If speaking about traffic accidents we must say it is much better to avoid them. There are hundreds of dead people on our roads every year and the number of them is permanently increasing. We should drive safe, be careful about maximum speed, traffic signs, don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs.
When the car accident happens, we have to find out if somebody is hurt and to report the accident as soon as possible. We have to put a warning triangle on the hard shoulder. There are important telephone numbers we have to know: rescue or the ambulance, fire-brigade and the Police. In our country it is 150, 155 and 158 (112). In UK we call 999, in the USA 911. On the motorway we find the nearest emergency telephone box. If somebody is injured we get the doctor quickly. Before doctor’s coming we have to afford first aid to seriously injured people. There is a first-aid kit (box) in every car. First of all we have to stop bleeding if there is some, to restore breathe and do anti-shocking arrangement. We have to get help quickly.
After Police coming all persons involved in accident and witnesses must describe it. The maps showing the situation are drawn. The drivers have to give some personal information (address, phone number, number of the insurance).
In case of breakdown on the road, we have to push the car to the side of the road (onto the shoulder).
There are several solutions of this situation:
We ask another driver if he can give us a lift to the nearest service station
We can ask another driver if he can take our car in tow
We can call a breakdown vehicle
We can ask another driver if he can help us repair our car (change tyres), or if he can give us the jump start
We can ask another driver if he can lend us some useful instruments: spanner (klíč), plug spanner (klíč na svíčky), screwdriver (šroubovák), pair of pliers (kleště), four-way rim wrench (klíč na kola), lever-jack (zvedák), inflation pump (hustilka).
25. Traffic Accident, Breakdown on the Road (Dopravní nehoda, porucha na silnici)
If speaking about traffic accidents we must say it is much better to avoid them. There are hundreds of dead people on our roads every year and the number of them is permanently increasing. We should drive safe, be careful about maximum speed, traffic signs, don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs.
When the car accident happens, we have to find out if somebody is hurt and to report the accident as soon as possible. We have to put a warning triangle on the hard shoulder. There are important telephone numbers we have to know: rescue or the ambulance, fire-brigade and the Police. In our country it is 150, 155 and 158 (112). In UK we call 999, in the USA 911. On the motorway we find the nearest emergency telephone box. If somebody is injured we get the doctor quickly. Before doctor’s coming we have to afford first aid to seriously injured people. There is a first-aid kit (box) in every car. First of all we have to stop bleeding if there is some, to restore breathe and do anti-shocking arrangement. We have to get help quickly.
After Police coming all persons involved in accident and witnesses must describe it. The maps showing the situation are drawn. The drivers have to give some personal information (address, phone number, number of the insurance).
In case of breakdown on the road, we have to push the car to the side of the road (onto the shoulder).
There are several solutions of this situation:
We ask another driver if he can give us a lift to the nearest service station
We can ask another driver if he can take our car in tow
We can call a breakdown vehicle
We can ask another driver if he can help us repair our car (change tyres), or if he can give us the jump start
We can ask another driver if he can lend us some useful instruments: spanner (klíč), plug spanner (klíč na svíčky), screwdriver (šroubovák), pair of pliers (kleště), four-way rim wrench (klíč na kola), lever-jack (zvedák), inflation pump (hustilka).
When the car accident happens, we have to find out if somebody is hurt and to report the accident as soon as possible. We have to put a warning triangle on the hard shoulder. There are important telephone numbers we have to know: rescue or the ambulance, fire-brigade and the Police. In our country it is 150, 155 and 158 (112). In UK we call 999, in the USA 911. On the motorway we find the nearest emergency telephone box. If somebody is injured we get the doctor quickly. Before doctor’s coming we have to afford first aid to seriously injured people. There is a first-aid kit (box) in every car. First of all we have to stop bleeding if there is some, to restore breathe and do anti-shocking arrangement. We have to get help quickly.
After Police coming all persons involved in accident and witnesses must describe it. The maps showing the situation are drawn. The drivers have to give some personal information (address, phone number, number of the insurance).
In case of breakdown on the road, we have to push the car to the side of the road (onto the shoulder).
There are several solutions of this situation:
We ask another driver if he can give us a lift to the nearest service station
We can ask another driver if he can take our car in tow
We can call a breakdown vehicle
We can ask another driver if he can help us repair our car (change tyres), or if he can give us the jump start
We can ask another driver if he can lend us some useful instruments: spanner (klíč), plug spanner (klíč na svíčky), screwdriver (šroubovák), pair of pliers (kleště), four-way rim wrench (klíč na kola), lever-jack (zvedák), inflation pump (hustilka).
24. At the Filling Station(U čerpací stanice)From the History of Motor Vehicles (Z historie motorových vozidel)
At the situation when we drive long distance journey for a long time, there switches out the fuel level display control on the dashboard. It shows that we have run out of fuel. We need a service (filling) station. First we look at the map or ask passers-by: ”Excuse me, could you tell me where is the nearest petrol station?”
In case when the car doesn’t work because of the lack of petrol we have to push the car to the side of the road (into the shoulder).
There are several solutions in this situation:
• We ask another driver if he can give us a lift to the nearest petrol station.
• We can ask another driver if he has a can of petrol.
• We can ask another driver if he can take our car in a tow.
• We can call a breakdown vehicle.
At the petrol station we ask fuel suitable for out type of car according a grade of petrol. We see a billboard with offer and prices. Which grade of petrol do you need for your car? It is usually 90 – 97 octane value. We may also use unleaded or unleaded super. Some drivers buy autogas. In Britain some filling stations count fuel in gallons, not in litres. One gallon is 4,5 litres. How many gallons is your full tank if it is about 45 litres? The attendant at the filling station can offer some other service as: wash the car, clean the windscreen, pump up the tyres, fill up the radiator with water, check the battery, change the oil and others. At the filling station we can buy things useful for our car: coolant, antifreeze, brake fluid, distilled water, road maps, water for the windscreen washer and others. Nearly at each petrol station we can buy some food, coffee, sweets there are toilets, or we even can have a shower there.
The name automobile goes to a 14th century Italian painter and engineer named Martini. Martini never built an automobile but he did draw plans for a man-powered carriage with four wheels. Martini thought up the name automobile from the Greek word “auto” (meaning self) and the Latin word “mobils” (meaning moving). The history of the automobile is very rich and dates back to the 15th century when Leonardo da Vinci was creating designs and models for transport vehicles. There were many different types of automobiles – steam, electric and gasoline.
Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz: they both invented highly successful and practical gasoline-powered vehicles. They invented cars that looked and worked like the cars we use today.
Benz designed and built the word’s first practical automobile to be powered by an internal-combustion engine (1885). In 1891 he started a company that became the world’s largest manufacture of automobiles by 1900.
The first car manufactures in the world were French: Panhard and Levassor (1889) and Peugeot (1891).
Daimler founded the Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1890 to manufacture his design. Eleven years later, Wilhelm Maybach designed the Mercedes automobile.
Henry Ford, the American car manufacturer, invented and improved assembly line in his car factory. The assembly line reduced costs for cars by reducing assembly time. Ford’s famous Model T was assembled in ninety-three minutes. Ford for the first time started the mass production of cars, which has continued until now by millions of cars produced each year.
In case when the car doesn’t work because of the lack of petrol we have to push the car to the side of the road (into the shoulder).
There are several solutions in this situation:
• We ask another driver if he can give us a lift to the nearest petrol station.
• We can ask another driver if he has a can of petrol.
• We can ask another driver if he can take our car in a tow.
• We can call a breakdown vehicle.
At the petrol station we ask fuel suitable for out type of car according a grade of petrol. We see a billboard with offer and prices. Which grade of petrol do you need for your car? It is usually 90 – 97 octane value. We may also use unleaded or unleaded super. Some drivers buy autogas. In Britain some filling stations count fuel in gallons, not in litres. One gallon is 4,5 litres. How many gallons is your full tank if it is about 45 litres? The attendant at the filling station can offer some other service as: wash the car, clean the windscreen, pump up the tyres, fill up the radiator with water, check the battery, change the oil and others. At the filling station we can buy things useful for our car: coolant, antifreeze, brake fluid, distilled water, road maps, water for the windscreen washer and others. Nearly at each petrol station we can buy some food, coffee, sweets there are toilets, or we even can have a shower there.
The name automobile goes to a 14th century Italian painter and engineer named Martini. Martini never built an automobile but he did draw plans for a man-powered carriage with four wheels. Martini thought up the name automobile from the Greek word “auto” (meaning self) and the Latin word “mobils” (meaning moving). The history of the automobile is very rich and dates back to the 15th century when Leonardo da Vinci was creating designs and models for transport vehicles. There were many different types of automobiles – steam, electric and gasoline.
Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz: they both invented highly successful and practical gasoline-powered vehicles. They invented cars that looked and worked like the cars we use today.
Benz designed and built the word’s first practical automobile to be powered by an internal-combustion engine (1885). In 1891 he started a company that became the world’s largest manufacture of automobiles by 1900.
The first car manufactures in the world were French: Panhard and Levassor (1889) and Peugeot (1891).
Daimler founded the Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1890 to manufacture his design. Eleven years later, Wilhelm Maybach designed the Mercedes automobile.
Henry Ford, the American car manufacturer, invented and improved assembly line in his car factory. The assembly line reduced costs for cars by reducing assembly time. Ford’s famous Model T was assembled in ninety-three minutes. Ford for the first time started the mass production of cars, which has continued until now by millions of cars produced each year.
24. At the Filling Station(U čerpací stanice)From the History of Motor Vehicles (Z historie motorových vozidel)
At the situation when we drive long distance journey for a long time, there switches out the fuel level display control on the dashboard. It shows that we have run out of fuel. We need a service (filling) station. First we look at the map or ask passers-by: ”Excuse me, could you tell me where is the nearest petrol station?”
In case when the car doesn’t work because of the lack of petrol we have to push the car to the side of the road (into the shoulder).
There are several solutions in this situation:
• We ask another driver if he can give us a lift to the nearest petrol station.
• We can ask another driver if he has a can of petrol.
• We can ask another driver if he can take our car in a tow.
• We can call a breakdown vehicle.
At the petrol station we ask fuel suitable for out type of car according a grade of petrol. We see a billboard with offer and prices. Which grade of petrol do you need for your car? It is usually 90 – 97 octane value. We may also use unleaded or unleaded super. Some drivers buy autogas. In Britain some filling stations count fuel in gallons, not in litres. One gallon is 4,5 litres. How many gallons is your full tank if it is about 45 litres? The attendant at the filling station can offer some other service as: wash the car, clean the windscreen, pump up the tyres, fill up the radiator with water, check the battery, change the oil and others. At the filling station we can buy things useful for our car: coolant, antifreeze, brake fluid, distilled water, road maps, water for the windscreen washer and others. Nearly at each petrol station we can buy some food, coffee, sweets there are toilets, or we even can have a shower there.
The name automobile goes to a 14th century Italian painter and engineer named Martini. Martini never built an automobile but he did draw plans for a man-powered carriage with four wheels. Martini thought up the name automobile from the Greek word “auto” (meaning self) and the Latin word “mobils” (meaning moving). The history of the automobile is very rich and dates back to the 15th century when Leonardo da Vinci was creating designs and models for transport vehicles. There were many different types of automobiles – steam, electric and gasoline.
Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz: they both invented highly successful and practical gasoline-powered vehicles. They invented cars that looked and worked like the cars we use today.
Benz designed and built the word’s first practical automobile to be powered by an internal-combustion engine (1885). In 1891 he started a company that became the world’s largest manufacture of automobiles by 1900.
The first car manufactures in the world were French: Panhard and Levassor (1889) and Peugeot (1891).
Daimler founded the Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1890 to manufacture his design. Eleven years later, Wilhelm Maybach designed the Mercedes automobile.
Henry Ford, the American car manufacturer, invented and improved assembly line in his car factory. The assembly line reduced costs for cars by reducing assembly time. Ford’s famous Model T was assembled in ninety-three minutes. Ford for the first time started the mass production of cars, which has continued until now by millions of cars produced each year.
In case when the car doesn’t work because of the lack of petrol we have to push the car to the side of the road (into the shoulder).
There are several solutions in this situation:
• We ask another driver if he can give us a lift to the nearest petrol station.
• We can ask another driver if he has a can of petrol.
• We can ask another driver if he can take our car in a tow.
• We can call a breakdown vehicle.
At the petrol station we ask fuel suitable for out type of car according a grade of petrol. We see a billboard with offer and prices. Which grade of petrol do you need for your car? It is usually 90 – 97 octane value. We may also use unleaded or unleaded super. Some drivers buy autogas. In Britain some filling stations count fuel in gallons, not in litres. One gallon is 4,5 litres. How many gallons is your full tank if it is about 45 litres? The attendant at the filling station can offer some other service as: wash the car, clean the windscreen, pump up the tyres, fill up the radiator with water, check the battery, change the oil and others. At the filling station we can buy things useful for our car: coolant, antifreeze, brake fluid, distilled water, road maps, water for the windscreen washer and others. Nearly at each petrol station we can buy some food, coffee, sweets there are toilets, or we even can have a shower there.
The name automobile goes to a 14th century Italian painter and engineer named Martini. Martini never built an automobile but he did draw plans for a man-powered carriage with four wheels. Martini thought up the name automobile from the Greek word “auto” (meaning self) and the Latin word “mobils” (meaning moving). The history of the automobile is very rich and dates back to the 15th century when Leonardo da Vinci was creating designs and models for transport vehicles. There were many different types of automobiles – steam, electric and gasoline.
Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz: they both invented highly successful and practical gasoline-powered vehicles. They invented cars that looked and worked like the cars we use today.
Benz designed and built the word’s first practical automobile to be powered by an internal-combustion engine (1885). In 1891 he started a company that became the world’s largest manufacture of automobiles by 1900.
The first car manufactures in the world were French: Panhard and Levassor (1889) and Peugeot (1891).
Daimler founded the Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1890 to manufacture his design. Eleven years later, Wilhelm Maybach designed the Mercedes automobile.
Henry Ford, the American car manufacturer, invented and improved assembly line in his car factory. The assembly line reduced costs for cars by reducing assembly time. Ford’s famous Model T was assembled in ninety-three minutes. Ford for the first time started the mass production of cars, which has continued until now by millions of cars produced each year.
23. Car defect, car repair (Závada, oprava auta)
In case when the car doesn’t work and we can’t go on our journey we have to push the car to the side of the road. There are several solutions of this situation.
• We ask another drive if he can give us a lift to the nearest service station
• We can ask another drive if he can take our car in tow
• We can call a breakdown vehicle
• We can ask another driver if he can help us repair our car (change tyres), or if he can give us the jump start
• We can ask another driver if he can lend us some useful instruments.
Spanner (klíč), plug spanner (klíč na svíčky), screwdriver (šroubovák), pair of pliers (kleště), jack (zvedák), inflation pump (hustilka)
Each driver should be able to: change wheel, check pressure of tyres, check the level of coolant, fill up antifreeze, fill up water to windscreen washer bottle. Only mechanic should repair other defects. Defective brakes and engine defects are very dangerous!
There can be several defects of engine:
The engine is only hitting on three cylinders (jde jen na tři válce)
Is overheating ( je přehřátý)
Is flooded ( je přesycený )
Knocks (klepe)
Stalls suddenly (se zastavuje)
Misses (vynechává)
Defective brakes:
The brakes are not adjusted correctly (nejsou správně seřízené)
Need relining (potřebují nové obložení)
Squeal (skřípají)
Wheel defects:
The wheels are out of balance (nejsou vyvážená)
Are buckled (jsou deformovaná)
The wheel alignment is incorrect (geometrie kol je nesprávně nastavena)
A tyre is damaged (pneumatika je poškozena)
Electrical system:
Battery needs charging (potřebuje nabít)
It is a fuse failure (závada pojistky)
It is a relay failure (závada relé)
The contact points are not closing (kontakty nespínají)
Other defects:
The windscreen has been broken
The fuel runs out
The heating isn’t working
The door lock jams (nejde otevřít)
A bumper has broken off (se ulomil)
The rear-view mirror is missing
• We ask another drive if he can give us a lift to the nearest service station
• We can ask another drive if he can take our car in tow
• We can call a breakdown vehicle
• We can ask another driver if he can help us repair our car (change tyres), or if he can give us the jump start
• We can ask another driver if he can lend us some useful instruments.
Spanner (klíč), plug spanner (klíč na svíčky), screwdriver (šroubovák), pair of pliers (kleště), jack (zvedák), inflation pump (hustilka)
Each driver should be able to: change wheel, check pressure of tyres, check the level of coolant, fill up antifreeze, fill up water to windscreen washer bottle. Only mechanic should repair other defects. Defective brakes and engine defects are very dangerous!
There can be several defects of engine:
The engine is only hitting on three cylinders (jde jen na tři válce)
Is overheating ( je přehřátý)
Is flooded ( je přesycený )
Knocks (klepe)
Stalls suddenly (se zastavuje)
Misses (vynechává)
Defective brakes:
The brakes are not adjusted correctly (nejsou správně seřízené)
Need relining (potřebují nové obložení)
Squeal (skřípají)
Wheel defects:
The wheels are out of balance (nejsou vyvážená)
Are buckled (jsou deformovaná)
The wheel alignment is incorrect (geometrie kol je nesprávně nastavena)
A tyre is damaged (pneumatika je poškozena)
Electrical system:
Battery needs charging (potřebuje nabít)
It is a fuse failure (závada pojistky)
It is a relay failure (závada relé)
The contact points are not closing (kontakty nespínají)
Other defects:
The windscreen has been broken
The fuel runs out
The heating isn’t working
The door lock jams (nejde otevřít)
A bumper has broken off (se ulomil)
The rear-view mirror is missing
23. Car defect, car repair (Závada, oprava auta)
In case when the car doesn’t work and we can’t go on our journey we have to push the car to the side of the road. There are several solutions of this situation.
• We ask another drive if he can give us a lift to the nearest service station
• We can ask another drive if he can take our car in tow
• We can call a breakdown vehicle
• We can ask another driver if he can help us repair our car (change tyres), or if he can give us the jump start
• We can ask another driver if he can lend us some useful instruments.
Spanner (klíč), plug spanner (klíč na svíčky), screwdriver (šroubovák), pair of pliers (kleště), jack (zvedák), inflation pump (hustilka)
Each driver should be able to: change wheel, check pressure of tyres, check the level of coolant, fill up antifreeze, fill up water to windscreen washer bottle. Only mechanic should repair other defects. Defective brakes and engine defects are very dangerous!
There can be several defects of engine:
The engine is only hitting on three cylinders (jde jen na tři válce)
Is overheating ( je přehřátý)
Is flooded ( je přesycený )
Knocks (klepe)
Stalls suddenly (se zastavuje)
Misses (vynechává)
Defective brakes:
The brakes are not adjusted correctly (nejsou správně seřízené)
Need relining (potřebují nové obložení)
Squeal (skřípají)
Wheel defects:
The wheels are out of balance (nejsou vyvážená)
Are buckled (jsou deformovaná)
The wheel alignment is incorrect (geometrie kol je nesprávně nastavena)
A tyre is damaged (pneumatika je poškozena)
Electrical system:
Battery needs charging (potřebuje nabít)
It is a fuse failure (závada pojistky)
It is a relay failure (závada relé)
The contact points are not closing (kontakty nespínají)
Other defects:
The windscreen has been broken
The fuel runs out
The heating isn’t working
The door lock jams (nejde otevřít)
A bumper has broken off (se ulomil)
The rear-view mirror is missing
• We ask another drive if he can give us a lift to the nearest service station
• We can ask another drive if he can take our car in tow
• We can call a breakdown vehicle
• We can ask another driver if he can help us repair our car (change tyres), or if he can give us the jump start
• We can ask another driver if he can lend us some useful instruments.
Spanner (klíč), plug spanner (klíč na svíčky), screwdriver (šroubovák), pair of pliers (kleště), jack (zvedák), inflation pump (hustilka)
Each driver should be able to: change wheel, check pressure of tyres, check the level of coolant, fill up antifreeze, fill up water to windscreen washer bottle. Only mechanic should repair other defects. Defective brakes and engine defects are very dangerous!
There can be several defects of engine:
The engine is only hitting on three cylinders (jde jen na tři válce)
Is overheating ( je přehřátý)
Is flooded ( je přesycený )
Knocks (klepe)
Stalls suddenly (se zastavuje)
Misses (vynechává)
Defective brakes:
The brakes are not adjusted correctly (nejsou správně seřízené)
Need relining (potřebují nové obložení)
Squeal (skřípají)
Wheel defects:
The wheels are out of balance (nejsou vyvážená)
Are buckled (jsou deformovaná)
The wheel alignment is incorrect (geometrie kol je nesprávně nastavena)
A tyre is damaged (pneumatika je poškozena)
Electrical system:
Battery needs charging (potřebuje nabít)
It is a fuse failure (závada pojistky)
It is a relay failure (závada relé)
The contact points are not closing (kontakty nespínají)
Other defects:
The windscreen has been broken
The fuel runs out
The heating isn’t working
The door lock jams (nejde otevřít)
A bumper has broken off (se ulomil)
The rear-view mirror is missing
22. Road / Land Transport (Silniční / pozemní doprava)
The first indications of constructed roads are from about 4000 BC. Those were made mainly of stones. The road builders around 1800 used stone, gravel (štěrk) and sand for construction. John Metcalfe, a Scot born in 1717, built about 180 miles of roads in Yorkshire, England, even though he was blind. His roads were built with three layers: large stones, excavated (vykopaný) road material and a layer of gravel. Today, 96 % of all paved (dlážděný) roads and streets are surfaced with asphalt. Almost all paving asphalt used today is made by processing crude oils (surová nafta).
If speaking about road / land transport / travelling we mean transport by cars, buses, motorcycles, trains, trams, trolleys, bicycles, ……. Let’s have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the most spread of them.
car
Advantages:
• Speed
• Travelling is quick
• Comfortable
• You can go anywhere and whenever you need to
• You aren’t dependent on public transport
• There is sufficient space for luggage
• You can stop where you want
• You can change your journey plan if necessary
Disadvantages:
• Expensive
• High expenses on fuel repair service
• Dangerous traffic during peak-hours
• Environmental –unfriendly
bus
Advantages:
• For many people it is the only way to get to work
• Bus services link all major towns, cities and villages
• On many routes cut-price fares are provided for students, pensioners and the disabled
• Modern buses and coaches are very comfortable
Disadvantages:
• Bus fares are increasingly more expensive
• Old buses are very slow, uncomfortable, and sometimes, especially in winter, not punctual and very crowded. They don’t even look very reliable.
train
Advantages:
• It is relatively cheap
• There is enough space if it is not crowded
• You can rest while travelling
• You can have a meal in a restaurant car
• You can sleep in a sleeper car
• Thanks to new technology, trains are becoming faster, more punctual, more comfortable, cleaner, and more reliable
Disadvantages:
• Less comfortable than flying or travelling by cars
• Sometimes you must change or wait for a connection
• Trains in the Czech Republic are often late, dirty, and shabby
• There is often almost no difference between first and second class
If speaking about road / land transport / travelling we mean transport by cars, buses, motorcycles, trains, trams, trolleys, bicycles, ……. Let’s have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the most spread of them.
car
Advantages:
• Speed
• Travelling is quick
• Comfortable
• You can go anywhere and whenever you need to
• You aren’t dependent on public transport
• There is sufficient space for luggage
• You can stop where you want
• You can change your journey plan if necessary
Disadvantages:
• Expensive
• High expenses on fuel repair service
• Dangerous traffic during peak-hours
• Environmental –unfriendly
bus
Advantages:
• For many people it is the only way to get to work
• Bus services link all major towns, cities and villages
• On many routes cut-price fares are provided for students, pensioners and the disabled
• Modern buses and coaches are very comfortable
Disadvantages:
• Bus fares are increasingly more expensive
• Old buses are very slow, uncomfortable, and sometimes, especially in winter, not punctual and very crowded. They don’t even look very reliable.
train
Advantages:
• It is relatively cheap
• There is enough space if it is not crowded
• You can rest while travelling
• You can have a meal in a restaurant car
• You can sleep in a sleeper car
• Thanks to new technology, trains are becoming faster, more punctual, more comfortable, cleaner, and more reliable
Disadvantages:
• Less comfortable than flying or travelling by cars
• Sometimes you must change or wait for a connection
• Trains in the Czech Republic are often late, dirty, and shabby
• There is often almost no difference between first and second class
22. Road / Land Transport (Silniční / pozemní doprava)
The first indications of constructed roads are from about 4000 BC. Those were made mainly of stones. The road builders around 1800 used stone, gravel (štěrk) and sand for construction. John Metcalfe, a Scot born in 1717, built about 180 miles of roads in Yorkshire, England, even though he was blind. His roads were built with three layers: large stones, excavated (vykopaný) road material and a layer of gravel. Today, 96 % of all paved (dlážděný) roads and streets are surfaced with asphalt. Almost all paving asphalt used today is made by processing crude oils (surová nafta).
If speaking about road / land transport / travelling we mean transport by cars, buses, motorcycles, trains, trams, trolleys, bicycles, ……. Let’s have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the most spread of them.
car
Advantages:
• Speed
• Travelling is quick
• Comfortable
• You can go anywhere and whenever you need to
• You aren’t dependent on public transport
• There is sufficient space for luggage
• You can stop where you want
• You can change your journey plan if necessary
Disadvantages:
• Expensive
• High expenses on fuel repair service
• Dangerous traffic during peak-hours
• Environmental –unfriendly
bus
Advantages:
• For many people it is the only way to get to work
• Bus services link all major towns, cities and villages
• On many routes cut-price fares are provided for students, pensioners and the disabled
• Modern buses and coaches are very comfortable
Disadvantages:
• Bus fares are increasingly more expensive
• Old buses are very slow, uncomfortable, and sometimes, especially in winter, not punctual and very crowded. They don’t even look very reliable.
train
Advantages:
• It is relatively cheap
• There is enough space if it is not crowded
• You can rest while travelling
• You can have a meal in a restaurant car
• You can sleep in a sleeper car
• Thanks to new technology, trains are becoming faster, more punctual, more comfortable, cleaner, and more reliable
Disadvantages:
• Less comfortable than flying or travelling by cars
• Sometimes you must change or wait for a connection
• Trains in the Czech Republic are often late, dirty, and shabby
• There is often almost no difference between first and second class
If speaking about road / land transport / travelling we mean transport by cars, buses, motorcycles, trains, trams, trolleys, bicycles, ……. Let’s have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the most spread of them.
car
Advantages:
• Speed
• Travelling is quick
• Comfortable
• You can go anywhere and whenever you need to
• You aren’t dependent on public transport
• There is sufficient space for luggage
• You can stop where you want
• You can change your journey plan if necessary
Disadvantages:
• Expensive
• High expenses on fuel repair service
• Dangerous traffic during peak-hours
• Environmental –unfriendly
bus
Advantages:
• For many people it is the only way to get to work
• Bus services link all major towns, cities and villages
• On many routes cut-price fares are provided for students, pensioners and the disabled
• Modern buses and coaches are very comfortable
Disadvantages:
• Bus fares are increasingly more expensive
• Old buses are very slow, uncomfortable, and sometimes, especially in winter, not punctual and very crowded. They don’t even look very reliable.
train
Advantages:
• It is relatively cheap
• There is enough space if it is not crowded
• You can rest while travelling
• You can have a meal in a restaurant car
• You can sleep in a sleeper car
• Thanks to new technology, trains are becoming faster, more punctual, more comfortable, cleaner, and more reliable
Disadvantages:
• Less comfortable than flying or travelling by cars
• Sometimes you must change or wait for a connection
• Trains in the Czech Republic are often late, dirty, and shabby
• There is often almost no difference between first and second class
21. Highway Code (Pravidla silničního provozu)
It is a set of rules for drivers, pedestrians and other users of roads (cyclists, motorcyclists, horseriders and others).
There are many traffic signs on every road. They may be divided into:
Warning (výstražné): crossroads, wild animals, bend, double bend – first to the left, road narrows on both sides, roundabout, traffic signs, pedestrians (chodci), railway, ……
Prohibitory (zákazové): no waiting (zákaz stání), no stopping (Clearway) (zákaz zastavení), no entry, no overtaking (zákaz předjíždění), no turn right / left, no motor vehicles, ……
Mandatory (příkazové): stop, give way (dej přednost) …..
Signs with blue circles but no red border mostly give positive instruction
There are many other road markings often used: pedestrians crossings, traffic lights, lines just on roads, ………………
The documents the driver must have are: valid Driving License, Vehicle Registration Document and Insurance Policy (pojištění)
Before setting off the driver has to check: fuel level, mirror (adjustment), pressure in tyres, good visibility (clean windscreen)
In his car the driver has to have: first aid kit, warning triangle, spare bulbs for headlamps, spare fuse (pojistka), spare wheel
It’s useful when he has: a tow rope, inflation pump, fire extinguisher and some tools
There are some differences from European Highway Code in Great Britain. GB, Australia, New Zealand and other several countries in the world drive on the left side of the road. So there can be some difficulties for European drivers. There can be some problems with passing (objíždění), turning and overtaking (předjíždění). But there is a possibility to buy and put on the rear window the sticker CONTINENTAL DRIVER.
There are also some rules for using switched headlamps: when it gets dark, at night, in daylight – when it’s low visibility (raining, snowing, fog).
National speed limit (GB): In urban /built up area – 30 miles / hour ( 48 km / hod)
Carriageway – 60 miles / hour (96 km / hod)
Double carriageway – 70 miles / hour (112 km / hod)
Motorway
There are many traffic signs on every road. They may be divided into:
Warning (výstražné): crossroads, wild animals, bend, double bend – first to the left, road narrows on both sides, roundabout, traffic signs, pedestrians (chodci), railway, ……
Prohibitory (zákazové): no waiting (zákaz stání), no stopping (Clearway) (zákaz zastavení), no entry, no overtaking (zákaz předjíždění), no turn right / left, no motor vehicles, ……
Mandatory (příkazové): stop, give way (dej přednost) …..
Signs with blue circles but no red border mostly give positive instruction
There are many other road markings often used: pedestrians crossings, traffic lights, lines just on roads, ………………
The documents the driver must have are: valid Driving License, Vehicle Registration Document and Insurance Policy (pojištění)
Before setting off the driver has to check: fuel level, mirror (adjustment), pressure in tyres, good visibility (clean windscreen)
In his car the driver has to have: first aid kit, warning triangle, spare bulbs for headlamps, spare fuse (pojistka), spare wheel
It’s useful when he has: a tow rope, inflation pump, fire extinguisher and some tools
There are some differences from European Highway Code in Great Britain. GB, Australia, New Zealand and other several countries in the world drive on the left side of the road. So there can be some difficulties for European drivers. There can be some problems with passing (objíždění), turning and overtaking (předjíždění). But there is a possibility to buy and put on the rear window the sticker CONTINENTAL DRIVER.
There are also some rules for using switched headlamps: when it gets dark, at night, in daylight – when it’s low visibility (raining, snowing, fog).
National speed limit (GB): In urban /built up area – 30 miles / hour ( 48 km / hod)
Carriageway – 60 miles / hour (96 km / hod)
Double carriageway – 70 miles / hour (112 km / hod)
Motorway
21. Highway Code (Pravidla silničního provozu)
It is a set of rules for drivers, pedestrians and other users of roads (cyclists, motorcyclists, horseriders and others).
There are many traffic signs on every road. They may be divided into:
Warning (výstražné): crossroads, wild animals, bend, double bend – first to the left, road narrows on both sides, roundabout, traffic signs, pedestrians (chodci), railway, ……
Prohibitory (zákazové): no waiting (zákaz stání), no stopping (Clearway) (zákaz zastavení), no entry, no overtaking (zákaz předjíždění), no turn right / left, no motor vehicles, ……
Mandatory (příkazové): stop, give way (dej přednost) …..
Signs with blue circles but no red border mostly give positive instruction
There are many other road markings often used: pedestrians crossings, traffic lights, lines just on roads, ………………
The documents the driver must have are: valid Driving License, Vehicle Registration Document and Insurance Policy (pojištění)
Before setting off the driver has to check: fuel level, mirror (adjustment), pressure in tyres, good visibility (clean windscreen)
In his car the driver has to have: first aid kit, warning triangle, spare bulbs for headlamps, spare fuse (pojistka), spare wheel
It’s useful when he has: a tow rope, inflation pump, fire extinguisher and some tools
There are some differences from European Highway Code in Great Britain. GB, Australia, New Zealand and other several countries in the world drive on the left side of the road. So there can be some difficulties for European drivers. There can be some problems with passing (objíždění), turning and overtaking (předjíždění). But there is a possibility to buy and put on the rear window the sticker CONTINENTAL DRIVER.
There are also some rules for using switched headlamps: when it gets dark, at night, in daylight – when it’s low visibility (raining, snowing, fog).
National speed limit (GB): In urban /built up area – 30 miles / hour ( 48 km / hod)
Carriageway – 60 miles / hour (96 km / hod)
Double carriageway – 70 miles / hour (112 km / hod)
Motorway
There are many traffic signs on every road. They may be divided into:
Warning (výstražné): crossroads, wild animals, bend, double bend – first to the left, road narrows on both sides, roundabout, traffic signs, pedestrians (chodci), railway, ……
Prohibitory (zákazové): no waiting (zákaz stání), no stopping (Clearway) (zákaz zastavení), no entry, no overtaking (zákaz předjíždění), no turn right / left, no motor vehicles, ……
Mandatory (příkazové): stop, give way (dej přednost) …..
Signs with blue circles but no red border mostly give positive instruction
There are many other road markings often used: pedestrians crossings, traffic lights, lines just on roads, ………………
The documents the driver must have are: valid Driving License, Vehicle Registration Document and Insurance Policy (pojištění)
Before setting off the driver has to check: fuel level, mirror (adjustment), pressure in tyres, good visibility (clean windscreen)
In his car the driver has to have: first aid kit, warning triangle, spare bulbs for headlamps, spare fuse (pojistka), spare wheel
It’s useful when he has: a tow rope, inflation pump, fire extinguisher and some tools
There are some differences from European Highway Code in Great Britain. GB, Australia, New Zealand and other several countries in the world drive on the left side of the road. So there can be some difficulties for European drivers. There can be some problems with passing (objíždění), turning and overtaking (předjíždění). But there is a possibility to buy and put on the rear window the sticker CONTINENTAL DRIVER.
There are also some rules for using switched headlamps: when it gets dark, at night, in daylight – when it’s low visibility (raining, snowing, fog).
National speed limit (GB): In urban /built up area – 30 miles / hour ( 48 km / hod)
Carriageway – 60 miles / hour (96 km / hod)
Double carriageway – 70 miles / hour (112 km / hod)
Motorway
20. The car (Auto)
The outside of the car: windscreen, windscreen wiper, bonnet, roof, boot / trunk, wheel, tyre, bumper, door, door handle, door lock, headlight, turn signal light, rearview mirror / wing mirror, wing, window, windscreen wiper, sunroof, engine
The interior of the car: steering wheel, brake pedal, gear lever, gas pedal, handbrake lever, horn, clutch pedal, driver’s seat, passenger seat, rear seat, seat belt, airbag, heating controls, light switch, coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge, odometer, windscreen wiper switch, cruise control, dashboard, speedometer
Other useful things:
jack lever, fuse, tow cable, first-aid box / kit, spare bulb, warning triangle,
spanner, plug spanner, screwdriver, pair of pliers, inflation pump
Kinds of fuel: oil, petrol, power gas, alternative fuels
Some famous …..
Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz: they both invented highly successful and practical gasoline-powered vehicles. They invented cars that looked and worked like the cars we use today.
Benz designed and built the word’s first practical automobile to be powered by an internal-combustion engine (1885). In 1891 he started a company that became the world’s largest manufacture of automobiles by 1900.
Daimler founded the Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1890 to manufacture his design. Eleven years later, Wilhelm Maybach designed the Mercedes automobile.
Henry Ford, the American car manufacturer, invented and improved assembly line in his car factory. The assembly line reduced costs for cars by reducing assembly time. Ford’s famous Model T was assembled in ninety-three minutes. Ford for the first time started the mass production of cars, which has continued until now by millions of cars produced each year.
Nowadays …..
My relation to cars:
The interior of the car: steering wheel, brake pedal, gear lever, gas pedal, handbrake lever, horn, clutch pedal, driver’s seat, passenger seat, rear seat, seat belt, airbag, heating controls, light switch, coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge, odometer, windscreen wiper switch, cruise control, dashboard, speedometer
Other useful things:
jack lever, fuse, tow cable, first-aid box / kit, spare bulb, warning triangle,
spanner, plug spanner, screwdriver, pair of pliers, inflation pump
Kinds of fuel: oil, petrol, power gas, alternative fuels
Some famous …..
Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz: they both invented highly successful and practical gasoline-powered vehicles. They invented cars that looked and worked like the cars we use today.
Benz designed and built the word’s first practical automobile to be powered by an internal-combustion engine (1885). In 1891 he started a company that became the world’s largest manufacture of automobiles by 1900.
Daimler founded the Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1890 to manufacture his design. Eleven years later, Wilhelm Maybach designed the Mercedes automobile.
Henry Ford, the American car manufacturer, invented and improved assembly line in his car factory. The assembly line reduced costs for cars by reducing assembly time. Ford’s famous Model T was assembled in ninety-three minutes. Ford for the first time started the mass production of cars, which has continued until now by millions of cars produced each year.
Nowadays …..
My relation to cars:
20. The car (Auto)
The outside of the car: windscreen, windscreen wiper, bonnet, roof, boot / trunk, wheel, tyre, bumper, door, door handle, door lock, headlight, turn signal light, rearview mirror / wing mirror, wing, window, windscreen wiper, sunroof, engine
The interior of the car: steering wheel, brake pedal, gear lever, gas pedal, handbrake lever, horn, clutch pedal, driver’s seat, passenger seat, rear seat, seat belt, airbag, heating controls, light switch, coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge, odometer, windscreen wiper switch, cruise control, dashboard, speedometer
Other useful things:
jack lever, fuse, tow cable, first-aid box / kit, spare bulb, warning triangle,
spanner, plug spanner, screwdriver, pair of pliers, inflation pump
Kinds of fuel: oil, petrol, power gas, alternative fuels
Some famous …..
Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz: they both invented highly successful and practical gasoline-powered vehicles. They invented cars that looked and worked like the cars we use today.
Benz designed and built the word’s first practical automobile to be powered by an internal-combustion engine (1885). In 1891 he started a company that became the world’s largest manufacture of automobiles by 1900.
Daimler founded the Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1890 to manufacture his design. Eleven years later, Wilhelm Maybach designed the Mercedes automobile.
Henry Ford, the American car manufacturer, invented and improved assembly line in his car factory. The assembly line reduced costs for cars by reducing assembly time. Ford’s famous Model T was assembled in ninety-three minutes. Ford for the first time started the mass production of cars, which has continued until now by millions of cars produced each year.
Nowadays …..
My relation to cars:
The interior of the car: steering wheel, brake pedal, gear lever, gas pedal, handbrake lever, horn, clutch pedal, driver’s seat, passenger seat, rear seat, seat belt, airbag, heating controls, light switch, coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge, odometer, windscreen wiper switch, cruise control, dashboard, speedometer
Other useful things:
jack lever, fuse, tow cable, first-aid box / kit, spare bulb, warning triangle,
spanner, plug spanner, screwdriver, pair of pliers, inflation pump
Kinds of fuel: oil, petrol, power gas, alternative fuels
Some famous …..
Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz: they both invented highly successful and practical gasoline-powered vehicles. They invented cars that looked and worked like the cars we use today.
Benz designed and built the word’s first practical automobile to be powered by an internal-combustion engine (1885). In 1891 he started a company that became the world’s largest manufacture of automobiles by 1900.
Daimler founded the Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1890 to manufacture his design. Eleven years later, Wilhelm Maybach designed the Mercedes automobile.
Henry Ford, the American car manufacturer, invented and improved assembly line in his car factory. The assembly line reduced costs for cars by reducing assembly time. Ford’s famous Model T was assembled in ninety-three minutes. Ford for the first time started the mass production of cars, which has continued until now by millions of cars produced each year.
Nowadays …..
My relation to cars:
19. Travelling (Cestování)
These days people travel much more than they did in the past. There are new means of transport, cars and planes have become faster and although the prices of tickets have been raising due to the prices of oil more and more people travel to faraway places. People used to think of travelling as something special but times have changed. It is quite natural to hear something like that: “ I’ve just been to Florida for a two-week trip, and in winter we are going on a skiing holiday to the Alps.” In other words, even the most distant places of the world have come closer.
There are many ways of travelling. Let’s start with the most primitive one and maybe the cheapest one – you can travel on foot. As for the distance, you will hardly get faraway, but you can get almost everywhere. For shorter distances the bicycle is a good means of transport as it is relatively quick, economical and environmental-friendly. You can travel by motorbike which is convenient only in the summer. People travel by car, bus or coach, train, plane or boat. In cities, transport is provided by different means such as buses, trolleybuses, trams, taxis and even underground or city trains. Travelling by bus and by train can sometimes be rather discomfortable but it has constantly been improving. Fast trains express, IC (Inter City), EC (Euro City), Pendolino are very quick and very comfortable. In better trains there are dining and sleeping carriages.
The car is by far the most popular mean of transport. Travelling by car is fast and comfortable, and we get to our destination without waiting for hours. There are a number of new roads, motorways and bridges. As roads have improved, the number of cars has also risen, and this has led to more road accidents. Roads are often crowded with cars and lorries and – on minor roads – bikers. Every person involved in transport must observe special rules called the Highway Code. The advantages: fast, comfortable. The disadvantages: environmental-unfriendly, more and more expensive (as the price of oil is increasing)
On oceans and seas, there are various ocean liners, luxurious steamers and tankers transporting oil, corn and other goods. Going on a voyage can be a great adventure. Ports are often used by smaller fishing boats but also by huge ships. The advantages: cheap, environmental-friendly. The disadvantage: long terms
Hitchhiking is a very specific way of travelling. It is mainly used by the young who do not need so much comfort, do not have so much money and are not afraid of taking risks. Hitchhiking can take you even to the most distant countries. Young people travel in order to learn new things, improve their language skills and to have some fun and adventure. They are seen on motorways waiting for drivers who are willing to give them a lift.
Travellers can stay in bed and breakfast, mountain cottages or in hotels. Hotels normally have single or double rooms, or even rooms with more beds. These days almost all hotel rooms have a bath-room and toilet, radio, TV set, telephone and sometimes even fridge or the Internet. In the hotel, there is also restaurant where morning, midday and evening meals are served. Hotel guests normally pay for half or full board. Hotels often have a café and a night bar. In addition, modern hotels have a fitness centre, sauna with solarium, massage centre and a swimming pool. Attached to the hotel are tennis courts or sports grounds. Any modern hotel must necessarily have a parking space or garage for guests.
There are many ways of travelling. Let’s start with the most primitive one and maybe the cheapest one – you can travel on foot. As for the distance, you will hardly get faraway, but you can get almost everywhere. For shorter distances the bicycle is a good means of transport as it is relatively quick, economical and environmental-friendly. You can travel by motorbike which is convenient only in the summer. People travel by car, bus or coach, train, plane or boat. In cities, transport is provided by different means such as buses, trolleybuses, trams, taxis and even underground or city trains. Travelling by bus and by train can sometimes be rather discomfortable but it has constantly been improving. Fast trains express, IC (Inter City), EC (Euro City), Pendolino are very quick and very comfortable. In better trains there are dining and sleeping carriages.
The car is by far the most popular mean of transport. Travelling by car is fast and comfortable, and we get to our destination without waiting for hours. There are a number of new roads, motorways and bridges. As roads have improved, the number of cars has also risen, and this has led to more road accidents. Roads are often crowded with cars and lorries and – on minor roads – bikers. Every person involved in transport must observe special rules called the Highway Code. The advantages: fast, comfortable. The disadvantages: environmental-unfriendly, more and more expensive (as the price of oil is increasing)
On oceans and seas, there are various ocean liners, luxurious steamers and tankers transporting oil, corn and other goods. Going on a voyage can be a great adventure. Ports are often used by smaller fishing boats but also by huge ships. The advantages: cheap, environmental-friendly. The disadvantage: long terms
Hitchhiking is a very specific way of travelling. It is mainly used by the young who do not need so much comfort, do not have so much money and are not afraid of taking risks. Hitchhiking can take you even to the most distant countries. Young people travel in order to learn new things, improve their language skills and to have some fun and adventure. They are seen on motorways waiting for drivers who are willing to give them a lift.
Travellers can stay in bed and breakfast, mountain cottages or in hotels. Hotels normally have single or double rooms, or even rooms with more beds. These days almost all hotel rooms have a bath-room and toilet, radio, TV set, telephone and sometimes even fridge or the Internet. In the hotel, there is also restaurant where morning, midday and evening meals are served. Hotel guests normally pay for half or full board. Hotels often have a café and a night bar. In addition, modern hotels have a fitness centre, sauna with solarium, massage centre and a swimming pool. Attached to the hotel are tennis courts or sports grounds. Any modern hotel must necessarily have a parking space or garage for guests.
19. Travelling (Cestování)
These days people travel much more than they did in the past. There are new means of transport, cars and planes have become faster and although the prices of tickets have been raising due to the prices of oil more and more people travel to faraway places. People used to think of travelling as something special but times have changed. It is quite natural to hear something like that: “ I’ve just been to Florida for a two-week trip, and in winter we are going on a skiing holiday to the Alps.” In other words, even the most distant places of the world have come closer.
There are many ways of travelling. Let’s start with the most primitive one and maybe the cheapest one – you can travel on foot. As for the distance, you will hardly get faraway, but you can get almost everywhere. For shorter distances the bicycle is a good means of transport as it is relatively quick, economical and environmental-friendly. You can travel by motorbike which is convenient only in the summer. People travel by car, bus or coach, train, plane or boat. In cities, transport is provided by different means such as buses, trolleybuses, trams, taxis and even underground or city trains. Travelling by bus and by train can sometimes be rather discomfortable but it has constantly been improving. Fast trains express, IC (Inter City), EC (Euro City), Pendolino are very quick and very comfortable. In better trains there are dining and sleeping carriages.
The car is by far the most popular mean of transport. Travelling by car is fast and comfortable, and we get to our destination without waiting for hours. There are a number of new roads, motorways and bridges. As roads have improved, the number of cars has also risen, and this has led to more road accidents. Roads are often crowded with cars and lorries and – on minor roads – bikers. Every person involved in transport must observe special rules called the Highway Code. The advantages: fast, comfortable. The disadvantages: environmental-unfriendly, more and more expensive (as the price of oil is increasing)
On oceans and seas, there are various ocean liners, luxurious steamers and tankers transporting oil, corn and other goods. Going on a voyage can be a great adventure. Ports are often used by smaller fishing boats but also by huge ships. The advantages: cheap, environmental-friendly. The disadvantage: long terms
Hitchhiking is a very specific way of travelling. It is mainly used by the young who do not need so much comfort, do not have so much money and are not afraid of taking risks. Hitchhiking can take you even to the most distant countries. Young people travel in order to learn new things, improve their language skills and to have some fun and adventure. They are seen on motorways waiting for drivers who are willing to give them a lift.
Travellers can stay in bed and breakfast, mountain cottages or in hotels. Hotels normally have single or double rooms, or even rooms with more beds. These days almost all hotel rooms have a bath-room and toilet, radio, TV set, telephone and sometimes even fridge or the Internet. In the hotel, there is also restaurant where morning, midday and evening meals are served. Hotel guests normally pay for half or full board. Hotels often have a café and a night bar. In addition, modern hotels have a fitness centre, sauna with solarium, massage centre and a swimming pool. Attached to the hotel are tennis courts or sports grounds. Any modern hotel must necessarily have a parking space or garage for guests.
There are many ways of travelling. Let’s start with the most primitive one and maybe the cheapest one – you can travel on foot. As for the distance, you will hardly get faraway, but you can get almost everywhere. For shorter distances the bicycle is a good means of transport as it is relatively quick, economical and environmental-friendly. You can travel by motorbike which is convenient only in the summer. People travel by car, bus or coach, train, plane or boat. In cities, transport is provided by different means such as buses, trolleybuses, trams, taxis and even underground or city trains. Travelling by bus and by train can sometimes be rather discomfortable but it has constantly been improving. Fast trains express, IC (Inter City), EC (Euro City), Pendolino are very quick and very comfortable. In better trains there are dining and sleeping carriages.
The car is by far the most popular mean of transport. Travelling by car is fast and comfortable, and we get to our destination without waiting for hours. There are a number of new roads, motorways and bridges. As roads have improved, the number of cars has also risen, and this has led to more road accidents. Roads are often crowded with cars and lorries and – on minor roads – bikers. Every person involved in transport must observe special rules called the Highway Code. The advantages: fast, comfortable. The disadvantages: environmental-unfriendly, more and more expensive (as the price of oil is increasing)
On oceans and seas, there are various ocean liners, luxurious steamers and tankers transporting oil, corn and other goods. Going on a voyage can be a great adventure. Ports are often used by smaller fishing boats but also by huge ships. The advantages: cheap, environmental-friendly. The disadvantage: long terms
Hitchhiking is a very specific way of travelling. It is mainly used by the young who do not need so much comfort, do not have so much money and are not afraid of taking risks. Hitchhiking can take you even to the most distant countries. Young people travel in order to learn new things, improve their language skills and to have some fun and adventure. They are seen on motorways waiting for drivers who are willing to give them a lift.
Travellers can stay in bed and breakfast, mountain cottages or in hotels. Hotels normally have single or double rooms, or even rooms with more beds. These days almost all hotel rooms have a bath-room and toilet, radio, TV set, telephone and sometimes even fridge or the Internet. In the hotel, there is also restaurant where morning, midday and evening meals are served. Hotel guests normally pay for half or full board. Hotels often have a café and a night bar. In addition, modern hotels have a fitness centre, sauna with solarium, massage centre and a swimming pool. Attached to the hotel are tennis courts or sports grounds. Any modern hotel must necessarily have a parking space or garage for guests.
17. The United States of America (Spojené státy americké)
The USA is a federation of 50 states. The country spreads on the whole of North America from the Atlantic coast on the east to the Pacific coast on the west. It neighbours on Canada in the north and on Mexico in the south (the Rio Grande forms the border with Mexico). The USA also includes Alaska on the very north of the continent and the Hawaii Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The USA has a varied landscape. The biggest mountain ranges are on the west (Sierra Nevada, Cordilleras, Rocky Mountains Great Canyon). The highest peak is Mt Mc Kinley (6,194m). The longest river is Mississippi (the Mississippi Lowland), other known are the Colorado, the Missouri, the Ohio, the Columbia, ….. and the Niagara with the famous Niagara Falls on the border with Canada. The Great Lakes are situated here, too. In the north, the climate is mild, though because of the Labrador Current it is much colder than what we know in our country. The southern part of the US lies in the subtropical zone. Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and the Hawaii are located in the tropical zone. Alaska is naturally the coldest area as it lies in the arctic zone. There are many well-known national parks in the US: Death Valley Desert (it is the hottest and driest place in the USA – the temperature measured in the shadow was 57oC), Yellowstone, Grand Canyon,…. The number of inhabitants is almost 300 million, with about 80 per cent living in towns and cities, especially those in the North-East. Official language of the US is English. The National flag has 50 white stars symbolizing 50 states and 13 stripes (6 white and 7 red) symbolizing the original 13 colonies. The US has one of the strongest economies in the world. The American dollar is used for trade in countries across the globe. The USA is very rich in mineral resources. There are deposits of gold, silver, platinum and petroleum mainly in Alaska. Petroleum and natural gas is produced in huge amounts in Texas, Oklahoma and in the Gulf of Mexico. The head of American democracy is the President. He is elected for four years and may only be elected twice. His power is relatively great. The Congress consists of two houses: the Senate and the House or Representatives. Washington D.C. is the capital of the US and seat of the federal government. Washington is not a state, it is a federal district. In the centre of the city there is the Capitol where the Congress meets. The president works and lives nearby in the White House.
Washington D.C. is the capital city of the United States. It’s named after the first president, George Washington. It is the first city in the world especially planned and built as a capital. The capital is not a part of any of the 50 states. It lies on the Potomac River on the eastern coast of the USA. In the centre – on Capitol Hill – is the Capitol, seat of the Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Nearby is the White House. Important buildings include Pentagon – the centre of military forces.
New York is situated on the eastern coast of the USA. It is the biggest city in the USA, an important seaport, and financial, business and cultural centre. There are four airports and it has the largest subway system of the world. The most important part of NY is Manhattan. Broadway runs across the streets and avenues. Times Square is the centre of entertainment. Wall Street is the financial centre of the world. Harlem is a black quarter with many poor and unemployed people. The Statue of Liberty is a cooper statue given to the USA by France. The statue stands on Liberty Island near the port. It is the symbol of NY and it has become the symbol of hope and freedom.
San Francisco (California) – a picturesque city with steep streets and cable cars. The Golden Gate Bridge (1,280 m long) is said to be the most photographed bridge in the world. The prison Alcatraz where Al Capone and other dangerous criminals were imprisoned is nearby.
Los Angeles is the capital of the film world (Hollywood). It is the second largest city in the USA.
Washington D.C. is the capital city of the United States. It’s named after the first president, George Washington. It is the first city in the world especially planned and built as a capital. The capital is not a part of any of the 50 states. It lies on the Potomac River on the eastern coast of the USA. In the centre – on Capitol Hill – is the Capitol, seat of the Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Nearby is the White House. Important buildings include Pentagon – the centre of military forces.
New York is situated on the eastern coast of the USA. It is the biggest city in the USA, an important seaport, and financial, business and cultural centre. There are four airports and it has the largest subway system of the world. The most important part of NY is Manhattan. Broadway runs across the streets and avenues. Times Square is the centre of entertainment. Wall Street is the financial centre of the world. Harlem is a black quarter with many poor and unemployed people. The Statue of Liberty is a cooper statue given to the USA by France. The statue stands on Liberty Island near the port. It is the symbol of NY and it has become the symbol of hope and freedom.
San Francisco (California) – a picturesque city with steep streets and cable cars. The Golden Gate Bridge (1,280 m long) is said to be the most photographed bridge in the world. The prison Alcatraz where Al Capone and other dangerous criminals were imprisoned is nearby.
Los Angeles is the capital of the film world (Hollywood). It is the second largest city in the USA.
18. Canada, Australia, New Zealand (Kanada, Austrálie, Nový Zéland)
Canada
Is the second largest country in the world after Russia, Its capital is Ottawa. The country has a sea shore on the Arctic Ocean, giving the longest coastline of any country. In the south, Canada borders with the United States. Most of the population live within 300 km of the country’s southern border, where are mild springs, hot summers and pleasant autumns.
There are some 2 million lakes in Canada. It shares (sdílí) four of the Great Lakes with the USA: Lake Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario. Niagara Falls lies on the border with the USA, and the Canadian part is called Horseshoe Fall. The longest river is Mackenzie. Canada has 38 national parks. Typical Canadian animals include: bison, prairie dogs (psoun prérijní), rattle-snakes (chřestýš), moose (losi), bears, …. Today Canada is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations and so its official head is the Queen represented by the Governor-General (generální guvernér). The seat of the democratic Parliament is Ottawa. The typical is the national flag with a red maple leaf (Canada is a big producer of maple syrup). The largest cities are Toronto and Montreal which is also the second largest French-speaking city in the world and a major inland seaport. The official language is English and French. Canadians like to play ice hockey as it was invented there, lacrosse and curling.
Australia
Is the smallest continent in the world. It is situated between the Pacific and the Indian Oceans in the southern hemisphere. The island was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770. There are mostly plains in Australia and a great part of the surface is desert. The climate may seem strange – Australian seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere. Summer starts in December, autumn in March, winter in June and spring in September. As the island is separate from the rest of the world, Australia has a lot of unique animals like kangaroo, koala, emu, kiwi, dingo, ….There are about 18 million inhabitants in the country. The majority are of British origin and most of them live on the eastern coast where the density is the highest. In total Australia has the lowest density in the world – only 2 people to a square kilometre. There are big distances between farms so they mostly communicate through radio and internet. Even the schools work like that. A helicopter is an important means of transport there. The Australians like playing rugby, and Australian football. Cricket is another popular game. Australia is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. It is a dominion with the Queen as the head of the country. The capital is Canberra. The largest and the oldest city is Sidney which is typical with its Opera House looking like sailing boats. The second largest city is Melbourne.
New Zealand
Is situated southeast of Australia and it consists of two large islands. The country is hilly and picturesque with rocks, volcanoes, hot springs, …. The characteristics of the New Zealand are evergreen forest and warm climate. In NZ we can find unique kinds of plants and animals, which do not grow and do not live anywhere in the world. The typical animals are kiwis, mountains parrots and brown emu. The islands were discovered by a Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. So it was a Dutch colony at first and later Captain James Cook claimed the country for Great Britain. Film makers often use the countryside for making films, the Oscar winning film Lord of the Rings was shot there. The capital is Wellington in North Island. Auckland is another major city. NZ is a modern county with a well developed economy.
Is the second largest country in the world after Russia, Its capital is Ottawa. The country has a sea shore on the Arctic Ocean, giving the longest coastline of any country. In the south, Canada borders with the United States. Most of the population live within 300 km of the country’s southern border, where are mild springs, hot summers and pleasant autumns.
There are some 2 million lakes in Canada. It shares (sdílí) four of the Great Lakes with the USA: Lake Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario. Niagara Falls lies on the border with the USA, and the Canadian part is called Horseshoe Fall. The longest river is Mackenzie. Canada has 38 national parks. Typical Canadian animals include: bison, prairie dogs (psoun prérijní), rattle-snakes (chřestýš), moose (losi), bears, …. Today Canada is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations and so its official head is the Queen represented by the Governor-General (generální guvernér). The seat of the democratic Parliament is Ottawa. The typical is the national flag with a red maple leaf (Canada is a big producer of maple syrup). The largest cities are Toronto and Montreal which is also the second largest French-speaking city in the world and a major inland seaport. The official language is English and French. Canadians like to play ice hockey as it was invented there, lacrosse and curling.
Australia
Is the smallest continent in the world. It is situated between the Pacific and the Indian Oceans in the southern hemisphere. The island was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770. There are mostly plains in Australia and a great part of the surface is desert. The climate may seem strange – Australian seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere. Summer starts in December, autumn in March, winter in June and spring in September. As the island is separate from the rest of the world, Australia has a lot of unique animals like kangaroo, koala, emu, kiwi, dingo, ….There are about 18 million inhabitants in the country. The majority are of British origin and most of them live on the eastern coast where the density is the highest. In total Australia has the lowest density in the world – only 2 people to a square kilometre. There are big distances between farms so they mostly communicate through radio and internet. Even the schools work like that. A helicopter is an important means of transport there. The Australians like playing rugby, and Australian football. Cricket is another popular game. Australia is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. It is a dominion with the Queen as the head of the country. The capital is Canberra. The largest and the oldest city is Sidney which is typical with its Opera House looking like sailing boats. The second largest city is Melbourne.
New Zealand
Is situated southeast of Australia and it consists of two large islands. The country is hilly and picturesque with rocks, volcanoes, hot springs, …. The characteristics of the New Zealand are evergreen forest and warm climate. In NZ we can find unique kinds of plants and animals, which do not grow and do not live anywhere in the world. The typical animals are kiwis, mountains parrots and brown emu. The islands were discovered by a Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. So it was a Dutch colony at first and later Captain James Cook claimed the country for Great Britain. Film makers often use the countryside for making films, the Oscar winning film Lord of the Rings was shot there. The capital is Wellington in North Island. Auckland is another major city. NZ is a modern county with a well developed economy.
18. Canada, Australia, New Zealand (Kanada, Austrálie, Nový Zéland)
Canada
Is the second largest country in the world after Russia, Its capital is Ottawa. The country has a sea shore on the Arctic Ocean, giving the longest coastline of any country. In the south, Canada borders with the United States. Most of the population live within 300 km of the country’s southern border, where are mild springs, hot summers and pleasant autumns.
There are some 2 million lakes in Canada. It shares (sdílí) four of the Great Lakes with the USA: Lake Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario. Niagara Falls lies on the border with the USA, and the Canadian part is called Horseshoe Fall. The longest river is Mackenzie. Canada has 38 national parks. Typical Canadian animals include: bison, prairie dogs (psoun prérijní), rattle-snakes (chřestýš), moose (losi), bears, …. Today Canada is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations and so its official head is the Queen represented by the Governor-General (generální guvernér). The seat of the democratic Parliament is Ottawa. The typical is the national flag with a red maple leaf (Canada is a big producer of maple syrup). The largest cities are Toronto and Montreal which is also the second largest French-speaking city in the world and a major inland seaport. The official language is English and French. Canadians like to play ice hockey as it was invented there, lacrosse and curling.
Australia
Is the smallest continent in the world. It is situated between the Pacific and the Indian Oceans in the southern hemisphere. The island was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770. There are mostly plains in Australia and a great part of the surface is desert. The climate may seem strange – Australian seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere. Summer starts in December, autumn in March, winter in June and spring in September. As the island is separate from the rest of the world, Australia has a lot of unique animals like kangaroo, koala, emu, kiwi, dingo, ….There are about 18 million inhabitants in the country. The majority are of British origin and most of them live on the eastern coast where the density is the highest. In total Australia has the lowest density in the world – only 2 people to a square kilometre. There are big distances between farms so they mostly communicate through radio and internet. Even the schools work like that. A helicopter is an important means of transport there. The Australians like playing rugby, and Australian football. Cricket is another popular game. Australia is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. It is a dominion with the Queen as the head of the country. The capital is Canberra. The largest and the oldest city is Sidney which is typical with its Opera House looking like sailing boats. The second largest city is Melbourne.
New Zealand
Is situated southeast of Australia and it consists of two large islands. The country is hilly and picturesque with rocks, volcanoes, hot springs, …. The characteristics of the New Zealand are evergreen forest and warm climate. In NZ we can find unique kinds of plants and animals, which do not grow and do not live anywhere in the world. The typical animals are kiwis, mountains parrots and brown emu. The islands were discovered by a Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. So it was a Dutch colony at first and later Captain James Cook claimed the country for Great Britain. Film makers often use the countryside for making films, the Oscar winning film Lord of the Rings was shot there. The capital is Wellington in North Island. Auckland is another major city. NZ is a modern county with a well developed economy.
Is the second largest country in the world after Russia, Its capital is Ottawa. The country has a sea shore on the Arctic Ocean, giving the longest coastline of any country. In the south, Canada borders with the United States. Most of the population live within 300 km of the country’s southern border, where are mild springs, hot summers and pleasant autumns.
There are some 2 million lakes in Canada. It shares (sdílí) four of the Great Lakes with the USA: Lake Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario. Niagara Falls lies on the border with the USA, and the Canadian part is called Horseshoe Fall. The longest river is Mackenzie. Canada has 38 national parks. Typical Canadian animals include: bison, prairie dogs (psoun prérijní), rattle-snakes (chřestýš), moose (losi), bears, …. Today Canada is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations and so its official head is the Queen represented by the Governor-General (generální guvernér). The seat of the democratic Parliament is Ottawa. The typical is the national flag with a red maple leaf (Canada is a big producer of maple syrup). The largest cities are Toronto and Montreal which is also the second largest French-speaking city in the world and a major inland seaport. The official language is English and French. Canadians like to play ice hockey as it was invented there, lacrosse and curling.
Australia
Is the smallest continent in the world. It is situated between the Pacific and the Indian Oceans in the southern hemisphere. The island was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770. There are mostly plains in Australia and a great part of the surface is desert. The climate may seem strange – Australian seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere. Summer starts in December, autumn in March, winter in June and spring in September. As the island is separate from the rest of the world, Australia has a lot of unique animals like kangaroo, koala, emu, kiwi, dingo, ….There are about 18 million inhabitants in the country. The majority are of British origin and most of them live on the eastern coast where the density is the highest. In total Australia has the lowest density in the world – only 2 people to a square kilometre. There are big distances between farms so they mostly communicate through radio and internet. Even the schools work like that. A helicopter is an important means of transport there. The Australians like playing rugby, and Australian football. Cricket is another popular game. Australia is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. It is a dominion with the Queen as the head of the country. The capital is Canberra. The largest and the oldest city is Sidney which is typical with its Opera House looking like sailing boats. The second largest city is Melbourne.
New Zealand
Is situated southeast of Australia and it consists of two large islands. The country is hilly and picturesque with rocks, volcanoes, hot springs, …. The characteristics of the New Zealand are evergreen forest and warm climate. In NZ we can find unique kinds of plants and animals, which do not grow and do not live anywhere in the world. The typical animals are kiwis, mountains parrots and brown emu. The islands were discovered by a Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. So it was a Dutch colony at first and later Captain James Cook claimed the country for Great Britain. Film makers often use the countryside for making films, the Oscar winning film Lord of the Rings was shot there. The capital is Wellington in North Island. Auckland is another major city. NZ is a modern county with a well developed economy.
17. The United States of America (Spojené státy americké)
The USA is a federation of 50 states. The country spreads on the whole of North America from the Atlantic coast on the east to the Pacific coast on the west. It neighbours on Canada in the north and on Mexico in the south (the Rio Grande forms the border with Mexico). The USA also includes Alaska on the very north of the continent and the Hawaii Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The USA has a varied landscape. The biggest mountain ranges are on the west (Sierra Nevada, Cordilleras, Rocky Mountains Great Canyon). The highest peak is Mt Mc Kinley (6,194m). The longest river is Mississippi (the Mississippi Lowland), other known are the Colorado, the Missouri, the Ohio, the Columbia, ….. and the Niagara with the famous Niagara Falls on the border with Canada. The Great Lakes are situated here, too. In the north, the climate is mild, though because of the Labrador Current it is much colder than what we know in our country. The southern part of the US lies in the subtropical zone. Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and the Hawaii are located in the tropical zone. Alaska is naturally the coldest area as it lies in the arctic zone. There are many well-known national parks in the US: Death Valley Desert (it is the hottest and driest place in the USA – the temperature measured in the shadow was 57oC), Yellowstone, Grand Canyon,…. The number of inhabitants is almost 300 million, with about 80 per cent living in towns and cities, especially those in the North-East. Official language of the US is English. The National flag has 50 white stars symbolizing 50 states and 13 stripes (6 white and 7 red) symbolizing the original 13 colonies. The US has one of the strongest economies in the world. The American dollar is used for trade in countries across the globe. The USA is very rich in mineral resources. There are deposits of gold, silver, platinum and petroleum mainly in Alaska. Petroleum and natural gas is produced in huge amounts in Texas, Oklahoma and in the Gulf of Mexico. The head of American democracy is the President. He is elected for four years and may only be elected twice. His power is relatively great. The Congress consists of two houses: the Senate and the House or Representatives. Washington D.C. is the capital of the US and seat of the federal government. Washington is not a state, it is a federal district. In the centre of the city there is the Capitol where the Congress meets. The president works and lives nearby in the White House.
Washington D.C. is the capital city of the United States. It’s named after the first president, George Washington. It is the first city in the world especially planned and built as a capital. The capital is not a part of any of the 50 states. It lies on the Potomac River on the eastern coast of the USA. In the centre – on Capitol Hill – is the Capitol, seat of the Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Nearby is the White House. Important buildings include Pentagon – the centre of military forces.
New York is situated on the eastern coast of the USA. It is the biggest city in the USA, an important seaport, and financial, business and cultural centre. There are four airports and it has the largest subway system of the world. The most important part of NY is Manhattan. Broadway runs across the streets and avenues. Times Square is the centre of entertainment. Wall Street is the financial centre of the world. Harlem is a black quarter with many poor and unemployed people. The Statue of Liberty is a cooper statue given to the USA by France. The statue stands on Liberty Island near the port. It is the symbol of NY and it has become the symbol of hope and freedom.
San Francisco (California) – a picturesque city with steep streets and cable cars. The Golden Gate Bridge (1,280 m long) is said to be the most photographed bridge in the world. The prison Alcatraz where Al Capone and other dangerous criminals were imprisoned is nearby.
Los Angeles is the capital of the film world (Hollywood). It is the second largest city in the USA.
Washington D.C. is the capital city of the United States. It’s named after the first president, George Washington. It is the first city in the world especially planned and built as a capital. The capital is not a part of any of the 50 states. It lies on the Potomac River on the eastern coast of the USA. In the centre – on Capitol Hill – is the Capitol, seat of the Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Nearby is the White House. Important buildings include Pentagon – the centre of military forces.
New York is situated on the eastern coast of the USA. It is the biggest city in the USA, an important seaport, and financial, business and cultural centre. There are four airports and it has the largest subway system of the world. The most important part of NY is Manhattan. Broadway runs across the streets and avenues. Times Square is the centre of entertainment. Wall Street is the financial centre of the world. Harlem is a black quarter with many poor and unemployed people. The Statue of Liberty is a cooper statue given to the USA by France. The statue stands on Liberty Island near the port. It is the symbol of NY and it has become the symbol of hope and freedom.
San Francisco (California) – a picturesque city with steep streets and cable cars. The Golden Gate Bridge (1,280 m long) is said to be the most photographed bridge in the world. The prison Alcatraz where Al Capone and other dangerous criminals were imprisoned is nearby.
Los Angeles is the capital of the film world (Hollywood). It is the second largest city in the USA.
16. Great Britain (Velká Británie)
The British Isles are formed the two major islands of Great Britain and Ireland and more than 5,000 small ones. The isles are washed off by the North Sea in the north and east, by the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean in the West. On the south, England and France are divided by the La Manche Channel. England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain) together with Northern Ireland form the country officially known as „The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland“ or simply the United Kingdom (UK). The original inhabitants were the Celts. Nowadays there are the English, the Welsh, the Scots and the Irish. The official language is English.
The climate in the U.K. is influenced by the Gulf Stream, so it is quite warm in England but it rains fairly often.
Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy with the Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the state. The British Parliament is one of the oldest in the world.
The most famous places:
Oxford and Cambridge: the oldest universities (12th – 13th centuries). Those two universities are big rivals and every year they organize rowing competitions. (veslování).
In Canterbury there is the famous cathedral with the grave of the archbishop Thomas Beckett who was murdered in 1170. Thanks to this event, the cathedral was a popular destination for pilgrims from all over Europe.
Salisbury Plains are famous for a place called Stonehenge. These are giant stones in a circle. They are assumed to be 3,000 years old. It could have been an observatory, a calendar or a place for ceremonies. Nobody knows for sure but the greatest question is how the huge stones could have been transported from the remote parts of Wales.
Liverpool, apart from being an industrial town, became famous as the birthplace of Beatles.
Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Wales: is sometimes called a land of castles, the capital is Cardiff
Scotland: the biggest city is Glasgow but the capital is the historical town of Edinburgh. The typical instrument is the pipe and a typical Scot is dressed in a kilt.
Ireland is divided into the Northern Ireland, or Ulster (the capital is Belfast) and the Republic of Ireland (the capital Dublin).
London
The capital of the U.K., is situated on the Thames in the southern part of England. The city was probably founded 2,000 years ago. London is a cosmopolitan city, there are people of many nationalities. Today a population is about 7 million inhabitants.
The Tower of London stands on the north bank of the Thames.
The Tower Bridge is a great symbol of London. The bridge opens in the middle and goes up when huge ships want to pass through.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the largest in the world. It is the residence of the bishop of London.
The Houses of Parliament: there is the Clock Tower with famous Big Ben
Buckingham Palace: the home of the queen. The changing of the Guards is one of the biggest London’s spectacles and it takes place every day at 11 a.m.
Downing Street number 10 has been the home of British Prime Minister since 1732.
Trafalgar Square: has a statue of Admiral Nelson
Piccadilly Circus: is the talk (zábavní centrum) of the town. Five major roads cross there and in the close surroundings there are many London theatres, cinemas, restaurants and shops.
Westminster Abbey (opatství): was founded in 11th century.
The climate in the U.K. is influenced by the Gulf Stream, so it is quite warm in England but it rains fairly often.
Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy with the Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the state. The British Parliament is one of the oldest in the world.
The most famous places:
Oxford and Cambridge: the oldest universities (12th – 13th centuries). Those two universities are big rivals and every year they organize rowing competitions. (veslování).
In Canterbury there is the famous cathedral with the grave of the archbishop Thomas Beckett who was murdered in 1170. Thanks to this event, the cathedral was a popular destination for pilgrims from all over Europe.
Salisbury Plains are famous for a place called Stonehenge. These are giant stones in a circle. They are assumed to be 3,000 years old. It could have been an observatory, a calendar or a place for ceremonies. Nobody knows for sure but the greatest question is how the huge stones could have been transported from the remote parts of Wales.
Liverpool, apart from being an industrial town, became famous as the birthplace of Beatles.
Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Wales: is sometimes called a land of castles, the capital is Cardiff
Scotland: the biggest city is Glasgow but the capital is the historical town of Edinburgh. The typical instrument is the pipe and a typical Scot is dressed in a kilt.
Ireland is divided into the Northern Ireland, or Ulster (the capital is Belfast) and the Republic of Ireland (the capital Dublin).
London
The capital of the U.K., is situated on the Thames in the southern part of England. The city was probably founded 2,000 years ago. London is a cosmopolitan city, there are people of many nationalities. Today a population is about 7 million inhabitants.
The Tower of London stands on the north bank of the Thames.
The Tower Bridge is a great symbol of London. The bridge opens in the middle and goes up when huge ships want to pass through.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the largest in the world. It is the residence of the bishop of London.
The Houses of Parliament: there is the Clock Tower with famous Big Ben
Buckingham Palace: the home of the queen. The changing of the Guards is one of the biggest London’s spectacles and it takes place every day at 11 a.m.
Downing Street number 10 has been the home of British Prime Minister since 1732.
Trafalgar Square: has a statue of Admiral Nelson
Piccadilly Circus: is the talk (zábavní centrum) of the town. Five major roads cross there and in the close surroundings there are many London theatres, cinemas, restaurants and shops.
Westminster Abbey (opatství): was founded in 11th century.
16. Great Britain (Velká Británie)
The British Isles are formed the two major islands of Great Britain and Ireland and more than 5,000 small ones. The isles are washed off by the North Sea in the north and east, by the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean in the West. On the south, England and France are divided by the La Manche Channel. England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain) together with Northern Ireland form the country officially known as „The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland“ or simply the United Kingdom (UK). The original inhabitants were the Celts. Nowadays there are the English, the Welsh, the Scots and the Irish. The official language is English.
The climate in the U.K. is influenced by the Gulf Stream, so it is quite warm in England but it rains fairly often.
Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy with the Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the state. The British Parliament is one of the oldest in the world.
The most famous places:
Oxford and Cambridge: the oldest universities (12th – 13th centuries). Those two universities are big rivals and every year they organize rowing competitions. (veslování).
In Canterbury there is the famous cathedral with the grave of the archbishop Thomas Beckett who was murdered in 1170. Thanks to this event, the cathedral was a popular destination for pilgrims from all over Europe.
Salisbury Plains are famous for a place called Stonehenge. These are giant stones in a circle. They are assumed to be 3,000 years old. It could have been an observatory, a calendar or a place for ceremonies. Nobody knows for sure but the greatest question is how the huge stones could have been transported from the remote parts of Wales.
Liverpool, apart from being an industrial town, became famous as the birthplace of Beatles.
Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Wales: is sometimes called a land of castles, the capital is Cardiff
Scotland: the biggest city is Glasgow but the capital is the historical town of Edinburgh. The typical instrument is the pipe and a typical Scot is dressed in a kilt.
Ireland is divided into the Northern Ireland, or Ulster (the capital is Belfast) and the Republic of Ireland (the capital Dublin).
London
The capital of the U.K., is situated on the Thames in the southern part of England. The city was probably founded 2,000 years ago. London is a cosmopolitan city, there are people of many nationalities. Today a population is about 7 million inhabitants.
The Tower of London stands on the north bank of the Thames.
The Tower Bridge is a great symbol of London. The bridge opens in the middle and goes up when huge ships want to pass through.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the largest in the world. It is the residence of the bishop of London.
The Houses of Parliament: there is the Clock Tower with famous Big Ben
Buckingham Palace: the home of the queen. The changing of the Guards is one of the biggest London’s spectacles and it takes place every day at 11 a.m.
Downing Street number 10 has been the home of British Prime Minister since 1732.
Trafalgar Square: has a statue of Admiral Nelson
Piccadilly Circus: is the talk (zábavní centrum) of the town. Five major roads cross there and in the close surroundings there are many London theatres, cinemas, restaurants and shops.
Westminster Abbey (opatství): was founded in 11th century.
The climate in the U.K. is influenced by the Gulf Stream, so it is quite warm in England but it rains fairly often.
Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy with the Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the state. The British Parliament is one of the oldest in the world.
The most famous places:
Oxford and Cambridge: the oldest universities (12th – 13th centuries). Those two universities are big rivals and every year they organize rowing competitions. (veslování).
In Canterbury there is the famous cathedral with the grave of the archbishop Thomas Beckett who was murdered in 1170. Thanks to this event, the cathedral was a popular destination for pilgrims from all over Europe.
Salisbury Plains are famous for a place called Stonehenge. These are giant stones in a circle. They are assumed to be 3,000 years old. It could have been an observatory, a calendar or a place for ceremonies. Nobody knows for sure but the greatest question is how the huge stones could have been transported from the remote parts of Wales.
Liverpool, apart from being an industrial town, became famous as the birthplace of Beatles.
Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Wales: is sometimes called a land of castles, the capital is Cardiff
Scotland: the biggest city is Glasgow but the capital is the historical town of Edinburgh. The typical instrument is the pipe and a typical Scot is dressed in a kilt.
Ireland is divided into the Northern Ireland, or Ulster (the capital is Belfast) and the Republic of Ireland (the capital Dublin).
London
The capital of the U.K., is situated on the Thames in the southern part of England. The city was probably founded 2,000 years ago. London is a cosmopolitan city, there are people of many nationalities. Today a population is about 7 million inhabitants.
The Tower of London stands on the north bank of the Thames.
The Tower Bridge is a great symbol of London. The bridge opens in the middle and goes up when huge ships want to pass through.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the largest in the world. It is the residence of the bishop of London.
The Houses of Parliament: there is the Clock Tower with famous Big Ben
Buckingham Palace: the home of the queen. The changing of the Guards is one of the biggest London’s spectacles and it takes place every day at 11 a.m.
Downing Street number 10 has been the home of British Prime Minister since 1732.
Trafalgar Square: has a statue of Admiral Nelson
Piccadilly Circus: is the talk (zábavní centrum) of the town. Five major roads cross there and in the close surroundings there are many London theatres, cinemas, restaurants and shops.
Westminster Abbey (opatství): was founded in 11th century.
15. News and Media (Mediální prostředky)
In the Middle Age the only source of information were merchants going from place to place and inhabitants of towns and villages waited for the news they brought. Books belonged to a very small group of educated people (nobility and clergy-men).
After Guttenberg’s invention of printing, distribution of new information became easier, books (mostly Bible) appeared in common homes. Newspapers became the only one source of information until the invention of telegraph, cinema and telephone.
Later, in the 20s of the 20th century, when radio broadcasting started, people were able to receive new information more quickly than before. Radio is a powerful thing, and although it has no screen like television does, it may broadcast 24 hours a day. Most people are too busy to watch TV during the day but they can turn on their radios when working, cooking, even in night....There is a number of radio stations so everyone can choose the one that he likes best.
In the early 50s television broadcasting started. Watching TV became the only evening activity in several families. TV brings not only fresh news, but several kinds of entertainment. Every day you can watch many programmes as: live sports programmes, interviews with politicians, chat shows, game shows, films, soap operas, documentaries, ..... There are also lots of advertisements that use attractive people or funny situation to sell products like cars, perfumes, beer, etc. The Czech Republic has two public service stations – ČT 1 and ČT 2 and two commercial stations – Nova and Prima. There is much less advertisements on public stations than there is on the commercial ones. ČT 2 is target at more demanding viewers, showing subtitled films, documentaries, musical programmes, drama and concerts, whereas commercial channels are less serious, the news are sensational, exciting and full of action. The most known in Great Britain is BBC channel (the British Broadcasting Corporation).
In the later 80s and the start of 90s Internet boom became. It brings the most quickly way of changing dates and information. It gives possibility to communicate to people on the other side of the Earth, you can find thousands and thousands information from any area you choose. As the technology improves, Internet becomes quicker and quicker. Most people stopped posting classical letters and send only e-mails. A lot of business are based only on the Internet.
Another modern media of communication are mobile phones. Especially in our country nearly everyone has the mobile phone, included teenagers and some younger children.
The communication technology improves, and every day it becomes more and more perfect. However, lots of people buy the newspaper every morning and like to spend their time to coffee with a piece of paper. The daily press informs about the latest news in political, cultural and economic life. There are interviews with famous people, important sport results. Supplements are pages put inside the main newspaper. The most frequent papers in Britain are: The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and The Independent. Magazines provide entertainment or information. Some brings offers of various goods. Women prefer clothes whereas men are interested in technical devices. Magazines are published not daily but weekly, fortnightly, monthly, .....This is the main reason why they can’t give fresh daily news. So the contents make magazines a lot different from newspapers.
After Guttenberg’s invention of printing, distribution of new information became easier, books (mostly Bible) appeared in common homes. Newspapers became the only one source of information until the invention of telegraph, cinema and telephone.
Later, in the 20s of the 20th century, when radio broadcasting started, people were able to receive new information more quickly than before. Radio is a powerful thing, and although it has no screen like television does, it may broadcast 24 hours a day. Most people are too busy to watch TV during the day but they can turn on their radios when working, cooking, even in night....There is a number of radio stations so everyone can choose the one that he likes best.
In the early 50s television broadcasting started. Watching TV became the only evening activity in several families. TV brings not only fresh news, but several kinds of entertainment. Every day you can watch many programmes as: live sports programmes, interviews with politicians, chat shows, game shows, films, soap operas, documentaries, ..... There are also lots of advertisements that use attractive people or funny situation to sell products like cars, perfumes, beer, etc. The Czech Republic has two public service stations – ČT 1 and ČT 2 and two commercial stations – Nova and Prima. There is much less advertisements on public stations than there is on the commercial ones. ČT 2 is target at more demanding viewers, showing subtitled films, documentaries, musical programmes, drama and concerts, whereas commercial channels are less serious, the news are sensational, exciting and full of action. The most known in Great Britain is BBC channel (the British Broadcasting Corporation).
In the later 80s and the start of 90s Internet boom became. It brings the most quickly way of changing dates and information. It gives possibility to communicate to people on the other side of the Earth, you can find thousands and thousands information from any area you choose. As the technology improves, Internet becomes quicker and quicker. Most people stopped posting classical letters and send only e-mails. A lot of business are based only on the Internet.
Another modern media of communication are mobile phones. Especially in our country nearly everyone has the mobile phone, included teenagers and some younger children.
The communication technology improves, and every day it becomes more and more perfect. However, lots of people buy the newspaper every morning and like to spend their time to coffee with a piece of paper. The daily press informs about the latest news in political, cultural and economic life. There are interviews with famous people, important sport results. Supplements are pages put inside the main newspaper. The most frequent papers in Britain are: The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and The Independent. Magazines provide entertainment or information. Some brings offers of various goods. Women prefer clothes whereas men are interested in technical devices. Magazines are published not daily but weekly, fortnightly, monthly, .....This is the main reason why they can’t give fresh daily news. So the contents make magazines a lot different from newspapers.
15. News and Media (Mediální prostředky)
In the Middle Age the only source of information were merchants going from place to place and inhabitants of towns and villages waited for the news they brought. Books belonged to a very small group of educated people (nobility and clergy-men).
After Guttenberg’s invention of printing, distribution of new information became easier, books (mostly Bible) appeared in common homes. Newspapers became the only one source of information until the invention of telegraph, cinema and telephone.
Later, in the 20s of the 20th century, when radio broadcasting started, people were able to receive new information more quickly than before. Radio is a powerful thing, and although it has no screen like television does, it may broadcast 24 hours a day. Most people are too busy to watch TV during the day but they can turn on their radios when working, cooking, even in night....There is a number of radio stations so everyone can choose the one that he likes best.
In the early 50s television broadcasting started. Watching TV became the only evening activity in several families. TV brings not only fresh news, but several kinds of entertainment. Every day you can watch many programmes as: live sports programmes, interviews with politicians, chat shows, game shows, films, soap operas, documentaries, ..... There are also lots of advertisements that use attractive people or funny situation to sell products like cars, perfumes, beer, etc. The Czech Republic has two public service stations – ČT 1 and ČT 2 and two commercial stations – Nova and Prima. There is much less advertisements on public stations than there is on the commercial ones. ČT 2 is target at more demanding viewers, showing subtitled films, documentaries, musical programmes, drama and concerts, whereas commercial channels are less serious, the news are sensational, exciting and full of action. The most known in Great Britain is BBC channel (the British Broadcasting Corporation).
In the later 80s and the start of 90s Internet boom became. It brings the most quickly way of changing dates and information. It gives possibility to communicate to people on the other side of the Earth, you can find thousands and thousands information from any area you choose. As the technology improves, Internet becomes quicker and quicker. Most people stopped posting classical letters and send only e-mails. A lot of business are based only on the Internet.
Another modern media of communication are mobile phones. Especially in our country nearly everyone has the mobile phone, included teenagers and some younger children.
The communication technology improves, and every day it becomes more and more perfect. However, lots of people buy the newspaper every morning and like to spend their time to coffee with a piece of paper. The daily press informs about the latest news in political, cultural and economic life. There are interviews with famous people, important sport results. Supplements are pages put inside the main newspaper. The most frequent papers in Britain are: The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and The Independent. Magazines provide entertainment or information. Some brings offers of various goods. Women prefer clothes whereas men are interested in technical devices. Magazines are published not daily but weekly, fortnightly, monthly, .....This is the main reason why they can’t give fresh daily news. So the contents make magazines a lot different from newspapers.
After Guttenberg’s invention of printing, distribution of new information became easier, books (mostly Bible) appeared in common homes. Newspapers became the only one source of information until the invention of telegraph, cinema and telephone.
Later, in the 20s of the 20th century, when radio broadcasting started, people were able to receive new information more quickly than before. Radio is a powerful thing, and although it has no screen like television does, it may broadcast 24 hours a day. Most people are too busy to watch TV during the day but they can turn on their radios when working, cooking, even in night....There is a number of radio stations so everyone can choose the one that he likes best.
In the early 50s television broadcasting started. Watching TV became the only evening activity in several families. TV brings not only fresh news, but several kinds of entertainment. Every day you can watch many programmes as: live sports programmes, interviews with politicians, chat shows, game shows, films, soap operas, documentaries, ..... There are also lots of advertisements that use attractive people or funny situation to sell products like cars, perfumes, beer, etc. The Czech Republic has two public service stations – ČT 1 and ČT 2 and two commercial stations – Nova and Prima. There is much less advertisements on public stations than there is on the commercial ones. ČT 2 is target at more demanding viewers, showing subtitled films, documentaries, musical programmes, drama and concerts, whereas commercial channels are less serious, the news are sensational, exciting and full of action. The most known in Great Britain is BBC channel (the British Broadcasting Corporation).
In the later 80s and the start of 90s Internet boom became. It brings the most quickly way of changing dates and information. It gives possibility to communicate to people on the other side of the Earth, you can find thousands and thousands information from any area you choose. As the technology improves, Internet becomes quicker and quicker. Most people stopped posting classical letters and send only e-mails. A lot of business are based only on the Internet.
Another modern media of communication are mobile phones. Especially in our country nearly everyone has the mobile phone, included teenagers and some younger children.
The communication technology improves, and every day it becomes more and more perfect. However, lots of people buy the newspaper every morning and like to spend their time to coffee with a piece of paper. The daily press informs about the latest news in political, cultural and economic life. There are interviews with famous people, important sport results. Supplements are pages put inside the main newspaper. The most frequent papers in Britain are: The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and The Independent. Magazines provide entertainment or information. Some brings offers of various goods. Women prefer clothes whereas men are interested in technical devices. Magazines are published not daily but weekly, fortnightly, monthly, .....This is the main reason why they can’t give fresh daily news. So the contents make magazines a lot different from newspapers.
14. Environmental protection (Ochrana přírody)
Civilization has brought people many advantages but its products also damage the environment in which we live. Pollution affects air, water, land, forest, people, animals and plants.
Air pollution is the biggest problem in large cities and in areas with concentrated industrial production. Substances such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NO) cause changes in environment which can lead to climate changes. These substances mix with water in the atmosphere and sunlight turns them into poisoned oxidants which fall in the form of rain (acid rain) or snow on trees and gradually kill them. Everybody knows that trees are important for our life because they are the lungs of our planet. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and give out oxygen in return. In some parts of the world trees are not threatened by pollution but by people. The great rain forests are being destroyed for firewood and building materials. Amazon rain forest covers an area large as the whole Europe and contains one third of the world’s trees but scientists believe that it provides 50 % of the world’s annual production of oxygen. If we lose tropical forests, it will become more difficult, perhaps even impossible, to breathe. With more carbon dioxid in the air, the temperature will rise, the icebergs at the North and South Poles will melt, and the sea level will rise. The result will be the flooding of many coastal cities.
What is the “greenhouse effect”? An overproduction of greenhouse gases (nitrogen oxid) prevents the heat of the Earth to escape. The result is a rise of the Earth’s temperature, the melting of arctic ice, …. There are many animals and plants that are not able to adapt to new conditions and die-out.
Smoke from coal fires also represents a big problem in large cities and threatens life.
How can the problems of air pollution be solved? First or all, people should try to use alternative sources of energy, such as solar, water, wind, geothermal … energies, or at least to burn smokeless fuels and to use energies more effectively.
There are more ways to reduce air pollution caused by road traffic. First it is possible to switch the transport of goods from roads to railways and to support public transportation. Also, people should drive at the speed limit in order to use fuel more effectively. Another way is to encourage tree planting, because trees absorb carbon dioxide. All new petrol-driven cars will have to be fitted with catalytic convertors, we should encourage the use of unleaded petrol.
Water pollution is getting better nowadays. If we want to have cleaner waterways, the water from industrial process should be controlled. We should also find technologies for saving water and reduce chemicals that may threaten life in the water.
Another problem to solve is domestic rubbish. How do we reduce the waste which seems to grow more and more? Much domestic rubbish is disposed of in landfills. But many of them can be avoided by recycling. Plastic containers, paper containers, bottle bin containers, can containers, ……should be installed everywhere and they can reduce the amount of landfills.
It is very important to protect not only human beings but also all animals and plants on the Earth because the balance of species is necessary. National Parks and nature reserves provide protection to endangered species.
Air pollution is the biggest problem in large cities and in areas with concentrated industrial production. Substances such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NO) cause changes in environment which can lead to climate changes. These substances mix with water in the atmosphere and sunlight turns them into poisoned oxidants which fall in the form of rain (acid rain) or snow on trees and gradually kill them. Everybody knows that trees are important for our life because they are the lungs of our planet. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and give out oxygen in return. In some parts of the world trees are not threatened by pollution but by people. The great rain forests are being destroyed for firewood and building materials. Amazon rain forest covers an area large as the whole Europe and contains one third of the world’s trees but scientists believe that it provides 50 % of the world’s annual production of oxygen. If we lose tropical forests, it will become more difficult, perhaps even impossible, to breathe. With more carbon dioxid in the air, the temperature will rise, the icebergs at the North and South Poles will melt, and the sea level will rise. The result will be the flooding of many coastal cities.
What is the “greenhouse effect”? An overproduction of greenhouse gases (nitrogen oxid) prevents the heat of the Earth to escape. The result is a rise of the Earth’s temperature, the melting of arctic ice, …. There are many animals and plants that are not able to adapt to new conditions and die-out.
Smoke from coal fires also represents a big problem in large cities and threatens life.
How can the problems of air pollution be solved? First or all, people should try to use alternative sources of energy, such as solar, water, wind, geothermal … energies, or at least to burn smokeless fuels and to use energies more effectively.
There are more ways to reduce air pollution caused by road traffic. First it is possible to switch the transport of goods from roads to railways and to support public transportation. Also, people should drive at the speed limit in order to use fuel more effectively. Another way is to encourage tree planting, because trees absorb carbon dioxide. All new petrol-driven cars will have to be fitted with catalytic convertors, we should encourage the use of unleaded petrol.
Water pollution is getting better nowadays. If we want to have cleaner waterways, the water from industrial process should be controlled. We should also find technologies for saving water and reduce chemicals that may threaten life in the water.
Another problem to solve is domestic rubbish. How do we reduce the waste which seems to grow more and more? Much domestic rubbish is disposed of in landfills. But many of them can be avoided by recycling. Plastic containers, paper containers, bottle bin containers, can containers, ……should be installed everywhere and they can reduce the amount of landfills.
It is very important to protect not only human beings but also all animals and plants on the Earth because the balance of species is necessary. National Parks and nature reserves provide protection to endangered species.
14. Environmental protection (Ochrana přírody)
Civilization has brought people many advantages but its products also damage the environment in which we live. Pollution affects air, water, land, forest, people, animals and plants.
Air pollution is the biggest problem in large cities and in areas with concentrated industrial production. Substances such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NO) cause changes in environment which can lead to climate changes. These substances mix with water in the atmosphere and sunlight turns them into poisoned oxidants which fall in the form of rain (acid rain) or snow on trees and gradually kill them. Everybody knows that trees are important for our life because they are the lungs of our planet. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and give out oxygen in return. In some parts of the world trees are not threatened by pollution but by people. The great rain forests are being destroyed for firewood and building materials. Amazon rain forest covers an area large as the whole Europe and contains one third of the world’s trees but scientists believe that it provides 50 % of the world’s annual production of oxygen. If we lose tropical forests, it will become more difficult, perhaps even impossible, to breathe. With more carbon dioxid in the air, the temperature will rise, the icebergs at the North and South Poles will melt, and the sea level will rise. The result will be the flooding of many coastal cities.
What is the “greenhouse effect”? An overproduction of greenhouse gases (nitrogen oxid) prevents the heat of the Earth to escape. The result is a rise of the Earth’s temperature, the melting of arctic ice, …. There are many animals and plants that are not able to adapt to new conditions and die-out.
Smoke from coal fires also represents a big problem in large cities and threatens life.
How can the problems of air pollution be solved? First or all, people should try to use alternative sources of energy, such as solar, water, wind, geothermal … energies, or at least to burn smokeless fuels and to use energies more effectively.
There are more ways to reduce air pollution caused by road traffic. First it is possible to switch the transport of goods from roads to railways and to support public transportation. Also, people should drive at the speed limit in order to use fuel more effectively. Another way is to encourage tree planting, because trees absorb carbon dioxide. All new petrol-driven cars will have to be fitted with catalytic convertors, we should encourage the use of unleaded petrol.
Water pollution is getting better nowadays. If we want to have cleaner waterways, the water from industrial process should be controlled. We should also find technologies for saving water and reduce chemicals that may threaten life in the water.
Another problem to solve is domestic rubbish. How do we reduce the waste which seems to grow more and more? Much domestic rubbish is disposed of in landfills. But many of them can be avoided by recycling. Plastic containers, paper containers, bottle bin containers, can containers, ……should be installed everywhere and they can reduce the amount of landfills.
It is very important to protect not only human beings but also all animals and plants on the Earth because the balance of species is necessary. National Parks and nature reserves provide protection to endangered species.
Air pollution is the biggest problem in large cities and in areas with concentrated industrial production. Substances such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NO) cause changes in environment which can lead to climate changes. These substances mix with water in the atmosphere and sunlight turns them into poisoned oxidants which fall in the form of rain (acid rain) or snow on trees and gradually kill them. Everybody knows that trees are important for our life because they are the lungs of our planet. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and give out oxygen in return. In some parts of the world trees are not threatened by pollution but by people. The great rain forests are being destroyed for firewood and building materials. Amazon rain forest covers an area large as the whole Europe and contains one third of the world’s trees but scientists believe that it provides 50 % of the world’s annual production of oxygen. If we lose tropical forests, it will become more difficult, perhaps even impossible, to breathe. With more carbon dioxid in the air, the temperature will rise, the icebergs at the North and South Poles will melt, and the sea level will rise. The result will be the flooding of many coastal cities.
What is the “greenhouse effect”? An overproduction of greenhouse gases (nitrogen oxid) prevents the heat of the Earth to escape. The result is a rise of the Earth’s temperature, the melting of arctic ice, …. There are many animals and plants that are not able to adapt to new conditions and die-out.
Smoke from coal fires also represents a big problem in large cities and threatens life.
How can the problems of air pollution be solved? First or all, people should try to use alternative sources of energy, such as solar, water, wind, geothermal … energies, or at least to burn smokeless fuels and to use energies more effectively.
There are more ways to reduce air pollution caused by road traffic. First it is possible to switch the transport of goods from roads to railways and to support public transportation. Also, people should drive at the speed limit in order to use fuel more effectively. Another way is to encourage tree planting, because trees absorb carbon dioxide. All new petrol-driven cars will have to be fitted with catalytic convertors, we should encourage the use of unleaded petrol.
Water pollution is getting better nowadays. If we want to have cleaner waterways, the water from industrial process should be controlled. We should also find technologies for saving water and reduce chemicals that may threaten life in the water.
Another problem to solve is domestic rubbish. How do we reduce the waste which seems to grow more and more? Much domestic rubbish is disposed of in landfills. But many of them can be avoided by recycling. Plastic containers, paper containers, bottle bin containers, can containers, ……should be installed everywhere and they can reduce the amount of landfills.
It is very important to protect not only human beings but also all animals and plants on the Earth because the balance of species is necessary. National Parks and nature reserves provide protection to endangered species.
12. Weather, Seasons of the Year (Počasí, roční období)
The planet Earth moves around the Sun and that has an influence on the weather on the globe and on the seasons of the year. Our country is located in a mild climatic zone. Winters are not too cold, summers not too hot. There are four seasons of the year: spring, summer, autumn (fall in American English) and winter. Each of the seasons lasts about three months and brings us something nice as well as something unpleasant.
It is usually still quite cold in the beginning of the spring. The snow melts, so floods may set in. Trees and grass turn green. Birds are heard singing. Some have just returned from the south. Field works start at this time.
On June 21, the summer begins and lasts up to September 23.This means two months of holiday for children, whereas farmers have their harvest time. The sun shines hot, the highest day temperatures are rising. On hot summer days, there are often storms. What we seeded and planted in the spring in the garden, is harvested in summer. People go mushrooming in the woods.
With the beginning of school in September the real summer comes to the end, although the autumn begins on September 23. In autumn, the sun rises later and sets earlier. During the day, the weather may be nice and sunny – this time is known as Indian summer.
Autumn is popular with many people because of its nice colours. Fruit trees have yellow pears and red apples on them. Grass turns yellow and gets dry. Leaves change colour and birds leave for the south. Days become colder and colder. The air is cold. The wind is often strong. No wonder people often catch a cold or come down with the flu.
After autumn comes winter. According to the calendar, it begins on December 21, but in reality, it comes a lot earlier. December 21 is the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. Nature relaxes. It freezes, the countryside is covered with snow. The thermometer shows several degrees below zero, and lakes and rivers freeze over. Winter brings us the most beautiful festival of the year – Christmas. But everything comes to an end. It freezes less and less, the spring comes soon and everything makes a fresh start again….
The weather in Britain is very changeable. It is influenced by the warm Gulf Stream. The summers are not very hot and winters are not very cold. The Czech Republic, which is situated in the central Europe, is an inland state with moderate climate. Fortunately in our country there are not many natural disasters - no earthquakes, no tidal waves, no hurricanes. Every spring some areas are flooded but it’s very rarely a serious danger. In other parts of the world there are many disasters: in the USA frequent tornadoes and earthquakes, near the Indian Ocean the huge tidal waves …….
The weather forecast: In the past, there were no weather forecasts, so farmers had to rely on their experience and observations. Today we have weather forecasts – they notice about strong winds, extremely high or low temperatures, bad snow conditions, …… I listen to weather forecast especially if I go on holiday or for a trip. It’s surprising how wrong they often are. There is no guarantee.
It is usually still quite cold in the beginning of the spring. The snow melts, so floods may set in. Trees and grass turn green. Birds are heard singing. Some have just returned from the south. Field works start at this time.
On June 21, the summer begins and lasts up to September 23.This means two months of holiday for children, whereas farmers have their harvest time. The sun shines hot, the highest day temperatures are rising. On hot summer days, there are often storms. What we seeded and planted in the spring in the garden, is harvested in summer. People go mushrooming in the woods.
With the beginning of school in September the real summer comes to the end, although the autumn begins on September 23. In autumn, the sun rises later and sets earlier. During the day, the weather may be nice and sunny – this time is known as Indian summer.
Autumn is popular with many people because of its nice colours. Fruit trees have yellow pears and red apples on them. Grass turns yellow and gets dry. Leaves change colour and birds leave for the south. Days become colder and colder. The air is cold. The wind is often strong. No wonder people often catch a cold or come down with the flu.
After autumn comes winter. According to the calendar, it begins on December 21, but in reality, it comes a lot earlier. December 21 is the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. Nature relaxes. It freezes, the countryside is covered with snow. The thermometer shows several degrees below zero, and lakes and rivers freeze over. Winter brings us the most beautiful festival of the year – Christmas. But everything comes to an end. It freezes less and less, the spring comes soon and everything makes a fresh start again….
The weather in Britain is very changeable. It is influenced by the warm Gulf Stream. The summers are not very hot and winters are not very cold. The Czech Republic, which is situated in the central Europe, is an inland state with moderate climate. Fortunately in our country there are not many natural disasters - no earthquakes, no tidal waves, no hurricanes. Every spring some areas are flooded but it’s very rarely a serious danger. In other parts of the world there are many disasters: in the USA frequent tornadoes and earthquakes, near the Indian Ocean the huge tidal waves …….
The weather forecast: In the past, there were no weather forecasts, so farmers had to rely on their experience and observations. Today we have weather forecasts – they notice about strong winds, extremely high or low temperatures, bad snow conditions, …… I listen to weather forecast especially if I go on holiday or for a trip. It’s surprising how wrong they often are. There is no guarantee.
13. Science and Technology (Věda a technologie)
From the beginning of their existence people have used tools, various types of energy and materials to get food and shelter. In early human history the only power available was muscle power. The first working steam engine was developed and improved in the 18th century by James Watt. The steam engine and other technical advances changed traditional agrarian economy to manufactures (the Industrial Revolution). Michael Faraday’s demonstration of the dynamo in 1831 was the beginning of electrical motors. Electricity was commercially available from the early 1880s and was used for electric motors and for lighting (the invention of the first electric bulb by Thomas Alva Edison). Electricity is the most useful form of energy, easily convertible into heat and light. It is generated in power stations and distributed through wires. The invention of combustion engine (1876) enabled two Germans, Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz to create the first petrol-driven motocar (1885).This invention made transport faster and more comfortable. In 1945 people saw the explosion of the first atomic bomb and the nuclear energy started to be used. Today it is one of current sources of energy, as well as natural gas, water power, oil and coal energy.
The earliest materials used by humans were wood, bone, horn, shell and stone. Metals were difficult to get, although forms of bronze and iron were used in 6 000 B.C. and
1000 B.C. In the Industrial Revolution new materials were introduced, such as rubber, glass, leather, paper, bricks and porcelain and later (in the end of the 19th century) new synthetic materials appeared. This process still continues (genetic engineering).
Plenty of inventions and discoveries have influenced and changed human life, such as aircraft, radio, television, telephone, X-ray machines, radar, electrics welding, photographs, birth-control methods, test-tube babies, penicillin, ........ Undoubtedly the transistor, integrated circuit (silicon chip) and laser were the three inventions that have had the greatest impact on modern-day life. Electronic and microelectronic industries, space research and genetic engineering probably represent the branches where progress will continue most rapidly.
Space flights. The first satellites were launched into orbit around the Earth in 1957 by the Russians and soon the first man-operated spacecraft was put into orbit. In 1961 Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space aboard the spacecraft Vostok 1. In a few years people achieved the Moon. The first people to step onto the Moon’s surface on 20th July 1969 were Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin. At present artificial satellites are used for science, communications, weather forecasting and military purposes.
Since 1960 we have spoken about the scientific-technical revolution because at present both science and technology can help to solve the problems of people on the Earth: to find other alternative energy sources, to reduce pollution of all kinds and to protect the environment, to find ways how to feed the constantly increasing number of people and to discover medicine against such diseases as cancer, AIDS or the Ebola virus which threaten the
contemporary world.
Not all inventions and discoveries, however, have brought people improvement and innovation. Powerful laser weapons, nuclear and H-bombs and pollution of the environment are only a few examples of how good ideas may be abused. Technology is dependent upon how people use it.
The earliest materials used by humans were wood, bone, horn, shell and stone. Metals were difficult to get, although forms of bronze and iron were used in 6 000 B.C. and
1000 B.C. In the Industrial Revolution new materials were introduced, such as rubber, glass, leather, paper, bricks and porcelain and later (in the end of the 19th century) new synthetic materials appeared. This process still continues (genetic engineering).
Plenty of inventions and discoveries have influenced and changed human life, such as aircraft, radio, television, telephone, X-ray machines, radar, electrics welding, photographs, birth-control methods, test-tube babies, penicillin, ........ Undoubtedly the transistor, integrated circuit (silicon chip) and laser were the three inventions that have had the greatest impact on modern-day life. Electronic and microelectronic industries, space research and genetic engineering probably represent the branches where progress will continue most rapidly.
Space flights. The first satellites were launched into orbit around the Earth in 1957 by the Russians and soon the first man-operated spacecraft was put into orbit. In 1961 Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space aboard the spacecraft Vostok 1. In a few years people achieved the Moon. The first people to step onto the Moon’s surface on 20th July 1969 were Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin. At present artificial satellites are used for science, communications, weather forecasting and military purposes.
Since 1960 we have spoken about the scientific-technical revolution because at present both science and technology can help to solve the problems of people on the Earth: to find other alternative energy sources, to reduce pollution of all kinds and to protect the environment, to find ways how to feed the constantly increasing number of people and to discover medicine against such diseases as cancer, AIDS or the Ebola virus which threaten the
contemporary world.
Not all inventions and discoveries, however, have brought people improvement and innovation. Powerful laser weapons, nuclear and H-bombs and pollution of the environment are only a few examples of how good ideas may be abused. Technology is dependent upon how people use it.
13. Science and Technology (Věda a technologie)
From the beginning of their existence people have used tools, various types of energy and materials to get food and shelter. In early human history the only power available was muscle power. The first working steam engine was developed and improved in the 18th century by James Watt. The steam engine and other technical advances changed traditional agrarian economy to manufactures (the Industrial Revolution). Michael Faraday’s demonstration of the dynamo in 1831 was the beginning of electrical motors. Electricity was commercially available from the early 1880s and was used for electric motors and for lighting (the invention of the first electric bulb by Thomas Alva Edison). Electricity is the most useful form of energy, easily convertible into heat and light. It is generated in power stations and distributed through wires. The invention of combustion engine (1876) enabled two Germans, Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz to create the first petrol-driven motocar (1885).This invention made transport faster and more comfortable. In 1945 people saw the explosion of the first atomic bomb and the nuclear energy started to be used. Today it is one of current sources of energy, as well as natural gas, water power, oil and coal energy.
The earliest materials used by humans were wood, bone, horn, shell and stone. Metals were difficult to get, although forms of bronze and iron were used in 6 000 B.C. and
1000 B.C. In the Industrial Revolution new materials were introduced, such as rubber, glass, leather, paper, bricks and porcelain and later (in the end of the 19th century) new synthetic materials appeared. This process still continues (genetic engineering).
Plenty of inventions and discoveries have influenced and changed human life, such as aircraft, radio, television, telephone, X-ray machines, radar, electrics welding, photographs, birth-control methods, test-tube babies, penicillin, ........ Undoubtedly the transistor, integrated circuit (silicon chip) and laser were the three inventions that have had the greatest impact on modern-day life. Electronic and microelectronic industries, space research and genetic engineering probably represent the branches where progress will continue most rapidly.
Space flights. The first satellites were launched into orbit around the Earth in 1957 by the Russians and soon the first man-operated spacecraft was put into orbit. In 1961 Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space aboard the spacecraft Vostok 1. In a few years people achieved the Moon. The first people to step onto the Moon’s surface on 20th July 1969 were Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin. At present artificial satellites are used for science, communications, weather forecasting and military purposes.
Since 1960 we have spoken about the scientific-technical revolution because at present both science and technology can help to solve the problems of people on the Earth: to find other alternative energy sources, to reduce pollution of all kinds and to protect the environment, to find ways how to feed the constantly increasing number of people and to discover medicine against such diseases as cancer, AIDS or the Ebola virus which threaten the
contemporary world.
Not all inventions and discoveries, however, have brought people improvement and innovation. Powerful laser weapons, nuclear and H-bombs and pollution of the environment are only a few examples of how good ideas may be abused. Technology is dependent upon how people use it.
The earliest materials used by humans were wood, bone, horn, shell and stone. Metals were difficult to get, although forms of bronze and iron were used in 6 000 B.C. and
1000 B.C. In the Industrial Revolution new materials were introduced, such as rubber, glass, leather, paper, bricks and porcelain and later (in the end of the 19th century) new synthetic materials appeared. This process still continues (genetic engineering).
Plenty of inventions and discoveries have influenced and changed human life, such as aircraft, radio, television, telephone, X-ray machines, radar, electrics welding, photographs, birth-control methods, test-tube babies, penicillin, ........ Undoubtedly the transistor, integrated circuit (silicon chip) and laser were the three inventions that have had the greatest impact on modern-day life. Electronic and microelectronic industries, space research and genetic engineering probably represent the branches where progress will continue most rapidly.
Space flights. The first satellites were launched into orbit around the Earth in 1957 by the Russians and soon the first man-operated spacecraft was put into orbit. In 1961 Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space aboard the spacecraft Vostok 1. In a few years people achieved the Moon. The first people to step onto the Moon’s surface on 20th July 1969 were Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin. At present artificial satellites are used for science, communications, weather forecasting and military purposes.
Since 1960 we have spoken about the scientific-technical revolution because at present both science and technology can help to solve the problems of people on the Earth: to find other alternative energy sources, to reduce pollution of all kinds and to protect the environment, to find ways how to feed the constantly increasing number of people and to discover medicine against such diseases as cancer, AIDS or the Ebola virus which threaten the
contemporary world.
Not all inventions and discoveries, however, have brought people improvement and innovation. Powerful laser weapons, nuclear and H-bombs and pollution of the environment are only a few examples of how good ideas may be abused. Technology is dependent upon how people use it.
12. Weather, Seasons of the Year (Počasí, roční období)
The planet Earth moves around the Sun and that has an influence on the weather on the globe and on the seasons of the year. Our country is located in a mild climatic zone. Winters are not too cold, summers not too hot. There are four seasons of the year: spring, summer, autumn (fall in American English) and winter. Each of the seasons lasts about three months and brings us something nice as well as something unpleasant.
It is usually still quite cold in the beginning of the spring. The snow melts, so floods may set in. Trees and grass turn green. Birds are heard singing. Some have just returned from the south. Field works start at this time.
On June 21, the summer begins and lasts up to September 23.This means two months of holiday for children, whereas farmers have their harvest time. The sun shines hot, the highest day temperatures are rising. On hot summer days, there are often storms. What we seeded and planted in the spring in the garden, is harvested in summer. People go mushrooming in the woods.
With the beginning of school in September the real summer comes to the end, although the autumn begins on September 23. In autumn, the sun rises later and sets earlier. During the day, the weather may be nice and sunny – this time is known as Indian summer.
Autumn is popular with many people because of its nice colours. Fruit trees have yellow pears and red apples on them. Grass turns yellow and gets dry. Leaves change colour and birds leave for the south. Days become colder and colder. The air is cold. The wind is often strong. No wonder people often catch a cold or come down with the flu.
After autumn comes winter. According to the calendar, it begins on December 21, but in reality, it comes a lot earlier. December 21 is the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. Nature relaxes. It freezes, the countryside is covered with snow. The thermometer shows several degrees below zero, and lakes and rivers freeze over. Winter brings us the most beautiful festival of the year – Christmas. But everything comes to an end. It freezes less and less, the spring comes soon and everything makes a fresh start again….
The weather in Britain is very changeable. It is influenced by the warm Gulf Stream. The summers are not very hot and winters are not very cold. The Czech Republic, which is situated in the central Europe, is an inland state with moderate climate. Fortunately in our country there are not many natural disasters - no earthquakes, no tidal waves, no hurricanes. Every spring some areas are flooded but it’s very rarely a serious danger. In other parts of the world there are many disasters: in the USA frequent tornadoes and earthquakes, near the Indian Ocean the huge tidal waves …….
The weather forecast: In the past, there were no weather forecasts, so farmers had to rely on their experience and observations. Today we have weather forecasts – they notice about strong winds, extremely high or low temperatures, bad snow conditions, …… I listen to weather forecast especially if I go on holiday or for a trip. It’s surprising how wrong they often are. There is no guarantee.
It is usually still quite cold in the beginning of the spring. The snow melts, so floods may set in. Trees and grass turn green. Birds are heard singing. Some have just returned from the south. Field works start at this time.
On June 21, the summer begins and lasts up to September 23.This means two months of holiday for children, whereas farmers have their harvest time. The sun shines hot, the highest day temperatures are rising. On hot summer days, there are often storms. What we seeded and planted in the spring in the garden, is harvested in summer. People go mushrooming in the woods.
With the beginning of school in September the real summer comes to the end, although the autumn begins on September 23. In autumn, the sun rises later and sets earlier. During the day, the weather may be nice and sunny – this time is known as Indian summer.
Autumn is popular with many people because of its nice colours. Fruit trees have yellow pears and red apples on them. Grass turns yellow and gets dry. Leaves change colour and birds leave for the south. Days become colder and colder. The air is cold. The wind is often strong. No wonder people often catch a cold or come down with the flu.
After autumn comes winter. According to the calendar, it begins on December 21, but in reality, it comes a lot earlier. December 21 is the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. Nature relaxes. It freezes, the countryside is covered with snow. The thermometer shows several degrees below zero, and lakes and rivers freeze over. Winter brings us the most beautiful festival of the year – Christmas. But everything comes to an end. It freezes less and less, the spring comes soon and everything makes a fresh start again….
The weather in Britain is very changeable. It is influenced by the warm Gulf Stream. The summers are not very hot and winters are not very cold. The Czech Republic, which is situated in the central Europe, is an inland state with moderate climate. Fortunately in our country there are not many natural disasters - no earthquakes, no tidal waves, no hurricanes. Every spring some areas are flooded but it’s very rarely a serious danger. In other parts of the world there are many disasters: in the USA frequent tornadoes and earthquakes, near the Indian Ocean the huge tidal waves …….
The weather forecast: In the past, there were no weather forecasts, so farmers had to rely on their experience and observations. Today we have weather forecasts – they notice about strong winds, extremely high or low temperatures, bad snow conditions, …… I listen to weather forecast especially if I go on holiday or for a trip. It’s surprising how wrong they often are. There is no guarantee.
11. Food and Meals (Jídlo a stravování)
The first meal of the day is breakfast. It is often bread, rolls, butter, ham, salami, cheese, marmelade or honey. Sometimes we can have scrambled eggs, omelettes or pudding. Those who prefer a more healthy diet will eat yoghurt, cereals with milk, porridge or fresh fruits. Popular drinks are tea, coffee, cocoa or fruit juice. At around ten a.m. it is time for a little snack. It is good to have something small, easily digestible, such as fruits, vegetables or yoghurt. The main meal of the day – lunch – comes between noon and 1 p.m. Most people have lunch at school or company canteens or in restaurants, others prefer to eat at home. There is usually a soup, a starter, a main course and a dessert for lunch. The next meal of the day is an afternoon snack at about 4 p.m. The last meal of the day is dinner which comes between six and seven o’clock. In most families, something warm is eaten, such as dumplings with sauce. During the day, it is necessary to drink enough liquids. It is recommended about two litres a day. Most of people like to eat but always remember the old saying: „ Eat to live, do not live to eat.“
The British usually start work and school later in the morning than we do so they have a lot of time to enjoy their morning meal. A traditional English breakfast is quite big. It may be porridge, fried bacon and eggs, fried sausages and tomatoes or ham and eggs, buttered toast and marmelade. They usually have a cup of tea with milk or coffee and a glass of orange juice. The modern breakfast is much lighter, healthier and quicker. They have just cornflakes or other cereals with milk and sugar or toast and, as for drinks, a glass of juice. English lunch is much smaller than the Czech one It’s just a quick sandwich. A typical Sunday lunch is much more similar to ours: it can be a steak or roast lamb with broccoli and other vegetables. As a dessert they have hot apple pie with ice cream or fruit salad. The national English food is definitely steak. Another popular dish is fish and chips wrapped in paper and eaten in the street.
Czechs, in general, like fatty meals. Our typical dish is roast pork, sauerkraut and dumplings, goulash with dumplings, or roast sirloin of beef in cream sauce again with dumplings. Czechs often eat meat loaf and many kinds of smoked-meat products. Sweets and cakes are typical of Czech cuisine as well. And what about popular Czech drinks? Some of the beer is world-famous, but also red and white wine planted in Moravia, Carlsbad Becher Liquer or Moravian Slivovitz must be recommended.
As for me, ……..
Soups: Beef Bouillon, Noodles, Vegetable Soup, Fish Soup, Tomato Soup
Meat Dishes: Roast Beef, Roast Pork, Roast Veal, Roast Chicken
Side Dishes: Boiled Potatoes, Roasted Potatoes, Potato Salad, French Fries, Rice, Dumplings
The British usually start work and school later in the morning than we do so they have a lot of time to enjoy their morning meal. A traditional English breakfast is quite big. It may be porridge, fried bacon and eggs, fried sausages and tomatoes or ham and eggs, buttered toast and marmelade. They usually have a cup of tea with milk or coffee and a glass of orange juice. The modern breakfast is much lighter, healthier and quicker. They have just cornflakes or other cereals with milk and sugar or toast and, as for drinks, a glass of juice. English lunch is much smaller than the Czech one It’s just a quick sandwich. A typical Sunday lunch is much more similar to ours: it can be a steak or roast lamb with broccoli and other vegetables. As a dessert they have hot apple pie with ice cream or fruit salad. The national English food is definitely steak. Another popular dish is fish and chips wrapped in paper and eaten in the street.
Czechs, in general, like fatty meals. Our typical dish is roast pork, sauerkraut and dumplings, goulash with dumplings, or roast sirloin of beef in cream sauce again with dumplings. Czechs often eat meat loaf and many kinds of smoked-meat products. Sweets and cakes are typical of Czech cuisine as well. And what about popular Czech drinks? Some of the beer is world-famous, but also red and white wine planted in Moravia, Carlsbad Becher Liquer or Moravian Slivovitz must be recommended.
As for me, ……..
Soups: Beef Bouillon, Noodles, Vegetable Soup, Fish Soup, Tomato Soup
Meat Dishes: Roast Beef, Roast Pork, Roast Veal, Roast Chicken
Side Dishes: Boiled Potatoes, Roasted Potatoes, Potato Salad, French Fries, Rice, Dumplings
11. Food and Meals (Jídlo a stravování)
The first meal of the day is breakfast. It is often bread, rolls, butter, ham, salami, cheese, marmelade or honey. Sometimes we can have scrambled eggs, omelettes or pudding. Those who prefer a more healthy diet will eat yoghurt, cereals with milk, porridge or fresh fruits. Popular drinks are tea, coffee, cocoa or fruit juice. At around ten a.m. it is time for a little snack. It is good to have something small, easily digestible, such as fruits, vegetables or yoghurt. The main meal of the day – lunch – comes between noon and 1 p.m. Most people have lunch at school or company canteens or in restaurants, others prefer to eat at home. There is usually a soup, a starter, a main course and a dessert for lunch. The next meal of the day is an afternoon snack at about 4 p.m. The last meal of the day is dinner which comes between six and seven o’clock. In most families, something warm is eaten, such as dumplings with sauce. During the day, it is necessary to drink enough liquids. It is recommended about two litres a day. Most of people like to eat but always remember the old saying: „ Eat to live, do not live to eat.“
The British usually start work and school later in the morning than we do so they have a lot of time to enjoy their morning meal. A traditional English breakfast is quite big. It may be porridge, fried bacon and eggs, fried sausages and tomatoes or ham and eggs, buttered toast and marmelade. They usually have a cup of tea with milk or coffee and a glass of orange juice. The modern breakfast is much lighter, healthier and quicker. They have just cornflakes or other cereals with milk and sugar or toast and, as for drinks, a glass of juice. English lunch is much smaller than the Czech one It’s just a quick sandwich. A typical Sunday lunch is much more similar to ours: it can be a steak or roast lamb with broccoli and other vegetables. As a dessert they have hot apple pie with ice cream or fruit salad. The national English food is definitely steak. Another popular dish is fish and chips wrapped in paper and eaten in the street.
Czechs, in general, like fatty meals. Our typical dish is roast pork, sauerkraut and dumplings, goulash with dumplings, or roast sirloin of beef in cream sauce again with dumplings. Czechs often eat meat loaf and many kinds of smoked-meat products. Sweets and cakes are typical of Czech cuisine as well. And what about popular Czech drinks? Some of the beer is world-famous, but also red and white wine planted in Moravia, Carlsbad Becher Liquer or Moravian Slivovitz must be recommended.
As for me, ……..
Soups: Beef Bouillon, Noodles, Vegetable Soup, Fish Soup, Tomato Soup
Meat Dishes: Roast Beef, Roast Pork, Roast Veal, Roast Chicken
Side Dishes: Boiled Potatoes, Roasted Potatoes, Potato Salad, French Fries, Rice, Dumplings
The British usually start work and school later in the morning than we do so they have a lot of time to enjoy their morning meal. A traditional English breakfast is quite big. It may be porridge, fried bacon and eggs, fried sausages and tomatoes or ham and eggs, buttered toast and marmelade. They usually have a cup of tea with milk or coffee and a glass of orange juice. The modern breakfast is much lighter, healthier and quicker. They have just cornflakes or other cereals with milk and sugar or toast and, as for drinks, a glass of juice. English lunch is much smaller than the Czech one It’s just a quick sandwich. A typical Sunday lunch is much more similar to ours: it can be a steak or roast lamb with broccoli and other vegetables. As a dessert they have hot apple pie with ice cream or fruit salad. The national English food is definitely steak. Another popular dish is fish and chips wrapped in paper and eaten in the street.
Czechs, in general, like fatty meals. Our typical dish is roast pork, sauerkraut and dumplings, goulash with dumplings, or roast sirloin of beef in cream sauce again with dumplings. Czechs often eat meat loaf and many kinds of smoked-meat products. Sweets and cakes are typical of Czech cuisine as well. And what about popular Czech drinks? Some of the beer is world-famous, but also red and white wine planted in Moravia, Carlsbad Becher Liquer or Moravian Slivovitz must be recommended.
As for me, ……..
Soups: Beef Bouillon, Noodles, Vegetable Soup, Fish Soup, Tomato Soup
Meat Dishes: Roast Beef, Roast Pork, Roast Veal, Roast Chicken
Side Dishes: Boiled Potatoes, Roasted Potatoes, Potato Salad, French Fries, Rice, Dumplings
10. Traditions, Holidays, Feastdays (Zvyky, svátky, významné dny)
British holidays
Easter: is celebrated on the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon in spring. It is an ancient pagan celebration of spring and new life. Children believe that while sleeping the Easter Bunny has hidden eggs in the house and go searching for them.
Christmas: starts on 24th December – on Christmas Eve when families decorate their houses and the Christmas tree. On the mantelpiece there are Christmas cards wishing Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Children hope that at night Santa Claus or Father Christmas will come down the chimney and bring some presents for them. Children get up very early in the morning to open the presents and play with new toys. They also watch TV and sing Christmas carols. On Christmas Day they have Christmas dinner usually at noon ort h the evening. They have roast turkey, potatoes and vegetable followed by Christmas pudding. Boxing Day is the 26th of December – and it is the second Christmas holidays, name after the tradition of giving dustmen, newspaper boys, milkmen, postmen, etc. small sums of money in boxes. On New Year’s Eve people go to parties, they stay up till midnight to see the old year out and drink a toast to the New Year , they gather in squares and sing „Auld Lang Syne“ – a popular Scottish song. The Scottish call Christmas Hogmanay.
American holidays
Independence Day: is celebrated on 4th July. On this day Americans remember the victory over British in the American Civil War in 1776.It’s the day of picnics, parades and flying the flag, parties, barbecues, concerts and fireworks.
Thanksgiving Day: is celebrated on the last Thursday of November and it’s the second most important holiday of the year after Christmas. When Pilgrim Fathers settled in America in 1620 they suffered a lot during the first winter and half of them died. The next year the Native Americans taught them how to plant corn and other crops (pumpkins, barley, beans) so in the autumn of 1621 they celebrated their Thanksgiving Day for the first time. They also invited local Indians to the celebration. Nowadays, the Americans eat roast turkey and pumpkin pie.
International holidays
St. Valentine’s Day: is a lovers‘ feast. On February, 14th, people give presents to the people they love, they send funny greeting cards also to friends. The cards are anonymous, often
signed „Your Valentine“.
Halloween: starts on 31st October. It is associated with an old Celtic custom of celebrating the end of the season of the sun. In the evening children fight pumpkin lanterns called „jack-o-lanterns“, they dress up as saints, angels, devils, witches and ghosts. They knock on the door and say: „Trick or treat“ and if they are not given candies, popcorn or cookies, they will play a trick. On that day people give parties, decorate their houses with paper moons, witches, bats, ghosts, black cats, etc.
Easter: is celebrated on the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon in spring. It is an ancient pagan celebration of spring and new life. Children believe that while sleeping the Easter Bunny has hidden eggs in the house and go searching for them.
Christmas: starts on 24th December – on Christmas Eve when families decorate their houses and the Christmas tree. On the mantelpiece there are Christmas cards wishing Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Children hope that at night Santa Claus or Father Christmas will come down the chimney and bring some presents for them. Children get up very early in the morning to open the presents and play with new toys. They also watch TV and sing Christmas carols. On Christmas Day they have Christmas dinner usually at noon ort h the evening. They have roast turkey, potatoes and vegetable followed by Christmas pudding. Boxing Day is the 26th of December – and it is the second Christmas holidays, name after the tradition of giving dustmen, newspaper boys, milkmen, postmen, etc. small sums of money in boxes. On New Year’s Eve people go to parties, they stay up till midnight to see the old year out and drink a toast to the New Year , they gather in squares and sing „Auld Lang Syne“ – a popular Scottish song. The Scottish call Christmas Hogmanay.
American holidays
Independence Day: is celebrated on 4th July. On this day Americans remember the victory over British in the American Civil War in 1776.It’s the day of picnics, parades and flying the flag, parties, barbecues, concerts and fireworks.
Thanksgiving Day: is celebrated on the last Thursday of November and it’s the second most important holiday of the year after Christmas. When Pilgrim Fathers settled in America in 1620 they suffered a lot during the first winter and half of them died. The next year the Native Americans taught them how to plant corn and other crops (pumpkins, barley, beans) so in the autumn of 1621 they celebrated their Thanksgiving Day for the first time. They also invited local Indians to the celebration. Nowadays, the Americans eat roast turkey and pumpkin pie.
International holidays
St. Valentine’s Day: is a lovers‘ feast. On February, 14th, people give presents to the people they love, they send funny greeting cards also to friends. The cards are anonymous, often
signed „Your Valentine“.
Halloween: starts on 31st October. It is associated with an old Celtic custom of celebrating the end of the season of the sun. In the evening children fight pumpkin lanterns called „jack-o-lanterns“, they dress up as saints, angels, devils, witches and ghosts. They knock on the door and say: „Trick or treat“ and if they are not given candies, popcorn or cookies, they will play a trick. On that day people give parties, decorate their houses with paper moons, witches, bats, ghosts, black cats, etc.
10. Traditions, Holidays, Feastdays (Zvyky, svátky, významné dny)
British holidays
Easter: is celebrated on the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon in spring. It is an ancient pagan celebration of spring and new life. Children believe that while sleeping the Easter Bunny has hidden eggs in the house and go searching for them.
Christmas: starts on 24th December – on Christmas Eve when families decorate their houses and the Christmas tree. On the mantelpiece there are Christmas cards wishing Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Children hope that at night Santa Claus or Father Christmas will come down the chimney and bring some presents for them. Children get up very early in the morning to open the presents and play with new toys. They also watch TV and sing Christmas carols. On Christmas Day they have Christmas dinner usually at noon ort h the evening. They have roast turkey, potatoes and vegetable followed by Christmas pudding. Boxing Day is the 26th of December – and it is the second Christmas holidays, name after the tradition of giving dustmen, newspaper boys, milkmen, postmen, etc. small sums of money in boxes. On New Year’s Eve people go to parties, they stay up till midnight to see the old year out and drink a toast to the New Year , they gather in squares and sing „Auld Lang Syne“ – a popular Scottish song. The Scottish call Christmas Hogmanay.
American holidays
Independence Day: is celebrated on 4th July. On this day Americans remember the victory over British in the American Civil War in 1776.It’s the day of picnics, parades and flying the flag, parties, barbecues, concerts and fireworks.
Thanksgiving Day: is celebrated on the last Thursday of November and it’s the second most important holiday of the year after Christmas. When Pilgrim Fathers settled in America in 1620 they suffered a lot during the first winter and half of them died. The next year the Native Americans taught them how to plant corn and other crops (pumpkins, barley, beans) so in the autumn of 1621 they celebrated their Thanksgiving Day for the first time. They also invited local Indians to the celebration. Nowadays, the Americans eat roast turkey and pumpkin pie.
International holidays
St. Valentine’s Day: is a lovers‘ feast. On February, 14th, people give presents to the people they love, they send funny greeting cards also to friends. The cards are anonymous, often
signed „Your Valentine“.
Halloween: starts on 31st October. It is associated with an old Celtic custom of celebrating the end of the season of the sun. In the evening children fight pumpkin lanterns called „jack-o-lanterns“, they dress up as saints, angels, devils, witches and ghosts. They knock on the door and say: „Trick or treat“ and if they are not given candies, popcorn or cookies, they will play a trick. On that day people give parties, decorate their houses with paper moons, witches, bats, ghosts, black cats, etc.
Easter: is celebrated on the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon in spring. It is an ancient pagan celebration of spring and new life. Children believe that while sleeping the Easter Bunny has hidden eggs in the house and go searching for them.
Christmas: starts on 24th December – on Christmas Eve when families decorate their houses and the Christmas tree. On the mantelpiece there are Christmas cards wishing Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Children hope that at night Santa Claus or Father Christmas will come down the chimney and bring some presents for them. Children get up very early in the morning to open the presents and play with new toys. They also watch TV and sing Christmas carols. On Christmas Day they have Christmas dinner usually at noon ort h the evening. They have roast turkey, potatoes and vegetable followed by Christmas pudding. Boxing Day is the 26th of December – and it is the second Christmas holidays, name after the tradition of giving dustmen, newspaper boys, milkmen, postmen, etc. small sums of money in boxes. On New Year’s Eve people go to parties, they stay up till midnight to see the old year out and drink a toast to the New Year , they gather in squares and sing „Auld Lang Syne“ – a popular Scottish song. The Scottish call Christmas Hogmanay.
American holidays
Independence Day: is celebrated on 4th July. On this day Americans remember the victory over British in the American Civil War in 1776.It’s the day of picnics, parades and flying the flag, parties, barbecues, concerts and fireworks.
Thanksgiving Day: is celebrated on the last Thursday of November and it’s the second most important holiday of the year after Christmas. When Pilgrim Fathers settled in America in 1620 they suffered a lot during the first winter and half of them died. The next year the Native Americans taught them how to plant corn and other crops (pumpkins, barley, beans) so in the autumn of 1621 they celebrated their Thanksgiving Day for the first time. They also invited local Indians to the celebration. Nowadays, the Americans eat roast turkey and pumpkin pie.
International holidays
St. Valentine’s Day: is a lovers‘ feast. On February, 14th, people give presents to the people they love, they send funny greeting cards also to friends. The cards are anonymous, often
signed „Your Valentine“.
Halloween: starts on 31st October. It is associated with an old Celtic custom of celebrating the end of the season of the sun. In the evening children fight pumpkin lanterns called „jack-o-lanterns“, they dress up as saints, angels, devils, witches and ghosts. They knock on the door and say: „Trick or treat“ and if they are not given candies, popcorn or cookies, they will play a trick. On that day people give parties, decorate their houses with paper moons, witches, bats, ghosts, black cats, etc.
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