Access to the World of Business and Professional Communication. Study Guide for Blended Learning. Step I (Modules I and II). Учебное пособие-1

Раздел 3. Чтение / Section 3. Reading

Parliament. Unlike the elected House of Commons, the majority of members of the House of Lords are appointed. The membership of the House of Lords is made up of Lords Spiritual and Lords Temporal. For example, the Lords Spiritual are 26 bishops in the established Church of England. As for the Lords Temporal, the majority are life peers who are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. However, they also include some hereditary peers (members of ancient aristocracy).

5.The voting arrangements in Britain have always tended to produce two major parties, in modern times it is Conservative versus Labour. The second biggest party in the House of Commons becomes the Official Opposition: its leader is paid salary from the public funds and given an office. The parties confront each other and argue. The House of Commons is built for confrontation: two sets of seats face each other across a neutral no-man’s land. This theatrical way of doing things has some advantages. It is easy for the public to understand. Moreover, it means that the government is always being publicly challenged, which is good for democracy.

6.The leader of the majority party is the head of the government, the Prime Minister. Traditionally, the British government is based on the Cabinet principle which means that out of one hundred ministers the 20 senior ministers are invited by the Prime Minister to form the Cabinet. The principle also means that the position of the Prime Minister is that of first among equals. The Cabinet’s functions are to make the main decisions about government policy, to control and coordinate government departments.

7.For administrative purposes, the whole of Britain is divided into smaller territorial units each of which is governed by an elected local council. It has traditionally been the basic principle of local government in England that local people can devise a better system for the local context than the central government. This principle is good as it gives local authorities freedom to organise and administer various services, e.g. education, housing, transport, as they think will best suit the area.

5.2. Read the text again. For each question (1–7), mark one letter (А, В or С) to choose the correct answer

(1) The British unwritten constitution А. gives the monarch unlimited power.

В. fails to guarantee the separation of powers. С. is a sum of laws and principles.

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МОДУЛЬ II. ПЕРЕХОДНЫЙ ЭТАП / MODULE II. TRANSITION STAGE (COUNTRY STUDY)

(2) Which statement is true?

А. The role of the monarch is symbolic. В. The British sovereign rules the country.

С. The Queen is both head of the government and head of state.

(3)The Parliament of the United Kingdom А. remains unchanged.

В. consists only of two houses. С. possesses legislative power.

(4)The House of Lords

А. has more political power than the House of Commons. В. is not elected.

С. consists of British aristocracy.

(5) The largest minority party

А. avoids criticizing the government.

В. never opposes government proposals. С. becomes the Official Opposition.

(6) The top ministers

А. form an elite group, known as the Cabinet. В. elect the Prime Minister.

С. are appointed by government departments.

(7) Local councils

А. are appointed by the government.

В. have a general power to promote economic, social and environmental well-being of their area.

С. have no influence.

5.3. Study the table given below. Consult a dictionary for the meaning of the words that you do not know. Learn the words and word combinations given in the table.

Using the table, analyse the function of connectors in the text. In each paragraph, mark the connectors used by the author using the bold type. Connectors in paragraph 4 have been marked for you as an example.

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Раздел 3. Чтение / Section 3. Reading

What other connectors from the table could you use in the other paragraphs of the text to make it more cohesive?

In fact, there may be other constitutional monarchs around the world. But nowhere is there anything quite like the upper Chamber of the British Parliament. Unlike the elected House of Commons, the majority of members of the House of Lords are appointed. The membership of the House of Lords is made up of Lords Spiritual and Lords Temporal. For example, the Lords Spiritual are 26 bishops in the established Church of England. As for the Lords Temporal, the majority are life peers who are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. However, they also include some hereditary peers (members of ancient aristocracy).

5.4. Read the text again and analyse the information of each paragraph. Find its key idea and write out the key words which convey

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МОДУЛЬ II. ПЕРЕХОДНЫЙ ЭТАП / MODULE II. TRANSITION STAGE (COUNTRY STUDY)

the main idea. Fill in the table below. The first paragraph has been analysed for you as an example.

5.5.Make up a detailed analytical retelling of the text using the table. Stick to the following structure given below as an example:

Analytical part:

1. The text to be discussed is entitled “Government and Politics”.

2. The problem tackled upon in the text refers to the area of politics. 3. The main idea conveyed by the author is that the political system

of the UK is very complicated and combines elements of monarchy and parliamentary democracy.

4. Structurally the text falls into three parts.

In the first part the author focuses on the description of monarchy. The second part deals with the role and functions of parliament. In the third part the author dwells on the voting system.

5.6.Make up a summary of the text using the key ideas given in the first column of the table.

5.7.Read the text with blanks and the sentences given below. Choose one sentence (A–F) to fill in each blank (1–6).

Australian Political System

The current Australian political system is not as old as that of Britain or the United States — elements of both of which have been borrowed. 1) …. If Australia can be said to have a ‘founding father’, then it was Henry Parkes (1815–1896) who was Premier of New South Wales for five terms and led the movement towards a federal state which in fact he never lived to see.

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Раздел 3. Чтение / Section 3. Reading

Like Canada, The Commonwealth of Australia — to use the country’s full name — is a constitutional monarchy so the Head of State is the monarch of the United Kingdom, currently Queen Elizabeth II. 2) …. Meanwhile the monarch’s power is mainly symbolic and it is usually exercised through a Governor-General at federal level and Governors at state level.

The Governor-General is advised by the current Prime Minister and the Federal Executive Council and by convention acts on this advice. All past and current Ministers are members of the Council. 3) ….

Normally the Governor-General and the Governors would act in a nonpolitical fashion under the advice of federal or state ministers respectively. However, in the constitutional crisis of October 1975, the Governor-General used reserve powers granted by the Constitution of Australia to dismiss the government led by Gough Whitlam. 4) …. For practical purposes, the head of the executive is the Prime Minister who by convention is the leader of the political party or combination of parties with the most seats in the House of Representatives. The current Prime Minister is Malcolm Turnbull of the Liberal Party who leads a coalition of the Liberal and National Parties. He is Australia’s fourth prime minister since 2013.

The Prime Minister appoints Ministers from members of the legislature (either the House of Representatives or the Senate). Currently the Inner Ministry has 19 Ministers (including the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister), and the Outer Ministry has 11 Ministers. 5) ….

Like the United States, Australia is one of the few countries that locates its parliament and government in a political capital that is not its major city. 6) …. But it is older than that of many other countries in the world, dating from the constitution, which created the nation in 1901.

A.So it is in Canberra and not Sydney (from 1901–1927 it was in Melbourne).

B.Although in practice, only current Ministers attend meetings.

C.These powers remain in force.

D.Besides, there are 12 Parliamentary Secretaries, making 42 Ministers

in all.

E.There is a growing movement in Australia to change this and turn the country into a republic.

F.But it is older than that of many other countries in the world.

6.Mass Media

6.1.Read the text divided into paragraphs (1–7) and choose the best title (A–G) for each paragraph. Use each letter only once.

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МОДУЛЬ II. ПЕРЕХОДНЫЙ ЭТАП / MODULE II. TRANSITION STAGE (COUNTRY STUDY)

Media in Britain

1.The British are known to be great newspaper readers. They used to read even more 60 years ago when there was no competition from television. But even so, almost every adult in the country reads, or at least, glances at a daily newspaper. As a result, newspapers are popular not only with educated middle-class but also with working-class people.

2.UK newspapers can generally be split into two distinct categories: the more serious and intellectual newspapers, usually referred to as the broadsheets due to their large size, and sometimes known collectively as “the quality press”, and others, generally known as tabloids, and collectively as “the popular press” These tend to focus more on celebrity coverage and human interest stories rather than political reporting or overseas news.

3.During the early 21st century, many newspapers saw a rapid decline in circulation. The sector’s advertising revenues fell by 15 % during 2015 alone, with estimates of a further 20 % drop over the course of 2016. The decline of the newspaper industry has been linked to the rise of internet usage in Britain. However, all the major UK newspapers currently have websites, some of which provide free access.

4.Press freedom is an important aspect of British life. In this country, without a written constitution, such freedom is not actually set down in law. In fact, it is fairer to say that there are very few laws restricting it. For example, it is illegal to incite racial hatred. Recent discussion of press freedom has been around the question of privacy: how far should the press be permitted to investigate and report people’s private lives? However, it always appears impossible to distinguish between pure gossip and items of real public importance.

5.Regulation of TV in Britain is very different from regulation of the press. Whereas newspapers are mostly about news, the TV is mostly entertainment and so is subject to more rules on violence and bad language. While newspapers can express any political views, or support any political party they wish to, TV channels are not permitted such freedom; they are obliged to maintain a strict balance between the political parties, to be impartial.

6.90 % of people in Britain say that they listen to the radio in their free time — it is the third most popular activity after watching television and

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Раздел 3. Чтение / Section 3. Reading

visiting friends. Because radio is comparatively inexpensive, it can fill far more niches than television. There is local radio even in small communities, and there are hundreds of specialist stations. At one time, the BBC had a monopoly on radio in Britain, whereas today it has to compete with lots of commercial stations.

7. Since the development of the Internet and the World-Wide-Web, there has been this peculiar distinction between “old”, or “traditional” or “mainstream” media and the “new” forms such as blogs, podcasts, Internet radio, and video sharing. As the “new” media have taken root, and as the masses have adopted the Internet as their primary source for news and entertainment, this distinction has lost its real meaning. The Internet and the Web have become the mainstream. Print, Radio and Television are rapidly becoming outsiders, especially in the eyes of a younger audience. The fact is, the “old” media have already realized that in order to continue to be relevant and commercially viable, they have to embrace these new means of distribution. All British newspapers, television and radio stations have added the “new media” equivalents to their old-school paradigms.

6.2. Read the text again. For each question (1–7), mark one letter (А, В or С) to choose the correct answer.

(1) Newspapers in the UK

А. were more popular six decades ago.

В. are as popular as they were in the past. С. more popular among educated people.

(2)A broadsheet is А. similar to a tabloid.

В. the smallest newspaper format. С. focused on more serious topics.

(3)The decline in newspaper circulation is due to А. lack of advertising.

В. popularity of the internet. С. declining interest of readers.

(4)Freedom of press is

А. guaranteed by constitution. В. restricted by the law.

С. is highly valued in Britain.

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МОДУЛЬ II. ПЕРЕХОДНЫЙ ЭТАП / MODULE II. TRANSITION STAGE (COUNTRY STUDY)

(5) Television in Britain

А. openly supports political parties.

В. is intolerant to brutality and swear words. С. obeys the same laws as radio.

(6) Radio broadcasting

А. can reach different groups of listeners more successfully because it is relatively cheap.

В. suffers from lack of competition.

С. is popular with minority of population.

(7) The difference between the old and the new media’s А. no longer relevant.

В. only increasing. С. pointless.

6.3.In each paragraph of the text, underline the connectors used by the author. What is their function? What other connectors could you use in the text to make it more cohesive?

6.4.Read the text again and analyse the information of each paragraph. Find its key idea and write out the key words which convey the main idea. Fill in the table below.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

6.5. Make up a detailed analytical retelling of the text using the table. Stick to the following structure given below:

Analytical part:

1.The text to be discussed is entitled “…”.

2.The problem tackled upon in the text refers to the area of ….

3.The main idea conveyed by the author is that ….

4.Structurally the text falls into … parts.

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Раздел 3. Чтение / Section 3. Reading

In the first part the author focuses on ….

The second part deals with ….

In the third part the author dwells on ….

Rendering:

I. Introduction

II. Main body

III. Conclusion

6.6.Make up a summary of the text using the key ideas given in the first column of the table (exercise 6.4.).

6.7.Read the text with blanks and the sentences given below. Choose one sentence (A–F) to fill in each blank (1–6).

Negative impact of media on society

There is no doubt that the media influences us. To state some examples to prove this claim, try answering the questions that follow. Do you feel like attempting a stunt from a movie? Do you base your fashion on what you see the celebrities are wearing? Do you copy the hairstyle of your favorite famous personalities? Have you ever attempted to walk model-like in an attempt to imitate those ramp models in fashion shows? 1) …. However, it is important to dwell on the negative influences of media because these can change the dynamics of the society for the worse.

The media affects the way we act and think. It has a profound influence on the behavior of its audience. When people try to imitate something we had seen or heard, are they capable enough to distinguish between the right from the wrong? Young people often imitate their role models blindly. What is being highlighted in the entertainment industry is the wrongdoings of these celebrities whom the young people idolize. 2) ….

3) …. A significant number of youth nowadays are suffering from eating disorders attributable to unhealthy lifestyles that are emerging. The television programmes, movies, and even print materials often showcase this lifestyle as fun activities despite their negative effect on health. Media hypes the acceptability of vices.

It has also been observed that children nowadays do not do the same activities as children used to do before. 4) …. And because of technological advancements and the availability of gadgets to young people, these children end up spending a significant amount of time in front of their

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computers and handheld video games. They become wrapped up in a different world — a world of fantasy.

The changes in the behavior and outlook of people towards life are attributable to the negative psychological effects of media. Changes in cultural and moral values have been observed. Many people believe that what is depicted by the media is true and acceptable. 5) ….

The negative influences of media are vast. 6) …. One negative influence can trigger another negative effect and this can cause a chain of reaction leading to destruction of relationships in society. People must be vigilant to minimize these negative influences by being responsible towards oneself and other people especially the youth who are easy targets by the media.

А. Instead of reading books, studying, playing outdoors with other children, and engaging in social activities, they end up watching television in their rooms.

В. Another negative influence of media is eating disorders. С. It may alter their judgment and even cause altercations.

D.They affect the emotions, as well as the spiritual stand of many

people.

E.And because they are heroes in the youth’s minds, they are still celebrated despite the bad behavior they have been showing to the public.

F.If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then it is accepting the influence on media in your life.

7.Social and Legal Issues

7.1.Read the text divided into paragraphs (1–7) and choose the best title (A–G) for each paragraph. Use each letter only once.

Social and Legal Issues

1. Britain is often described as having a class-ridden society. This sense of division probably comes from the love of hierarchy and sense of deference. Not only the Royal Family, but also the surviving aristocracy and old landowning families are treated with greater respect than might be expected in a democracy. But such people represent a small minority of the population.

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