英语国家概况：一句话问答题,简答题
1 what made the relationship between Parliament and Elizabeth I turbulent?
The two factors that made Elizabeth’s relationship with Parliament turbulent were as follows: Parliament wishes its customary (adj习惯法) right of speech confirmed(确定)in writing; and it wanted to be allowed to start discussion of important question at will, not by invitation. Elizabeth would not permit either thing.
2 who is the greatest writer in the English language?
William Shakespeare
3 What is the major role of the British Parliament?
The major function of the British Parliament are: a to pass the laws； b to vote the taxation and provide money for the government；c to examine government policies；d to debate the major issues of the day.
4 What is the relationship between Elizabeth I and the Parliament like?
Generally speaking, Elizabeth was able to work with Parliament, but the relationship was often turbulent.
5 What was the policy of the British government for the 13 colonies in North America?
The policy of the British government for the 13 America colonies was to bring their development under control and to collect more taxes from the colonies.
6 What caused the Second World War?
The Second World War was the result struggle between the great powers for control of the world and military expansion of the countries of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and militarist Japan.
7 What is the general view of education in America?
The general view of education in America is that every America has the right and obligation to become educated.
8 What are the two largest North Island rivers in New Zealand?
They are Waikato and Wanganui.
9 List the four main centres of population in Canada?
The four main centres of population in Canada are towns of Atlantic Coast, cities of southern Quebec and Ontario, the plain areas and the Pacific Coast of British Columbia.
10 What does “Red Centre” refer to in Australia?
It refers to an area with red-brown and tan soils in the heart of the country.
11 The British Commonwealth：is a free association of independent countries that were once colonies of British. It was founded in 1931, and has 50 member countries until 1990.
12 Whigs (in Britain): The name of Whigs originated with the Glorious Revolution. It was know by the nickname. It was a derogatory name for cattle drivers. Loosely speaking, the Whigs were supported the right to religious freedom for Nonconformists.
13 New Deal was a program put forward by President Roosevelt to overcome the Great Depression in the 1930s.
14 Counterculture (反主流文化) was a movement of revolt against the moral values, the aesthetic standards, the personal behaviour and the social relations of conventional society.（模一）
1 What did Henry VIII do in his religious reform?
He got rid of the English Church’s connection with the Pope. He made an independent Church of England. He dissolved all of England’s monasteries and nun
neries. He made himself Supreme Head of the church of England.
2 What was the big event that happened in England in 1066?
In 1066, England was conquered by the Norman who were led by William.
3 What is the difference between an academic high school and a technical high school?
An academic high school only aims at preparing students for college while a technical high school provides students with a variety of occupations and vocations.
4 What agreement did America and Britain sign in 1783 by which Britain recognized the Independent of the United Sates?
Treaty of Paris.
5 What is the most typical America holiday that was by the Pilgrims?
Thanksgiving Day
6 What are the America’s three cornerstones of the postwar economic boom from 1945 to 1960?
Automobile, housing, and defence industries 防御
7 What are the two layers of rule in the U.S. system of government?
Federal, state.
8 What is the official language in Ireland?
There are two official languages in Ireland. They are English and Irish.
9 How many provinces and territories is Canada made up of?
It made up of ten provinces and two territories.
10 Why is New Zealand considered to be the first country to get the new day?
Because it lies just west of the International Date Line and it has one time zone.
11 Bloody Mary: During the Queen Mary’s reign, at least 300 Protestants清教徒were burnt as heretics异教徒. People call her “Bloody Mary”.
12 Checks and Balances: It is a system used by the U.S. Constitution. According to the checks and balances system powers are divided among government branches and these branches check each other.
13 There three waves of immigration to America: The first wave of immigration to America was the mid 1805-1845, the second between 1860-1890, and the third between 1890-1914.
14 Black Thursday: Black Thursday referred to October 24, 1929, the day when the stock market in the United States collapsed. Tens of millions of shares were dumped on the market and billions of dollars of paper profits were wiped out within a few hours.（模二）
1 What were the three causes of Henry VIII’s religious reform?
A desire for change and reform in the Church had been growing for many years and now, encouraged by the success of Martin Luther, many people believe its time had come；the privilege特权 and wealth of the clergy were also resented；and Henry deeded money.
2 What is the role of the Monarchy in the British government?
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, the head of the State is a queen or king. The Unite Kingdom is governed, in the name of queen now, by Her Majesty’s Government. The Queen is the symbol of the whole nation. She summons召唤and dissolves解散 Parliament. She gives Royal Assent to Bills passed by Parliament.
3 What does “Oxbridge” refer to in Great Britain?
It refers to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
4 What is the full name of the Unite K
ingdom?
The Unite Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
5 What international influence did the American War of Independence have?
For instance, the colonies in Spanish America rose up one after another to overthrow Spanish colonies rule.
6 What was the Marshall Plan?
In order to protect Western Europe from possible Soviet expansion, the U.S. decided to offer Western Europe countries economic aid. This later came to be called the Marshall Plan.
7 America high school can be divided into several kinds. What are they?
They are comprehensive, academic, vocational and technical school.
8 What are the two serious weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
They were: 1 there was no national executive or law- enforcing branch and 2 Congress had no power to raise taxes.
9 How many states are there in Australia? And how many territories?
There are six states and two territories.
10 the Church of England: is a state church supported by British Government. The king is head of the Church of England.
11 tertiary colleges第三等级；专科学校: in Britain offer a range of full-time and part-time vocational courses for students over 16, as well as academic courses.
12 the U.S. federal system: The U.S. Constitution sets up a federal system of government which has two layers of rule. There is central or federal government for the nation which alone has the power to answer question that affect the nation as a whole. There are also state and local governments. Each layers of government has separate and distinct powers laid down in the Constitution.
13 built environment: It refers to those part of the environment built by people or changed by people.(模三)
1 When did the Renaissance begin in England?
In England, the Renaissance was usually thought of as beginning with the accession of the House of Tudor to the throne in 1485.
2 Which party did Margaret Thatcher represent in the 1970’s?
She represented the Conservative Party.
3 What were the two events which most alarmed the British ruling classes in the closing decades of the 18th century?
They were the America War of Independence and the French Revolution.
4 What were the two groups of the Chartists?
The Chartists could be divided into two groups: the Moral Force Chartists and the Physical Force Chartists. The former wanted to realize their aims by peaceful means while the later wanted to achieve their purpose by violence.
5 Who appoints the U.S. federal judges and who confirms确认 the appointments约定?
The President appoints the U.S. federal judges. The Senate confirms this.
6 Who were the Federalists?
Those who has argued successfully in the convention for national system and who took the lead in urging ratification, called themselves Federalists.
7 What were some of the features in the development of America economy in the early 20th century?
Some of the features were a growth of industrial and financial mergers合并, a mushr
oom growth of cities and a rapid development of new technology.
8 according to the 1994 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, there are different kinds of institutions of higher education in America. What are the major kinds of them?
The major kinds of the institutions of higher education in America are research universities, doctoral universities, masters’ comprehensive colleges and universities, liberal arts colleges, junior colleges and specialized institutions.
9 What caused the Easter Uprising of 1916 in Ireland and how did it end?
Growing nationalism and the demand for self-government caused the Easter Uprising of 1916. It ended with the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty to establish an Irish Free State.
10 What is the weather like in Australia?
The climate is generally hot and dry.
11 Benefit of clergy: referred to the privilege given to clerks in English history. At that time clerks charged with criminal offences were tried in the Bishop’s courts could not inflict corporal punishment.
12 William Shakespeare: He was born in 1564 and died in 1616. As a dramatist and poet, he is generally regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. He wrote 37 plays.
13 The Articles of Confederation: It was the first constitution of the United States of America. It was adopted at the Second Continental Congress and used during the War of Independence against British.
14 bank holidays: are also called official public holidays. The term “Bank Holiday” goes back to the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, which owns its name to the fact that banks are closed the days specified.（模四）
1 Who established the Norman rule in England?
The Norman leader William established the Norman rule in England in 1066.
2 Who were the first exponents of the English Renaissance?
They were William Shakespeare Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson.
3 How many Members of parliament does the House of Commons in the U.K. consist of?
It consists of 651 Members of Commons.
4 What is the significance of the Hundred Years’War?
The expulsion of the English from France is a blessing for both countries : the superior size and wealth of France would certainly have hindered(阻碍)the development of a separate English national identity, while France national identity was hindered so long as a foreign power occupied so much France territory.
5 What does the American War of Independence show?
The American War of Independence shows that in a just war, a weak nation can defeat a strong one.
6 What caused the American Civil War?
Black slavery caused the American Civil War.
7 What are the three principal functions of the higher education in the United State?
The three principal functions are teaching, research, and public service.
8 When and where was the first English colony in the America founded?
The first English colony in America was founded at Jamestown, Virginia, 1607
9 What is the we
ather like in Canada in winter?
Generally speaking, the climate in Canada is unfavorable; much Canada has long and cold winter with deep snow.
10 Why did Ireland keep out of World War II?
Ireland keep out of World War II to demonstrate its continued displeasure with the British.
11 The Great Charter has been also known as Magna Carta which the English barons forced King John to sign in 1215. It limited the King’s powers. It has been regarded as the foundation of English liberties.
12 Roundheads were supporters of Parliament in the English Civil Wars. They were called Roundheads because of their short haircuts.
13 The Industrial Revolution refers to the mechanization of industry and the consequent changes in social and economic organization in British in the 18th and 19th century.
14 The Canadian Shield covers almost half of Canada and it is a semicircular band of rocky highlands and plateaus around Hudson Bay from the northern shores of Quebec to the Arctic shores of the Northwest Territories. (模五)
1 What was the effect of the destruction of the Spanish Armada?
The destruction of the Spanish Armada showed England’s superiority as a naval power.
2 What was the peculiar feature of the feudal system of England?
The peculiar feature was that all landowners, whether the tenants-in-chief or subtenants, took the oath of allegiance for the land they held, not only to their immediate lord, but also to the King.
3 What were the contents of the Bill of Rights passed by the English Parliament in 1689?
It excluded any Roman Catholics from the succession to the English throne. It confirmed the supreme power of the Parliament and guaranteed free speech within the Parliament.
4 How is the British House of Commons elected?
The House of Commons is elected by universal adult suffrage and it consists of 651 Members of Parliament.
5 What are the two major political parties in Britain?
Conservative Party and Labor Party
6 What caused the First World War?
The First World War was the result of fierce struggle between two imperialist power groups for colonies, markets and spheres of influence, and of an intense arms race.
7 What were the two groups of the New Right in America in late 1970s and early 1980s?
The two groups of people were the firm believers of Protestant religious teachings who were more concerned with social and moral issues, and the intellectuals who were more concerned with political and foreign policy issues.
8 What is the general view of the Americans on education?
It is a general view that every American has the right and the obligation to become educated.
9 What is the capital city of Canada? What is the largest city?
Ottawa, Toronto.
10 Who is the first European visited New Zealand? And who is the first British discoverer?
The first European to visit New Zealand was a Dutchman, Abel Tasman. The first Englishman to visit New Zealand was captain James Cook of the British R
oyal Navy.
11 British’s two-party system: the two major parties in Britain are the Conservative Party and the Labor Party and since 1945 either of the two parties has held power.
12 Renaissance: was the transitional period between the Middle Ages and modern times in Europe, covering the years C1350-C1650. The Renaissance was a period of significant achievement and change.
13 Multiculturalism: means to recognize that Australians are from different backgrounds and social cohesion is attained by tolerating different within an agreed legal and constitutional framework.
14 Manifest Destiny: refers to the theory that said it was right for the United States to expand territory. (模六)
1 What was the significance of the English Civil War?
It not only overthrew feudal system in England but also shook the foundation of the feudal rule in Europe. It is generally regarded as the beginning of modern world history.
2 What was the open field system like in England in history?
Under the system, villages were surrounded by 3 great hedgeless fields. These field were divided into strips and shared out among the villagers. One great field was left “fallow” each year so that its soil recovered richness.
3 Why should Parliament be reformed in Britain in the first half of the 19th century?
Because power was monopolized by the aristocrats, representation was unfair and there were various rotten or pocket boroughs.
4 What are the three parts of the English Parliament?
Sovereign, House of Lords, House of Commons.
5 What is the Irish Republic Army? What is its approach to the problem of Northern Ireland?
Irish ultranationalists who started violent opposition to the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 set up the Republican Army. They demand that Northern Ireland should be united with the Republic of Ireland.
6 What are the two major political parties in the United States?
The two major political parties in America are the up the Republican Party and the Democratic Party.
7 What is the federal judicial system of the United States made up of?
The United States federal judicial system is made up of the Supreme Court, 11 courts of appeals, 91 district courts and 3 courts of special jurisdiction.
8 What has the first ten amendments to the U.S. constitution been known as?
The Bill of Rights
9 What are the original people of New Zealand called? What is their culture called?
Maoris, maoritanga.
10 What is the most significant feature of Irish Landscape, which covers all the mountains and large areas of lowlands?
Bogs remain the most significant feature of Irish landscape. They occur on all the mountains and cover large areas of the lowlands.
11 The Hundreds Year’s War: refers to the intermittent war between France and England that lasted from 1337 to 1453.
12 established Churches: There are two established churches in Britain, that is, churches legally recognized as official churches of the state: in England the churc
h of England, and the Scotland the (Preshyterian) church of Scotland.
13 Abolitionists: were those Americans who demanded immediate abolition of slavery before the Civil War.
14 Topographical regions: It refers to the regions that are divided according to the shape of the surface land. (模七)
1 What does the British Parliament consist of?
The British Parliament consists of the Sovereign, the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
2 What was the goal of the London Working Men’s Association in its struggle?
It aimed “to seek by every legal means to place all classes of society in possession of equal political and social rights.”
3 Why did Chartism fail?
Chartism failed because of its weak and divided leadership, and its lack of coordination with trade unionism. It failed because the working class was still immature, without the leadership of a political party armed with correct revolutionary theory.
4 What are the two established churches in Britain?
They are the Church of England and the Church of Scotland.
5 What was the “Great Compromise” of July 6, 1787?
The Great Compromise gave each state an equal vote in the Senate but made representation in the House reflect the size of each state’s population.
6 What are the geographical features of Australia as a continent?
Australia can be generally divided into three geographical regions- the Great Western Plateau, the Eastern Highlands and the Central Eastern Lowlans.
7 What are the four courts in the U.S. federal judicial system?
They are the Supreme Court, 11courts of appeals, 91 district courts, and three courts of special jurisdiction.
8 What is the big event that happened in England in 1066?
In 1066, England was conquered by the Norman who were led by William the conqueror.
9 What are the important Christian festivals of the year in Britain?
Christmas, Easter, Whit Sunday.
10 What is a “shadow cabinet” in Britain?
The party which wins the second largest number of seats in Parliament becomes the official Opposition and it forms its own “cabinet” known as “shadow cabinet”.
11 Free Churches: the Free Churches are some of the Protestant churches in Britain which are free from government control.
12 the Great Depression: the Great Depression refers to the great economic crisis that hit the whole capitalist world in the 1930s.
13 Black Power: Black Power was a movement of the Black Muslims during the Civil Rights Movement. Contrary to Martin Luther King’s idea, Black Power movement advocated violence and attempted to separated themselves from white society.
14 Maoritanga: Maori culture, the Maori way of life and view of the world. (模八)
1 Who invaded England in the mid-5th century?
The Jutes, Angles and Saxons invaded England in the mid-5th century.
2 Why is King Alfred known as “the father of the British navy”?
Because he founded a strong fleet which first beat the Dane
s at sea and then protected the coasts and encouraged trade.
3 What did the Restoration refer to in English history?
After the death of Cromwell, the regime he established began immediately to collapse 瓦解. The Parliament elected in 1660 decided to solve the Crisis by asking Charles I’s son to return and to become King Charles II. This has been called the Restoration 王朝复辟。
4 What were American wartime objectives during the Second World War?
American wartime objectives were the total destruction of the Axis powers and establishment of a world order after unconditional victory in accord with American ideals and interests.
5 Between 1946 and 1961, more than 63 millions babies were born in the United States. What is this generation known as?
It is known as baby boom.
6 What are the three branches in the U.S. federal government?
They are the legislative, the executive and the judicial branches.
7 What is the capital of the Republic of Ireland?
The capital of the Republic of Ireland is Dublin.
8 What was the Act of Union of Canada (1840)?
The Act of Union reunited the Upper Canada and the Lower Canada in one province.
9 What is Australia known as a multicultural society?
Because Australians are the descendants 后代 of many nations and in recent years Australian governments have encouraged people with different ethnic 种族 background to keep their own culture.
10 How many main island does New Zealand have?
New Zealand has two main islands: North Island and South Island.
11 The English Reformation 改革: It refers to the religious reform in England in the 16th century. As a result, the church of England was established as a state church.
12 the Glorious Revolution: William landed at Torbay on November 15, 1688 and marched upon London. In England this takeover was relatively smooth, with no bloodshed, nor any execution of the King. This became known as the Glorious Revolution.
13 The Bill of Rights: is the term used for the first ten amendments to the Constitution. It guarantees freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and petition, freedom of from unreasonable searches, right to jury trial, right to due process of law and other legal rights.
14 utilitarianism: was the ideal of Jeremy Bentham. He suggested that government’s function should be achieve “the greatest happiness of the greatest number.” It should be done in two ways: government should be efficient and it should interfere
1 What is the rainfall in Britain？
Britain has a steady reliable rainfall throughout the whole year. The average annual 年度的 rainfall in Britain is over 1,000 mm.
2 What did the Industrial Revolution in Britain mean?
The Industrial Revolution refers to the mechanization of industry and the consequent changes in social and economic organization in Britain in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
3 Please write any three of th
e 13 colonies the Britain established along the east coast of North America between 1607 and 1733?
Virginia, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia.
4 How did the black people come to the United States?
The first blacks were brought to North America as slaves in 1619. Then slave trade brought more blacks to North America.
5 What are the reasons for the rapid growth of the community college in America?
The reasons are their open admission policies, cheap tuition and fees, convenient location and flexible curriculum structures.
6 When and where was the first English colony in the America founded?
The first English colony in America was founded at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.
7 What is the weather like in Ireland?
The weather of Ireland is described as “mild, moist and changeable”.
8 How many provinces and territories is Canada made up of?
Canada is made up of ten provinces and two territories.
9 What is the climate of Australia like?
A large part of Australia lies in the tropics and the rest of the continent also has a warm climate. Two thirds of Australia is dry and hot.
10 How many main islands does New Zealand have?
New Zealand has two main islands: North Island and South Island.
11 Black Death: was the modern name given to the deadly bubonic plague.. It spread through Europe in the 14th century. It killed between one half and one third of the population of England.
12 Constitutional Monarchy: is a country in which the head of the state is a King or Queen. In practice, the Sovereign reigns, but not rule.
13 Boston Tea Party: In 1773, when British ships of tea reached Boston, several dozen Boston residents dressed as Indians boarded the ships at night and threw the tea into the harbor.
14 Red Scare: The Red Scare took place in America in 1919and 1920. During the Red Scare many Communists and progressive people were arrested in America. (密二)