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.
- What conclusions does the author come to? Why does he think so? (reading for detail)
- 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, stability, security, social order, and predictability. He also thinks that Russia’s vast territory, harsh climate, and difficult history have shaped these traits.
2) I agree that geography and climate have influenced the Russian character a lot. I also agree that Russians are often patient and able to overcome hardships. However, I do not think that all Russians are cautious or avoid risk, because people are different.
3) The Russian national character is influenced by geography and climate very much. The long, cold winters, the huge territory, and the difficult living conditions have affected people’s habits, behaviour, and way of thinking.
4) I think the notion of “national character” is useful, but it should not be taken too strictly. It can show some common features of a nation, but every person is individual and may not fit the stereotype.
