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Text 2.The Symbols and Structure of the Commonwealth
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Text 2. The Symbols and Structure of the Commonwealth
Under that formula of the London Declaration Queen Elizabeth is the Head of the Commonwealth. However, when the monarch dies the successor to the crown does not automatically become the Head of the Commonwealth. The position is symbolic, representing the free association of independent members. Sixteen members of the Commonwealth, known as Commonwealth realms, recognize the Queen as their head of state. The majority of members (33) are republics, and five have monarchs of different royal houses. The Commonwealth has adopted a number of symbols that represent the association of its members. Elizabeth II holds the position of the Head of the Commonwealth as a symbol of the Commonwealth's free association, dating back to the London Declaration, issued in 28 April 1949. The English language is recognized as a symbol of the members’ heritage and is considered a symbol of the Commonwealth.
Text3. The Flag of Australia
3. Ознакомьтесь с содержанием данного текстового материала и ответьте на следующие вопросы:
1. What information in the text " The Symbols of Australia” is new for you?
2. When is the annual Australian National Flag Day marked?
3. Is the material in the text " Symbols of Australia actual and up-to-date? Give your comments.
4. Why do you think students should read additional materials?
Text3. The Flag of Australia
The present Australian flag consists of three main elements:
1. Union jack. The Union Jack is in the upper quadrant of the first quarter (also known as the Canton), denotes Australia's historical links with Great Britain. The Union Jack itself is composed of red and white intersecting, vertical and diagonal crosses on a blue background. 2. Southern Cross. The Southern Cross is in the second quarter. The Southern Cross consists of five stars - Alpha (7-pointed star), Beta (7-pointed star), Gamma (7-pointed star), Delta s (7-pointed star) and the smaller Epsilon star (5-pointed star). The Southern Cross as a significant navigational feature of the southern hemisphere has been associated with the continent since its earliest days. 3. Commonwealth Star (Star of Federation). The Commonwealth Star or Star of Federation is in the third quarter or lower part of the canton. It has seven points to denote the six states and the combined territories of the Commonwealth of Australia. The seventh point was added in 1909.
Text4. The Coat of Arms of Australia
4. Ознакомьтесь с содержанием данного текстового материала и ответьте на следующие вопросы:
1. What information in the text «The Coat of Arms of Australia» interested you?
2. Is this material actual and up-to-date? Give your comments.
3. Why were the Red Kangaroo and Emu chosen as unofficial emblems of Australia?
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4. Why is it necessary for students to study thoroughly?
Text4. The Coat of Arms of Australia
The coat of arms of Australia is the official symbol of Australia. The initial coat of arms was granted by King Edward VII on 7 May 1908. In the top half, from left to right, the states represented are: New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. In the bottom half, from left to right are South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. Above the shield is the seven-pointed Commonwealth Star or the Star of Federation. In its entirety the shield represents the federation of Australia. The Red Kangaroo and Emu that support the shield are the unofficial animal emblems of the nation. They owe this recognition to the fact that they are native Australian animals. These animals were chosen because neither animal move backward, only forward - which means progress. In reality both animals can move backwards, but infrequently do. At the bottom of the coat of arms is a scroll that contains the name of the nation. The coat of arms is used to identify Australian government authority and property.
Text 5. The Flag of New Zealand
5. Ознакомьтесь с содержанием данного текстового материала и ответьте на следующие вопросы:
1. What information in the text " The Symbols of New Zealand “seemed to be interesting for you?
2. Is this material actual and up-to-date? Give your comments.
3. When was the first New Zealand's flag adopted?
Text 5. The Flag of New Zealand
New Zealand's first flag, the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, had been adopted before New Zealand became a British colony. Chosen by an assembly of Mā ori chiefs in 1834, the flag was of a St George's Cross with another cross in the canton containing four stars on a blue field. After the formation of the colony in 1841, British ensigns began to be used. The current flag was designed and adopted for restricted use in 1869 and became the national flag in 1902. It is the British Blue Ensign representing the Southern Cross with four brightest stars in the constellation. Each star varies slightly in size. The stars represent the constellation of Crux, the Southern Cross. The Union Flag in the canton recalls New Zealand's colonial ties to Britain.
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