church of Saints Peter and Paul now has a neo-gothic appearance.
The Charles Bridge – commissioned by Charles IV in 1357 and built by famous Gothic architect Petr Parléř. On both ends of the bridge there are Gothic Bridge Towers. It is the second oldest stone bridge in Central Europe. It is 520 m long and 10 m wide. In the 18th century the bridge began decorated by baroque statues by Matyáš Braun and Jan Brokoff. The bridge gradually became one of the lively centres of Prague life. During summer it is always full of tourists, souvenir stalls and street artists.
The Powder Tower – a monument of the Czech late gothic period, stands at the end of Prague’s new pedestrian zone called King’s Road.
The Carolinum - the oldest building of Charles University founded on 4th April 1348 as the first institution of this kind in Central Europe.
The Clementinum – the second largest building in Prague ( after Prague Castle ), was built at the 17th century. Now it serves as the largest branch of state library.
Wenceslas Square – the centre of the city. It is about 750 m long and 60 m wide. The statue of the Czech patron – St.Wenceslas – made by J.V.Myslbek is a symbol of a free and independent republic. People usually gather here in troublesome moments of Czech history.
The River Vltava ( which inspired Smetana to compose his unforgattable music ) flows through Prague and surrounds 7 islands. About 18 bridges stretch over the river.
King’s road
The name of the King’s road comes from the times, when the way was used by the kings of Bohemia at their coronation. It starts at the POWDER TOWER a monument of the Czech late gothic which was built during the reign of Vladislav Jagellonský at the end of the 15th century. It was rebuilt in the 18th century by Matyáš Rejsek.
Next to the Powder tower we can see the MUNICIPAL HOUSE. An example of the secession style of the beginning of our century. In the 14th century it was the manor house of bohemian kings.
Passing through the Powder tower we enter CRLETNA STREET. In the 13th century the street was named according special kind of bread which was baked there. There are a lot of houses in different styles. The most interesting one is the cubist House at the Black God’s Mother. Some houses are decorated by signs which were used instead of numbers.
Celetna street lead to the OLD TOWN SQUARE. An old intersection of trade roads and a market place which became a square in the 12th century. Above the arcades of the Latin school with gables in Venetian Renaissance style, raises one of the dominants of the square – spires of the TÝN CHURCH. It is a fine example of gothic from the 14th century.
Another interesting architecture monument is the HOUSE AT THE STONE BELL. After removing the baroque facade we can see the original gothic architecture from the 14th century. The biggest house in the square is the KINSKÝ PALACE built in the rococo style. Our attention is also attracted by the baroque Church of the ST. Nicholas built in the 18th century by Kilian Dienzenhofer.
But the most important building at the square is the OLD TOWN HALL dating back to the 14th century when Jan Lucemburský allowed Old Town burgesses establish their own administration.
Behind the Old Town Square there is Little square with renaissance fountain.
Another interesting monument is the PALACE OF CLAM-GALLAS on the corner of the KARLOVA STREET. It leads passed the Clementinum to the Charles Bridge.
The Clementinum was the jesuit collage founded in the 16th century. In the 17th century it became the seat of the Charles University and now it is used as national library.
Before entering Charles Bridge we cross Little Square with two baroque churches of St.Frances and St.Salvator which is a part of the Clementinum
Charles Bridge is guarded by three towers. The Old Town Tower is the oldest but the wall of the Lesser Town Towers comes from the 12th century when there was a wooden bridge.
Mostecká street leads to the LESSER TOWN SQUARE. There is dominate the baroque church of St.Nicolas built by father and son Dienzenhofer.
NERUDOVA STREET contains some of the fines Prague baroque houses and palaces. It was named after Jan Neruda, famous Czech writer and poet who lived in the 19th century in the House of Two Suns. The Nerudova street is the border between two part of Prague, Hradčany and Lesser Town. Before an entrance to the Castle our sight is captured first by the panoramic view of Prague.
Jobs
Today we live in a world which is influenced by money. We need money for living, so we need to obtain (získat) them. One of possibilities is to find a job that means working to earn money. Every one of us needs to find a job, where he can utilize (využít) his knowledge, talent and experiences. It is very important to find the right job, because we spend one third of the day in work. And it is better to find a job which can satisfy us like to have a job which makes us sad.
We have lot of possibilities how to find a job. We can go through the job advertisements in newspapers or on the Internet. We can ask friends if they know about any job vacancies (volné místo). We can go to a job centre and ask for help. If we find an important job advertisement we need to contact our future employer and find out if the position is still free. We can contact him by post, telephone, fax or e-mail. If this position is still free, we need to write a CV. In CV we should include our personal data, information about our education, qualifications and our special skills. Then we should send the CV with a cover letter (a letter that offers more detailed information about us) to our potential employer. Then if he contacts us, we should prepare for a job interview. If it is successful you have found the job.
There are lots of professions we can do. Manual jobs are physical exacting. These are jobs like builders, bricklayers or firemen. Mental work isn’t physical exacting but psychic exacting. These are jobs like lawyers, doctors or economists. To do these jobs you need to have higher education (university or college).
To do some of jobs you need to have certain qualities and character traits. For example a policeman need to be bold, physical efficient (zdatný) and strong. Teacher should be friendly, good at explaining things and have a strong sense of fairness. There are professions in which you need to have a special talent and determination. People like artists, photographers and designers need to have a good imagination and lots of creativity.
In the future I want to be a lawyer. I want to study law because I want to help people and of course I want to have a well- paid job in the future.
Questions:
1. What jobs did you dream of doing when you were little? Did you ever want to be famous?
In childhood I wanted to be a policewoman. It was an interesting job for me. Policemen have guns, they catch the thieves, they fight with criminals, and they are bold. They can also have dogs. I liked their uniforms. It was dangerous and adventurous job for me when I was little. When I was little I wanted to be an actress too. It was an interesting job for me too. Actresses are popular, they wear nice clothes and they have interesting lives. They travel a lot, they have lot of fans. And it was very interesting for me.
2. People often differentiate between manual and intellectual jobs. List some manual/intellectual jobs.
There are lots of professions we can do. Manual jobs are physical exacting. These are jobs like builders, bricklayers or firemen. These jobs are for people who don’t have higher education. Intellectual work isn’t physical exacting but psychic exacting. These are jobs like lawyers, doctors or economists. To do these jobs you need to have higher education (university or college). You have to work hard to get the qualifications that are required in these professions.
3. Where can people looking for a job find in our country? What do you know about job centers in Slovakia? Are they helpful?
You can find a job in a local job centre or in job agency. You can also find a job on the Internet or you can ask your friends about any vacancies. I think that these centers could be helpful. They help people to find a job; they organize prequalification courses, where people can obtain new knowledge and qualifications. But I think that it is better to find a job in newspaper or on the Internet, because you can choose this one, which is the best for you.
We have lot of possibilities how to find a job. We can go through the job advertisements in newspapers or on the Internet. We can ask friends if they know about any job vacancies (volné místo). We can go to a job centre and ask for help. If we find an important job advertisement we need to contact our future employer and find out if the position is still free. We can contact him by post, telephone, fax or e-mail. If this position is still free, we need to write a CV. In CV we should include our personal data, information about our education, qualifications and our special skills. Then we should send the CV with a cover letter (a letter that offers more detailed information about us) to our potential employer. Then if he contacts us, we should prepare for a job interview. If it is successful you have found the job.
There are lots of professions we can do. Manual jobs are physical exacting. These are jobs like builders, bricklayers or firemen. Mental work isn’t physical exacting but psychic exacting. These are jobs like lawyers, doctors or economists. To do these jobs you need to have higher education (university or college).
To do some of jobs you need to have certain qualities and character traits. For example a policeman need to be bold, physical efficient (zdatný) and strong. Teacher should be friendly, good at explaining things and have a strong sense of fairness. There are professions in which you need to have a special talent and determination. People like artists, photographers and designers need to have a good imagination and lots of creativity.
In the future I want to be a lawyer. I want to study law because I want to help people and of course I want to have a well- paid job in the future.
Questions:
1. What jobs did you dream of doing when you were little? Did you ever want to be famous?
In childhood I wanted to be a policewoman. It was an interesting job for me. Policemen have guns, they catch the thieves, they fight with criminals, and they are bold. They can also have dogs. I liked their uniforms. It was dangerous and adventurous job for me when I was little. When I was little I wanted to be an actress too. It was an interesting job for me too. Actresses are popular, they wear nice clothes and they have interesting lives. They travel a lot, they have lot of fans. And it was very interesting for me.
2. People often differentiate between manual and intellectual jobs. List some manual/intellectual jobs.
There are lots of professions we can do. Manual jobs are physical exacting. These are jobs like builders, bricklayers or firemen. These jobs are for people who don’t have higher education. Intellectual work isn’t physical exacting but psychic exacting. These are jobs like lawyers, doctors or economists. To do these jobs you need to have higher education (university or college). You have to work hard to get the qualifications that are required in these professions.
3. Where can people looking for a job find in our country? What do you know about job centers in Slovakia? Are they helpful?
You can find a job in a local job centre or in job agency. You can also find a job on the Internet or you can ask your friends about any vacancies. I think that these centers could be helpful. They help people to find a job; they organize prequalification courses, where people can obtain new knowledge and qualifications. But I think that it is better to find a job in newspaper or on the Internet, because you can choose this one, which is the best for you.
Sports
Sports are very good for active relaxation and are important for our psychical and mental health. There are lost of type of sports and games. We can practise outdoor and indoor sports, in water or anywhere we want. And also we have special sports for summer and winter season.
Something about sport in Britain:
The British invented (vynalezli) and codified (zavedli) the rules of many sports and games witch are now played all over the word – football, rugby, hockey, cricket, golf, boxing, tennis and other. Major annual (každoroční) sporting events (událostí) in Britain are also major event in the international sport Wimbledon. Wimbledon is one of the four international sports grand (největších) tennis tournaments.
Outdoor sports are as follows (následující):
Golf, skiing “for example: cross-country (běh na běžkách), down-hill, slalom, ski-jump”, sledding (sáňkování), windsurfing, marathon-running, fishing, climbing (horolezectví),
hiking (turistika) or tourism, mountaineering (vysokohorská turistika), horse riding, car race.
Indoor sports include (zahrnují):
Table-tennis, gymnastic, chess, ball sports, athletic “sprint, high jump, long jump, javelin throw (hod oštěpem), ball throw (hod koulí)”, tennis, shooting, skateboarding and skating (bruslení) “figure skating (krasobruslení), speed skating and roller skating (jízda na kolečkových bruslích)”.
Some from these sports may by practise for outdoor and indoor. There are also aquatic sports: water skiing, swimming, diving, water polo, yachting, canoeing, and rowing (veslování).
Then we have Baal games. Ball games are popular all around the world – basketball, volleyball, football (called soccer in America), tennis, handball (házená). Millions of people like match watch them on TV and listen on radio.
General summer sports are as follows: Swimming, tennis, skateboarding, skating, horst riding and other. General Winter sports include: Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, skating and other.
All these sports are included (zahrnuty) to the Olympic Games. The Olympic Games are the most famous and interesting sport event. They are held (konají se) every four years. They have winter a summer parts which chance once every two years.
Sport is a physical activity and people do it because they want to be fit and healthly. Sport is one of the most popular leisure time activity. Sport is refreshing and can help take off some weight. Some people – proffesional sportsman earn a lot of money by sport.
3 verbs, which describe sports:
GO swimming, fishing
DO aerobics, athletics
PLAY football, basketball, handball, snooker
Sport is divided into indoor and outdoor sport.
Gymnastics is a typical indoor sport. Also darts, where you throw an arrow into the target with number.Snooker, where you try to hit different colour balls. Bowling, where you roll a ball into wooden objects, and chess(šach), weight lifting(vzpieranie), table tennis, boxing.
Typical outdoor sport is athletics. Then football, golf, horse riding, skiing, icehockey, biathlon,hiking, rock climbing..
There are many sports we can do both in summer and winter.
Sailing, yachting, diving, wind-surfing depends on weather, therefore can be practised mostly in summer.
Swimming is also a typical summer sport but it is possible to practise it all the year round in indoors pools.
Games are those sports in which at least two players are involved. The most popular games are football, handball.
Sports facilities: sporting halls, fitness centres, tennis courts, ice rink for skating, stadiums(summer and winter), gymnazium.
All of them we have in Trnava.
Sporting events:
The biggest sporting event are Olympic games. It is a international competition, which takes place every 4 years. We have winter and summer Olympic games.
-European championship
-World championship
Extreme sports:
People, who do this sports are called daredevils.
Bungeejumping, mountain biking, extreme skiing, sky diving, rafting
Extra ordinary sports(nezvyčajné):
Caving(jaskyniarstvo) and angling(rybárstvo)
Angling is the safest sport.
Boxing and yochting is the most dangerous sport.
We can divided sport into team and individual sport. Team sports are football, basketball. Individual sports are athletics, figure skating.
There are proffesionals and amateurs. If the proffesionals sportsman is good, he can earn a lot of money.
Fair play in the sport is control by referee in football and umpire in tennis, cricket.
The most popular sports are hockey, football in our country and our country also has many good sportsmen.
Gonzci – shooting
Moravcová – swimming
Martikán – kanoeing
Hrbatý – tennis
My attitude to sports.
I like sports at all. I like cycling, swimming in summer, voleyball, running, table tennis and others sports. I do not like basketball, fishing.
When I was small, I learned gymnastics, but I had to finish, because my joints hearted. Then I danced two years. I liked it very much but I did not have partner, so I had to finish. Now I do aerobics sometimes, I cycling in summer regularly and I play voleyball with my schoolmates at school.
In the summer, when we are at the cottage, we do whatever sports. We horse riding, play voleyball, badminton, we like playing games, such as Dostihy a sázky.
I do not like watching sports on Tv.
Something about sport in Britain:
The British invented (vynalezli) and codified (zavedli) the rules of many sports and games witch are now played all over the word – football, rugby, hockey, cricket, golf, boxing, tennis and other. Major annual (každoroční) sporting events (událostí) in Britain are also major event in the international sport Wimbledon. Wimbledon is one of the four international sports grand (největších) tennis tournaments.
Outdoor sports are as follows (následující):
Golf, skiing “for example: cross-country (běh na běžkách), down-hill, slalom, ski-jump”, sledding (sáňkování), windsurfing, marathon-running, fishing, climbing (horolezectví),
hiking (turistika) or tourism, mountaineering (vysokohorská turistika), horse riding, car race.
Indoor sports include (zahrnují):
Table-tennis, gymnastic, chess, ball sports, athletic “sprint, high jump, long jump, javelin throw (hod oštěpem), ball throw (hod koulí)”, tennis, shooting, skateboarding and skating (bruslení) “figure skating (krasobruslení), speed skating and roller skating (jízda na kolečkových bruslích)”.
Some from these sports may by practise for outdoor and indoor. There are also aquatic sports: water skiing, swimming, diving, water polo, yachting, canoeing, and rowing (veslování).
Then we have Baal games. Ball games are popular all around the world – basketball, volleyball, football (called soccer in America), tennis, handball (házená). Millions of people like match watch them on TV and listen on radio.
General summer sports are as follows: Swimming, tennis, skateboarding, skating, horst riding and other. General Winter sports include: Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, skating and other.
All these sports are included (zahrnuty) to the Olympic Games. The Olympic Games are the most famous and interesting sport event. They are held (konají se) every four years. They have winter a summer parts which chance once every two years.
Sport is a physical activity and people do it because they want to be fit and healthly. Sport is one of the most popular leisure time activity. Sport is refreshing and can help take off some weight. Some people – proffesional sportsman earn a lot of money by sport.
3 verbs, which describe sports:
GO swimming, fishing
DO aerobics, athletics
PLAY football, basketball, handball, snooker
Sport is divided into indoor and outdoor sport.
Gymnastics is a typical indoor sport. Also darts, where you throw an arrow into the target with number.Snooker, where you try to hit different colour balls. Bowling, where you roll a ball into wooden objects, and chess(šach), weight lifting(vzpieranie), table tennis, boxing.
Typical outdoor sport is athletics. Then football, golf, horse riding, skiing, icehockey, biathlon,hiking, rock climbing..
There are many sports we can do both in summer and winter.
Sailing, yachting, diving, wind-surfing depends on weather, therefore can be practised mostly in summer.
Swimming is also a typical summer sport but it is possible to practise it all the year round in indoors pools.
Games are those sports in which at least two players are involved. The most popular games are football, handball.
Sports facilities: sporting halls, fitness centres, tennis courts, ice rink for skating, stadiums(summer and winter), gymnazium.
All of them we have in Trnava.
Sporting events:
The biggest sporting event are Olympic games. It is a international competition, which takes place every 4 years. We have winter and summer Olympic games.
-European championship
-World championship
Extreme sports:
People, who do this sports are called daredevils.
Bungeejumping, mountain biking, extreme skiing, sky diving, rafting
Extra ordinary sports(nezvyčajné):
Caving(jaskyniarstvo) and angling(rybárstvo)
Angling is the safest sport.
Boxing and yochting is the most dangerous sport.
We can divided sport into team and individual sport. Team sports are football, basketball. Individual sports are athletics, figure skating.
There are proffesionals and amateurs. If the proffesionals sportsman is good, he can earn a lot of money.
Fair play in the sport is control by referee in football and umpire in tennis, cricket.
The most popular sports are hockey, football in our country and our country also has many good sportsmen.
Gonzci – shooting
Moravcová – swimming
Martikán – kanoeing
Hrbatý – tennis
My attitude to sports.
I like sports at all. I like cycling, swimming in summer, voleyball, running, table tennis and others sports. I do not like basketball, fishing.
When I was small, I learned gymnastics, but I had to finish, because my joints hearted. Then I danced two years. I liked it very much but I did not have partner, so I had to finish. Now I do aerobics sometimes, I cycling in summer regularly and I play voleyball with my schoolmates at school.
In the summer, when we are at the cottage, we do whatever sports. We horse riding, play voleyball, badminton, we like playing games, such as Dostihy a sázky.
I do not like watching sports on Tv.
Food
I think that food, eating, sometimes also cooking is an important part of our life and for many people it is also a pleasure. For me a good day begins with a good breakfast with many kinds of cheese, some salami or ham with slice of bread, roll or bun with meat paste and butter or jam. Some people like to eat only healthy food it means they prefer a glass of juice, a bowl of cereal (such as cornflakes) and fruit yoghurt. If staying at school after the second lesson I need to have a small snack. I usually have a piece of an apple or a banana and a sweet roll.
At midday it is time for lunch. It is the main meal of the day. When I am at school I take my lunch in the school canteen but I prefer lunch prepared by my mother. As for soup I usually have some tomato or mushrooms soup with potatoes or chicken soup with noodles. I prefer clear soup to thick. Then I have a main course such as chicken with rice, roast pork with sour cabbage and dumplings, beef with sauce and pasta but my favourite is Vienna steak with chips and vegetable salad or stewed fruit. The soft drinks (beverages = nápoje) such as mineral water (still or sparkling= fizzy water), coke, lemonade, juice or just soda are served with it. Sometimes I have a dessert, e.g. biscuits, pudding, sundae, apple pie, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream with strawberries.
The Slovak evening meal is supper. It can be some cold meat, salami, ham, cheese, scramble eggs, bread or rolls and some vegetables. Other people like a hot meal, e.g. pancakes, potato pancakes, elephant ears with ketchup, pizza, goulash with bread and others. On some special occasions such as Christmas, traditional food is served. Fish soup or sauerkraut soup, fried carp and potato salad are commonly made for Christmas Eve. As a dessert home made sweets and apple strudel are served. There is no traditional meal for Christmas Day, but many families prepare roast goose with stuffing, dumplings and cabbage, or smoked meat with mashed potatoes or Vienna steak (Wiener schnitzel) with potato salad. There is a superstition about New Year’s Day dinner. You should not have any poultry on that day; otherwise you will miss your good luck in the next year.
Fast food stands
In last time we can see around us fast food stands which offer for example: hamburgers, hot-dogs, chips, elephant ears, pancakes. They are very tasty but on the other hand very fatty and unhealthy. It contains a lot of cholesterol that causes diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and so on. We should be careful with three white killers: sugar, salt and flour !!!
Restaurants
On some occasions we even go out to restaurants. What happens there? In the restaurant a waiter welcomes us. At the place we are to sit down, we usually find a plate. On its right side there is a knife and a spoon, on the left side there is a fork. The silverware includes a teaspoon as well, which is placed above our plate. In the upper left corner should be a glass of water. There should be napkins on the table. But it is on our selections. Then comes starter (appetizers) the soup and the main dish. At the end of the meal the waiter brings the bill. We pay and add a tip for good service.
At midday it is time for lunch. It is the main meal of the day. When I am at school I take my lunch in the school canteen but I prefer lunch prepared by my mother. As for soup I usually have some tomato or mushrooms soup with potatoes or chicken soup with noodles. I prefer clear soup to thick. Then I have a main course such as chicken with rice, roast pork with sour cabbage and dumplings, beef with sauce and pasta but my favourite is Vienna steak with chips and vegetable salad or stewed fruit. The soft drinks (beverages = nápoje) such as mineral water (still or sparkling= fizzy water), coke, lemonade, juice or just soda are served with it. Sometimes I have a dessert, e.g. biscuits, pudding, sundae, apple pie, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream with strawberries.
The Slovak evening meal is supper. It can be some cold meat, salami, ham, cheese, scramble eggs, bread or rolls and some vegetables. Other people like a hot meal, e.g. pancakes, potato pancakes, elephant ears with ketchup, pizza, goulash with bread and others. On some special occasions such as Christmas, traditional food is served. Fish soup or sauerkraut soup, fried carp and potato salad are commonly made for Christmas Eve. As a dessert home made sweets and apple strudel are served. There is no traditional meal for Christmas Day, but many families prepare roast goose with stuffing, dumplings and cabbage, or smoked meat with mashed potatoes or Vienna steak (Wiener schnitzel) with potato salad. There is a superstition about New Year’s Day dinner. You should not have any poultry on that day; otherwise you will miss your good luck in the next year.
Fast food stands
In last time we can see around us fast food stands which offer for example: hamburgers, hot-dogs, chips, elephant ears, pancakes. They are very tasty but on the other hand very fatty and unhealthy. It contains a lot of cholesterol that causes diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and so on. We should be careful with three white killers: sugar, salt and flour !!!
Restaurants
On some occasions we even go out to restaurants. What happens there? In the restaurant a waiter welcomes us. At the place we are to sit down, we usually find a plate. On its right side there is a knife and a spoon, on the left side there is a fork. The silverware includes a teaspoon as well, which is placed above our plate. In the upper left corner should be a glass of water. There should be napkins on the table. But it is on our selections. Then comes starter (appetizers) the soup and the main dish. At the end of the meal the waiter brings the bill. We pay and add a tip for good service.
Cultural life
Cultural life in our town is not so rich as in large cities. In spite of that, there are some ways of spending leisure time. I can go to the cinema, to the theatre, dancing or I can stay at home and listen to the radio, watch TV and read books. I am not a TV addict and I am not one of those who spend hours in t say about radio. Radio and TV´front of the screen. Unfortunately this I can are for someone sources of information, for someone sources of entertainment or only a background noise.
1) What do you prefer:
It is hard to say what I prefer. I think that cinema, theatre and TV have their own advantages and disadvantages too. I prefer going to the cinema when I want to t want to wait for it in television (for its´see some new movie and I don broadcasting in TV). Sometimes I prefer going to the cinema when I am bored and there is nothing to do in the weekend. Watching movie in the cinema is something entirely different from watching it in TV. In the cinema there is the strange atmosphere, but there is also one disadvantage – the tickets are quite expensive.
Watching television is very popular. You can watch it everywhere and anytime you want. You can watch many TV-programmes on many TV-station. Some people say, that watching TV is waste of time, but I think that s unnecessary to say it, because everyone can choose those programmes he´it prefers or can switch off the television.
I think that TV is quite good source of information. You can get very cheep and fast summary of news. The news can be sometimes more concerned with entertainment than information, but every viewer have to choose the correct channel. Another kind of TV programme I prefer s´m interested in nature all over the world, and it´is e.g. documentary films. I very exciting to watch the life of animals, plants or other people in foreign countries. The situation comedies are my favourite too, but they must be good. I like to watch some good films on TV too. It could be the film I had wanted to watch in a cinema, but I had no time for it. The TV programmes I hate are e.g. soap operas. They are too long and boring and even very predictable. Another bad TV programmes are stupid competitions, where you needn't know anything to win s competition, you must´some money. I think it is quite unfair, because if it prove something of your knowledge to get some money, not only by chance. Then I hate more and more advertisements. But sometimes some of them are so stupid that they are funny.
I like to listen to the radio too. According to my s very good source of information and mostly the big source of music.´opinion it s not so big waste of´I listen to the radio as much as possible. I think it time, because you can do many thing by listening to radio. The radio programmes I use to listen are: radio news, radio music charts, discussion programmes, commentaries, etc.
2) The history of film:
The very first films started to be shot in the beginning of the 20th century. They were mostly documentary films (they were something like recent TV-news). Later, although the films were still black-and-white and silent, there appeared first movie star. They acted entirely in comedies. (the most popular comedy actor were e.g. Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel or Oliver Hardy and many other).With the developing of television, the number of visitors of cinemas goes down. People are too lazy to go to a cinema. Recently there appeared another competition for cinemas – video lending offices.
3) My favourite film, director and actors:
Rudolf Hrušinský, Vladimír Menšík, Miroslav Donutil, Jiřina Bohdalová,:…
Hate Jean Claude van Damme, Silvester Stalonne and all action heros.
4) Radio and TV in U.K. and in ČR:
In GB radio and TV broadcasting is mainly provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), which has four radio and four television channels. The first channel presents almost news and information programmes, the second and third channels are for light programmes (such as films, soap operas or competitions) and the last one presents the cultural programmes. The channels of radio BBC have the similar kinds of programmes. In Britain there are also some independent TV e.g. ITV – Independent television, which is the biggest rival to BBC. BBC is financed by sailing of television licences and ITV is financed by advertisement.
The same situation is in our republic. There exist the competition between Czech TV – ČT (first channel – light programmes, news etc. and second channel – cultural programmes and programmes for minority) and independent TV – Nova, Prima, etc. Czech TV derives its income from the sale of TV licences and from advertisement too.
There are many radio channels in our republic: Radio Alfa, Krokodýl, Hit radio Publikum, Frekvence 1, Radio Jih, Vltava, Radiožurnál, ...etc.
Vltava – channel of classical music.
1) What do you prefer:
It is hard to say what I prefer. I think that cinema, theatre and TV have their own advantages and disadvantages too. I prefer going to the cinema when I want to t want to wait for it in television (for its´see some new movie and I don broadcasting in TV). Sometimes I prefer going to the cinema when I am bored and there is nothing to do in the weekend. Watching movie in the cinema is something entirely different from watching it in TV. In the cinema there is the strange atmosphere, but there is also one disadvantage – the tickets are quite expensive.
Watching television is very popular. You can watch it everywhere and anytime you want. You can watch many TV-programmes on many TV-station. Some people say, that watching TV is waste of time, but I think that s unnecessary to say it, because everyone can choose those programmes he´it prefers or can switch off the television.
I think that TV is quite good source of information. You can get very cheep and fast summary of news. The news can be sometimes more concerned with entertainment than information, but every viewer have to choose the correct channel. Another kind of TV programme I prefer s´m interested in nature all over the world, and it´is e.g. documentary films. I very exciting to watch the life of animals, plants or other people in foreign countries. The situation comedies are my favourite too, but they must be good. I like to watch some good films on TV too. It could be the film I had wanted to watch in a cinema, but I had no time for it. The TV programmes I hate are e.g. soap operas. They are too long and boring and even very predictable. Another bad TV programmes are stupid competitions, where you needn't know anything to win s competition, you must´some money. I think it is quite unfair, because if it prove something of your knowledge to get some money, not only by chance. Then I hate more and more advertisements. But sometimes some of them are so stupid that they are funny.
I like to listen to the radio too. According to my s very good source of information and mostly the big source of music.´opinion it s not so big waste of´I listen to the radio as much as possible. I think it time, because you can do many thing by listening to radio. The radio programmes I use to listen are: radio news, radio music charts, discussion programmes, commentaries, etc.
2) The history of film:
The very first films started to be shot in the beginning of the 20th century. They were mostly documentary films (they were something like recent TV-news). Later, although the films were still black-and-white and silent, there appeared first movie star. They acted entirely in comedies. (the most popular comedy actor were e.g. Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel or Oliver Hardy and many other).With the developing of television, the number of visitors of cinemas goes down. People are too lazy to go to a cinema. Recently there appeared another competition for cinemas – video lending offices.
3) My favourite film, director and actors:
Rudolf Hrušinský, Vladimír Menšík, Miroslav Donutil, Jiřina Bohdalová,:…
Hate Jean Claude van Damme, Silvester Stalonne and all action heros.
4) Radio and TV in U.K. and in ČR:
In GB radio and TV broadcasting is mainly provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), which has four radio and four television channels. The first channel presents almost news and information programmes, the second and third channels are for light programmes (such as films, soap operas or competitions) and the last one presents the cultural programmes. The channels of radio BBC have the similar kinds of programmes. In Britain there are also some independent TV e.g. ITV – Independent television, which is the biggest rival to BBC. BBC is financed by sailing of television licences and ITV is financed by advertisement.
The same situation is in our republic. There exist the competition between Czech TV – ČT (first channel – light programmes, news etc. and second channel – cultural programmes and programmes for minority) and independent TV – Nova, Prima, etc. Czech TV derives its income from the sale of TV licences and from advertisement too.
There are many radio channels in our republic: Radio Alfa, Krokodýl, Hit radio Publikum, Frekvence 1, Radio Jih, Vltava, Radiožurnál, ...etc.
Vltava – channel of classical music.
Australia
Basic Facts: Australia is smallest, youngest continent, with the lowest population density. It is often said that Australia lies at the edge of the world, divided from other continents by long distances. Australia is located south-east of Asia. The Indian Ocean is west and the south Pacific is east. Tasmania lies 240 km south. Nearest is Indonesia, Papua New Guinea on north, Fidji and New Zealand are on east. Its area is 7.7 million km².
The Commonwealth of Australia consists of six states: New South Wales (Sydney), Victoria (Melbourne), Qeensland (Brisbane), South Australia (Adelaide), Western Australia (Perth), Tasmania (Hobart) and two territories: The Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) and Northern Territory (Darwin)
History: People lived there at a Stone Age level. They did not know how to work the soil or how to rear livestock. They had no plants suitable for cultivation and no original Australian animals were suitable for domestication. Thus, the Australians never became farmers or herdsmen. They made their tools and weapons only of wood and stone. The sole source of food was hunting and gathering. The dingo wild dog was the only one animal that became domesticated. The Australians were divided into about 650 tribes that spoke about 500 different languages. Each tribe usually had own dialect, name and customs, its own territory and hunting grounds. First European who landed in Australia was Spanish captain Luis De Torres followed by others like Dutch voyager Abel Tasman. Captain James Cook explored the eastern coast in 1770 and claimed New South Wales as a British colony. In 1787 the first fleet set out from England on the way to Australia, having on board thousand people, of whom 700 were convicts. In 1788 was based first settlement – Sydney. In 18th century immigration increased because gold was found here. The Commonwealth was proclaimed in 1901.
Population: The population of Australia is some 17 million. Around 85% people live in urban areas mainly along the south-east coast. Deserts and the tropical northern part are predictably uninhabited. 95% of inhabitants are of British origin, 3% are made by other European ethnic groups and 1.5% is aborigines. Australian English and aboriginal languages are spoken here.
Geography: The Great Dividing Range along the eastern coasthas the highest Australian mountain, Mt. Kosciusko (2,228 m). The western plateau rises to 607 m with arid areas in the Great Sandy and Great Victoria Deserts. The north-east has heavy rainfalls, it´s area often visited by destructive hurricanes. Rivers that flow permanently can be found only in the north, east and in Tasmania. The Murray Rivers flows from New South Wales to the Indian Ocean; the second longest river is the Darling. There are three big lakes here: Lake Eyre, Lake Torrens and Lake Gairdner. The Australian climate varies from warm to subtropical. Australia has summer when we have winter and vice versa. The tropical forests in the north and north-east are displaced by savannah or grassland. The south-east is covered with forests of eucalyptus and other evergreen trees. The animals of Australia are numerous and some of them like the kangaroo, koala bear, dingo, platypus or Tasmanian devil can’t be found elsewhere.
Political system: The official title is The Commonwealth of Australia and it´s a British dominion. It has a democratic, federal system and the head of state is Queen Elizabeth II represented by the Governor. The head of government is the Prime Minister. The Federal Parliament has its seat in Canberra and is divided into the Senate and the House of Representatives. The main parties are Australian Labour Party, Liberal Party, National Party and Australian Democrats. Australia is a member of the important international organisations: G-7, OECD and the Commonwealth. The Australian flag is a blue field with the British Union Jack in the upper left corner, a white federal star, and the stars of the Southern Cross.
Economy: Currency used in Australia is the Australian Dollar. Main industries are iron, steel, textiles, electrical equipment, chemicals, cars, aircraft, ship and machinery. Natural riches contain mainly bauxite, coal, copper, iron, lead, nickel, silver, tin, uranium and zinc ores. Australia belongs to the top exporters of beef, lamb, wool and wheat, although only 9% of land is arable. Other agricultural items are barley, oats, hay, sugar, wine, fruit and vegetables. Among the main trading partners belong Japan, the USA, Great Britain and New Zealand.
Towns: In Australia there are many big cities. Canberra is stylish, modern city and it is the political centre of Australia. Sydney is the oldest, largest, the most beautiful and the most modern city. It is the main port and the capital of New South Wales. A wonderful part of Sydney is the famous Opera House. It stands in the harbour and looks like sailing boats. Brisbane is the third largest town. Adelaide lies in the southern part of the country. There are two universities and a car-manufacturing factory here. Melbourne is one of the most beautiful cities. At the beginning of century was capital city. There are a lot of museums, galleries and parks. Perth is an important industrial city. Other important cities are Darwin and Hobart.
The Commonwealth of Australia consists of six states: New South Wales (Sydney), Victoria (Melbourne), Qeensland (Brisbane), South Australia (Adelaide), Western Australia (Perth), Tasmania (Hobart) and two territories: The Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) and Northern Territory (Darwin)
History: People lived there at a Stone Age level. They did not know how to work the soil or how to rear livestock. They had no plants suitable for cultivation and no original Australian animals were suitable for domestication. Thus, the Australians never became farmers or herdsmen. They made their tools and weapons only of wood and stone. The sole source of food was hunting and gathering. The dingo wild dog was the only one animal that became domesticated. The Australians were divided into about 650 tribes that spoke about 500 different languages. Each tribe usually had own dialect, name and customs, its own territory and hunting grounds. First European who landed in Australia was Spanish captain Luis De Torres followed by others like Dutch voyager Abel Tasman. Captain James Cook explored the eastern coast in 1770 and claimed New South Wales as a British colony. In 1787 the first fleet set out from England on the way to Australia, having on board thousand people, of whom 700 were convicts. In 1788 was based first settlement – Sydney. In 18th century immigration increased because gold was found here. The Commonwealth was proclaimed in 1901.
Population: The population of Australia is some 17 million. Around 85% people live in urban areas mainly along the south-east coast. Deserts and the tropical northern part are predictably uninhabited. 95% of inhabitants are of British origin, 3% are made by other European ethnic groups and 1.5% is aborigines. Australian English and aboriginal languages are spoken here.
Geography: The Great Dividing Range along the eastern coasthas the highest Australian mountain, Mt. Kosciusko (2,228 m). The western plateau rises to 607 m with arid areas in the Great Sandy and Great Victoria Deserts. The north-east has heavy rainfalls, it´s area often visited by destructive hurricanes. Rivers that flow permanently can be found only in the north, east and in Tasmania. The Murray Rivers flows from New South Wales to the Indian Ocean; the second longest river is the Darling. There are three big lakes here: Lake Eyre, Lake Torrens and Lake Gairdner. The Australian climate varies from warm to subtropical. Australia has summer when we have winter and vice versa. The tropical forests in the north and north-east are displaced by savannah or grassland. The south-east is covered with forests of eucalyptus and other evergreen trees. The animals of Australia are numerous and some of them like the kangaroo, koala bear, dingo, platypus or Tasmanian devil can’t be found elsewhere.
Political system: The official title is The Commonwealth of Australia and it´s a British dominion. It has a democratic, federal system and the head of state is Queen Elizabeth II represented by the Governor. The head of government is the Prime Minister. The Federal Parliament has its seat in Canberra and is divided into the Senate and the House of Representatives. The main parties are Australian Labour Party, Liberal Party, National Party and Australian Democrats. Australia is a member of the important international organisations: G-7, OECD and the Commonwealth. The Australian flag is a blue field with the British Union Jack in the upper left corner, a white federal star, and the stars of the Southern Cross.
Economy: Currency used in Australia is the Australian Dollar. Main industries are iron, steel, textiles, electrical equipment, chemicals, cars, aircraft, ship and machinery. Natural riches contain mainly bauxite, coal, copper, iron, lead, nickel, silver, tin, uranium and zinc ores. Australia belongs to the top exporters of beef, lamb, wool and wheat, although only 9% of land is arable. Other agricultural items are barley, oats, hay, sugar, wine, fruit and vegetables. Among the main trading partners belong Japan, the USA, Great Britain and New Zealand.
Towns: In Australia there are many big cities. Canberra is stylish, modern city and it is the political centre of Australia. Sydney is the oldest, largest, the most beautiful and the most modern city. It is the main port and the capital of New South Wales. A wonderful part of Sydney is the famous Opera House. It stands in the harbour and looks like sailing boats. Brisbane is the third largest town. Adelaide lies in the southern part of the country. There are two universities and a car-manufacturing factory here. Melbourne is one of the most beautiful cities. At the beginning of century was capital city. There are a lot of museums, galleries and parks. Perth is an important industrial city. Other important cities are Darwin and Hobart.
Canada
occupies the whole of the northern part of North America and many islands (e. g. Baffin Island, Newfoundland, Vancouver, Prince Edward Island, etc.). It is the second largest country in the world. It neighbours on the USA. This border is the longest undefined border in the world.
The Great Lakes Region is the largest area of fresh water in the world. There are famous Niagara Falls between Lake Erie and Ontario. We can find also other big and beautiful lakes in Canada, e. g. Great Bear Lake, Great Slave Lake, Lake Winnipeg etc.
Canada has large mountains areas - the Rocky Mountains, the Mackenzie Mountains, and the Melville Hills. The highest mountain is Mt. Logan in the Alaska Region. The longest river is the Mackenzie (flows from the Rocky Mountains to the Arctic Ocean). Other big rivers are the Yukon, the Columbia and the St. Lawrence River.
The climate varies from Arctic climate in the North to moderate climate in the east and west. The country is covered by cold tundra, large forests and the prairie.
Canada’s population is about 26 000 000 inhabitants. 80 per cent of the Canadians live in large urban centres located in the southern border. More than 40 per cent are of British origin, 30 per cent of French origin, over 20 per cent of continental European origin and the rest is made by Eskimos and Indians. The official language is English and French. 60 per cent of population speak English, 30 per cent speak French, the rest are languages spoken by various ethnic minorities. Interesting is that the name „Canada“ comes from the original inhabitants. Indians used the word „kanata“ which means „village“.
The original inhabitants came to Canada some 10.000 or 25.000 years ago from Asia. The first Europeans here were the Vikings who discovered Canada more than a thousand years ago. Since the 16th century large territories were occupied by the French. Originally it was called New France because it was a French colony. In 1773 the French were defeated by British. But during the War of Independence Canada remained the loyal to Britain because the people were afraid to becoming a part of the USA. But they were also not satisfied with the British rule. In the 19th century Britain was forced to establish a domination. Originally Canada had only 4 provinces.
Canada has mainly coal, metal, oil and gas, machine-building and chemical industries. Ships are built in Montreal and Toronto. Only 7 per cent of land is suitable for farming, agriculture is the fifth largest produce of wheat. Other important agricultural items are vegetables, fruits, tobacco, leather and dairy products. Valid currency is Canadian dollar.
Canada is an independent federal parliamentary system with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state. She is represented in Canada by the governor-general. The country’s supreme body is the Federal Parliament consisting of two houses. The house of Commons is elected every 5 years. The Senate consists of senators. The leading figure in political life is the Prime Minister.
Canada is divided into 10 provinces and 2 territories. The biggest province is Quebec. The capital of Canada is Ottawa. The biggest city is Toronto. Other large cities are Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, Hamilton, Quebec.
It´s a member of many international organisations and since 1964 it has its own flag. It is red and in the centre there is a white square with simple red maple leaf. The Canadian anthem is called Oh, Canada.
The Great Lakes Region is the largest area of fresh water in the world. There are famous Niagara Falls between Lake Erie and Ontario. We can find also other big and beautiful lakes in Canada, e. g. Great Bear Lake, Great Slave Lake, Lake Winnipeg etc.
Canada has large mountains areas - the Rocky Mountains, the Mackenzie Mountains, and the Melville Hills. The highest mountain is Mt. Logan in the Alaska Region. The longest river is the Mackenzie (flows from the Rocky Mountains to the Arctic Ocean). Other big rivers are the Yukon, the Columbia and the St. Lawrence River.
The climate varies from Arctic climate in the North to moderate climate in the east and west. The country is covered by cold tundra, large forests and the prairie.
Canada’s population is about 26 000 000 inhabitants. 80 per cent of the Canadians live in large urban centres located in the southern border. More than 40 per cent are of British origin, 30 per cent of French origin, over 20 per cent of continental European origin and the rest is made by Eskimos and Indians. The official language is English and French. 60 per cent of population speak English, 30 per cent speak French, the rest are languages spoken by various ethnic minorities. Interesting is that the name „Canada“ comes from the original inhabitants. Indians used the word „kanata“ which means „village“.
The original inhabitants came to Canada some 10.000 or 25.000 years ago from Asia. The first Europeans here were the Vikings who discovered Canada more than a thousand years ago. Since the 16th century large territories were occupied by the French. Originally it was called New France because it was a French colony. In 1773 the French were defeated by British. But during the War of Independence Canada remained the loyal to Britain because the people were afraid to becoming a part of the USA. But they were also not satisfied with the British rule. In the 19th century Britain was forced to establish a domination. Originally Canada had only 4 provinces.
Canada has mainly coal, metal, oil and gas, machine-building and chemical industries. Ships are built in Montreal and Toronto. Only 7 per cent of land is suitable for farming, agriculture is the fifth largest produce of wheat. Other important agricultural items are vegetables, fruits, tobacco, leather and dairy products. Valid currency is Canadian dollar.
Canada is an independent federal parliamentary system with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state. She is represented in Canada by the governor-general. The country’s supreme body is the Federal Parliament consisting of two houses. The house of Commons is elected every 5 years. The Senate consists of senators. The leading figure in political life is the Prime Minister.
Canada is divided into 10 provinces and 2 territories. The biggest province is Quebec. The capital of Canada is Ottawa. The biggest city is Toronto. Other large cities are Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, Hamilton, Quebec.
It´s a member of many international organisations and since 1964 it has its own flag. It is red and in the centre there is a white square with simple red maple leaf. The Canadian anthem is called Oh, Canada.
Australia and New Zealand
Australia is situated in the eastern part of the Southern Hemisphere. Australia is an island continent lying between the Indian Ocean on the west and Pacific Ocean on the east. It is the sixth largest country and the smallest continent.
HISTORY
James Cook discovered Australia on the 20th of April 1770. The original inhabitants of Australia were people called Aborigines. This name they gained from British people in 1788. The each group of Aborigines had its land and language. They travelled to different parts of their land to find food and water, they ate plants and fruits and caught animals and fish. After 1788 their life suddenly began to change. Life was very difficult for the Aborigines: they couldn’t own land, couldn’t get jobs, their children couldn’t go to school with white children. Nowadays it is better.
GOVERNMENT
The official title is the Commonwealth of Australia and it is a British dominion. It is federal state with a Governor General at its head. The governor is a deputy to the British queen Elisabeth II. The head of government is the Prime Minister.
- The capital is Canberra.
Australia consists of 6 states and 3 territories:
- Western Australia – the capital is Perth
- South Australia – the capital is Adelaide
- Queensland – the capital is Brisbane
- New South Wales – the capital is Sydney
- Victoria – the capital is Melbourne
- Tasmania – the capital is Hobart
Territories: 1. Northern Territory – the capital is Darwin
2. Australian Capital Territory – the capital is Canberra
POPULATION
Country isn’t densely populated. There are only about 16 million inhabitants. The inhabitants are mostly of British origin. The density is one of the lowest in the world, only two people to one square kilometre. Population is concentrated especially along the south – east coast. The tropical northern part is practically uninhabited.
GEOGRAPHY
- DESERTS
There are two big deserts: the Great Sand Desert and the Victoria Desert
- RIVERS
Country has only two big rivers: the Murray and the Darling
- LAKES
There are about 760 lakes. There are three large lakes: Eyre, Torrent, and Gardner
- MOUNTAINS
Australia has one big mountain range, the Australian Alps. The highest peak is Mont Kosciusko, it is 2 228 meters high. The south – east is covered with forest of eucalyptus and other evergreen trees.
- CLIMATE
It has a warm climate with plenty of sunshine – the average temperature in January (summer) is 24 degrees above zero and in July (winter) it is 8 degrees above zero.The interior of Australia is also called „the outback“. This part has extremely hot and dry climate. There is little rainfall there. The south – east has pleasant type of climate.
- ANIMALS
The typical Australia’s animals are: kangaroos, koalas, platypus, and seal. These peculiar animals we cannot find elsewhere.
INDUSTRY
- EXPORT
The main Australian exports are: wool (sheep breeding ), beef, mutton, wheat, and minerals. Australia is rich in gold, silver, copper, zinc and iron.
- MAIN INDUSTRIES
Mining, food industry, textile industry, chemical industry, car industry, ship industry...
Only 7% of the population work in agriculture, 30% in industry and trade and 33% in services.
- MAIN TRADING PARTNERS
Among the main trading partners belong: Japan, USA, Great Britain.
CURRENCY
Currency used in Australia is Australian Dollar.
FAMOUS AUSTRALIANS
Mel Gibson – film star
Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan – singers
Rupert Murdoch – international businessman
NEW ZEALAND:
GOVERNMENT
New Zealand is a democratic country with its own parliament. It is part of British Commonwealth. The official head of state is Elizabeth II, the queen of England, Scotland and Wales.
New Zealand was the first country in the world to give the vote to woman in 1893, to have old age pensions for retirement people and the eight-hour working day.
GEOGRAPHY
This country is bigger in size than Great Britain. New Zealand is situated in the Pacific Ocean about 2000 km from Australia. It consists of two large islands plus other smaller islands.
- There are two main islands:
1.The North Island – with a warm climate and many volcanic activity
2.The South Island – it is cooler and has got a higher rainfall.
There are the Southern Alps with Mount Cook (3754 m) the highest mountain in New Zealand. The country is mostly mountainous. New Zealand’s climate is quite pleasant. There is a lot of sun and it often rains there. Summers are not too hot (+28°C) and winters are mild (+8°C).
ECONOMY
New Zealand has got some industry-iron, steel, machinery and motor vehicle production but agriculture is more important. The agriculture of New Zealand is specialized in cattle raising and sheep farming. The cattle can be outside even during winter, thanks to the mild climate. The main industry is food processing. Wool, fruit and vegetables are important agricultural products.
POPULATION
There are 3,6 million people in the country. Over 80% of people are European (mainly British) origin. Around 9% of the population is Maoris – original inhabitants.The two official languages are English and Maori.
CITIES
- Wellington (400,000 people) is the capital.
- Auckland is the largest city with 800,000 people. Auckland´s nickname is “ the city of sails” because it has more boats than anywhere else in the world.
WILDLIFE
New Zealand has got some unique animals and plants. The tuatara is a reptile that has survived from the era of the dinosaurs. The weta is the largest and heaviest insect in the world and the kiwi (the national symbol of New Zealand) is a large bird that cannot fly.
LIFESTYLE
New Zealanders, who are also known as “ Kiwis”, are relaxed people who love the outdoor life. It is not surprising that New Zealand is successful at many sports. Its national sport is rugby.
HISTORY
James Cook discovered Australia on the 20th of April 1770. The original inhabitants of Australia were people called Aborigines. This name they gained from British people in 1788. The each group of Aborigines had its land and language. They travelled to different parts of their land to find food and water, they ate plants and fruits and caught animals and fish. After 1788 their life suddenly began to change. Life was very difficult for the Aborigines: they couldn’t own land, couldn’t get jobs, their children couldn’t go to school with white children. Nowadays it is better.
GOVERNMENT
The official title is the Commonwealth of Australia and it is a British dominion. It is federal state with a Governor General at its head. The governor is a deputy to the British queen Elisabeth II. The head of government is the Prime Minister.
- The capital is Canberra.
Australia consists of 6 states and 3 territories:
- Western Australia – the capital is Perth
- South Australia – the capital is Adelaide
- Queensland – the capital is Brisbane
- New South Wales – the capital is Sydney
- Victoria – the capital is Melbourne
- Tasmania – the capital is Hobart
Territories: 1. Northern Territory – the capital is Darwin
2. Australian Capital Territory – the capital is Canberra
POPULATION
Country isn’t densely populated. There are only about 16 million inhabitants. The inhabitants are mostly of British origin. The density is one of the lowest in the world, only two people to one square kilometre. Population is concentrated especially along the south – east coast. The tropical northern part is practically uninhabited.
GEOGRAPHY
- DESERTS
There are two big deserts: the Great Sand Desert and the Victoria Desert
- RIVERS
Country has only two big rivers: the Murray and the Darling
- LAKES
There are about 760 lakes. There are three large lakes: Eyre, Torrent, and Gardner
- MOUNTAINS
Australia has one big mountain range, the Australian Alps. The highest peak is Mont Kosciusko, it is 2 228 meters high. The south – east is covered with forest of eucalyptus and other evergreen trees.
- CLIMATE
It has a warm climate with plenty of sunshine – the average temperature in January (summer) is 24 degrees above zero and in July (winter) it is 8 degrees above zero.The interior of Australia is also called „the outback“. This part has extremely hot and dry climate. There is little rainfall there. The south – east has pleasant type of climate.
- ANIMALS
The typical Australia’s animals are: kangaroos, koalas, platypus, and seal. These peculiar animals we cannot find elsewhere.
INDUSTRY
- EXPORT
The main Australian exports are: wool (sheep breeding ), beef, mutton, wheat, and minerals. Australia is rich in gold, silver, copper, zinc and iron.
- MAIN INDUSTRIES
Mining, food industry, textile industry, chemical industry, car industry, ship industry...
Only 7% of the population work in agriculture, 30% in industry and trade and 33% in services.
- MAIN TRADING PARTNERS
Among the main trading partners belong: Japan, USA, Great Britain.
CURRENCY
Currency used in Australia is Australian Dollar.
FAMOUS AUSTRALIANS
Mel Gibson – film star
Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan – singers
Rupert Murdoch – international businessman
NEW ZEALAND:
GOVERNMENT
New Zealand is a democratic country with its own parliament. It is part of British Commonwealth. The official head of state is Elizabeth II, the queen of England, Scotland and Wales.
New Zealand was the first country in the world to give the vote to woman in 1893, to have old age pensions for retirement people and the eight-hour working day.
GEOGRAPHY
This country is bigger in size than Great Britain. New Zealand is situated in the Pacific Ocean about 2000 km from Australia. It consists of two large islands plus other smaller islands.
- There are two main islands:
1.The North Island – with a warm climate and many volcanic activity
2.The South Island – it is cooler and has got a higher rainfall.
There are the Southern Alps with Mount Cook (3754 m) the highest mountain in New Zealand. The country is mostly mountainous. New Zealand’s climate is quite pleasant. There is a lot of sun and it often rains there. Summers are not too hot (+28°C) and winters are mild (+8°C).
ECONOMY
New Zealand has got some industry-iron, steel, machinery and motor vehicle production but agriculture is more important. The agriculture of New Zealand is specialized in cattle raising and sheep farming. The cattle can be outside even during winter, thanks to the mild climate. The main industry is food processing. Wool, fruit and vegetables are important agricultural products.
POPULATION
There are 3,6 million people in the country. Over 80% of people are European (mainly British) origin. Around 9% of the population is Maoris – original inhabitants.The two official languages are English and Maori.
CITIES
- Wellington (400,000 people) is the capital.
- Auckland is the largest city with 800,000 people. Auckland´s nickname is “ the city of sails” because it has more boats than anywhere else in the world.
WILDLIFE
New Zealand has got some unique animals and plants. The tuatara is a reptile that has survived from the era of the dinosaurs. The weta is the largest and heaviest insect in the world and the kiwi (the national symbol of New Zealand) is a large bird that cannot fly.
LIFESTYLE
New Zealanders, who are also known as “ Kiwis”, are relaxed people who love the outdoor life. It is not surprising that New Zealand is successful at many sports. Its national sport is rugby.
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