2. Reading and vocabulary

2.1 Read the article. What does it say about national stereotypes?

Are we typical? The English are cold and reserved, Brazilians are lively and fun-loving, and the Japanese are shy and hardworking – this is what people usually think about these nationalities. How much truth is there in national stereotypes? Two scientists, Robert McCrae and Antonio Terraciano, investigated the subject, and the result was surprising.

The scientists tested people of 49 different nationalities. Then, they interviewed them and asked them to describe a typical member of their society. The analysis showed that the stereotype was very different from the reality. For example, Italians and Russians think of themselves as sociable and open, but the tests show they are more reserved. The Spanish see themselves lazy, but in fact they are very hardworking. The English are the most open-minded nationality, which is very far from the stereotype! The tests also showed that all nationalities don’t have many differences. In fact, we have a lot in common!

2.2 In the text, find words describing character.

2.3 Complete the sentences with the personality adjectives.

hardworking open-minded lazy reserved sociable hospitable shy fun-loving practical reliable talkative organized moody

1. ______ people who are open and enjoy the company of other people

2. ______ people who are happy one minute and sad the next minute

3. ______ people who like chatting

4. ______ people who like to work

5. ______ people who don’t like to show their feelings

6. ______ people who can be self-disciplined

7. ______ people who don’t like to work

8. ______ people who like visitors

9. ______ people who are not confident in themselves

10. ______ people who know how to spend their money

11. ______ people you can trust or believe

12. ______ people who love parties

13. ______ people who are open to new ideas

2.4 What kind of person are you? Describe yourself in three words. Are you a typical representative of your nationality?

3. Speaking and vocabulary

3.1 Match the geographical words from the box with their definitions. Listen and repeat.

island population scenery climate beach mountain volcano desert glacier border river lake taiga coastline canal

1. an area of water surrounded by land

2. a very dry place where there is very little rain

3. the dividing line between countries

4. an area of land surrounded by water

5. all the people living in a country

6. the type of weather characteristic for a particular area

7. a man-made river

8. a stream of water flowing into another stream or a sea

9. a view, natural features of an area

10. the line where sea and land meet

11. the type of forest where conifer trees mostly grow

12. a large mass of ice

13. a large landform usually higher than the surrounding areas

14. an opening in the planet’s crust which allows magma go to the surface

15. a part of a coastline where you can go sunbathing

3.2 What do you know about New Zealand? Can you answer the questions?

1. Which is the nearest country: Australia or the Philippines?

2. How many islands are there?

3. Which country is as big as New Zealand?

4. How large is the population?

5. What are the two official languages?

6. What film made New Zealand popular for tourists?

7. Which part of New Zealand has a colder climate?

8. What kind of scenery can you find there?

3.3 Listen and check. Which words from 3.1 can you hear? Listen again and check.

3.4 Speak about New Zealand. Use the phrases from the box.

It’s in the south / north / east / west of… It’s the highest / biggest / nearest … It’s famous for … It’s a good place for… People think that… It has fantastic…

3.5 How well do you know your country? Make questions, then listen, check and repeat. Answer the questions.

Climate What’s / cold / place? What’s / hot / place?

Geography What’s / high / mountain? What’s / long / river? What’s / big / city?

Tourism What’s / beautiful / city? What’s /popular place for tourists? Why? What’s / good / time of the year to visit? What’s / bad / time to visit? Why? What’s / good / way to travel round the country? What’s / dangerous / region? Why?