Question 16:
What do you know about the American Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence?
The American Revolution
· In 1756, England and France began to fight the Seven Years' War: French and Indian War.
· The British government argued that Britain had spent large sums of money to defend their American colonies in those wars → the colonists should pay a part of those expenses.
· British government forced the colonist to pay high taxes → unfair
· The colonists refused to obey the British laws → British soldiers were sent to America..
· On April 19, 1775, the American War of Independence began → many colonists felt that it was like brother fighting brother.
· On July 2, 1776, the Congress resolved that "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states."
Declaration of Independence
· Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, assisted by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, drafted Declaration of Independence, which the Congress adopted on July 4, 1776.
· The Declaration officially proclaimed the independence of 13 North American colonies.
· The War of Independence came to an end in 1781 with the victory of North Americans.
· The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783 and Britain had to recognize the independence of the United States. A new American nation was born.
Question 17:
What are the purposes of the American education? What do you know about the educational system in the USA?
· The goal is to achieve universal literacy and to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote both their own individual welfare as well as that of the general public
· Each of the 50 states in the United States has its own laws regulating education → some laws are similar; others are not.
· All states require young people to attend school.
· Every child is guaranteed up to 13 years of education regardless of a child's race, religion, sex, learning problems, physical handicap or inability to speak English.
· American students pass through several levels of schooling
· Elementary School: usually means grades kinder garten(K) through 8
(in some places, only grades K – 6). Grades 4, 5 and 6: "middle grade" school. (elementary grades: "grammar school.")
· Secondary School: generally grades 9 – 12 (popularly called "high school").
In many districts "junior high school": grades 7 - 9.
· All six grades (7-12): "senior high school.”
· Certain subjects are taught in all K to 12 systems across the country.
· Elective courses vary from school to school.
Question 18:
What do you know about the native people living in the icy land in Canada? (their origin, the life in the past and now....)
