Task 1.

Answer the questions

1. What is the Commonwealth like? The Commonwealth of Nations is an

organization comprising fifty-four states, most of which were formerly part
of the British Empire. It operates without a formal constitution or
international laws but cooperates based on shared values and goals, such as
promoting democracy, human rights, good governance, individual liberty,
equalitarism, free trade, and world peace.

2. What countries are the members of the organization? The members of

the Commonwealth of Nations include fifty-four states, most of which were
once under British rule. Some examples include Australia, Canada, New
Zealand, India, Pakistan, South Africa, and many others.

3. What are the duties and responsibilities of the members? The duties and
responsibilities of Commonwealth members involve cooperation and
adherence to common values and goals, as mentioned earlier. These include
promoting democracy, human rights, good governance, individual liberty,
equalitarism, free trade, and world peace. Members are also expected to
work towards racial justice and oppose racism.

4. What are the benefits of the members? The benefits of being a member of
the Commonwealth include access to a network of diverse nations
collaborating for mutual benefit. Members can share experiences, resources,
and expertise to address common challenges and promote development,
democracy, and peace. Additionally, the Commonwealth provides a
platform for member states to voice their concerns on the global stage and
work together on issues of international importance.

Task 2. Answer the questions.

The Commonwealth of Nations

The countries that were once part of the British Empire have always had a common
bond. Even though they are scattered all around the world, their links with each
other enable them to cooperate. This relationship continues today through
membership of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth works for
equal rights of men and women, and for world peace. It aims to reduce ignorance,
disease and poverty in its member countries. The Commonwealth of Nations has
53 member countries. A total of 2.2 billion people of different races, religions,
languages, and colours live in these countries. The 60th anniversary of the London
Declaration was marked on 26 April 2009 when the modern Commonwealth was
born. Some Commonwealth countries are rich, and some are poor, but all share
certain traditions and skills. Every four years the Commonwealth Games is held in
one of the member countries. The Commonwealth is divided into five sections
which are: American, Africa, Asia, Pacific, and Europe. The Commonwealth of
Nations began in 1947. The head of the Commonwealth is Queen Elizabeth II. In
1965 the Commonwealth Secretariat was set up, to supply information to the
member states and arrange special meetings. It also helps to coordinate activities.
For example, if one country needs someone with specials skills, the Secretariat
finds someone with that skill and arranges contact between the two countries. It
also arranges for students to travel from one country to another for specialist
training. The first members of the Commonwealth were the United Kingdom,
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Irish Free State and Dominion
of Newfoundland. The head of the Commonwealth Secretariat is the Secretary-
General, who is elected by the Commonwealth member states. Each country
provides money to keep the Secretariat running. The head of the member states
meet regularly, at a special Commonwealth Conference called the Commonwealth
Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) attended by the Queen. The
Commonwealth has a special interest in its young people, and in showing them
how important it is to work together. The interest is celebrated on Commonwealth
Day on the second Monday in March. On this day, schools of member countries
learn more about the Commonwealth through assemblies, projects and guest
speakers. A special message from the Queen is read out to the school children.

1. Two things the Commonwealth works for are:

 a. Equal rights of men and women.

b. World peace.

2. The aim of the Commonwealth of Nations is to reduce ignorance, disease,

and poverty in its member countries.

3. The Commonwealth of Nations began in 1947 and currently has 53 member

countries.

4. One reason the Commonwealth Secretariat was set up is to supply

information to member states, arrange special meetings, and coordinate
activities among member countries.

5. The head of the Commonwealth of Nations is Queen Elizabeth II.

6. Three countries that were among the first to join the Commonwealth of
Nations are the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

7. The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth is elected by the

Commonwealth member states. Each country provides money to keep the
Secretariat running, and the head of the member states meet regularly to
discuss Commonwealth affairs.

8. Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday in March. On this

day:

a. Schools of member countries learn more about the Commonwealth

through assemblies, projects, and guest speakers.

b. A special message from the Queen is read out to the school children.