Упр.4 Unit 1 Чтение ГДЗ English Кузовлев 10-11 класс
This is the way Yale Richmond, an American author, describes Russians in his book From Nyet to Da.
Russians are impressed with size and numbers, and much that they do is on a grand scale (высокий уровень). This is not unusual for such a vast country. Russians think and act big. Russians think of themselves as members of the community rather than as individuals. The origin of the Russian communalism lies deep in the vastness of the Great Russian Plain. Nature has not been kind to Russia. Much of European Russia and Siberia is very cold most of the year. In Old Russia, people could do little during winter months. But in spring there was much to be done, and in a short period of time. This explains why Russians often are inactive for long periods of time and then show bursts of energy. The harsh climate explains the Russians’ strength, their ability to overcome hardships, as well as their patience and submission. Climate has also made them cautious. Their cruel climate, harsh history, and sceptical outlook (взгляд) on life have made Russians value (ценить) stability, security, social order, and predictability, and to avoid (избегать) risk. To understand the Russians, one must know where they come from.
(reading for detail) What conclusions does the author come to? Why does he think so?
- Which conclusions of the author do you agree with? Which conclusions do you disagree with? Why?
- How much is the Russian national character influenced by the country geography and climate?
- What do you think about the notion “national character”?
1) The author comes to the conclusion that Russians are impressed with size and numbers, think and act big, and value community rather than individuality. He also says that Russia’s vastness, harsh climate, and difficult history have shaped Russian patience, strength, caution, and their wish for stability and security.
He thinks so because Russia is a huge country with a severe climate, long winters, and a history of hardships. In such conditions people had to work together, be patient, and avoid unnecessary risk.
2) I agree that geography and climate have influenced the Russian character a lot. The long winters and difficult living conditions really taught people to be strong, patient, and careful.
I partly disagree with the idea that all Russians think and act in the same way. National character is a generalization, so different people can have very different personalities.
3) The Russian national character is influenced by geography and climate very much. The vast territory, cold weather, and harsh natural conditions have affected people’s way of life, habits, and values. They have made Russians more collective, resilient, and cautious.
4) I think the notion of “national character” is useful, but it should not be taken too strictly. It can help us understand general tendencies in a nation, but it does not describe every person. Each individual is unique.
