1. Sports in general- good and positive sides of sports, negative?
2. Indoor X outdoor sports, winter X summer sports or all-season sports, extreme sports
3. Popular sports in Britain, the USA, our country
4. Olympic games- facts
5. Our physical training leasson( activities, sportswear…)
6. My attitude to sport- sports that I pracised as a child and later
SPORTS AND GAMES
1. Sport is very important for aktive relaxation and helps us to keep our bodies in good physical condition. Keep us in good mental condition as well. Sports are one of the most popular leisure time activites. Sports offers us refershment, relaxation and rest. Movement in the fresh air hepls the blood circulation and cleans the lungs. During sports events can meet a lot of friends and new peolpe.. But do some sports is dangerously as well.
2. Are many places where we can practise sports. We go to praciste sports at various playground, sports halls, pools, stadiums, tennis courts and finess centers.
We can practise some of sports and games indoor and some of them outdoor.
In the first group there are sports, for example, gymnastics, table tennis, boxing, wrestling.
Outdoor sports are for example: golf, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, horse racing, motor- racing, skatebording and roller skating.
Into outdoor sports belongs winter sports too. Among winter sports are: skiing(slalom, downhill, cross-country), ski jumping, tobogganing, bobsledding, snowboarding, figure-skating, ice- hockey.
But most sports can be done both indoors and outdoors sports. Athletics, swimming,tennis, and ball games take place in summer stadiums as well in athletic halls.
Among the summer sports are athletics (sprints, middle and long distance runs,Marathon race, hurdling, high, triple and long jump, pole vault, shot put, hammer and javelin and discus throw, decathlon) and next aguatic sports(swimming, rowing, canoeing, windsurfing, water skiing, rafting)
Among the all-season sports are, for example, ball games: basketball, volleyball, handball, football, tennis, next gymnastics, body- building or sport dancing.
Nowadays is popular make extreme and quite dangerous sports such as diving, base jumping, skysurfing and bungee jumping( this is jumping from a fixed location such as bridge with bungee cord).
3. England was the first home of many popular games. Football is the most wide spread. Are there a great numer of clubs. Cricket is an English nationle game. Rugby football is also very popular.
In the USA are popular American football (it is different from European mainly in the shape of ball, this is oval) baseball, basketball and ice-hockey or lacrosse and soccer, this is European football.
In our country are popular ball games- football, voleyball or basketball. Ice-hockey is played at a very hight level here too and there are a lot of sport centers and stadium.
4. The most talented sportsmen can take part in Olympic Games. We have Summer and Winter Olympic games. They take place every four years. Games are an international competition and are great event in the world of sports.Symbols of game are the Olympic Fire and the Olympic Flag: five intercloking ring of different colours against a white background, that symbolize unity among five continent.
The first game were in 776 BC and when peolpe stopped worshipping the Greek gods, the Games were cancelled. First modern games were in 1896 in Athens and participated only nine countries and all the athletes were male. Today compete female too and there are more sports event.
5. We have physical training two hours for a week. We train in sports hall. At the beginning our lesson we warming u pand then often we play ball games as volleyball. We wear different T-shirt and shorts and sports shoes.
6. My attitude to sport is positive, but I don´t have enough time for it. When I was a child I play
football whit my friend but younger I have for sports more time that now.
Now I aerobics trains and in summer I swimming, ride on bicycle or play volleyball and in winter I skate or tobogganing. A lot of peolpe watch sports on television, but I don´t care it, only sometimes a watch football.
Weather,nature,environment,protection
1. Describe the climate in the Czech Republic(four season, changes in the nature, weather).
2. Speak about natural environment and the probléme nowaday(pollution, global warming, andangered species)
3. Consequences of global warming(natural disasters)
4. Protection of environment(What can you do to protect it-separate waste-recycling, save energy and water etc.)
Environment
1. The seasons are not the same everwhere, but for people around the world, the changing seasons help mark the passing of the year.In the Czech Republic change four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
Spring begins on 21. March. The temperature rises after long winter, snow melts, nature begins to awake, treea are in blossom and garden are full of flowers that bloom im spring(bluebells, crocuses, tulips, snowdrops). The weather is very changable- clouds are white or dark and sometimes it is raining. After a shower a rainbow may appear in the sky.
Summer begins on 21.June. Sky is cloudless and it is nice and warm. But sometimes the sky suddenly clouds over, breeze changes in to a strong wind an it is crsh of tunder, a flash of lightning and thunderstorm. But later on the sky clears up and it will stay fine. I love this time of year, becouse we have long holiday and i can enjoy sunny weather, I can go swimming, summer festivals. People go for holidays, they travel, camp, swimm, we can ride on bicycle and next.
Autumn cames on 23. September. The leaves trees become yellow, orange, red and brown and deciduous. Only evergreen conifers remain dark green. The sky is often cloudly. Mornings are chilly, místy, muddy and become firts snow in late November. Birds set out on the journey south. I like an Indian Summer(short period summer-like days).
Winter begins on 21.December. In the winter snow falls, it is blizzards and it is snowy and frosy. We enjoy wintertime activities- skiin, snowboarding, building snowman, snowfighting and next. Sometimes are wery cold winters.
2. Natural environment is all around us(consists of flora, fauna, water, air and earth). Is influenced by processes in nature, but mainly activiti of people. Humans do not always care for environment as they should. They prefer thein owen comfort and luxury. They want more cars, pc technology. We can divide pollution into 3 categories: air, soil, water pollution:
Air is basic for live. Air pollution is biggest problem in cities, where are a lot of cars, concentrate idustry. Important are trees. They are lungs of our planet, becouse they are making oxygen. If we put down trees adn tropical forest it will become very difficult.
Soil pollution- can be contaminated as result industrial waste and other couses.
Water pollution →harmfull industrial process and households, chemicals used in industry
Human kills animals and destroy natural habitats an endarered species are dying out.
Global warming cause by the greenhouse effect. Gases as carbon dioxide, freons, methane prevent the earth from escaping. But human let into the atmosfere much gases and Effect is made stronger.Our planet warming up and change global climate.
3. Consequences of global warming- the Earth´s temperature rises, artic ice melts and
areas near the sea level floods. Floods are generally cause by long rains or when a lot of snow melt in the Spring. Next natural disaster are huricanes and tornadoes cause by presure changes ito the atmosphere. It is very strong wind and destroying everything on the way. Next are earthquakes or explosions of volcanoes. In the course of earthquake the land is crashing and shakeing
4. For the better environment we should use public transport, walk, ride bicycles more than
using the car. Recycle rubbist. This is separating paper, glass and plastic bottels. Reforest new areas, conserve habitats in national parks and nature reserves. And next use alternative means on power: wind power, water, solar energy or nuclear energy. And save energy. I think that is very important protection of natural environment in which we live.
Many ecological organizations take care about our planet- Greenpeace, Duha
2. Speak about natural environment and the probléme nowaday(pollution, global warming, andangered species)
3. Consequences of global warming(natural disasters)
4. Protection of environment(What can you do to protect it-separate waste-recycling, save energy and water etc.)
Environment
1. The seasons are not the same everwhere, but for people around the world, the changing seasons help mark the passing of the year.In the Czech Republic change four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
Spring begins on 21. March. The temperature rises after long winter, snow melts, nature begins to awake, treea are in blossom and garden are full of flowers that bloom im spring(bluebells, crocuses, tulips, snowdrops). The weather is very changable- clouds are white or dark and sometimes it is raining. After a shower a rainbow may appear in the sky.
Summer begins on 21.June. Sky is cloudless and it is nice and warm. But sometimes the sky suddenly clouds over, breeze changes in to a strong wind an it is crsh of tunder, a flash of lightning and thunderstorm. But later on the sky clears up and it will stay fine. I love this time of year, becouse we have long holiday and i can enjoy sunny weather, I can go swimming, summer festivals. People go for holidays, they travel, camp, swimm, we can ride on bicycle and next.
Autumn cames on 23. September. The leaves trees become yellow, orange, red and brown and deciduous. Only evergreen conifers remain dark green. The sky is often cloudly. Mornings are chilly, místy, muddy and become firts snow in late November. Birds set out on the journey south. I like an Indian Summer(short period summer-like days).
Winter begins on 21.December. In the winter snow falls, it is blizzards and it is snowy and frosy. We enjoy wintertime activities- skiin, snowboarding, building snowman, snowfighting and next. Sometimes are wery cold winters.
2. Natural environment is all around us(consists of flora, fauna, water, air and earth). Is influenced by processes in nature, but mainly activiti of people. Humans do not always care for environment as they should. They prefer thein owen comfort and luxury. They want more cars, pc technology. We can divide pollution into 3 categories: air, soil, water pollution:
Air is basic for live. Air pollution is biggest problem in cities, where are a lot of cars, concentrate idustry. Important are trees. They are lungs of our planet, becouse they are making oxygen. If we put down trees adn tropical forest it will become very difficult.
Soil pollution- can be contaminated as result industrial waste and other couses.
Water pollution →harmfull industrial process and households, chemicals used in industry
Human kills animals and destroy natural habitats an endarered species are dying out.
Global warming cause by the greenhouse effect. Gases as carbon dioxide, freons, methane prevent the earth from escaping. But human let into the atmosfere much gases and Effect is made stronger.Our planet warming up and change global climate.
3. Consequences of global warming- the Earth´s temperature rises, artic ice melts and
areas near the sea level floods. Floods are generally cause by long rains or when a lot of snow melt in the Spring. Next natural disaster are huricanes and tornadoes cause by presure changes ito the atmosphere. It is very strong wind and destroying everything on the way. Next are earthquakes or explosions of volcanoes. In the course of earthquake the land is crashing and shakeing
4. For the better environment we should use public transport, walk, ride bicycles more than
using the car. Recycle rubbist. This is separating paper, glass and plastic bottels. Reforest new areas, conserve habitats in national parks and nature reserves. And next use alternative means on power: wind power, water, solar energy or nuclear energy. And save energy. I think that is very important protection of natural environment in which we live.
Many ecological organizations take care about our planet- Greenpeace, Duha
Political system
THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND:
The British government:
Britain consists of four countries: England (London capital), Scotland (Edinburgh), Wales (Cardiff) and North Ireland (Belfast). London, the capital is the centre of government for the whole of Britain but local authorities are also partly responsible for education, health care, roads, the police and some other things.
Laws are made by Parliament. There are two houses. The House of Commons and The House of Lords (which has little power). Members of the House of Commons are called MPs (it means Member of Parliament) and MP is elected by people from a particular area. Parliamentary elections are held every five years or less. The leader of the majority party in Parliament becomes Prime minister and he or she chooses the MPs, who will run the different departments of government – ministers. The Prime minister and the most important ministers make up the Cabinet, which is the real government of the country. There are three main political parties: the Labour Party (left wing), the Conservative Party (right wing) and the Social Democrat Liberal Alliance (the middle). This time the Prime Minister is Tony Blair (replaces John Major). Britain has a ceremonial head of State, the King or Queen, who has no political power. Now it is the Queen Elizabeth II. The royal family lives in Buckingham Palace. Prime minister lives at 10 Downing Street.
National flag and anthem:
British national flag is sometimes called “Union Jack”. It symbolises the Union of England, Scotland and Ireland. Each country has its cross in the flag: England has St. George’s Cross (white oblong and red cross), Scotland has St. Andrew’s Cross (blue with white diagonal) and Ireland has St. Patrick’s Cross (white with red diagonal). National anthem is “God Save the Queen!”. Each part of Great Britain also has its own symbol: England has the red rose, Wales has the leek and daffodil, and Scotland has the thistle and Ireland the shamrock.
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
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 south-west of San Francisco. There is also one district, D.C. – District of Columbia – it means the land of Columbus – this territory isn’t a state, the state capital is situated here. The largest state is Alaska, the smallest is Rhode Island. The capital is Washington, D.C. Other big cities according to the population are New York, Los Angels, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia and Detroit. The USA is the member of all major international organisations: UN, OAS, NATO and OECD.
American political system:
The Constitution:
The form of government was established in March 1789in the “Constitution of the United States”. The Constitution set up a federal system of states with a strong central government. Rights and powers were divided between the individual states and the central or federal government.
The original Constitution has been changed 26 times since 1789. Ten of these amendments were in the “Bill of Rights” (1791), which guaranteed the basic rights of individual Americans. The power in the USA is divided into three branches – legislative, executive and judicial.
The legislative branch is made up of elected representatives. The main body is called the 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 435lwmakers who are elected according to the population of each state (serve for two years). The Senate has 100 members – two members from each state (serve for six years). The main task of the Congress is to make federal laws, declare war etc.
The executive branch is represented by the President and 13 executive departments. The President together with his Vice-President is chosen in nation-wide elections every four years. The President can be elected only two terms. Presidential powers are rather big – he proposes bills, can veto or refuse a bill, he is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, makes treaties, appoints federal judges, ambassadors. The head of each department is appointed by the president and is responsible to him. The present departments are: State, Treasury, Defence, Justice, Interior, Agriculture… The Vice-President, elected from the same political party as the President, is the chairman of the Senate. Now the USA have the 42nd president Bill Clinton, whose Vice-President is Al Gore, both of the Democratic Party.
The judicial branch is made up of Federal District Courts (91), 11 Federal Courts and at the top the Supreme Court.
Political parties:
The Democratic Party is more liberal – they think that the government should provide wide social and economic programmes for those, who need them (the poor, students, unemployed, etc.).
The Republican Party puts more emphases on private enterprise and individual initiative.
The American flag and anthem:
The American flag consists of two parts – one smaller blue oblong with 50 white stars symbolising 50 American states and one larger oblong consisting of six white and seven red stripes symbolising the original 13 states which used to be the British colonies. The flag is sometimes called “Old Glory” or “Stars and stripes”. The American national anthem is called “The Star – Spangled Banner”.
The British government:
Britain consists of four countries: England (London capital), Scotland (Edinburgh), Wales (Cardiff) and North Ireland (Belfast). London, the capital is the centre of government for the whole of Britain but local authorities are also partly responsible for education, health care, roads, the police and some other things.
Laws are made by Parliament. There are two houses. The House of Commons and The House of Lords (which has little power). Members of the House of Commons are called MPs (it means Member of Parliament) and MP is elected by people from a particular area. Parliamentary elections are held every five years or less. The leader of the majority party in Parliament becomes Prime minister and he or she chooses the MPs, who will run the different departments of government – ministers. The Prime minister and the most important ministers make up the Cabinet, which is the real government of the country. There are three main political parties: the Labour Party (left wing), the Conservative Party (right wing) and the Social Democrat Liberal Alliance (the middle). This time the Prime Minister is Tony Blair (replaces John Major). Britain has a ceremonial head of State, the King or Queen, who has no political power. Now it is the Queen Elizabeth II. The royal family lives in Buckingham Palace. Prime minister lives at 10 Downing Street.
National flag and anthem:
British national flag is sometimes called “Union Jack”. It symbolises the Union of England, Scotland and Ireland. Each country has its cross in the flag: England has St. George’s Cross (white oblong and red cross), Scotland has St. Andrew’s Cross (blue with white diagonal) and Ireland has St. Patrick’s Cross (white with red diagonal). National anthem is “God Save the Queen!”. Each part of Great Britain also has its own symbol: England has the red rose, Wales has the leek and daffodil, and Scotland has the thistle and Ireland the shamrock.
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
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 south-west of San Francisco. There is also one district, D.C. – District of Columbia – it means the land of Columbus – this territory isn’t a state, the state capital is situated here. The largest state is Alaska, the smallest is Rhode Island. The capital is Washington, D.C. Other big cities according to the population are New York, Los Angels, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia and Detroit. The USA is the member of all major international organisations: UN, OAS, NATO and OECD.
American political system:
The Constitution:
The form of government was established in March 1789in the “Constitution of the United States”. The Constitution set up a federal system of states with a strong central government. Rights and powers were divided between the individual states and the central or federal government.
The original Constitution has been changed 26 times since 1789. Ten of these amendments were in the “Bill of Rights” (1791), which guaranteed the basic rights of individual Americans. The power in the USA is divided into three branches – legislative, executive and judicial.
The legislative branch is made up of elected representatives. The main body is called the 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 435lwmakers who are elected according to the population of each state (serve for two years). The Senate has 100 members – two members from each state (serve for six years). The main task of the Congress is to make federal laws, declare war etc.
The executive branch is represented by the President and 13 executive departments. The President together with his Vice-President is chosen in nation-wide elections every four years. The President can be elected only two terms. Presidential powers are rather big – he proposes bills, can veto or refuse a bill, he is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, makes treaties, appoints federal judges, ambassadors. The head of each department is appointed by the president and is responsible to him. The present departments are: State, Treasury, Defence, Justice, Interior, Agriculture… The Vice-President, elected from the same political party as the President, is the chairman of the Senate. Now the USA have the 42nd president Bill Clinton, whose Vice-President is Al Gore, both of the Democratic Party.
The judicial branch is made up of Federal District Courts (91), 11 Federal Courts and at the top the Supreme Court.
Political parties:
The Democratic Party is more liberal – they think that the government should provide wide social and economic programmes for those, who need them (the poor, students, unemployed, etc.).
The Republican Party puts more emphases on private enterprise and individual initiative.
The American flag and anthem:
The American flag consists of two parts – one smaller blue oblong with 50 white stars symbolising 50 American states and one larger oblong consisting of six white and seven red stripes symbolising the original 13 states which used to be the British colonies. The flag is sometimes called “Old Glory” or “Stars and stripes”. The American national anthem is called “The Star – Spangled Banner”.
Australia
-official name is Commonwealth of Australia; capital Canberra
-some people say it is either smallest continent or largest island in the world
-it is situated in southern hemisphere, it lies between Indian and Pacific ocean
-it is about as large as USA-7,7mil.sq.km; about 17,4mil.inhabitants(95% English origin, 3% other European states, 2% Aboriginals), density is one of the lowest in the world
-it is divided into 6 states(Western Australia, southern australia, queensland, new south Wales, Victoria, Tasmania) and 2 territories(Northern territory, Canberra)
-official language: Australian English; currency: Australian dollar; official anthem: advance Australian fair, unofficial anthem: waltzing Matylda
-largest cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Adelaide
-nearest neighbors-Indonesia, Papua new guinea, the Solomons, fiji, New Zealand
geography: the surface of A.is very flat, 1/20 of land is higher than 600m n.m.
Great barrier reef-it is supposed to be the largest coral reef in the world
Great western plateau-it occupies almost 1/2 of territory
Central A. includes 3 great deserts: Great sandy d., Great Victoria d., Gibson d.
Ayers rock-largest piece of rock in the world, color of red orange, yellow, brown
lakes: in dry season they became dry: l.Eyre, Torrens l., l.Gairdner
rivers: the Murray, the Darling
Central Easter lowland
Australian Cordilleras-3 parts: Great Dividing Range, New England Range, Blue Mountains
Australian alps-the highest mt.:Mt. Kosciusco(2230)
animals: kiwi, platypus, koala, kangaroo, dingo
climate: many different climate, in the north is tropical, the interior is continental and rest subtropical; worm summers, pleasant, mild winters, even we can find there snow in Australian alps for 1/2 of year
history: native inhabitants arrived in A. 40000 years ago; James Cook explored the eastern coast in 1770; the british got the entire continent in 1788 up to 1850; in these years it became a colony when the gold rush increased immigration; the commonwealth proclaimed in 1901; since 1945 3mil.europians settled in A.
economy: very rich country, very high standard of living
industries, agriculture: wheat, wool, sheep, rich mineral deposits, especially coal, iron ore, silver, bauxit
flag: blue, in the upper left corner is union jack, several stars-5 stars in a constellation of the Southern cross; under the union jack you can find 7 point(peak) star, which symbolize 6 A. states and 1 territory
political system: part of British monarchy, h.o.s.: British monarch represented by governor general, constitution of A. was written in 1st of January 1901 and each state has its own constitution; legislative control by the GB removed in 1986
-some people say it is either smallest continent or largest island in the world
-it is situated in southern hemisphere, it lies between Indian and Pacific ocean
-it is about as large as USA-7,7mil.sq.km; about 17,4mil.inhabitants(95% English origin, 3% other European states, 2% Aboriginals), density is one of the lowest in the world
-it is divided into 6 states(Western Australia, southern australia, queensland, new south Wales, Victoria, Tasmania) and 2 territories(Northern territory, Canberra)
-official language: Australian English; currency: Australian dollar; official anthem: advance Australian fair, unofficial anthem: waltzing Matylda
-largest cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Adelaide
-nearest neighbors-Indonesia, Papua new guinea, the Solomons, fiji, New Zealand
geography: the surface of A.is very flat, 1/20 of land is higher than 600m n.m.
Great barrier reef-it is supposed to be the largest coral reef in the world
Great western plateau-it occupies almost 1/2 of territory
Central A. includes 3 great deserts: Great sandy d., Great Victoria d., Gibson d.
Ayers rock-largest piece of rock in the world, color of red orange, yellow, brown
lakes: in dry season they became dry: l.Eyre, Torrens l., l.Gairdner
rivers: the Murray, the Darling
Central Easter lowland
Australian Cordilleras-3 parts: Great Dividing Range, New England Range, Blue Mountains
Australian alps-the highest mt.:Mt. Kosciusco(2230)
animals: kiwi, platypus, koala, kangaroo, dingo
climate: many different climate, in the north is tropical, the interior is continental and rest subtropical; worm summers, pleasant, mild winters, even we can find there snow in Australian alps for 1/2 of year
history: native inhabitants arrived in A. 40000 years ago; James Cook explored the eastern coast in 1770; the british got the entire continent in 1788 up to 1850; in these years it became a colony when the gold rush increased immigration; the commonwealth proclaimed in 1901; since 1945 3mil.europians settled in A.
economy: very rich country, very high standard of living
industries, agriculture: wheat, wool, sheep, rich mineral deposits, especially coal, iron ore, silver, bauxit
flag: blue, in the upper left corner is union jack, several stars-5 stars in a constellation of the Southern cross; under the union jack you can find 7 point(peak) star, which symbolize 6 A. states and 1 territory
political system: part of British monarchy, h.o.s.: British monarch represented by governor general, constitution of A. was written in 1st of January 1901 and each state has its own constitution; legislative control by the GB removed in 1986
Czech Republic
CR is situated in heart of Europe. It borders with Poland, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. It is divided into 3 parts: Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia. CR covers 78864 sq. km and population is about 10,3 million people. Currency is Czech crown, which is divided into 100 hellers. Anthem is “Kde domov můj.” Official language is czech. 40% people are non-believers, 40% are Roman Catholic and 20% are other religions. The major nationalities are czech and moravian, but there are also minority groups such as the Silesians, the Romes, the poles, the Germans, the Ukrainians, the Russians. Climate in CR is mild. The hottest month is July and coldest is January.
Geography
In CR there are many spots of great natural beauty as well as areas totally spoiled by industries. Our state has a varied landscape. The border of Bohemia and Moravia is lined by the Šumava range, the Czech forest, the Krušné Mountains (Ore), the Jizerské Mountains, the Luž Mountains, the Krkonoše mountains (Eagle) and the Orlické mountains. Bohemia and Moravia are separated by the Bohemian-Moravian highlands. The highest mountain is Sněžka (1603 meters). Fertile lowlands can be found in the valleys of the big rivers - Vltava, Labe, Morava. On the Vltava river were built cascade of dams.
History
In 5th century did the Slavs settle the territory. In 9th century was on this territory first state formation called Great Moravia. In 14th century one of the best and most important rulers Charles IV, during his reign was founded the Prague University. In 15th century here were hussite movement with reformation teaching of Jan Hus, who was burned to death in 1415. In 17th century was here the Thirty years war, after the Battle of the White Mountain in 1620 was the country germanized and many non catholic artists and scientists have to leave the country. In 19th century was Age of reason – Czech language became important again and fine piece of Czech literature were born. In 1918 was proclaimed independent Czechoslovak republic with T. G. Masaryk as the first president. 1939 was the Bohemia and Moravia territory occupied by germans. 1945 was Czechoslovakia liberated by the Red (Russian) and US armies. 1948 began socialistic era. 1968 was Prague spring – invasion of soviet army and it began normalization. 1989 was Velvet revolution, which canceled the communistic era and gave to our country new democratic principles. 1993Czechoslovakia split in two republics – the Czech republic and the Slovak republic, with its own administration, economy and state symbols.
Economy
More than 40years here were a state monopoly system. It is reconstructed into prosperous free market system with the help of privatization. The country tries to follow the principles of democracy. If only we could reach prosperous economic standard and at the same time not lose our best cultural and spiritual traditions. The most important part of out economy is engineering. Other important branches are metallurgical, chemical industry and tourism. Textile and glass industries have a long tradition. The main items of our agriculture are wheat, maize, sugar beet, grapes, hops and fruit. Here is also animal production – cattle and pig breeding, fish breeding, especially carp breeding has a long tradition in South Bohemia ponds.
Administration
CR is after Velvet revolution in November 1989 parliamentary democracy with the president as a head of state, prime minister is a leader of the winning party, government and ministry as the main executive powers. The main legislative power is given to the national parliament. The judicial powers are given to courts of justice.
Spots of beauty and interesting places to go
In the Czech Republic there are many spots of great natural beauty as well as areas totally spoiled by industries.
Castles, ruins chateaux: Hluboká, Weltrusy, Špilberg. Spas and mineral springs: Karlovy vary, Františkovy lázně, Luhačovice. UNESCO protected: Praha, Český krumlov, Lednice, Valtice, Mikulov, Kutná hora, Telč, Kroměříž. Natural places: the Czech paradise, rock town in Prachov rocks, the Děčín walls, Czech switzerland, the Boubín virgin forest, Koněprusy caves, Macocha abyss.
Cultural heritage
It is very rich and it can offer the world many outstanding values. In literature: the cosmas chronicle from the 12th century, the kralická bible from 16th century, writers Komenský, Mácha, Čapek, a poet Seifert who won a Nobel Prize. In music we have beautiful middle age chorals, great composers such as Janáček, Dvořák, Smetana. Modern musicians are admired by foreigners as well, e.g. Stivín, Kocáb. Folklore festivals in Strážnice and Rožnov are well known all around the country. Prague is a museum of all possible architecture styles. The most outstanding architect of the gothic period was Petr Parléř.
Geography
In CR there are many spots of great natural beauty as well as areas totally spoiled by industries. Our state has a varied landscape. The border of Bohemia and Moravia is lined by the Šumava range, the Czech forest, the Krušné Mountains (Ore), the Jizerské Mountains, the Luž Mountains, the Krkonoše mountains (Eagle) and the Orlické mountains. Bohemia and Moravia are separated by the Bohemian-Moravian highlands. The highest mountain is Sněžka (1603 meters). Fertile lowlands can be found in the valleys of the big rivers - Vltava, Labe, Morava. On the Vltava river were built cascade of dams.
History
In 5th century did the Slavs settle the territory. In 9th century was on this territory first state formation called Great Moravia. In 14th century one of the best and most important rulers Charles IV, during his reign was founded the Prague University. In 15th century here were hussite movement with reformation teaching of Jan Hus, who was burned to death in 1415. In 17th century was here the Thirty years war, after the Battle of the White Mountain in 1620 was the country germanized and many non catholic artists and scientists have to leave the country. In 19th century was Age of reason – Czech language became important again and fine piece of Czech literature were born. In 1918 was proclaimed independent Czechoslovak republic with T. G. Masaryk as the first president. 1939 was the Bohemia and Moravia territory occupied by germans. 1945 was Czechoslovakia liberated by the Red (Russian) and US armies. 1948 began socialistic era. 1968 was Prague spring – invasion of soviet army and it began normalization. 1989 was Velvet revolution, which canceled the communistic era and gave to our country new democratic principles. 1993Czechoslovakia split in two republics – the Czech republic and the Slovak republic, with its own administration, economy and state symbols.
Economy
More than 40years here were a state monopoly system. It is reconstructed into prosperous free market system with the help of privatization. The country tries to follow the principles of democracy. If only we could reach prosperous economic standard and at the same time not lose our best cultural and spiritual traditions. The most important part of out economy is engineering. Other important branches are metallurgical, chemical industry and tourism. Textile and glass industries have a long tradition. The main items of our agriculture are wheat, maize, sugar beet, grapes, hops and fruit. Here is also animal production – cattle and pig breeding, fish breeding, especially carp breeding has a long tradition in South Bohemia ponds.
Administration
CR is after Velvet revolution in November 1989 parliamentary democracy with the president as a head of state, prime minister is a leader of the winning party, government and ministry as the main executive powers. The main legislative power is given to the national parliament. The judicial powers are given to courts of justice.
Spots of beauty and interesting places to go
In the Czech Republic there are many spots of great natural beauty as well as areas totally spoiled by industries.
Castles, ruins chateaux: Hluboká, Weltrusy, Špilberg. Spas and mineral springs: Karlovy vary, Františkovy lázně, Luhačovice. UNESCO protected: Praha, Český krumlov, Lednice, Valtice, Mikulov, Kutná hora, Telč, Kroměříž. Natural places: the Czech paradise, rock town in Prachov rocks, the Děčín walls, Czech switzerland, the Boubín virgin forest, Koněprusy caves, Macocha abyss.
Cultural heritage
It is very rich and it can offer the world many outstanding values. In literature: the cosmas chronicle from the 12th century, the kralická bible from 16th century, writers Komenský, Mácha, Čapek, a poet Seifert who won a Nobel Prize. In music we have beautiful middle age chorals, great composers such as Janáček, Dvořák, Smetana. Modern musicians are admired by foreigners as well, e.g. Stivín, Kocáb. Folklore festivals in Strážnice and Rožnov are well known all around the country. Prague is a museum of all possible architecture styles. The most outstanding architect of the gothic period was Petr Parléř.
Food nutrition and restaurants
Food is really important for our body without food and nutrition we would die. Without food there would be no life. We need food because it give us energy and we can move, etc.
Food provides important elements and vitamins for our body. Everybody should observe right healthy nutrition and they will have also right way of living. Some take care what they eat, somebody not, etc. Go on slimming diet; cut down on some fat and sugar, do not eat fast
Very important is also to control everything, especially eating habits.
Now let me say something about board of GB, USA and CR.
Breakfast:
GB: They usually drink a cup of tea or coffee + glass of juice. The most favorite to eat is ham and eggs or bacon + sausages. A plate of porridge, a buttered toast with marmalade or cheese is also really popular.
CR: People drink a cup of tea, a glass of cocoa, coffee. They prepare usually a piece of bread or a roll and eat with butter, cheese, salami and marmalade. They like toasts, corn flakes, cereals, eggs or sometimes some kind of yogurt. Sometimes they eat sausages with piece of bread + mustard or ketchup
USA: Americans like to eat corn flakes and they have some special cookies. For example most popular are muffins, bagels, and buns. They usually eat sandwiches, the most famous sandwich is called PBJ (peanut butter jelly). Americans have on a breakfast table also waffles. They drink the same as in Europe, but special is their OJ (orange juice) with cheese cake with strawberries, hot chocolate
Lunch:
GB: In GB it might be some kind of soup, either thick or clear with sandwiches. Sandwiches consist of salami, cheese and vegetables salad. They also eat in fast food restaurants, the favorite to eating there is fish with chips. When Britisch wake up later, especially on weekends, they don’t have breakfast or lunch they have something like brunch (lunch + breakfast; grilled spicy beans and potatoes). During afternoon they have elevenses (snack; thin slice of bread-white or brown with butter, marmalade, ...; cup of tea, cakes, ...) +
CR: For Czech people is lunch the largest meal during the day, but in GB or USA is no the largest one, the largest meal is called dinner there. We (in CR) usually have three-courses. We start with soup (also thick or clear), it’s the main of all lunch. We eat many kinds of foods. For example – pasta, potatoes, fries, dumplings, spaghetti as supplements with various kinds of meat (poultry, beef, calf, pork, lamb, soya, ...), sometimes with sauces
The typical Czech meal is called roast pork, dumplings and cabbage. We like to drink a glass of beer or some kinds of lemonade. The Czech people usually have a lunch in canteens, cafeterias, buffets or restaurants.
USA: Americans drink coke, soda, lemonade, coffee,... They have a lunch in fast food restaurants. They eat fries or hamburgers with majoneza or mustard or ketchup with lettuce. It isn’t important to have big lunch for Americans.
Dinner:
GB: For britains is dinner the main meal of day. They have 4 or 5 courses (d’oeuvre = starter, soup, some meat with supplements and also with vegetables, sweet dessert, last one is sometimes sandwiches, of course if they have place if they want)
In Scotland and North of England people have there something what is called hightea. They eat fish, eggs, ham, sausages with home made bread.
CR: We take something cold, hot or warm, st like breakfast, but it is largest. We make potatoes cake.
USA: There are several various cuisine like in Italic, Mexican, Chine, France, ... You can visit some restaurants and there eat your home kitchen, food. They usually buy something finish they get it to microwave. They have also several courses as everybody wants.
Food provides important elements and vitamins for our body. Everybody should observe right healthy nutrition and they will have also right way of living. Some take care what they eat, somebody not, etc. Go on slimming diet; cut down on some fat and sugar, do not eat fast
Very important is also to control everything, especially eating habits.
Now let me say something about board of GB, USA and CR.
Breakfast:
GB: They usually drink a cup of tea or coffee + glass of juice. The most favorite to eat is ham and eggs or bacon + sausages. A plate of porridge, a buttered toast with marmalade or cheese is also really popular.
CR: People drink a cup of tea, a glass of cocoa, coffee. They prepare usually a piece of bread or a roll and eat with butter, cheese, salami and marmalade. They like toasts, corn flakes, cereals, eggs or sometimes some kind of yogurt. Sometimes they eat sausages with piece of bread + mustard or ketchup
USA: Americans like to eat corn flakes and they have some special cookies. For example most popular are muffins, bagels, and buns. They usually eat sandwiches, the most famous sandwich is called PBJ (peanut butter jelly). Americans have on a breakfast table also waffles. They drink the same as in Europe, but special is their OJ (orange juice) with cheese cake with strawberries, hot chocolate
Lunch:
GB: In GB it might be some kind of soup, either thick or clear with sandwiches. Sandwiches consist of salami, cheese and vegetables salad. They also eat in fast food restaurants, the favorite to eating there is fish with chips. When Britisch wake up later, especially on weekends, they don’t have breakfast or lunch they have something like brunch (lunch + breakfast; grilled spicy beans and potatoes). During afternoon they have elevenses (snack; thin slice of bread-white or brown with butter, marmalade, ...; cup of tea, cakes, ...) +
CR: For Czech people is lunch the largest meal during the day, but in GB or USA is no the largest one, the largest meal is called dinner there. We (in CR) usually have three-courses. We start with soup (also thick or clear), it’s the main of all lunch. We eat many kinds of foods. For example – pasta, potatoes, fries, dumplings, spaghetti as supplements with various kinds of meat (poultry, beef, calf, pork, lamb, soya, ...), sometimes with sauces
The typical Czech meal is called roast pork, dumplings and cabbage. We like to drink a glass of beer or some kinds of lemonade. The Czech people usually have a lunch in canteens, cafeterias, buffets or restaurants.
USA: Americans drink coke, soda, lemonade, coffee,... They have a lunch in fast food restaurants. They eat fries or hamburgers with majoneza or mustard or ketchup with lettuce. It isn’t important to have big lunch for Americans.
Dinner:
GB: For britains is dinner the main meal of day. They have 4 or 5 courses (d’oeuvre = starter, soup, some meat with supplements and also with vegetables, sweet dessert, last one is sometimes sandwiches, of course if they have place if they want)
In Scotland and North of England people have there something what is called hightea. They eat fish, eggs, ham, sausages with home made bread.
CR: We take something cold, hot or warm, st like breakfast, but it is largest. We make potatoes cake.
USA: There are several various cuisine like in Italic, Mexican, Chine, France, ... You can visit some restaurants and there eat your home kitchen, food. They usually buy something finish they get it to microwave. They have also several courses as everybody wants.
Prague
Prague is the capital of Czech republic. It has population of 1,2 million inhabitants. It lies on area of 500 square kilometers. It lies on Vltava River. It is seat of president, government and parliament. It is financial, cultural, economic and administrative center of Czech republic. It has several nicknames: heart of Europe, hundred-spired town, golden Prague or magic Prague. It is also cultural and historical center of Europe.
History:
• In 6th century Slavs came to Prague valley.
• In 9th century prince Bořivoj founded the castle and it became the seat of Přemyslid dynasty.
• In 10th century was built Vyšehrad.
• In 14th century, during reign of Charles IV Prague grew and flourished.
• Prague was the center of hussite movement in 15th century.
• In the end of 16th century was Prague seat of Rudolph II, who visited artists and scientists there and it became a cultural center of Europe.
• 1620 it was a battle of the White Mountain.
• 1621 was execution on Old Town square.
• Czech scholars and writers began the national revival in 18th century.
• 1918 Prague became the capital of the independent Czechoslovak republic.
• 1939 was Prague occupied by German troops.
• 1945 was the town liberated by the Russians.
• 1968 the August occupation began the process of normalization.
• On 17th November 1989, the Velvet revolution began democratic changes in our society.
• On 1st January 1993 Prague became the capital of Czech republic, because Czechoslovak republic split to two independent countries – Czech and Slovak republic.
Sightseeing:
Prague castle. It has more than 700 rooms and 3 courtyards. It is seat of president and it is also dominant of the city. 3 most important rooms are Vladislav hall (it was built in gothic style, it is used for special ceremony), Spanish hall (it is used for some ceremonial and cultural purposes), Rudolph gallery (it is sometimes used for exhibitions).
Saint Vitus Cathedral. It is most impressive building at the castle. It was finished in 1929 after more than 1000 years. Inside of this is one of the most important chapels called Saint Wenceslas Chapel. It is decorated with semi-precious stones. Inside of this chapel is coronation chamber where are a coronation jewels (St. Wenceslas crown, the scepter and the orb). Under the cathedral is a royal crypt with sarcophaguses of Czech kings and queens.
St.Georges convent. It contains collection of the gothic to the baroque art.
St.Georges basilica. It is the convent church built in Romanesque style.
Royal summer palace of Belvedere. It is the purest example of Italian renaissance architecture.
Goldenlane. Craftsmen originated it in the 16th century.
Schwarzenberg palace. There is military historical collection.
Archibishop’s palace. It has the beautiful 18th century rococo facade.
Sternberg palace. It was built in the 17th century. It is seat of National gallery.
Strahov monastery. It was founded in the 12th century. Now it is a museum of Czech literature.
Petřín observation tower. It was built in 1981 as a free copy of the Eiffel tower.
Along Neruda street we can go from the castle to the Lesser town. It is poetic quarter with romantic gardens and ancient houses. In the lesser Town Square we can find a St. Nicholas church built in baroque style. From the square we can get through Mostecká Street to the Charles Bridge over the river Vltava. It was built in 14th century. There we can find 30 sculptures and groups of statues mainly in Baroque style.
Old Town square. We can get there from Charles Bridge along Charles Street. It is the center of the Old Town. Beautifully decorated houses with colored facades of all styles surround it. In the center of the square is John Huss Monument.
Old town hall. It is the best known building in the square. There is a horologe with the statues of the apostles on the tower.
Kinský palace. It was built in rococo style and now houses a graphic collection.
Týn church. In 1601 was here buried the Danish astronomer Tycho de Brahe. It is visual dominant of square.
Bethlehem chapel. It is the most important center of the reformation movement where John Huss preached. It is not far from the square.
Paris street. It is lined with fine houses built in late 19th century decorative style. It takes us to the Jewish Town. The Jewish community originated in Prague as early as the 10th century. Now here is only a few synagogues (The Old-New Synagogue and cemetery have remained to the present).
Celetná street. Leads from the Old Town Square to the Powder gate, which forms a monumental entrance to the Old town.
Na příkopě street. Now it is a pedestrian precinct. It takes us to the bottom of Wenceslas Square.
Wenceslas square. It is heart of New Town and it present-day Prague. It is 750 meters long boulevard lined with banks, department stores, boutiques, shops, hotels, restaurants, theatres and cinemas. The neo-renaissance building of the National museum closes the upper part of the square. It was built in end of 19th century and now it contains historical and natural history collections. In the upper part of the square stands the St. Wenceslas Memorial. It is bronze equestrian statue of prince Wenceslas by J.V.Myslbek. It is favorite meeting place of tourists.
National theatre. It is the most beautiful neo-renaissance building. We can get there from the bottom of the Wencesls Square along Národní Street.
Vyšehrad. We can get there along the river. It was the seat of czech princes. The oldest construction on Vyšehrad and in the whole Prague is the Rotunda of St. Martin built in 11th century. The Vyšehrad site also contains the Slavín cemetery, the burial place of famous personalities of our political and cultural life.
Charles university. It is the oldest university in central and eastern Europe.
History:
• In 6th century Slavs came to Prague valley.
• In 9th century prince Bořivoj founded the castle and it became the seat of Přemyslid dynasty.
• In 10th century was built Vyšehrad.
• In 14th century, during reign of Charles IV Prague grew and flourished.
• Prague was the center of hussite movement in 15th century.
• In the end of 16th century was Prague seat of Rudolph II, who visited artists and scientists there and it became a cultural center of Europe.
• 1620 it was a battle of the White Mountain.
• 1621 was execution on Old Town square.
• Czech scholars and writers began the national revival in 18th century.
• 1918 Prague became the capital of the independent Czechoslovak republic.
• 1939 was Prague occupied by German troops.
• 1945 was the town liberated by the Russians.
• 1968 the August occupation began the process of normalization.
• On 17th November 1989, the Velvet revolution began democratic changes in our society.
• On 1st January 1993 Prague became the capital of Czech republic, because Czechoslovak republic split to two independent countries – Czech and Slovak republic.
Sightseeing:
Prague castle. It has more than 700 rooms and 3 courtyards. It is seat of president and it is also dominant of the city. 3 most important rooms are Vladislav hall (it was built in gothic style, it is used for special ceremony), Spanish hall (it is used for some ceremonial and cultural purposes), Rudolph gallery (it is sometimes used for exhibitions).
Saint Vitus Cathedral. It is most impressive building at the castle. It was finished in 1929 after more than 1000 years. Inside of this is one of the most important chapels called Saint Wenceslas Chapel. It is decorated with semi-precious stones. Inside of this chapel is coronation chamber where are a coronation jewels (St. Wenceslas crown, the scepter and the orb). Under the cathedral is a royal crypt with sarcophaguses of Czech kings and queens.
St.Georges convent. It contains collection of the gothic to the baroque art.
St.Georges basilica. It is the convent church built in Romanesque style.
Royal summer palace of Belvedere. It is the purest example of Italian renaissance architecture.
Goldenlane. Craftsmen originated it in the 16th century.
Schwarzenberg palace. There is military historical collection.
Archibishop’s palace. It has the beautiful 18th century rococo facade.
Sternberg palace. It was built in the 17th century. It is seat of National gallery.
Strahov monastery. It was founded in the 12th century. Now it is a museum of Czech literature.
Petřín observation tower. It was built in 1981 as a free copy of the Eiffel tower.
Along Neruda street we can go from the castle to the Lesser town. It is poetic quarter with romantic gardens and ancient houses. In the lesser Town Square we can find a St. Nicholas church built in baroque style. From the square we can get through Mostecká Street to the Charles Bridge over the river Vltava. It was built in 14th century. There we can find 30 sculptures and groups of statues mainly in Baroque style.
Old Town square. We can get there from Charles Bridge along Charles Street. It is the center of the Old Town. Beautifully decorated houses with colored facades of all styles surround it. In the center of the square is John Huss Monument.
Old town hall. It is the best known building in the square. There is a horologe with the statues of the apostles on the tower.
Kinský palace. It was built in rococo style and now houses a graphic collection.
Týn church. In 1601 was here buried the Danish astronomer Tycho de Brahe. It is visual dominant of square.
Bethlehem chapel. It is the most important center of the reformation movement where John Huss preached. It is not far from the square.
Paris street. It is lined with fine houses built in late 19th century decorative style. It takes us to the Jewish Town. The Jewish community originated in Prague as early as the 10th century. Now here is only a few synagogues (The Old-New Synagogue and cemetery have remained to the present).
Celetná street. Leads from the Old Town Square to the Powder gate, which forms a monumental entrance to the Old town.
Na příkopě street. Now it is a pedestrian precinct. It takes us to the bottom of Wenceslas Square.
Wenceslas square. It is heart of New Town and it present-day Prague. It is 750 meters long boulevard lined with banks, department stores, boutiques, shops, hotels, restaurants, theatres and cinemas. The neo-renaissance building of the National museum closes the upper part of the square. It was built in end of 19th century and now it contains historical and natural history collections. In the upper part of the square stands the St. Wenceslas Memorial. It is bronze equestrian statue of prince Wenceslas by J.V.Myslbek. It is favorite meeting place of tourists.
National theatre. It is the most beautiful neo-renaissance building. We can get there from the bottom of the Wencesls Square along Národní Street.
Vyšehrad. We can get there along the river. It was the seat of czech princes. The oldest construction on Vyšehrad and in the whole Prague is the Rotunda of St. Martin built in 11th century. The Vyšehrad site also contains the Slavín cemetery, the burial place of famous personalities of our political and cultural life.
Charles university. It is the oldest university in central and eastern Europe.
Travelling
One of the natural habits of the people which has already been noted all over the world in the ancient time is to move. Similarly as the way of life was developed also the way of moving has been changed to presently used modern traffic means. The population feels the necessity to move from one place to the other. The reason may be private, business or the aim to find something somewhere better.
There are the following traffic means used nowadays (according to the place where they are used):
• Roads – vehicles (passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorbikes, bicycles)
• Rails – trains (passenger trains – express, normal, local, sleeping, etc., cargo trains)
• Rivers – boats (for passengers, for cargo, even for accommodation – so called botels)
• Seas – big vessels (for passengers, for cargo – mainly oil, coal, containers, ferryboats, etc.)
• Air – planes (which can also be divided to passenger and cargo ones)
When keeping aside business trips and different ways of transportation of the people who decided to emigrate from their original country, travelling brings joy and pleasure for anybody who likes to move or who has chosen his holiday away of his home. Let´s concentrate on the last case.
The holiday as such should be spent somewhere out of home. It brings more pleasure and bigger rest that is needed by anybody. When going for holidays abroad we mostly use planes because it is most convenient mean of transport. We may reach place of destination quicker. We do not spend a lot of time on the way and therefore we have more time for being on holiday location.
There are the following traffic means used nowadays (according to the place where they are used):
• Roads – vehicles (passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorbikes, bicycles)
• Rails – trains (passenger trains – express, normal, local, sleeping, etc., cargo trains)
• Rivers – boats (for passengers, for cargo, even for accommodation – so called botels)
• Seas – big vessels (for passengers, for cargo – mainly oil, coal, containers, ferryboats, etc.)
• Air – planes (which can also be divided to passenger and cargo ones)
When keeping aside business trips and different ways of transportation of the people who decided to emigrate from their original country, travelling brings joy and pleasure for anybody who likes to move or who has chosen his holiday away of his home. Let´s concentrate on the last case.
The holiday as such should be spent somewhere out of home. It brings more pleasure and bigger rest that is needed by anybody. When going for holidays abroad we mostly use planes because it is most convenient mean of transport. We may reach place of destination quicker. We do not spend a lot of time on the way and therefore we have more time for being on holiday location.
New York
New York is the biggest city in the USA. It has about 8 million people. It is one of the largest cities in the world (after Sao Paulo, Seoul, Mexico City, Tokyo). It is sometimes called "The Big Apple". It has five major boroughs: Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island and Brooklyn.
History
The original inhabitants were Indian. This island was bought from the Indians by the Dutch for the bargain price of US $25. The original name was New Amsterdam. Later it was renamed New York. In the southern part of Manhattan Island there used to be a wall against Indians, now there is Wall Street - the center of financial life.
Manhattan city plan
The city was built on a modern plan of streets and avenues which are numbered. Streets run east-west and avenues north-south. Broadway is the center of cultural life. The city is notorious for its crime. Many people believe New York is no longer a healthy place to live. Skyscrapers New York is famous for its Manhattan skyline - a large number of skyscrapers in a small area. The first skyscrapers were built in 1903. The best known skyscrapers are Empire State Building and the World Trade Center (WTC) - the New York's highest skyscraper built in 1973 is 417m high.
Park, Islands
The only quiet place where, however, it is dangerous to go after dark is Central Park. Rock concerts by famous musicians also take place there. There are many attractive places where visitors like to go - the most widely known is the Brooklyn Bridge. There is the Statue of Liberty - it is a symbol of hope and freedom. Economy New York is an important industrial city and business center (machinery, electronics, chemistry, food, textiles, fish market ). It is also the biggest port in the USA. There are 4 airports, 15 TV stations, 39 radio stations, over 100 hospitals, 29 universities, many cultural institutions, galleries. New York has the largest subway system in the world.
History
The original inhabitants were Indian. This island was bought from the Indians by the Dutch for the bargain price of US $25. The original name was New Amsterdam. Later it was renamed New York. In the southern part of Manhattan Island there used to be a wall against Indians, now there is Wall Street - the center of financial life.
Manhattan city plan
The city was built on a modern plan of streets and avenues which are numbered. Streets run east-west and avenues north-south. Broadway is the center of cultural life. The city is notorious for its crime. Many people believe New York is no longer a healthy place to live. Skyscrapers New York is famous for its Manhattan skyline - a large number of skyscrapers in a small area. The first skyscrapers were built in 1903. The best known skyscrapers are Empire State Building and the World Trade Center (WTC) - the New York's highest skyscraper built in 1973 is 417m high.
Park, Islands
The only quiet place where, however, it is dangerous to go after dark is Central Park. Rock concerts by famous musicians also take place there. There are many attractive places where visitors like to go - the most widely known is the Brooklyn Bridge. There is the Statue of Liberty - it is a symbol of hope and freedom. Economy New York is an important industrial city and business center (machinery, electronics, chemistry, food, textiles, fish market ). It is also the biggest port in the USA. There are 4 airports, 15 TV stations, 39 radio stations, over 100 hospitals, 29 universities, many cultural institutions, galleries. New York has the largest subway system in the world.
House and home
I live with my parents and my brother in a three - room flat in Brno. Our flat is situated on the forth floor. The block of flats in which we live is ugly from the outside but our flat is comfortable and lovely inside. It's quite small but has many modern conveniences. If you want to visit our family, first you must ring the bell and then enter. Our entrance hall is small and there are many doors leading to other rooms. You must leave your coat on a coat hanger and then I can show you around our flat. Most of the time we spend in the kitchen or in the living room.
So let's go first to the kitchen. It's our mother's kingdom. She cooks and prepares various delicious meals there. Our kitchen is well equipped with a fridge, freezer and gas-stove, brown cupboard, and sink. In the corner of the room there is a round table with four chairs.
Here we have our daily meals served by our mother. My mother is a good cook. Everybody who has visited us has praised her cooking. In the future I want to be as good a cook as she is. Our kitchen is small but light because there is a big window decorated with curtains. My mother keeps the kitchen clean. She mops and polishes the vinyl flooring in the kitchen every day.
Now something about our living room. Our living room is quite large. We can enter it by three doors. One of them leads to the hall, the second to my room and the third to kitchen. We spend our evenings here. We can either watch TV or listen to music, sitting on the sofa, which is situated around the wall or on the armchairs. The walls are painted white and decorated with pictures. The whole floor is covered with brown carpet. My duty is to vacuum this carpet once a week. My brother must dust. In this way we help our mother with keeping the flat clean and tidy. There is a coffee table with a vase and a lamp. There are always some flowers in the vase. Next to the window is a bookcase with many books. Our stereo is in the corner of the room.
The next room of our flat is children's room. I share this room with my brother. This room is furnished with cabinets, a wardrobe, two beds, and a chair with a desk on which we do our homework and prepare for school. Every day after waking up we must make our beds and air the room. I have one small plant on my table, many photos and many posters on the walls. Opposite the window there is a small bookcase.
In the second hall there are a toilet and a bathroom with a large bath and basin. On the walls there you can see white tiles with flowers.
I like our flat because it's my home. But in the future I'd like to have my own house to live in.
So let's go first to the kitchen. It's our mother's kingdom. She cooks and prepares various delicious meals there. Our kitchen is well equipped with a fridge, freezer and gas-stove, brown cupboard, and sink. In the corner of the room there is a round table with four chairs.
Here we have our daily meals served by our mother. My mother is a good cook. Everybody who has visited us has praised her cooking. In the future I want to be as good a cook as she is. Our kitchen is small but light because there is a big window decorated with curtains. My mother keeps the kitchen clean. She mops and polishes the vinyl flooring in the kitchen every day.
Now something about our living room. Our living room is quite large. We can enter it by three doors. One of them leads to the hall, the second to my room and the third to kitchen. We spend our evenings here. We can either watch TV or listen to music, sitting on the sofa, which is situated around the wall or on the armchairs. The walls are painted white and decorated with pictures. The whole floor is covered with brown carpet. My duty is to vacuum this carpet once a week. My brother must dust. In this way we help our mother with keeping the flat clean and tidy. There is a coffee table with a vase and a lamp. There are always some flowers in the vase. Next to the window is a bookcase with many books. Our stereo is in the corner of the room.
The next room of our flat is children's room. I share this room with my brother. This room is furnished with cabinets, a wardrobe, two beds, and a chair with a desk on which we do our homework and prepare for school. Every day after waking up we must make our beds and air the room. I have one small plant on my table, many photos and many posters on the walls. Opposite the window there is a small bookcase.
In the second hall there are a toilet and a bathroom with a large bath and basin. On the walls there you can see white tiles with flowers.
I like our flat because it's my home. But in the future I'd like to have my own house to live in.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon in Henley street to the family of John Shakespeare - the glover and wool dealer and Mary Arden - daughter of a prosperous local farmer.Shakespeare attended local grammar school there and after he finished the school he married Anne Hathaway. They had three children.
Shakespeare’s interest in the theatre probably started in his early years when Stratford was often visited by the groups of professional actors and through contacts with them he made his was to the London and when he was 26, he established himself as a leading actor and dramatics, becoming a member of the Lord Chamberlain’s company,which owned its own theatre in which many of his plays were given. After the fire of Globe theatre, the group had to move into another theatre, the Blackfriars. Although he spent his professional career in London he kept connection with his family and Stratford.
When Shakespeare became successful in London he bought the biggest house in Stratford called New Place and spent there his retirement and he died there in 1616 at the same day he was born at the age of 52. William Shakespeare is burried in Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.
During a period of 20 years he wrote 37 plays and beautiful sonnets. His works can be divided into the 4 periods:
- in first period there are
mainly historical plays:
- Henry VI. (3 volumes)
- Richard III.
and early comedies:
- Comedy of Errors
- The Taming of the Shrew
- Two Gentlemen of Verona
- Love’s Labour Lost
- In the second period he wrote the
only one tragedy:
Romeo and Juliet – Romeo fell in love with Juliet. They got married in secret because their families hated one another and did not want to allow them to become husband and wife. In a quarrel, Romeo killed one of Juliet’s cousins and as ordered to leave Verona. Juliet’s parents, not knowing that she was already married wished her to marry a rich wobleman. To escape this, she took a drug whoch made her fall into such a deep sleep that people thought her to be dead. Meanwhile Romeo was told to come secretly to Verona and take Juliet away with him. Unlcky chance preveted him from learning the full thruth. He found Juliet in her sleeps and believing and saw dead he poisoned himself. When Juliet awoke and saw Romeo’s dead body, she killed herself too.
and historical plays:
- Richard II.
- Henry IV. and Henry V.
and optimistic comedies:
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- The Merchant of Venice
- As You Like It
- Much Ado About Nothing
- Twelth Night
- The Merry Wives of Windsor
- Hamlet - is based on the Danish legend. Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle, murdered Hamlet’s father, the king of Denmark. By marrying Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude, he succeeds the throne. The ghost of death king appears to Hamlet and asks for revenge. Hamlet, typical Renaissance hero, is not able to kill without having a clear proof of guilt. In order to find some proof of guilt against Claudius, he pretends madness. He tests the story of the murder with a theatrical performance and carefully watches Claudius. Thinking that Claudius is hidden behind the curtain in Getrude’s room, he kills Polonius, Ophelia’s father. Laertes, Ophelia’s brother and Polonius’s son comes to revenge Ophelia and Polonius. Claudius provokes Laertes to challenge Hamlet to a fencing match. The last scene of the play is most dramatic. In case Hamlet wins the match, Claudius prepares a glass of poisoned wine for him. He also poisons Laertes’s sword. During the dual, both Laertes and Hamlet are wounded by the poisoned wine, Hamlet does not hesitate any more and also stabs Claudius with the poisoned sword. After death of Hamlet, Gertrude, Laertes and Claudius, King Fortinbras comes to lead the country in justice and wisdom.
- in the third period = period of tragedies = it is the top of his work:
- tragedies:
- Othello - Othello is black, a military leader. His wife is white and nice, her name is Desdemona. The action takes place in Venice. Iago whispers to Othello that his wife is unfaithful to him. In a fit of jealously, he kills her. When he learns the truth he stabs himself to death. This play was treated by G. Verdi.
- Macbeth
- King Lear
- Troilus and Cressida
- In the last forth period the plays:
- Pericles
- Cymbeline
- The Winter’s Tale
- The Tempest
- Henry VIII.
Many artists were from our country were inspired by him. Shakespeare’s plays were staged after the beginning of the 19th century. The most important translator here was Josef Václav Sládek who translated nearly all work of Shakespeare. Among other translators belongs Saudek, Topol, Žantovský.
Lots of painters, poets and other artists here draw from Shakespeare’s motives, e.g. Karel Purkyně, Voskovec and Werich, Jiří Trnka, Jan Zrazavý etc.
Also musicians were inspired by Shakespeare’s work,e.g. Zdeněk Fibich, Antonín Dvořák and others.
Shakespeare’s interest in the theatre probably started in his early years when Stratford was often visited by the groups of professional actors and through contacts with them he made his was to the London and when he was 26, he established himself as a leading actor and dramatics, becoming a member of the Lord Chamberlain’s company,which owned its own theatre in which many of his plays were given. After the fire of Globe theatre, the group had to move into another theatre, the Blackfriars. Although he spent his professional career in London he kept connection with his family and Stratford.
When Shakespeare became successful in London he bought the biggest house in Stratford called New Place and spent there his retirement and he died there in 1616 at the same day he was born at the age of 52. William Shakespeare is burried in Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.
During a period of 20 years he wrote 37 plays and beautiful sonnets. His works can be divided into the 4 periods:
- in first period there are
mainly historical plays:
- Henry VI. (3 volumes)
- Richard III.
and early comedies:
- Comedy of Errors
- The Taming of the Shrew
- Two Gentlemen of Verona
- Love’s Labour Lost
- In the second period he wrote the
only one tragedy:
Romeo and Juliet – Romeo fell in love with Juliet. They got married in secret because their families hated one another and did not want to allow them to become husband and wife. In a quarrel, Romeo killed one of Juliet’s cousins and as ordered to leave Verona. Juliet’s parents, not knowing that she was already married wished her to marry a rich wobleman. To escape this, she took a drug whoch made her fall into such a deep sleep that people thought her to be dead. Meanwhile Romeo was told to come secretly to Verona and take Juliet away with him. Unlcky chance preveted him from learning the full thruth. He found Juliet in her sleeps and believing and saw dead he poisoned himself. When Juliet awoke and saw Romeo’s dead body, she killed herself too.
and historical plays:
- Richard II.
- Henry IV. and Henry V.
and optimistic comedies:
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- The Merchant of Venice
- As You Like It
- Much Ado About Nothing
- Twelth Night
- The Merry Wives of Windsor
- Hamlet - is based on the Danish legend. Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle, murdered Hamlet’s father, the king of Denmark. By marrying Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude, he succeeds the throne. The ghost of death king appears to Hamlet and asks for revenge. Hamlet, typical Renaissance hero, is not able to kill without having a clear proof of guilt. In order to find some proof of guilt against Claudius, he pretends madness. He tests the story of the murder with a theatrical performance and carefully watches Claudius. Thinking that Claudius is hidden behind the curtain in Getrude’s room, he kills Polonius, Ophelia’s father. Laertes, Ophelia’s brother and Polonius’s son comes to revenge Ophelia and Polonius. Claudius provokes Laertes to challenge Hamlet to a fencing match. The last scene of the play is most dramatic. In case Hamlet wins the match, Claudius prepares a glass of poisoned wine for him. He also poisons Laertes’s sword. During the dual, both Laertes and Hamlet are wounded by the poisoned wine, Hamlet does not hesitate any more and also stabs Claudius with the poisoned sword. After death of Hamlet, Gertrude, Laertes and Claudius, King Fortinbras comes to lead the country in justice and wisdom.
- in the third period = period of tragedies = it is the top of his work:
- tragedies:
- Othello - Othello is black, a military leader. His wife is white and nice, her name is Desdemona. The action takes place in Venice. Iago whispers to Othello that his wife is unfaithful to him. In a fit of jealously, he kills her. When he learns the truth he stabs himself to death. This play was treated by G. Verdi.
- Macbeth
- King Lear
- Troilus and Cressida
- In the last forth period the plays:
- Pericles
- Cymbeline
- The Winter’s Tale
- The Tempest
- Henry VIII.
Many artists were from our country were inspired by him. Shakespeare’s plays were staged after the beginning of the 19th century. The most important translator here was Josef Václav Sládek who translated nearly all work of Shakespeare. Among other translators belongs Saudek, Topol, Žantovský.
Lots of painters, poets and other artists here draw from Shakespeare’s motives, e.g. Karel Purkyně, Voskovec and Werich, Jiří Trnka, Jan Zrazavý etc.
Also musicians were inspired by Shakespeare’s work,e.g. Zdeněk Fibich, Antonín Dvořák and others.
Prague
Prague, the capital of the Czech republic, is the most important political, economic and cultural centre of the country and the seat of the President and the other institution the Czech government, the Parliament and other instituion. More than one million people live here.
People have lived on the city’s area since the Stone Age. The Slovans arrived there during the 5th and 6th centuries. A legend connects the fonding of Prague with Princess Libuše. Prague was to become a city whose „fame would touche the stars“. Prague is now a beautiful city with rich history. It lies in the centre of Europe and that is one of the reasons why it became an important crossroads of the trade and culture. Influences from all parts of the world can be seen here. As early as in the the 10th century (966) Ibrahim Ibn Jacob, a Jewish merchant, wrote the first note about Prague; „it is built from stone and hime“, he wrote. At present, we can see here buildings built in various architectural styles.
The oldest buildings are built in the Romanesque style. They have thich stone walls and small narrow windows with round arches. The most important example of Romanesque style is the Basilica of St. George at Prague Castle. Rotundas were also built – there are three in the Prague, for example in Vyšehrad. Prague also had a Romanesque stone bridge – the Judith Bridge (1170), it was near the present Charles Bridge. Many Romanesque houses were in the Old Town.
The next style is called Gothic (1230 – 1530). The buildings were very high with much thinner walls, their arches were pointed. Reb vault is another of their characteristic features. Examples: St. Vitus’s Cathedral, Old Town Hall, Charles Bridge and its towers, Old – New Synagogue .
Many Gothic buildings were built especially during the reign of Charles IV. He called to Prague the best builders of his days: Matias of Arras, and after his death, Peter Parler. At Prague Castle, he built a new residence similar to the palace of the French kings. Charles IV. Also founded the New Town. Some large building, for example St. Vitus’s Cathedral or the Church of Our Lady of Týn or Church of Our Lady of the Snows were finished much later ( if they were finished at all). Vladislav‘s Hall at Prague Castle, named after the king Vladislav Jagellon, was built in Gothic style, but its windows are in Renaissance style.
The best – known examples of Renessaince style are the Royal Summer Palace or Belveder (near Prague Castle) or Hvězda Summer Palace. During the reign of Emperor Rudolf II., who made Prague his pernament residence, the Spanish Hall and Rudolf‘s Gallery were built at Pargue Castle.
Very many churches and other buildings are from the period of Baroque and Rococo(1611 – 1780). Their characteristic features are monumentaly, curves in the forms of windows, wall or statues, onion – shaped tower roofs, large wall paintings. The most famous Baroque church is the St. Nicholas Church in Malostranské náměstí (builtby Diezenhofer), another Baroque church is the Church of St. Nicholas in the Old Town Square or St. James (near Kotva), Prague Loretta in Hradčany. Many places were built in Malá Strana (e.g. Valdštejn Palace). The finest Rococo building in Pague is Kinský Palace in the Old Town Square. (he was the shop of Herman Kafka – father of Franz Kafka). The style of Classicism (1780 – beginning 19th century) and Empire (1804 – 1850) were inspired by Classical architecture – e.g. The Estates Theathre (there were in 1787 the world premierre of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, 1834 – the premierre of Josef Kajetán Tyl’s Fidlovačka, one of its songs became the Czech anthem). Pague’s best – known Empire style building is the Exhibition Hale U Hybernů.
The second half of the 19th century is the period of pseudo – historical styles. A pseudo – Romanesque and pseudo – Gothic (or neo – Gothic) style is frequent (e.g. the western half of the St. Vitus’s Cathedral at the Castle or the Church of St. Ludmila in Vinohrady). Neo – Renaissance buildings are for example the National Theather, the Rudolfinum or the National Museum.
At the beginning of the 20th century , blocks of flats (e.g. in Pařížská street) and public buildings were built in Art Noveau (= secese)a very decorative style with flowers and leaves, geometrical ornaments. For example Prague Neunicipal House (=Obecný dům) beside the Powder Tower.
After the Art Noveau theer was a short period of Cubism. The most important of these buildings is the house At the Black Madonna. Anoher quite famous style was architectual Functionalism (between the two wars). An outstanding example of Czech Constructivism is Trade Fair Palace in Holešovice.
In Prague of these days we can see all these historical monument and also new buildings for example very interesting Dancing House which is too called Ginger and Fred.
People have lived on the city’s area since the Stone Age. The Slovans arrived there during the 5th and 6th centuries. A legend connects the fonding of Prague with Princess Libuše. Prague was to become a city whose „fame would touche the stars“. Prague is now a beautiful city with rich history. It lies in the centre of Europe and that is one of the reasons why it became an important crossroads of the trade and culture. Influences from all parts of the world can be seen here. As early as in the the 10th century (966) Ibrahim Ibn Jacob, a Jewish merchant, wrote the first note about Prague; „it is built from stone and hime“, he wrote. At present, we can see here buildings built in various architectural styles.
The oldest buildings are built in the Romanesque style. They have thich stone walls and small narrow windows with round arches. The most important example of Romanesque style is the Basilica of St. George at Prague Castle. Rotundas were also built – there are three in the Prague, for example in Vyšehrad. Prague also had a Romanesque stone bridge – the Judith Bridge (1170), it was near the present Charles Bridge. Many Romanesque houses were in the Old Town.
The next style is called Gothic (1230 – 1530). The buildings were very high with much thinner walls, their arches were pointed. Reb vault is another of their characteristic features. Examples: St. Vitus’s Cathedral, Old Town Hall, Charles Bridge and its towers, Old – New Synagogue .
Many Gothic buildings were built especially during the reign of Charles IV. He called to Prague the best builders of his days: Matias of Arras, and after his death, Peter Parler. At Prague Castle, he built a new residence similar to the palace of the French kings. Charles IV. Also founded the New Town. Some large building, for example St. Vitus’s Cathedral or the Church of Our Lady of Týn or Church of Our Lady of the Snows were finished much later ( if they were finished at all). Vladislav‘s Hall at Prague Castle, named after the king Vladislav Jagellon, was built in Gothic style, but its windows are in Renaissance style.
The best – known examples of Renessaince style are the Royal Summer Palace or Belveder (near Prague Castle) or Hvězda Summer Palace. During the reign of Emperor Rudolf II., who made Prague his pernament residence, the Spanish Hall and Rudolf‘s Gallery were built at Pargue Castle.
Very many churches and other buildings are from the period of Baroque and Rococo(1611 – 1780). Their characteristic features are monumentaly, curves in the forms of windows, wall or statues, onion – shaped tower roofs, large wall paintings. The most famous Baroque church is the St. Nicholas Church in Malostranské náměstí (builtby Diezenhofer), another Baroque church is the Church of St. Nicholas in the Old Town Square or St. James (near Kotva), Prague Loretta in Hradčany. Many places were built in Malá Strana (e.g. Valdštejn Palace). The finest Rococo building in Pague is Kinský Palace in the Old Town Square. (he was the shop of Herman Kafka – father of Franz Kafka). The style of Classicism (1780 – beginning 19th century) and Empire (1804 – 1850) were inspired by Classical architecture – e.g. The Estates Theathre (there were in 1787 the world premierre of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, 1834 – the premierre of Josef Kajetán Tyl’s Fidlovačka, one of its songs became the Czech anthem). Pague’s best – known Empire style building is the Exhibition Hale U Hybernů.
The second half of the 19th century is the period of pseudo – historical styles. A pseudo – Romanesque and pseudo – Gothic (or neo – Gothic) style is frequent (e.g. the western half of the St. Vitus’s Cathedral at the Castle or the Church of St. Ludmila in Vinohrady). Neo – Renaissance buildings are for example the National Theather, the Rudolfinum or the National Museum.
At the beginning of the 20th century , blocks of flats (e.g. in Pařížská street) and public buildings were built in Art Noveau (= secese)a very decorative style with flowers and leaves, geometrical ornaments. For example Prague Neunicipal House (=Obecný dům) beside the Powder Tower.
After the Art Noveau theer was a short period of Cubism. The most important of these buildings is the house At the Black Madonna. Anoher quite famous style was architectual Functionalism (between the two wars). An outstanding example of Czech Constructivism is Trade Fair Palace in Holešovice.
In Prague of these days we can see all these historical monument and also new buildings for example very interesting Dancing House which is too called Ginger and Fred.
Our school
Our school is secondary grammar school offering geberal education and preparing students fot university study. There are about 600 students from the age of 15 to the age of 19 in about 16 classes.
It is built in the late nineteenth century decorative style in the beginning of the 20th century the school has been renovated several times and now it look nice and new. Our school was founded in 1909 in the original L-shaped building with Art Nouveau. The history of our school spans over more than 9 decades: Austrian Monarchy, First Czechoslovak republic, Nazzi Ocupation, Communist period and the period after 1989. Especially during the period between two wars important and famous personalities taught and studied there. But also from later periods some names are famous: a poet František Hrubín, a Skupa’s succesor Miloš Kirschner, an actress Jana Hlaváčová, a tennis player Jan Kodeš, a politician Cyril Svoboda and many others. In summer 2001 our school building was included into the Capital City Culutral Heritage.
It is large building with four floors with a small sportsground nearby. In its basement there are cloakrooms with students‘ lockers, a school takers workshop, a snack bar, a gymnasium and a few teachers‘ offices. On the other floors there are long hallways with many doors leading to classrooms, laboratories, teachers‘ offices and toilets. On the first floor there are the headmaster’s and the deputy headmasters’s offices, the administrative office, the staff room and a school canteen where students and teacher have hot lunches (We buy luncheon tickets for the whole month and every day we can choose from two possible dishes). On the top foor there is a school library. The hallways are decorated with flowers and pictures anf there are also notice boards with important information and timetables. All classrooms are almost same. There are large windows opposite the door, row of the school desks and chairs with two aisles between, in front of desks is a blackboard with shelf for the chalk and with washbasin nearby, teacher’s desk. On the wall upon the teacher’s desk on the wall there is also a portrait of the president. Subjects which need a special equiptment are taught in special classrooms such as a chemistry, physics or biology laboratory, computer rooms a music and an art room or gymnasium.
The first lesson can start already at seven o’clock at the morning, but usually first lesson starts at eight o’clock. One lesson lasts for 45 minutes and than is a break. Break lasts five or ten minutes. After the second lesson which finishes at 9:40 is a large break which lasts 20 minutes and during it students eat their snack. This break follow other two or three lessons with short breaks between and than students can have a lunch, after it they can go home or in case they have afternoon education they have with lunch one hour break and than two or three other lessons.
The lesson starts after the bell ring. Than all the teachers enter to the classrooms, the students stand up to greet him. He makes an entry in the class register, marks absent students and than he starts lesson. He examines students individually by asking them to come to blackboard or sometimes the whole class takes a written test. The results range from excellent, very good, good, satisfactory to failure. After examination the teacher explains a new subject matter and practises it with exercises.
The entrance test are written in mathematics and Czech. Every year are opened two specialized classes: one in computers and the other in maths and physics. Other classes are without any specialization.
The following subjects are : the Czech language and litearture, foreign languages (English, German, Spanish), mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geoghraphy, history, information science, introduction to social scinces, music, fine arts. In the second from students choose one elective and in the third they choose another one. They can choose: foreign language conversation and various types of seminars (biology, chemistry, history, computers etc.)
The school year is divided into two terms. At the end of each term students receive school reports with marks from both compulsory and elective subjects.
Secondary education is finished with a school – leaving examination (graduation) which is requied by all universities and colleges. It is taken in four subjects – two compulsory subjects: czech and some foreign language and the other two optional subjects chosem from foreign languages, science subjects or humanities. The examination is taken in May and is mostly oral except Czech in which and essay is written about a month before. The oral part of the exam takes about two hours, half an hour for each subject. Student chooses one of 25 topics by drawing a number and after the 15 minutes‘ preparation he speaks on the topic and solves given tasks. After the graduates have passed their final examinations they receive School – Leaving Certificate and they can appky for study at universities and colleges.
There are some special events held by the school. A dancing ball is just one of them. The students of the fourth forms are decorated with ribbons by their class teachers and all new students are matriculated there. After the school leaving examinations the graduates give their farewell parties.
It is built in the late nineteenth century decorative style in the beginning of the 20th century the school has been renovated several times and now it look nice and new. Our school was founded in 1909 in the original L-shaped building with Art Nouveau. The history of our school spans over more than 9 decades: Austrian Monarchy, First Czechoslovak republic, Nazzi Ocupation, Communist period and the period after 1989. Especially during the period between two wars important and famous personalities taught and studied there. But also from later periods some names are famous: a poet František Hrubín, a Skupa’s succesor Miloš Kirschner, an actress Jana Hlaváčová, a tennis player Jan Kodeš, a politician Cyril Svoboda and many others. In summer 2001 our school building was included into the Capital City Culutral Heritage.
It is large building with four floors with a small sportsground nearby. In its basement there are cloakrooms with students‘ lockers, a school takers workshop, a snack bar, a gymnasium and a few teachers‘ offices. On the other floors there are long hallways with many doors leading to classrooms, laboratories, teachers‘ offices and toilets. On the first floor there are the headmaster’s and the deputy headmasters’s offices, the administrative office, the staff room and a school canteen where students and teacher have hot lunches (We buy luncheon tickets for the whole month and every day we can choose from two possible dishes). On the top foor there is a school library. The hallways are decorated with flowers and pictures anf there are also notice boards with important information and timetables. All classrooms are almost same. There are large windows opposite the door, row of the school desks and chairs with two aisles between, in front of desks is a blackboard with shelf for the chalk and with washbasin nearby, teacher’s desk. On the wall upon the teacher’s desk on the wall there is also a portrait of the president. Subjects which need a special equiptment are taught in special classrooms such as a chemistry, physics or biology laboratory, computer rooms a music and an art room or gymnasium.
The first lesson can start already at seven o’clock at the morning, but usually first lesson starts at eight o’clock. One lesson lasts for 45 minutes and than is a break. Break lasts five or ten minutes. After the second lesson which finishes at 9:40 is a large break which lasts 20 minutes and during it students eat their snack. This break follow other two or three lessons with short breaks between and than students can have a lunch, after it they can go home or in case they have afternoon education they have with lunch one hour break and than two or three other lessons.
The lesson starts after the bell ring. Than all the teachers enter to the classrooms, the students stand up to greet him. He makes an entry in the class register, marks absent students and than he starts lesson. He examines students individually by asking them to come to blackboard or sometimes the whole class takes a written test. The results range from excellent, very good, good, satisfactory to failure. After examination the teacher explains a new subject matter and practises it with exercises.
The entrance test are written in mathematics and Czech. Every year are opened two specialized classes: one in computers and the other in maths and physics. Other classes are without any specialization.
The following subjects are : the Czech language and litearture, foreign languages (English, German, Spanish), mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geoghraphy, history, information science, introduction to social scinces, music, fine arts. In the second from students choose one elective and in the third they choose another one. They can choose: foreign language conversation and various types of seminars (biology, chemistry, history, computers etc.)
The school year is divided into two terms. At the end of each term students receive school reports with marks from both compulsory and elective subjects.
Secondary education is finished with a school – leaving examination (graduation) which is requied by all universities and colleges. It is taken in four subjects – two compulsory subjects: czech and some foreign language and the other two optional subjects chosem from foreign languages, science subjects or humanities. The examination is taken in May and is mostly oral except Czech in which and essay is written about a month before. The oral part of the exam takes about two hours, half an hour for each subject. Student chooses one of 25 topics by drawing a number and after the 15 minutes‘ preparation he speaks on the topic and solves given tasks. After the graduates have passed their final examinations they receive School – Leaving Certificate and they can appky for study at universities and colleges.
There are some special events held by the school. A dancing ball is just one of them. The students of the fourth forms are decorated with ribbons by their class teachers and all new students are matriculated there. After the school leaving examinations the graduates give their farewell parties.
My favourite british writers
William Shakespeare:
William Shakespeare was born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. It is one of the worl’s fanous and important dramatics. During a period of 20 years he wrote 37 plays and beautiful sonnets. His most famous plays are tragedies Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, comedies The Midsummer Night’s Dream etc.
- Hamlet - is based on the Danish legend. Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle, murdered Hamlet’s father, the king of Denmark. By marrying Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude, he succeeds the throne. The ghost of death king appears to Hamlet and asks for revenge. Hamlet, typical Renaissance hero, is not able to kill without having a clear proof of guilt. In order to find some proof of guilt against Claudius, he pretends madness. He tests the story of the murder with a theatrical performance and carefully watches Claudius. Thinking that Claudius is hidden behind the curtain in Getrude’s room, he kills Polonius, Ophelia’s father. Laertes, Ophelia’s brother and Polonius’s son comes to revenge Ophelia and Polonius. Claudius provokes Laertes to challenge Hamlet to a fencing match. The last scene of the play is most dramatic. In case Hamlet wins the match, Claudius prepares a glass of poisoned wine for him. He also poisons Laertes’s sword. During the dual, both Laertes and Hamlet are wounded by the poisoned wine, Hamlet does not hesitate any more and also stabs Claudius with the poisoned sword. After death of Hamlet, Gertrude, Laertes and Claudius, King Fortinbras comes to lead the country in justice and wisdom.
- Romeo and Juliet - Romeo fell in love with Juliet. They got married in secret because their families hated one another and did not want to allow them to become husband and wife. In a quarrel, Romeo killed one of Juliet’s cousins and as ordered to leave Verona. Juliet’s parents, not knowing that she was already married wished her to marry a rich nobleman. To escape this, she took a drug which made her fall into such a deep sleep that people thought her to be dead. Meanwhile Romeo was told to come secretly to Verona and take Juliet away with him. Unlucky chance prevented him from learning the full truth. He found Juliet in her sleeps and believing and saw dead he poisoned himself. When Juliet awoke and saw Romeo’s dead body, she killed herself too.
Daniel Defoe – He was English writer and the founder of the novel of the 18th century. He wrote and issued a journal The Review. He wrote fictive stories and autobiographies. His most famous work is the adventure novel Robinson Crusoe.
Another famous is a novel Moll Flanders.
- Robinson Crusoe – the novel is based on the memories of the shipwrecked seamn Selkir; the main character of this novel Robinson Crusoe shipwrecked on a lonely island and lived there for 30 years with his faithful servant Friday. After 30 years fortunately came there an English ship and he go back to London.
Charlotte Bronte – She was an English writer. She had a sister Emily Bronte also famous English writer. She was a teacher and governess. She studied foreign languages in Brussels and her and her experiences especially her falling inlove with a professor was an inspiration of her novel Vilette. Her most famous novel is Jane Eyre.
- Jane Eyre - Orphan Jane Eyre becomes a governess and falls in love with her employer, the dark and disturbing Mr. Rochester. Her life becomes more complicated when she almost became a wife of Mr. Rochester but she discovered in church he had been already married with a mad woman = a terrifying secret in Rochester's house and is faced with another option for her life. She came to another village, became a teacher of local basic school. After a year come to this village a message of a great fire of Mr. Rochester’s House. She wanted to visit him to know he is all right. He explained her that situation of the year ago and he finally married her.
- Vilette - The story of an English girl (Lucy Snow) who teaches at a girls' bording school.
Georg Bernard Shaw: is the most famous personality in drama of 20th century. He attacked the whole society. In his plays he criticises the false morals of the society. Beside his famous Candida, You Can Never Tell, The Man of Destiny etc. is most famous Pygmalion. On this Shaw’s masterpiece is also based a musical My Fair Lady.
- Pygmalion – The main character of this play is a poor girl Eliza Doolitle (who sold flowers and she is from the lowest society of London) with Mr. Pickering a specialist of English language who made a bet with his colleague, he would learn Eliza to speak clear English that the Queen and the best specialst of English couldn’t notice it. And the best opportunity to that would be at the ball.
William Shakespeare was born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. It is one of the worl’s fanous and important dramatics. During a period of 20 years he wrote 37 plays and beautiful sonnets. His most famous plays are tragedies Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, comedies The Midsummer Night’s Dream etc.
- Hamlet - is based on the Danish legend. Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle, murdered Hamlet’s father, the king of Denmark. By marrying Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude, he succeeds the throne. The ghost of death king appears to Hamlet and asks for revenge. Hamlet, typical Renaissance hero, is not able to kill without having a clear proof of guilt. In order to find some proof of guilt against Claudius, he pretends madness. He tests the story of the murder with a theatrical performance and carefully watches Claudius. Thinking that Claudius is hidden behind the curtain in Getrude’s room, he kills Polonius, Ophelia’s father. Laertes, Ophelia’s brother and Polonius’s son comes to revenge Ophelia and Polonius. Claudius provokes Laertes to challenge Hamlet to a fencing match. The last scene of the play is most dramatic. In case Hamlet wins the match, Claudius prepares a glass of poisoned wine for him. He also poisons Laertes’s sword. During the dual, both Laertes and Hamlet are wounded by the poisoned wine, Hamlet does not hesitate any more and also stabs Claudius with the poisoned sword. After death of Hamlet, Gertrude, Laertes and Claudius, King Fortinbras comes to lead the country in justice and wisdom.
- Romeo and Juliet - Romeo fell in love with Juliet. They got married in secret because their families hated one another and did not want to allow them to become husband and wife. In a quarrel, Romeo killed one of Juliet’s cousins and as ordered to leave Verona. Juliet’s parents, not knowing that she was already married wished her to marry a rich nobleman. To escape this, she took a drug which made her fall into such a deep sleep that people thought her to be dead. Meanwhile Romeo was told to come secretly to Verona and take Juliet away with him. Unlucky chance prevented him from learning the full truth. He found Juliet in her sleeps and believing and saw dead he poisoned himself. When Juliet awoke and saw Romeo’s dead body, she killed herself too.
Daniel Defoe – He was English writer and the founder of the novel of the 18th century. He wrote and issued a journal The Review. He wrote fictive stories and autobiographies. His most famous work is the adventure novel Robinson Crusoe.
Another famous is a novel Moll Flanders.
- Robinson Crusoe – the novel is based on the memories of the shipwrecked seamn Selkir; the main character of this novel Robinson Crusoe shipwrecked on a lonely island and lived there for 30 years with his faithful servant Friday. After 30 years fortunately came there an English ship and he go back to London.
Charlotte Bronte – She was an English writer. She had a sister Emily Bronte also famous English writer. She was a teacher and governess. She studied foreign languages in Brussels and her and her experiences especially her falling inlove with a professor was an inspiration of her novel Vilette. Her most famous novel is Jane Eyre.
- Jane Eyre - Orphan Jane Eyre becomes a governess and falls in love with her employer, the dark and disturbing Mr. Rochester. Her life becomes more complicated when she almost became a wife of Mr. Rochester but she discovered in church he had been already married with a mad woman = a terrifying secret in Rochester's house and is faced with another option for her life. She came to another village, became a teacher of local basic school. After a year come to this village a message of a great fire of Mr. Rochester’s House. She wanted to visit him to know he is all right. He explained her that situation of the year ago and he finally married her.
- Vilette - The story of an English girl (Lucy Snow) who teaches at a girls' bording school.
Georg Bernard Shaw: is the most famous personality in drama of 20th century. He attacked the whole society. In his plays he criticises the false morals of the society. Beside his famous Candida, You Can Never Tell, The Man of Destiny etc. is most famous Pygmalion. On this Shaw’s masterpiece is also based a musical My Fair Lady.
- Pygmalion – The main character of this play is a poor girl Eliza Doolitle (who sold flowers and she is from the lowest society of London) with Mr. Pickering a specialist of English language who made a bet with his colleague, he would learn Eliza to speak clear English that the Queen and the best specialst of English couldn’t notice it. And the best opportunity to that would be at the ball.
My favourite american writers
Mark Twain – He is one of the greatest US authors. He comes from the South and he worked as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi river. “Mark twain” is a river-man’s phrase meanings two-pathoms-deep. His real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens. He became famous as a humorist and story-teller. His best books are based on his own experience along the Mississippi. It is The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and the Adventures of Huckleberry Fin. These books describe the adventures of boyhood. Huck is a portrait of a frontier boy. He runs away because he is afraid that Aunt Sally will adopt him and civilise him, he is free and reminded free till the end of the book. He also took some inspiration from English history and wrote the well-known satire. He also took some inspiration from English history and wrote the well-known satire A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
William Styron – He is influenced by Faulkner and writers novels on southern themes, although their message is more general (Lie down in Darkness, The Confession of Nat Turner). His excellent novel Sophie’s Choice deals with the problems of nazis concentration camps and conditions of human life in peace influenced by a bitter war experience.
o Sophie’s Choice – it is difficult composed psychological novel solving questions of rasism, sex and a guilt
- There are three main characters of this novel: Stingo, who tells story about another two main characters: polish girl Sophie and her boyfriend Nathan. Stingo meet them in New York, in the house he lives in. This couple is very strange and impulsive because of their terrible struggles and after it love periods. The novel has two lines. In the first line Stingo talks about this couple and his friendship with them. And the explanation of struggles between Sophie and Nathan is that Nathan dope. Sohie decides to leave him, because Stingo loves her he want marry her and take her in the south to his farm, but she leave him and come back to Nathan and they die together.
- The second line of this novel are Sophie’s memories of the time she were in Poland in the period of Worl War II. She was in concentration camp in Osvětim and she feels very guilty because she had to offer one of her children. And she decided for the younger one.
William Styron – He is influenced by Faulkner and writers novels on southern themes, although their message is more general (Lie down in Darkness, The Confession of Nat Turner). His excellent novel Sophie’s Choice deals with the problems of nazis concentration camps and conditions of human life in peace influenced by a bitter war experience.
o Sophie’s Choice – it is difficult composed psychological novel solving questions of rasism, sex and a guilt
- There are three main characters of this novel: Stingo, who tells story about another two main characters: polish girl Sophie and her boyfriend Nathan. Stingo meet them in New York, in the house he lives in. This couple is very strange and impulsive because of their terrible struggles and after it love periods. The novel has two lines. In the first line Stingo talks about this couple and his friendship with them. And the explanation of struggles between Sophie and Nathan is that Nathan dope. Sohie decides to leave him, because Stingo loves her he want marry her and take her in the south to his farm, but she leave him and come back to Nathan and they die together.
- The second line of this novel are Sophie’s memories of the time she were in Poland in the period of Worl War II. She was in concentration camp in Osvětim and she feels very guilty because she had to offer one of her children. And she decided for the younger one.
London
London is the capital of the United Kingdom. It is the 9th largest city in the world - its population is about 10 million and the the extant of London is 1500 km2. London is situated on the river Thames in south-east England. It was founded as a Roman settlement. The great fire in 1666 destroyed almost all the city. The town got a new face during the huge reconstructions. Before Victoria became queen, London was rebuilt in Victorian style. The 20. century revised London with many cars and modern skyscrapers in The City, which reshape the appearance of the town. Nevertheless (=nicméně) many districts keep their individual faces. There are many places of interest. We can see them by walking or by various means of transport. London’s famous red double-deckers or black taxis go almost everywhere. For fast transport we can go by the Underground. London is also known for its typical red phone – boxes. It is the oldest underground in the world. There are also 3 airports in London. The most important are Heathrow and Gatwick.
London is divided into five districts:
WEST – END is large district with many parks like Regent‘s Park, Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens. In the Regent‘s Park today contains London ZOO and open-air theatre. Near the Regent‘s Park is Madame Tussaud‘s. In this museum are wax figurines of many famous personalities. In the Hyde Park is the Speakers Corner. Everyone can stand here and speaks about something, but anyone speak against the Queen.. Near the Hyde Park are Kensington Gardens. Here stands Albert Memorial and Kensington Palace. Here live the Prince and Princess of Wales. Near these parks stand Albert Hall, where are given many concerts and festivals. In West-end is also Harrod‘s. It‘s the shopping centre, where you can buy everything. It is the most famous shopping centre in the world. The next favourite places for shopping are the Oxford street, Regent street, Bond street and Piccadilly. Street Piccadilly leads to the Piccadilly Circus, where is in the middle the statue of Eros, the Greek god of love.
In the West-end is also Mayfair, the district of rich persons of London. In the Park Lane are the most expensive hotels in town.
Very small districts of London are Soho, Chinatown and Covent Garden. There are situated many restaurants, pubs and clubs. The nightlife is concentrated here. In Covent Garden is the Opera House, where is the seat of Royal Opera Company.
WESTMINSTER is the historical and political centre of London. Here is the Buckingham palace the seat of the Queen of Great Britain. Every day is here the famous ceremony named the Changing of the Guards.The guardsmen wear traditional uniform: big black helmet and red coat. In the front of palace stands the Victoria memorial. Near the palace is the Saint James‘ Park. It‘s the oldest park of the town. The next seat of goverment in Westminster is the Saint James‘ Palace. Between Buckingham and St. James‘ palaces is Green Park. In Wesminster is also the seat of Prime Minister in the Downing Street. The next famous street is Whitehall, where are situated the ministries. In Westminster we can also find The Houses of Parliament. They contain two houses: The House of Commons and The House of Lords. To The Houses belongs the Victoria Tower and there is located the Big Ben. It‘s the bell, which is named after the architect Sir Benjamin Hall. Next to The Houses of Parliament is Wesminster Abbey. Here are proceed all coronations - the first was here crowned William the Conqueror in 1066 and all famous kings and their wives are buried there. One of the most popular London‘s squares is Trafalgar square. It was named after Admiral Nelson’s victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson’s statue is situated on a high column standing in the middle of the square. The square with its typical pigeons is very popular place for various meetings and demonstrations. There is also the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square
THE CITY is the central financial district of London. There are situated banks, law courts, bussines and stock exchanges.The most popular bank is The Bank of England. The Saint Paul‘s Cathedral is situated there. This building was built by sir Christopher Wren after the great fire in 1666. In the cathedral are buried many famous persons like Lord Nelson or the Duke of Wellington and the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Di was held there.. In the dome is also the Whispering Gallery. The City has also the big cultural centre. It‘s called Barbican centre and here are many shops, cinemas, theatres and galleries. Here is the seat of the big isurance company Lloyd‘s.
EAST – END is famous with one of the typical buildings of the London = the Tower of London. It was built in the 11. century by William the Conqueror. Tower was used like palace, prison and store of weapons. The Crown Jewels and the fisc of Great Britain are preserved there. The guards of the Tower are called Beefeaters. They wear traditional uniforms of royal guards of the 16. century. They guard the Tower and the Crown Jewels and tell visitors about the history. Next to it is the Tower Bridge one of the most famous symbols of London. It can open in the middle and let large ships to go throw.
The proportion of cultural life is centralized in SOUTH BANK. Here are many music halls, cinemas, museums and galleries. The one of the most famous music halls is Royal Festival Hall. Near to it exploded many artistic departments like National Theatre, County Hall, Hayward‘s gallery and Old Vic.
Beyond the Thames towards the sea is Greenwich. Here is the Maritime Museum, the museum of ships and sea. One of the most popular ships here is the Cutty Sark, which imported the tea from Orient. In Greenwich is also the Observatory. Here leads the Zero Meridian, which divides the Earth to west and east hemisphere.
London is divided into five districts:
WEST – END is large district with many parks like Regent‘s Park, Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens. In the Regent‘s Park today contains London ZOO and open-air theatre. Near the Regent‘s Park is Madame Tussaud‘s. In this museum are wax figurines of many famous personalities. In the Hyde Park is the Speakers Corner. Everyone can stand here and speaks about something, but anyone speak against the Queen.. Near the Hyde Park are Kensington Gardens. Here stands Albert Memorial and Kensington Palace. Here live the Prince and Princess of Wales. Near these parks stand Albert Hall, where are given many concerts and festivals. In West-end is also Harrod‘s. It‘s the shopping centre, where you can buy everything. It is the most famous shopping centre in the world. The next favourite places for shopping are the Oxford street, Regent street, Bond street and Piccadilly. Street Piccadilly leads to the Piccadilly Circus, where is in the middle the statue of Eros, the Greek god of love.
In the West-end is also Mayfair, the district of rich persons of London. In the Park Lane are the most expensive hotels in town.
Very small districts of London are Soho, Chinatown and Covent Garden. There are situated many restaurants, pubs and clubs. The nightlife is concentrated here. In Covent Garden is the Opera House, where is the seat of Royal Opera Company.
WESTMINSTER is the historical and political centre of London. Here is the Buckingham palace the seat of the Queen of Great Britain. Every day is here the famous ceremony named the Changing of the Guards.The guardsmen wear traditional uniform: big black helmet and red coat. In the front of palace stands the Victoria memorial. Near the palace is the Saint James‘ Park. It‘s the oldest park of the town. The next seat of goverment in Westminster is the Saint James‘ Palace. Between Buckingham and St. James‘ palaces is Green Park. In Wesminster is also the seat of Prime Minister in the Downing Street. The next famous street is Whitehall, where are situated the ministries. In Westminster we can also find The Houses of Parliament. They contain two houses: The House of Commons and The House of Lords. To The Houses belongs the Victoria Tower and there is located the Big Ben. It‘s the bell, which is named after the architect Sir Benjamin Hall. Next to The Houses of Parliament is Wesminster Abbey. Here are proceed all coronations - the first was here crowned William the Conqueror in 1066 and all famous kings and their wives are buried there. One of the most popular London‘s squares is Trafalgar square. It was named after Admiral Nelson’s victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson’s statue is situated on a high column standing in the middle of the square. The square with its typical pigeons is very popular place for various meetings and demonstrations. There is also the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square
THE CITY is the central financial district of London. There are situated banks, law courts, bussines and stock exchanges.The most popular bank is The Bank of England. The Saint Paul‘s Cathedral is situated there. This building was built by sir Christopher Wren after the great fire in 1666. In the cathedral are buried many famous persons like Lord Nelson or the Duke of Wellington and the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Di was held there.. In the dome is also the Whispering Gallery. The City has also the big cultural centre. It‘s called Barbican centre and here are many shops, cinemas, theatres and galleries. Here is the seat of the big isurance company Lloyd‘s.
EAST – END is famous with one of the typical buildings of the London = the Tower of London. It was built in the 11. century by William the Conqueror. Tower was used like palace, prison and store of weapons. The Crown Jewels and the fisc of Great Britain are preserved there. The guards of the Tower are called Beefeaters. They wear traditional uniforms of royal guards of the 16. century. They guard the Tower and the Crown Jewels and tell visitors about the history. Next to it is the Tower Bridge one of the most famous symbols of London. It can open in the middle and let large ships to go throw.
The proportion of cultural life is centralized in SOUTH BANK. Here are many music halls, cinemas, museums and galleries. The one of the most famous music halls is Royal Festival Hall. Near to it exploded many artistic departments like National Theatre, County Hall, Hayward‘s gallery and Old Vic.
Beyond the Thames towards the sea is Greenwich. Here is the Maritime Museum, the museum of ships and sea. One of the most popular ships here is the Cutty Sark, which imported the tea from Orient. In Greenwich is also the Observatory. Here leads the Zero Meridian, which divides the Earth to west and east hemisphere.
Health service
Medical care of any type in our country is free of charge, although there are now many private doctors. When we are ill, we go to the doctor’s. Doctor examine us, fix our diagnosis and fixs the best treatment.
We can choose from two types of doctors:
First type is private doctor. When we choose private doctor, it has one big disadvantage. The disvantage is that we must pay for it on our own.
The second type is state doctor. When we choose state doctor almost all expenses covers our insurance company. It is very important to have insurance. If we don’t have any insurance we will have to pay at private doctor’s in the same way as at state doctor’s. When we don’t have insurance there is other very unpleasant thing. If we are in hospital for a long time, we will have to pay it and it is for everybody very expensive.
Every person should have his own practical doctor. This hasing practise doctor is very good because we can go there if we don’t feel very well.
He inspects us and he can make diagnosis alone, but somtimes he thinks that our feeling bad can be something weighty so he writes recommendation to specialited doctor. There are diffrent specializations in the medicine.
For example: ear specialist, alergologist, surgeon (= chirurg), orthoped, physioterapeutist, psychologist, dentist etc.
Children from 6 to 18 years have to go to the inspection to the dentist’s and practical doctor’s every year.
Adults don’t have to go to these inspections but they have to look after their health and once in a while go to the inspection. Very important but sometimes ignored are many types of vaccination during our lives.
For children the vaccination is watched by practical doctors but for audlts it isn’t watched. They must watch (look after) it themselves and once in 10 years they must go for vaccination.
When we are ill we should stay at home. We should first phone to the doctor’s office and tell the doctor what is wrong with us. Than he tell us the date when we have to come. When I come there the first thing he does is, he look at my throat and takes culture from my throat. The he listens to my breath by the stetocope. Sometimes he checks my blood pressure, feel the pulse or put our blood or urine through lab-tests. Sometimes he may X-ray my lungs or bones.
Then he prescribes effective medicine and I can go to pharmacy and than I can go home.
We can suffer from various illnesses beginning with common childhood diseases. Usually we suffer from common infections such as colds, influenza, the "stomach flu", headache, throatache, allergy, acne, angina etc. In such cases we usually stay in bed, drink herbal teas, take pills, drops or vitamins and after a week or two we feel well again.
However the situation may sometimes be more serious and need special treatment in the hospital, e.g. heart attack. Or when we injured us and break an arm or leg. There are still diseases which can't be cured (nemohou být léčeny) such as cancer or AIDS.
We should try to live a healthy way of life, which means we should have a good proportion of work to leisure time. We should practice sports, at least swim or go for walks, we should eat healthy food with lots of vitamins, we should not smoke or drink too much alcohol. Evereybody has to look after his health because it is one of the most important thigs in our life.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR BODY:
Head:
Face, hair, eyes, eye lid (oční víčko), ears, cheeks (tváře), chin (brada), mouth, lips, teeth, neck/throat, forehead (čelo), tongue, eye brows (obočí), eye lashes (řasy), temple (spánek
Trunk (trup):
Back (záda), waist (pas), hips (kyčel, bok), havel (pupke), chest (hruď), breast (prsa, hruď), abdomen (břicho),
Limbs (údy):
Leg, thigh (stehno), knee, calf (lýtko), foot (noha), toe, arm (ruka), shoulders (ramena), elbow (loket), wrist (záúestí), hand (ruka), fingers (prsty) -> thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger
We can choose from two types of doctors:
First type is private doctor. When we choose private doctor, it has one big disadvantage. The disvantage is that we must pay for it on our own.
The second type is state doctor. When we choose state doctor almost all expenses covers our insurance company. It is very important to have insurance. If we don’t have any insurance we will have to pay at private doctor’s in the same way as at state doctor’s. When we don’t have insurance there is other very unpleasant thing. If we are in hospital for a long time, we will have to pay it and it is for everybody very expensive.
Every person should have his own practical doctor. This hasing practise doctor is very good because we can go there if we don’t feel very well.
He inspects us and he can make diagnosis alone, but somtimes he thinks that our feeling bad can be something weighty so he writes recommendation to specialited doctor. There are diffrent specializations in the medicine.
For example: ear specialist, alergologist, surgeon (= chirurg), orthoped, physioterapeutist, psychologist, dentist etc.
Children from 6 to 18 years have to go to the inspection to the dentist’s and practical doctor’s every year.
Adults don’t have to go to these inspections but they have to look after their health and once in a while go to the inspection. Very important but sometimes ignored are many types of vaccination during our lives.
For children the vaccination is watched by practical doctors but for audlts it isn’t watched. They must watch (look after) it themselves and once in 10 years they must go for vaccination.
When we are ill we should stay at home. We should first phone to the doctor’s office and tell the doctor what is wrong with us. Than he tell us the date when we have to come. When I come there the first thing he does is, he look at my throat and takes culture from my throat. The he listens to my breath by the stetocope. Sometimes he checks my blood pressure, feel the pulse or put our blood or urine through lab-tests. Sometimes he may X-ray my lungs or bones.
Then he prescribes effective medicine and I can go to pharmacy and than I can go home.
We can suffer from various illnesses beginning with common childhood diseases. Usually we suffer from common infections such as colds, influenza, the "stomach flu", headache, throatache, allergy, acne, angina etc. In such cases we usually stay in bed, drink herbal teas, take pills, drops or vitamins and after a week or two we feel well again.
However the situation may sometimes be more serious and need special treatment in the hospital, e.g. heart attack. Or when we injured us and break an arm or leg. There are still diseases which can't be cured (nemohou být léčeny) such as cancer or AIDS.
We should try to live a healthy way of life, which means we should have a good proportion of work to leisure time. We should practice sports, at least swim or go for walks, we should eat healthy food with lots of vitamins, we should not smoke or drink too much alcohol. Evereybody has to look after his health because it is one of the most important thigs in our life.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR BODY:
Head:
Face, hair, eyes, eye lid (oční víčko), ears, cheeks (tváře), chin (brada), mouth, lips, teeth, neck/throat, forehead (čelo), tongue, eye brows (obočí), eye lashes (řasy), temple (spánek
Trunk (trup):
Back (záda), waist (pas), hips (kyčel, bok), havel (pupke), chest (hruď), breast (prsa, hruď), abdomen (břicho),
Limbs (údy):
Leg, thigh (stehno), knee, calf (lýtko), foot (noha), toe, arm (ruka), shoulders (ramena), elbow (loket), wrist (záúestí), hand (ruka), fingers (prsty) -> thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger
Education
In Britain children go to school from 5 – 16. The names of the various stages of primary and secondary education are : infant school (5-7), junior school (7-11), comprehensive school (11 – 16 or 18). About 6% of all school children go to private schools, they are called prep schools (up to 14) and public schools (14-18).
At the age of 16 pupils také examinations leading to the General Certificate of secondary education (GCSE). Those who get good results can stay on at school, in the sixth form, until they are 18 are prepared for the Advance – level (A-levels). The A-level examination is set and papers are marked by examing board connected with the universities.
The most famous and expensive public schools are: Eton, Harrow, Rugby, Winchester.
The englisch universities can be divided into 3 groups:
1) Oxford and Cambridge (= Oxbridge) – the oldest and the most famous
2) Redbrick universities which were founded in 19th century ( London, Durham, Manchester)
3) The new universities opened after 1960s (Sussex, York, Kent…etc.)
In the USA school begins at the age of 6, There are 12 grades in the school systems; pupils first go to elementary school and than to high school. In most states pupils leaves at the age of 17, but pupils from poor homes often leave earlier or do not finish the last grades because they failed. The school systém in USA is uniform and free but there are great differences in the standards of various hogh schools. About 10% of the school population goes to private schools.
In the USA is education under state and local control. A new systém is called the six – three – three plan, sic years of elementary school, three years of junior school and three years senior high schooll. Compulsory attendance at school has been legislated in all states although standarts of age lenght of the school year vary. Considerably. There are wide differencies in the educational systems of the various states. About two . thirds of high school children work part – time jobs during the school year. They work in food stores, at fast food restaurants, at the local libraries and gasoline stations. They want jobs to have a little bit of freedom and independence and to have their own spending money.
At the age of 16 pupils také examinations leading to the General Certificate of secondary education (GCSE). Those who get good results can stay on at school, in the sixth form, until they are 18 are prepared for the Advance – level (A-levels). The A-level examination is set and papers are marked by examing board connected with the universities.
The most famous and expensive public schools are: Eton, Harrow, Rugby, Winchester.
The englisch universities can be divided into 3 groups:
1) Oxford and Cambridge (= Oxbridge) – the oldest and the most famous
2) Redbrick universities which were founded in 19th century ( London, Durham, Manchester)
3) The new universities opened after 1960s (Sussex, York, Kent…etc.)
In the USA school begins at the age of 6, There are 12 grades in the school systems; pupils first go to elementary school and than to high school. In most states pupils leaves at the age of 17, but pupils from poor homes often leave earlier or do not finish the last grades because they failed. The school systém in USA is uniform and free but there are great differences in the standards of various hogh schools. About 10% of the school population goes to private schools.
In the USA is education under state and local control. A new systém is called the six – three – three plan, sic years of elementary school, three years of junior school and three years senior high schooll. Compulsory attendance at school has been legislated in all states although standarts of age lenght of the school year vary. Considerably. There are wide differencies in the educational systems of the various states. About two . thirds of high school children work part – time jobs during the school year. They work in food stores, at fast food restaurants, at the local libraries and gasoline stations. They want jobs to have a little bit of freedom and independence and to have their own spending money.
Cultural life
Culture and art are an important part of human civilization. They enrich human life. They have long – standing, historical traditions. Cultural life in our country is very rich, there is a lot of ways of spending leisure time.
For example young people go to the cinema. In Prague are now, except old and famous cinemas like Blaník, Světozor, Jalta, Lucerna etc., new blocks of very modern cinemas with many halls for many people with various names like Ster century Černý moct, or Village cinemas in Slavonic house etc. But these cinemas are very expensive and the attendance isn’t as high as in old cinemas, which are more cheaper. Maybe it is also for the fact, people have less free time and are lazier to leave their homes. It is more comfortable to lend a video-cassette and watch the video or just the televison than going to the cinema.
Television reaches large audience. It has been calculated that some popular operas, such as Rusalka or Libuše, were seen by more people on TV in one evening than all theatre performances since these operas were composed. We have five channels of Czech program: one state televison: Czech television 1,2; and the other are commercional: Nova, Prima and TV3. Several times a day there are news broadcasts with both national and international news, documentary programmes about the informations of the economy and the arts and sciences, discussions of current affairs, interwievs with prominent people, live sports programmes. Children wait for their bedtime story in the evening and their fairy tale on Sunday morning. Often a successful serial or soap operas are discussed by the people over their lunch in the canteen or on their way to or from the work. There are laso various competitions in whoch people show their knowledge or show their talent and also can win sometimes very exclusive prices. Other channels we have to pay to can see them and they are usually specialized for some topis. It is for example MTV or VIVA = music channels, a channel for children = channel for children with fairy tales all over the day, EUROSPORT = channel only with the sport etc
Our nation has also long theatrical traditions, both professional and amateur. Ten of amateur groups still play, beacuse thy love theatre. In several Czech and Moravian towns there are theatres with professional actors. There are more than 30 theatres in Prague. The best – known Prague theatres are The National Theatre, State Opera, Estates Theatre, Vinohrady Theatre, Musical Theatre in Karlín.
There is laso a lot of opportunities to visit some musical actions. There are several concert halls in Prague, the most important are Smetana Hall in Municipal House and the hall in Rudolfinum. Concerts, especially of religious music, are in St. Vitus Cathedral, in the chcurch of St. James, Simon and Juda etc.
Prague is also known thanks to Prague Spring, an internationally renowned music festival of classical music. It was foundes in 1946 and it takes place every year in May and June. The traditional centre of popular music is Lucerna in Wenceslav Square. But when the worl - famous group come to the Prague, the concert is usually held in Strahov stadium. Hundreds or thousands could listen to The Pink Floaydm R.E.M. or Rolling Stones.
There are many museums and galleries in Czech and Moravian towns. The largest museum in the republic is The National Museum in Wenceslas Square. It has lots of departments with hundreds of thousands of exhibits for those who are interested in archeology, history, geology, mineralogy, zoology and other sciences.
Those who are more interested in Prague can visit The Municipal Museum. There also specialised museums: Bedřich Smetana Museum, Antonín Dvořák Musem, W.A. Mozart Museum in the Bertram Villa, Arts and Crafts Musem, Postal Museum, Natinal Technical Musem, Náprstek Ethnographical Musem of Asian, African and American Cultures. People often visit Jewish Museum with the largest and oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe and several synagogues.
The most important of Prague galleries is the National gallery, situated in several historical buildings. A new part of the Natinal Gallery is in the former Trade Fair Palace. Modern art is exhibited there. There are numerous other galleries in Prague, many of them private.
Another way how to spend leisure time is reading. It is a highly active hobby. When we read for a pleisure we usually pick up book such as novels: science fiction, westrens, travel books, thrillers, crime fiction, psychological or historical novels, adventure tales or love stories; short stories and tales or poetry. Some people read a book for its subject, others for the author or on personal recommendaion. We can buy books, or we can borrow them from frineds or from a library. If we need some information it is good tohave various dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, textbooks, technical and scientific literature etc.
For example young people go to the cinema. In Prague are now, except old and famous cinemas like Blaník, Světozor, Jalta, Lucerna etc., new blocks of very modern cinemas with many halls for many people with various names like Ster century Černý moct, or Village cinemas in Slavonic house etc. But these cinemas are very expensive and the attendance isn’t as high as in old cinemas, which are more cheaper. Maybe it is also for the fact, people have less free time and are lazier to leave their homes. It is more comfortable to lend a video-cassette and watch the video or just the televison than going to the cinema.
Television reaches large audience. It has been calculated that some popular operas, such as Rusalka or Libuše, were seen by more people on TV in one evening than all theatre performances since these operas were composed. We have five channels of Czech program: one state televison: Czech television 1,2; and the other are commercional: Nova, Prima and TV3. Several times a day there are news broadcasts with both national and international news, documentary programmes about the informations of the economy and the arts and sciences, discussions of current affairs, interwievs with prominent people, live sports programmes. Children wait for their bedtime story in the evening and their fairy tale on Sunday morning. Often a successful serial or soap operas are discussed by the people over their lunch in the canteen or on their way to or from the work. There are laso various competitions in whoch people show their knowledge or show their talent and also can win sometimes very exclusive prices. Other channels we have to pay to can see them and they are usually specialized for some topis. It is for example MTV or VIVA = music channels, a channel for children = channel for children with fairy tales all over the day, EUROSPORT = channel only with the sport etc
Our nation has also long theatrical traditions, both professional and amateur. Ten of amateur groups still play, beacuse thy love theatre. In several Czech and Moravian towns there are theatres with professional actors. There are more than 30 theatres in Prague. The best – known Prague theatres are The National Theatre, State Opera, Estates Theatre, Vinohrady Theatre, Musical Theatre in Karlín.
There is laso a lot of opportunities to visit some musical actions. There are several concert halls in Prague, the most important are Smetana Hall in Municipal House and the hall in Rudolfinum. Concerts, especially of religious music, are in St. Vitus Cathedral, in the chcurch of St. James, Simon and Juda etc.
Prague is also known thanks to Prague Spring, an internationally renowned music festival of classical music. It was foundes in 1946 and it takes place every year in May and June. The traditional centre of popular music is Lucerna in Wenceslav Square. But when the worl - famous group come to the Prague, the concert is usually held in Strahov stadium. Hundreds or thousands could listen to The Pink Floaydm R.E.M. or Rolling Stones.
There are many museums and galleries in Czech and Moravian towns. The largest museum in the republic is The National Museum in Wenceslas Square. It has lots of departments with hundreds of thousands of exhibits for those who are interested in archeology, history, geology, mineralogy, zoology and other sciences.
Those who are more interested in Prague can visit The Municipal Museum. There also specialised museums: Bedřich Smetana Museum, Antonín Dvořák Musem, W.A. Mozart Museum in the Bertram Villa, Arts and Crafts Musem, Postal Museum, Natinal Technical Musem, Náprstek Ethnographical Musem of Asian, African and American Cultures. People often visit Jewish Museum with the largest and oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe and several synagogues.
The most important of Prague galleries is the National gallery, situated in several historical buildings. A new part of the Natinal Gallery is in the former Trade Fair Palace. Modern art is exhibited there. There are numerous other galleries in Prague, many of them private.
Another way how to spend leisure time is reading. It is a highly active hobby. When we read for a pleisure we usually pick up book such as novels: science fiction, westrens, travel books, thrillers, crime fiction, psychological or historical novels, adventure tales or love stories; short stories and tales or poetry. Some people read a book for its subject, others for the author or on personal recommendaion. We can buy books, or we can borrow them from frineds or from a library. If we need some information it is good tohave various dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, textbooks, technical and scientific literature etc.
Canada
HISTORY
The Vikings discovered it a thousand years ago, but it was rediscovered by the Europeans in the 15th century. The French occupied largeparts in 16th century, they were followed by the English, who building up their empire. Canada became a British dominion in 1867, now it‘s a selfgoverning member of the British Commonwealth. Head of state is British Queen repersented by Governor General. The federal parliament consist of the Senate in the front with Governor – General and the House of Commons. The seat of the Federal Parliament and government is Ottawa. Since 1964 it has its own national flag. In the middle there is a red maple leaf in a white strife and on the sides are two red strifes = blood of the Canadian, who died in the first world war. The official languages are English and French.
GEOGRAPHY
Canada consist of 11 provinces which are divided in 5 teritorries:
a) ATLANTIC: Newfoundland – St. John‘s, New Brunswick – Fredericton, Nova Scotia – Halifax, Prince Edward Island – Charlottetown
b) CENTRAL: Ontario - Toronto, Quebec – Quebec City
c) PACIFIC: British Columbia – Victoria,
d) PRAIRE: Manitoba – Winnipeg, Allberta - Edmonton
e) NORTHERN TERITORIES: Yukon – Whitehorse, North – West Territories – Yellowknife, Nunavut = 11th province.Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Allberta
Canada occupies nothern part of continent of Noth America (without Alaska) and a number of islands. The biggest one is Vancouver in the west, the othersare Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in the east, Victoria and Baffin Islands.
Canada has a total area of nearly 10 million square kilometres. Beside the Great Lakes: Lake Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario shares with USA. There are also Great Bear Lake, Great Star Lake, Lake Winnipeg and many smaller lakes. The highest mountain is Mt. Logan.
Between lakes Erie and Ontario are The Niagra Falls and the Niagara River. Canada has also large rivers: the Mackenzie (from Rocky Mountainsinto Artic Ocean), the Yukon, the Fraser and the Columbia flaving in the Atlantic Ocean.
Canada is sourrounded by 3 oceans: the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east, in the south there is a neighbour of Canada – the USA.
In Canada there is artic climate in the north (in winter temperatures as low as 50°C). Winter losts 5 months with heavy snowfalls. North country is a cold tundra with great forests, in the centre is prairie.
TOWNS, INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE
Capital is Ottawa. Montreal is the only city with more than 1 million inhabitants. Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Hamilton, Winnipeg and Quebec.
Canada has coal, metal, oil and gas. The principal mining province is Alberta. Centres of iron and steel industries are Hamilton and Sydney. Motor – car industry is in Windsor, Chatham and Oshawn. Oil industry is in Toronto and Montreal.
Main products are wheat, meat, dairy products and leather. Manitobe is one of the chief provinces.
Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia supply for wood, furniture and the production of paper.
POPULATION
Canada has just 25 million inhabitants.More than 40% are British origin, about 30% is French origin, over 20% Europian origin, in Artic region there are Eskimos and the Indians live iin villages, small townships in the prairie.
The Vikings discovered it a thousand years ago, but it was rediscovered by the Europeans in the 15th century. The French occupied largeparts in 16th century, they were followed by the English, who building up their empire. Canada became a British dominion in 1867, now it‘s a selfgoverning member of the British Commonwealth. Head of state is British Queen repersented by Governor General. The federal parliament consist of the Senate in the front with Governor – General and the House of Commons. The seat of the Federal Parliament and government is Ottawa. Since 1964 it has its own national flag. In the middle there is a red maple leaf in a white strife and on the sides are two red strifes = blood of the Canadian, who died in the first world war. The official languages are English and French.
GEOGRAPHY
Canada consist of 11 provinces which are divided in 5 teritorries:
a) ATLANTIC: Newfoundland – St. John‘s, New Brunswick – Fredericton, Nova Scotia – Halifax, Prince Edward Island – Charlottetown
b) CENTRAL: Ontario - Toronto, Quebec – Quebec City
c) PACIFIC: British Columbia – Victoria,
d) PRAIRE: Manitoba – Winnipeg, Allberta - Edmonton
e) NORTHERN TERITORIES: Yukon – Whitehorse, North – West Territories – Yellowknife, Nunavut = 11th province.Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Allberta
Canada occupies nothern part of continent of Noth America (without Alaska) and a number of islands. The biggest one is Vancouver in the west, the othersare Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in the east, Victoria and Baffin Islands.
Canada has a total area of nearly 10 million square kilometres. Beside the Great Lakes: Lake Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario shares with USA. There are also Great Bear Lake, Great Star Lake, Lake Winnipeg and many smaller lakes. The highest mountain is Mt. Logan.
Between lakes Erie and Ontario are The Niagra Falls and the Niagara River. Canada has also large rivers: the Mackenzie (from Rocky Mountainsinto Artic Ocean), the Yukon, the Fraser and the Columbia flaving in the Atlantic Ocean.
Canada is sourrounded by 3 oceans: the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east, in the south there is a neighbour of Canada – the USA.
In Canada there is artic climate in the north (in winter temperatures as low as 50°C). Winter losts 5 months with heavy snowfalls. North country is a cold tundra with great forests, in the centre is prairie.
TOWNS, INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE
Capital is Ottawa. Montreal is the only city with more than 1 million inhabitants. Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Hamilton, Winnipeg and Quebec.
Canada has coal, metal, oil and gas. The principal mining province is Alberta. Centres of iron and steel industries are Hamilton and Sydney. Motor – car industry is in Windsor, Chatham and Oshawn. Oil industry is in Toronto and Montreal.
Main products are wheat, meat, dairy products and leather. Manitobe is one of the chief provinces.
Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia supply for wood, furniture and the production of paper.
POPULATION
Canada has just 25 million inhabitants.More than 40% are British origin, about 30% is French origin, over 20% Europian origin, in Artic region there are Eskimos and the Indians live iin villages, small townships in the prairie.
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