STATISTICAL COMPARISON OF THE NETHERLANDS AND DENMARK

STATISTICAL COMPARISON OF DENMARK AN D THE NETHERLANDS

Use the internet to find statistical information per 01-01-2004 (if not possible the most recent information) about the two countries.

Make sure that the figures you find are comparable . Sometimes you may have to make some calculations to get comparable figures;

e.g. you can change figures into percentages. Take your time to discuss what the figures mean and how they can be interpreted or explained.

	DENMARK	THE NETHERLANDS
Area
Total population
Population density
Birth rate ,death rate and population growth
BNP per capita
Employment percentage men and women.
Unemployment percentage men and women
Marriages and divorces? How many were married / divorced
Education? How many take a High (university) education?
How many people in the country are of foreign origin?
What percentage concerns illegal foreigners?
Governing party / parties
Immigration policy for foreigners
Do all opposite parties agree with the Policy? Which do and which not?

Controversial statements. Individually

A) Complete the following table indicating which statements you think are true, which false,

or if you are not certain, tick the column headed (?)

T = True F = False ? = don’t know

Women are more sensitive than men

Punishment never does any good

Boys and girls shouldn't have the same education

Married people are happier than unmarried people

People work better when they are paid more

Everyone is basically selfish

Children should not be allowed toy guns

You should always be prepared to die for your country

Men are more competitive than women

All men are created equal

B. In groups / pairs compare your answers and - if possible - reach agreement. In your discussion you have to use some of the words in the boxes below.

Some of the following gambits (prospects) may also be useful:

I honestly feel that.., I strongly believe that.., I'm convinced that.., without a doubt..,

I'm positive..,

I'm absolutely certain that.., In my opinion.., I personally believe / think / feel..,

Perhaps you won't agree with me, but.., To my mind.., What I'm more concerned with is..,

In my case..,

But the question is.., But can't you see.., Don't misunderstand me..,

If I said that, I didn't mean to..,

Let me rephrase what I just said.., That's not what I said at all.., The fact of the matter is..,

There are exceptions, of course.., But what about.., In general.., One exception is..,

You're absolutely right.., I agree.., Rubbish..., That's just not true.., Sorry, I don't follow you..,

I'd like to comment on that. As far as I'm concerned.., On the other hand..,

EXPECTAT IONS What sort of person do you think your parents want you to be?

A. Individually. Write down at least six adjectives that indicate qualities your parents would like you to have. You may use some of the words below.

Vocabulary: affectionate altruistic ambitious assertive compassionate considerate good-looking courageous curious determined docile energetic fearless frank friendly generous hard-working well-dressed honest imaginative just kind-hearted modest obedient open-minded outgoing passionate popular patient proud rational reserved resolute reliable self-confident sensible sensitive sincere strong-willed stubborn tolerant tough truthful famous patriotic rich eager romantic faithful

1.___________________________________________________

2.___________________________________________________

3.___________________________________________________

4.___________________________________________________

5.___________________________________________________

6.._____________________________________________________________

B. Group work (Dutch and Danish students)

1. Compare, discuss and rank your suggestions according to the qualities you find most important.

2. Rank only 3. (You should try to agree. If you cannot, the majority is decisive)

Write your results down .

1. ___________________________________

2.. __________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

3. You have been working with values. Have you noticed any differences between Dutch and Danish attitudes in your priorities?

4. Are there any of the words above that have not been mentioned at all? If so, why?