Listening October

Lesson 5

History of us Presidential Elections

Video Vocabulary

to take the oath of office – приносить присягу

the running mate – кандидат на пост вице-президента

to step in - вмешаться

to swear in – приводить к присяге

electoral college – коллегия выборщиков

to take office – вступить в должность

to convene – собираться

turmoil – беспорядок

Watch the video and answer the questions.

1. When did the first presidential election take place? How many presidents have been elected since then?

2. Have presidential elections ever been postponed?

3. Who was the only unelected US President? What was the reason for that?

4. When are presidential elections held? Why was this particular day chosen?

5. Do the Americans directly elect the president?

6. What is a transitional period needed for?

Watch the video once again and mark whether the statements are true or false.

1. The first presidential elections were held in the 19^th century.

2. All the people of the USA have been able to vote since the first elections.

3. America had an election in the middle of the Great Depression.

4. Each state’s population decides the number of electors.

5. The Electoral College meets on December 15th and then select the president.

6. The president takes office right on Election Day.

Lesson 6

Canadian Political System

Listening Vocabulary

constituency – избирательный округ

riding - административный или выборный округ в Канаде

Listen to a conversation about the Canadian political system and answer the following questions:

1. What is the administrative division of Canada? What is the difference between a territory and a province?

2. What does the number of seats each province gets in Federal Parliament depend on? Which provinces have the most seats?

3. Who forms the government of the country?

4. How is the leader of the country chosen?

5. How many political parties does the speaker mention?

6. Are there any differences between the American and the Canadian political systems?

Lesson 7

Party Program

Listening Vocabulary

income tax cuts – сокращение налогов на доходы

interest rate – ставка процента, ссудный процент

to be understaffed – испытывать нехватку персонала

an ongoing problem - постоянная проблема

to tackle problems – заниматься решением проблем

1. You’re going to hear a radio interview with Geraldine Faulkes, a politician. She is talking about future trends and her party’s policies if it wins the general election. Listen and tick (√) the points below which she mentions:

- falling unemployment

- greater provision for healthcare

- more money for foreign aid

- lower interest rates

- closer links with Europe

- reduction in income tax

- more action on global warming

- lower rate of inflation

- more action on poverty

- more money for medical research

2. Work in pairs. Can you remember what Geraldine Faulkes actually said about the points you ticked?.