Text 7. The Flag of Canada

.The National Flag of Canada or the Maple Leaf is a flag consisting of a red field with white square in the centre. In the middle of the centre there is an 11-pointed red maple leaf. Adopted in 1956 to replace the Union Flag, it became the first independent country's national flag. In 1964, the Prime Minister appointed a committee to resolve the issue about a flag change. Out of three choices, the maple leaf based on the flag of the Royal Military College of Canada, was selected. The flag made its first official appearance on February 15, 1965; the date is now celebrated annually as National Flag of Canada Day. Many different flags have been created for use by Canadian officials, government bodies, and military forces. Most of these flags contain the maple leaf motif in some fashion, either by having the Canadian flag charged in the canton, or by including maple leaves in the design. The Royal Union Flag is also an official flag in Canada. The maple leaf has served as a symbol celebrating the nature and environment of what is now Canada since the 18th century.

Text 8. The Symbols of Europe

The flag of Europe is the symbol not only of the European Union but also of Europe's unity and identity in a wider sense. The circle of gold stars represents solidarity and harmony between the peoples of Europe.

The number of stars has nothing to do with the number of Member States. There are twelve stars because the number twelve is traditionally the symbol of perfection, completeness and unity. The flag therefore remains unchanged regardless of the EU enlargements.

The anthem of the European Union

The melody comes from the Ninth Symphony composed in 1823 by Ludwig Van Beethoven. In 1985, it was adopted by the EU heads of State and government as the official anthem of the European Union. In 1972, the Council of Europe (the same body that designed the European flag) adopted Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" theme as its own anthem. The well-known conductor Herbert Von Karajan was asked to write three instrumental arrangements - for solo piano, for wind instruments and for symphony orchestra. Without words, in the universal language of music, this anthem expresses the ideals of freedom, peace and solidarity for which Europe stands.

The motto of the European Union

The motto of the European Union is “ United in diversity”. The motto means that, via the EU, Europeans are united in working together for peace and prosperity, and that the many different cultures, traditions and languages in Europe are a positive asset for the continent.

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Abbreviations

ПРИЛОЖЕНИЕ 1.

ГРАММАТИКА

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