9B. Connections & Revelations____Colonies____[Informal]

Rewrite the text using PHRASAL VERBS to replace the underlined words:

If we look at an old map of the world, what stands out is the number of colonies, which the empires of Britain, France and Spain take in. Atlases, which colour in the land areas belonging to these small European nations clearly bring out their dominance on the world stage. In my old school atlas, the colour red went with the areas included in the British Empire. I cannot remember the colours used for territories belonging to other colonial powers, but there was a lot of red.

I enjoy economic history, but when it comes to precise dates my memory is not very good. However, anything to do with conquests and colonial occupation interests me greatly. I can tell you that France conquered England in 1066. There were many colonial invasions in later centuries. The economic motives that characterize Western imperialism take after each other closely. This goes for England's invasion of Canada, France's incursions into many parts of Africa and Spain's expeditions in Latin America.

In the present century, the possession of colonies has become unfashionable. For example, France and Britain could no longer justify the possession of Algeria and Hong Kong. Both powers were turned out. History and economics ensure that many privileged people from former colonies want to emigrate to the mother countries concerned. They are sometimes permitted to do so, though people from poorer social classes are often kept out. Governments are usually reluctant to give away the basis on which decisions about immigration are made.

Include (within boundaries)

Take in

Take action concerning

do about


keep out

Reveal clearly

bring out

Expel, compel to leave

turn out

Reveal (a secret)

give away


cut off

Resemble in features or character

take after

Apply to, be true of

go for


go with

Relating to

(to ) do with

Be noticeable, protrude

stand out

Be a matter or a question of

come to