Английский язык: Экспресс-репетитор для подготовки к ЕГЭ, «Говорение».
Урок 4: «Англоговорящие страны. Переговоры. Задание 3».

Task 3

Give a talk on Australia.
Remember to discuss:
• what the most famous tourist destinations in Australia are, why
• whether Australia has unique flora and fauna, why
• why Australian Christmas differs from British Christmas and how
• whether you would you like to visit this country, why

In my opinion, the most famous tourist destinations in Australia are its cities such as Canberra, the capital and the most important cultural centre of the country, and Sydney, the biggest city of Australia. Sydney’s main landmarks, the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, personify not only the city, but also the whole Australia. Besides, most visitors are attracted by the beautiful Australian nature and the Great Barrier Reef is among the most popular tourist attractions. It is the largest reef structure and marine park in the world and it has more different species of animals and plants than any other place in the world. The Great Barrier Reef is included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO and is top-visited among scuba divers, explorers and people who just want to admire the underwater life, including the gorgeous colourful corals. Another popular destination is Uluru, which is the world’s largest monolith, and one of Australia’s most famous natural wonders. Not only is the breathtaking rock incredibly impressive due to its size, but also due to the strange colours it reflects back from the sun at different times during the day. The most remarkable sight is at sunset.

Australia was isolated from the other world for a long time and its isolation has had a great effect on the evolution of its flora and fauna. That’s why Australia has unique animals, birds and plants. Another reason for this uniqueness is Australian climate which has greatly affected the animal and plant worlds of this continent. Many unique animals live here such as echidnas and platypuses, kangaroos and koalas, wombats and wallabies. Australia has more than 20,000 species of plants, 90% of which is endemic. Economists often talk about Australia’s mineral wealth, but one of the greatest treasures, its richest heritage is Australian flora and fauna.

Christmas in Australia is quite different from that of the Western World because Australia is ’the land down under’, and when the British celebrate Christmas, Australians have hot summer. That’s why sleigh rides and snowmen are impossible whereas beach time and outdoor activities are quite common. Santa Claus arrives at Australian beaches on a surfboard quite a change from sliding down a chimney! And he often wears a swimming suit or funny baggy shorts. The hot weather also affects the design of the Christmas tree. In Australia the tree is often some stringy shrub. And instead of holly and mistletoe the Australians often use local plants — Christmas bush and Christmas bell.

On the one hand, I would like to visit this extraordinary country because I would like to visit Taronga Zoo, which features the animals you can’t see anywhere in the world except Australia. Besides, I would like to see its most famous sights such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Uluru. And of course I want to swim in the ocean and to see famous Australian beaches. On the other hand, I’m a bit scared of this journey because Australia has lots of venomous snakes and spiders, not to mention sharks in the ocean. What is more, the flight to Australia is very long and it can be rather tiring. But if I had an opportunity to visit Australia, I’ll definitely choose to go.

Questions
1. Why are there five stars on the National Flag of Australia?
2. Why were the Red Kangaroo and the Emu chosen for the Australian Coat of Arms?
3. Will you go to Australia to learn English? Why?
4. What are the most popular sports in Australia? Why?
5. What famous Australians do you know? What are they famous for9