牛津译林版新教材高中英语选择性必修三Unit1课文原文.doc

牛津译林版新教材高中英语选择性必修三全册课文原文 U1 Reading Canada is like a blooming flower, unfolding with breathtaking beauty and richness to win the heart of those who enjoy what it has to offer. It is a broad and beautiful country stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse nations in the world with distinct cultures. In the ten provinces and three territories which make up Canada, there is great diversity in geography. To the east of the Pacific coast rise the grand Rocky Mountains, which are home to high peaks and deep valleys carved by ice and water. Ancient, slow-moving glaciers hug the land and a huge variety of wildlife wanders the remote forests. The establishment of national parks makes many of these beautiful places protected areas for the public to visit and enjoy, such as Banff and Jasper National Parks. One truly unique scenic spot in Canada is the mighty Niagara Falls with water rushing over its edge in a splendid display of sights and sounds. Apart from its geographical diversity, Canada’s many rural areas and urban centersreflect the diversity of its residents. Some of Canada’s earliest settlers, who are thought to be ancestors of the indigenous peoples, crossed the Bering Strait by means of a land bridge from a place now known as Siberia. They settled on this vast land thousands of years ago. The first Europeans also started to settle in some of the eastern provinces centuries ago. Today, Canada reflects a vast combination of ethnic backgrounds. About one out of five people in Canada’s population is foreign-born. The major ethnic groups, for example, include the English, Scottish and French, while the minority groups include residents from Singapore and the Pacific Islands. This ethnic variety, in turn, brings about cultural diversity. Should you find yourself in one of these subcultures, languages, cuisine, architecture, art and music will define your encounter. For example, in Vancouver