Английский язык для специальных и академических целей: Международные отношения и зарубежное регионоведение. Часть 1 - [91]
Since that time, entire generations of Europeans have grown up not understanding the constant battles that once took place between the rival belief systems. Therefore, when they were presented with the idealistic option of a multicultural society, it seemed a good idea. Indeed, the concept was born out of a desire for tolerance and peace.
But history makes one point clear: these two religions do not get along. In fact, they cannot. Today, when EU Christendom and Muslim immigrants alike refuse to give up their respective cultures, it should come as no surprise. These two religions have never budged.
Historical tensions shed new light on the multicultural woes in Europe. Without substantial change, the increasing Muslim presence in Europe could bring back violent clashes of religion.
Europe's changing demographics make this clear. According to Newsweek, the number of deaths is expected to outnumber births in 10 of the 27 member-states in 2015. The article stated that this means, starting in 2015, Europe's population will experience negative natural population growth, and by 2050 the population is projected to decrease by as much as 52 million from its present level. The United Nations has said that Europe needs as many as 1.6 million immigrants per year just to maintain the current population level through to 2050. This represents at least 60 million new residents.
On the other hand, the Muslim population is predicted to soar to 20 percent of the European population by 2050, with countries such as Spain, the United Kingdom and Holland showing even higher increases.
Clearly, for Europe to emerge as an economic superpower, it appears to have one choice — Muslims and Christians must learn to get along.
European policymakers have a tough road ahead of them. How can they find concessions in a millennia-old rivalry between Islam and Christianity? The prospect seems as insurmountable as bringing peace to the Middle East.
Take a step back, and remove Islam from the equation. Despite sharing a similar government, history, culture and religion, the common mode for the 27 European Union member-states is to disagree — about everything. On an international scale, the United Nations attempts to bring peace between countless combinations of ideologies, cultures and government styles. In fact, any two different governments (say communist China and the democratic United States) likely have vastly differing ideas for mankind's future. Despite his best intentions, man cannot find peace.
The Reader
It seems hopeless. History foreshadows that European Muslims will clash with European Christians, EU member-states will disagree, and peace WILL elude mankind.
While the ability to bring world peace lies in reconciling all belief systems and governments, it will not happen as most expect.
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THE MANUAL
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The Manual aims at helping you to master speaking (making presentations and taking part in a debate) and writing (writing essays, summaries, reviews, survey reports) skills. READ IT!
TERM PRESENTATION
Useful tips
1. Choose a topic which is challenging and off the beaten track.
2. Doing research for your presentation bear in mind that the content should be both educational and professionally relevant.
3. Structure your presentation carefully:
— In the introduction tell the audience what your presentation is about and what points you want to make. A slide with an outline of your presentation is a big help.
The Manual
— Make sure each part of your presentation logically follows from another.
— End with a summary of your points.
4. Rehearse your presentation several times: speak out loud to yourself in the shower, in front of the mirror, your family member, your friend, or your dog. Make sure you can keep to the time limit (10 minutes). Think of parts you can leave out if you feel you exceed the time limit.
5. When preparing a power point presentation, follow these suggestions:
— Use big enough typeface to be seen from the back of the room- font 20 to 24.
— Avoid white printing on dark background.
— Do not use too many fancy visual effects or use these as background for text.
— Avoid putting too much text into one slide (5 lines of short phrases).
— Have the title of the presentation, your name and group number on the 1st slide.
— Conclude with a thank-you slide.
6. When making the presentation:
— Stand rather than sit when speaking.
— Do not read your notes or slides, speak.
— Do not speak too fast, make pauses.
— Make eye contact with various members of the audience.
— Move from slide to slide as you deal with a particular point, move on when you've finished talking about it.
— Remain calm, composed and confident in your delivery.
NB: Copying other people's presentations is a serious offence!
Useful language for presentations
To introduce the topic:
