英语国家概况课后题总结和答案.doc

Chapter 1 land and people
1.what are the differences between Britain and the British Isles, Great Britain,England,the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth?
The British Isles,Greant Britina and England are geographical names, no the official names of the country,while the official name is the United Kingdom,but the full name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.The British Commonwealth is a free association of independent countries that were once colonies of Britian.
2.Describe the geographical position of Britian?
Britain is an island country. It lies in the north Atlantic Ocean off the north coast of Europe.It is separated from the rest of Europe by the English channel in the south and the North Sea in the east.
3.Whereabouts in Great Britain are mostly highland and lowland?
The north and west of Britain are mainly highland, while the south and south-east are mostly lowlands.
4.Does Britain have a favourable climate? why?
Yes,it has a favourable climate, because it has a maritime type of climate---winters are mild,not too cold and summers are cool, not too hot.It has a steady reliable rainfall throughout the whole year.It has a small range of temperature,too.
5.what are the factors which influence the climate in Britain? Which part of Britain has the most rainfall and which part is the driest?
The factors which influence the climate in Britain are the following three:1)The surrounding waters balance the seasonal differences;2)the prevailing south-west winds bring warm and wet air in winter and keep the temperatures moderate;3)the North Atlantic Drift,a warm current,passes the western coast of the British Isles and warms them.
The northwestern part has the most rainfall,while the south-eastern corner is the driest.
6.Describe the distribution of Britain’s population.
Britain has a population of 57 million. It is densely populated, with an average of 237people per square kilometre. It is also very unevenly distributed , with 90%of the population in urban areas,10% in rural areas. Geographically, most British people live in England. Of the total of 57 million people, 47 million live in England, 14 million live in London and Southeastern England.
7.What are the three natural zones in Scotland?
The three natural zones in Scotland are : the Highlands in the north, the central Lowlands ,and the southern Uplands.
8.What is the difference between the ancestors of the English and Scots, Welsh and Irish?
The ancestors of the English are Anglo-Saxons,while the Scots,Welsh and rish are Celts.
9.What are the differences in character and speech between southern England and northern England? How do the Welsh keep their language and culture alive?
The Welsh are emotional and cheerful people.The Scots are hospitable ,generous and friendly.Irish are known for their charm and vivacity as well as for the beauty of their Irish girls.
Throughout the year they have festivals of song and dance and poetry called Eisteddfodau.On these occasions competitions are held in Welsh poetry,music,singing and art and in this way they keep the Welsh language and Welsh culture alive.
10.What is the main problem in Northern Ireland?
Hundreds of years ago Scots and English Protestants were sent to live in Northern Ireland.Since then there has been bitter fighting between the Protestants and the Roman Catholics.The former are the dominant group,while the latter are seeking more social,plitical and economic apportunities.The british Government and the government of Ireland are now working together to bring peace to Northern Ireland.