step by step 第三册 lesson 99（在线收听）

UNIT 50 FILM EXTRACTS Lesson 99 Australia

UNIT 50  FILM EXTRACTS

Lesson 99

Australia

Australia ---- a huge island continent that lies to the south of Asia. Australians ---- a varied people in size, colour and origins. Australia ---- more than two hundred years old, a nation that is still growing.

Its big cities lie on the southeast coast, this is where most Australians live. Australians prefer to own their own houses, though some live in apartments. Australians are a suburban people. The suburbs surround the cities for many miles, and so efficient transport is of great importance. As the economy grows, so do its industries ---- a higher level of production, a wider range of products.

The Australian works hard, but he likes his leisure. The climate makes outdoor activities the most popular.

Canberra, the capital of Australia, is a planned modern city located inland. Australia is governed by a parliamentary democracy. The representatives of other countries have their embassies here. Australia wants to strengthen relations with her neighbours.

Australia is a strange land, a land of vast expanses ---- fertile valleys, snow fields and deserts ---- also a land with unique animals, many that can not be found on any other continent in the world today.

Much of the continent is dry, but man has utilized the land, made it productive, with its tools, with its technology. This is the driest continent of all, and water is a precious possession, more precious than all other natural resources. Large dams are built to collect the water, which is then channelled down to the plains below ---- there to irrigate the fields of pastures and crops.

But Australia is changing. The land of wool and wheat is now a land of large-scale industry and mining. The costs of developing the new mineral discoveries are enormous, but the rewards are great too.

Australia ---- a young and developing nation. Australia a nation that wants to communicate with its neighbours.