REVISION ( BRITISH CULTURE)

1. What do you know about the UK? Distinguish England from Britain.

• The United Kingdom (UK):

o Full Name: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
o Composed Of: Four countries - England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
o Capital: London (England), Edinburgh (Scotland), Cardiff (Wales), Belfast
(Northern Ireland).
o Government: Constitutional monarchy with King Charles III as the head of state
and a parliamentary system (Thể chế Đại nghị ) .
o Economy: One of the world's largest economies, with significant sectors in
finance, healthcare, technology, and education.
o Founded in 1801; located off the northwestern coast of Europe.
o Cultural Heritage: Known for English literature, music, theater (Shakespeare, The
Beatles), and sports (football, cricket).
o Flag: Union Jack - a combination of the flags of England, Scotland, and Northern
Ireland.
• Distinction between England and Britain:
o England: A country within the UK, located in the southern part of Great Britain,
with London as its capital.
o Britain: Refers to the island containing England, Scotland, and Wales.

2. What is England/ Wales/ Scotland/ Northern Ireland famous for?

• England is the southern part of Great Britain and the largest country in the UK. London,
the capital of both England and the United Kingdom, is a vast metropolitan area and a
global hub of finance, fashion, and culture. Many well-known English figures have made
significant contributions to history, including William Shakespeare, Sir Isaac Newton,
and Queen Victoria. England is home to famous cities like London, Bristol, and
Liverpool. The country has many hills and plains, forming meadowlands and pastures.
Uplands include the Pennine chain, known as the "backbone of England." The highest
point in England is Scafell Pike (977 meters) in the northwest. The northeast features the
rugged landscape of the Yorkshire Moors, while the southwest is home to the upland
moors of Dartmoor and Exmoor.
• Wales is on the western side of Great Britain and is a principality (without the head of a
King or Queen), ruled by a prince. The Seven Wonders of Wales is a traditional list of
seven geographic and cultural landmarks: Snowdon (the highest mountain), the Gresfo rd
 Bells (the peal of bells in the medieval church of All Saints at Gresford), the Llangollen
Bridge (built over the River Dee), St. Winefride's Well (a pilgrimage site at Holywell in
Flintshire), the Wrexham Steeple (the 16th-century tower of St. Giles Church in
Wrexham), the Overton Yew Trees (ancient yew trees in the churchyard of St. Mary's at
Overton-on-Dee), and Pistyll Rhaeadr (Wales's tallest waterfall, at 240 feet or 75 meters).
• Scotland has over 790 islands, divided into four main groups: Shetland, Orkney, and the
Hebrides, which are further divided into the Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides. Scotland
is located in the northern part of Great Britain. The highest mountain in the British Isles is
found here: Ben Nevis, the highest peak at 1,344 meters (4,409 feet). Scotland’s most
famous lake is Loch Ness, which is famously associated with the Loch Ness Monster, or
“Nessie.” Scotland is also known for its clans, kilts, medieval cast les, as well as the
poetry and songs of Robert Burns. Theatre lovers from around the world flock to
Edinburgh for its famous theatre festival, the Edinburgh Festival. Famous Scottish people
include Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and actor Sean C onnery.
• Northern Ireland consists of six northeastern counties on the island of Ireland and is part
of the UK. The landscape is mostly hilly, and the province is surrounded by sea to the
north and east, by the Republic of Ireland (counties Donegal to the west and Cavan and
Monaghan to the south). The highest point in Northern Ireland is Slieve Donard (852
meters). Lough Neagh, located in Northern Ireland, is the largest lake in the UK and one
of the largest in Europe. Northern Ireland is famous for many places of interest, including
Belfast City, the Mourne Mountains, Lough Neagh, Lough Erne, Strangford Lough,
Carlingford Lough, the Giant's Causeway, the Glens of Antrim, Fermanagh Lakeland, the
Sperrin Mountains, National Parks, National Trust Properties, Dromore in County Down,
and more.

3. Why has the UK Government encouraged immigration communities to speak their

own languages and English?
The UK government has encouraged immigrant communities to speak their own languages
and English for several reasons:
• Speaking English is crucial for immigrants to integrate into British society and to fully
participate in the country's social, economic, and political life. However, it is also
important for immigrants to maintain their own languages and cultures, as this can help to
foster a sense of belonging and identity.
• The UK is a multicultural society, and the government recognizes the importance of
respecting and celebrating the diversity of its citizens. Encouraging immigrants to speak
their own languages and maintain their own cultures is a way of promoting
multiculturalism and diversity.
• Immigrants who are able to speak both English and their own languages are often better
equipped to navigate the challenges of living in a new country. They are also better able
to communicate with family members and friends who may not speak English.
• Many immigrant children grow up speaking languages other than English at home.
Encouraging these children to maintain their own languages can help them to develop
strong language skills, which can be an asset in the global economy.

4. Why is standard English with an RP accent the usual model for people learning
British English as a foreign language? What justification can you find for this practice?

Standard English with an RP (Received Pronunciation) accent is commonly used as a model

for learners of British English because it is considered clear, neutral, and widely understood.
Historically, RP was associated with the educated and elite in Britain, gaining prestige
through its use in schools, the BBC, and government. This made it seem like the "correct"
way to speak English. RP is also easier to teach and learn because it avoids the strong
regional accents found in the UK, and most textbooks, exams, and learning resources are
based on it. Additionally, RP is often heard in British media, making it familiar to learners
worldwide. However, as English becomes a global language, teachers now encourage
understanding a variety of accents, focusing on communication rather than copying one
specific way of speaking.

5. Give your comment on the British Parliament.

The British Parliament is one of the oldest democratic systems in the world and plays a
central role in the UK's government. It is made up of two parts: the House of Commons,
where elected Members of Parliament (MPs) represent the people, and the House of Lords,
which is not elected and includes experts, bishops, and some hereditary members. Parliament
makes laws, checks the government's work, and ensures the voices of the public are heard. It
also controls government spending to ensure money is used responsibly. While it is admired
for its long history and influence, some people criticize the House of Lords for being
unelected and question whether it truly represents modern democracy. Despite these
challenges, the British Parliament remains a key part of the UK's political system and has
inspired many other countries' governments around the world.
6. Why does the British Prime Minister continue to ADVISE and REQUEST the
monarch, when everybody knows that (s)he is telling the monarch what to do?
Theoretically, the Monarch has important roles such as appointing important office holders
including The Prime Ministers, governors, diplomats, judges... The Queen also receives her
officials and ministers in the UK and abroad..., present at treaty signings. However, in fact,
The Prime Minister is the head of government and is ultimately responsible for the policy
and decisions of the government. The Prime Minister presides over the Cabinet and is
responsible for allocating functions among ministers, has regular meetings with the Queen to
inform her of the general business of the Government and recommends a number o f
appointments to the Queen (including senior clergy).

7. What are the outstanding features of the ENGLISH education system?

The English education system has several outstanding features that make it unique and
influential worldwide.

1. Compulsory Education: Education is mandatory for children from the ages of 5 to 18,
ensuring that everyone gets a basic level of learning.
2. Early Emphasis on Foundation Skills: In primary education (ages 5-11), the focus is on
building strong skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, along with a broad range of
subjects.
3. Diverse School Types: The system includes various types of schools, such as state-
funded schools, academies, grammar schools, and private (independent) schools, giving
parents and students more choices.
4. National Curriculum: Most schools follow a standardized curriculum, ensuring
consistency in what is taught across the country, particularly in core subjects like English,
math, and science.
5. Key Stages and Assessments: Education is divided into Key Stages (1 to 5), with regular
assessments, such as SATs at the end of Key Stage 2, and GCSEs (General Certificate of
Secondary Education) taken by students at age 16.
6. Focus on Specialization: After age 16, students can specialize in subjects of their choice
by pursuing A-levels, vocational courses, or apprenticeships, preparing them for
university or careers.
7. World-Renowned Universities: England is home to prestigious institutions like Oxford
and Cambridge, known for their high academic standards and rich traditions, attracting
students globally.
8. Support for International Students: The education system is designed to welcome
international students, offering programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB) and
courses in English for non-native speakers.
9. Innovation in Teaching: Schools and universities often adopt innovative teaching
methods, combining traditional approaches with modern technologies to enhance learning
experiences.
[Link] Opportunities: Schools emphasize the importance of extracurricular
activities like sports, arts, and community service, helping students develop well-rounded
skills.
These features make the English education system both structured and flexible, offering
students a balance of academic rigor and personal growth opportunities.

8. Give your comment on the ENGLISH education system ( kinds of schools, school
levels, curriculum, qualifications, management, etc.) .
• The UK education system is worldwide reputed for its high quality and standards. In
general, the British education system has five stages: early years, primary education,
secondary education, Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE). Everybody,
aged over 5 and under 16 is obliged to attend school. This aging time frame contains two
sections of the education system in UK: Primary and Secondary School. Primary and
secondary education is mandatory in the UK. After age 16, education is optional.
• Curriculum: All state schools in the United Kingdom must provide religious education,
but parents have the right to withdraw their children from these classes. Sex and
relationship education, including education about HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases, is compulsory in UK secondary schools and voluntary in primary
schools. Great flexibility enable schools to provide a curriculum appropriate to the needs
of individual pupils and greater emphasis on the content. There are four Key Stages
covering the ages of compulsory schooling. Key Stages 1 and 2 are studied in primary
schools, and Stages 3 and 4 in secondary school
• Examinatiosn and Qualifications: Examinations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
are typically taken at the following ages
o 16- General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE);
o 17- General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary (AS level)
o 18- General Certificate of Education Advanced (A level).
o In Scotland, the National Qualifications (NQ) Framework covers Standard Grade
(usually taken at age 16); and Access, Intermediate 1 and 2, Higher and Advanced
Higher qualifications (usually taken at ages 17 and 18).
• Management:
o LEAs are responsible for a pre-16 provision in Great Britain and they fund schools
largely on the basis of pupil numbers.
o The DfES funds post-16 education institutions directly.
o Specific central government grants are made to LEAs in Great Britain to improve
school performance in literacy, numeracy and ICT

9. What do the three branches of the UK Government do?

The UK government is composed of three branches, each with its own distinct
responsibilities:
• The executive branch: comprises all official and public authorities (including local
authorities) that govern the UK, from initiating and implementing legislation to the
running of local and national services
• The legislative branch: is made up of the House and Senate, known collectively as the
Congress. The legislative branch makes all laws, declares war, regulates interstate and
foreign commerce and controls taxing and spending policies.
• The judiciary branch: works alongside the executive and legislative branches to uphold
the laws. The judiciary's role is to ensure laws are properly implemented. It does this by
interpreting the law and then enforcing it.
10. How many types of family patterns are there in the UK? Which is your favourite ?
Why?
There are 7 types of family patterns: Nuclear family, extended family, single-parent family,
childless family, grandparent- grandchild family, blended family, homosexual family. My
favorite is extended family, family with parents, 2 or more children with grandparents and
relatives. This type of family is very close, with grandparents and relatives helping to look
after and take care of the children when their parents are away, busy, the children do not feel
lonely, all members share the housework with each other. Giving ideas to each other,
grandparents pass on customs and habits to their children.
11. Explain the functions of the House of Commons.
The House of Commons has many important functions. These include scrutiny, legislation,
representation, debate and recruitment of government.
• Legislation is the main function, as it is the job of the House of Commons to introduce
and pass bills. Parliament collectively makes law, but it is mainly the government that
introduces and passes legislation
• The second function is scrutiny, where the government must explain and defend its
actions to the House of Commons.
• The final function of the House of Commons is recruitment of government. The Prime
Minister picks the cabinet, and these ministers are mainly chosen from the House of
Commons
12. In what ways are British pubs different from typical cafes and bars in your
country?
British pubs are different from typical cafes and bars in Vietnam in several ways, especially
in terms of atmosphere, timing, and social function. Pubs in the UK are social hubs for
people of all ages, where families visit during the day for hearty meals like fish and chips,
and older people or young adults enjoy drinks in the evening. The atmosphere is cozy and
relaxed, often with events like quiz nights or live music, and pubs stay open late, making
them a place for long visits and socializing into the early hours. In contrast, cafes in Vietnam
focus mainly on coffee and tea and are popular across all ages, especially in the morning and
afternoon. People often go to cafes for casual socializing or relaxation, and they typically
close by 9-10 PM. Bars in Vietnam, which cater mostly to young adults and adults, open in
the evening and stay open late, offering drinks and entertainment. While British pubs are
centered around food, drink, and community interaction, cafes and bars in Vietnam are more
about quick drinks, coffee culture, and nightlife.
13. Do you think that the British welfare state is successful in giving help to everyone
who needs it?
The British welfare state is a system of social welfare programs and policies that aim to
provide support and assistance to those in need. It includes a range of programs such as
healthcare, education, housing, and social security. Employed people have to pay taxes and
be spent on social welfare such as welfare for children and pregnant women, benefits for
disabled and sick people, unemployment and people who have a meager income. While the
welfare state has been successful in providing support to many peop le in the UK, there are
still some who fall through the cracks or face barriers in accessing the services they need.
For example, some people may not be aware of the programs available or may face
eligibility requirements that prevent them from accessing support.
14. What are the functions of the UK Press? What are the national newspapers like?
The UK press has several important roles, such as informing the public, shaping opinions,
holding the government and businesses accountable, and providing entertainment. It keeps
people updated on news, politics, and global events while offering opinion pieces that help
shape public views. Newspapers also investigate issues like corruption and injustice. In
addition, they provide entertainment sections with sports, celebrity gossip, and lifestyle
content, and they serve as platforms for advertising. National newspapers in the UK vary in
style and audience. For example, The Times is serious and conservative, while The Guardian
is progressive and liberal. The Daily Telegraph is traditional and center-right, while The Sun
is a tabloid known for sensational stories. The Mirror has a left-wing stance, and The
Independent offers a more liberal viewpoint. Each newspaper plays a different role in how it
informs and entertains its readers.
15. In your opinion, what bank holiday is the most popular with British people?
Describe it in detail. Is it similar to a certain holiday/ festival in your country?
New Year's Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom (UK) and falls on January 1st.
People in the UK typically celebrate the New Year from the evening of December 31st to
January 1st. New Year's Eve, on December 31st, is the last day before the New Year begins.
In many places, people go to parties, bars, or restaurants with friends in the evening.
Sometimes, they gather outside in a large square. Just before midnight, people watch as Big
Ben strikes to mark the arrival of the New Year, and together, they count down t he last ten
seconds to welcome it. At midnight, they stand in a circle, join hands, and sing the traditional
song "Auld Lang Syne." Some people open the back door to let the old year out and invite
the first dark-haired man to enter through the front door, carrying bread, salt, and coal. This
symbolizes wishing for enough food (bread), enough money (salt), and warmth (coal) in the
coming year. Many people also drink champagne, light fireworks, or dance until the sun
rises.

New Year's Day, on January 1st, is the first day of the New Year. It is a holiday for most
people, and banks and many shops remain closed. Many people have parties at home, relax,
or go out. There is also a popular tradition of exchanging New Year gifts and wishing each
other well. Most people return to work on January 2nd, but in Scotland, they enjoy two days
of holiday and return to work on January 3rd. During this time, many people make New
Year's Resolutions, deciding to do something different to improve themselves in the coming
year. When people see their friends for the first time in the New Year, they usually say
"Happy New Year!"

In Vietnam, the New Year holiday often falls in February because Vietnamese people use
the Chinese calendar. It is called Tết holiday and lasts for five days. New Year's Eve is
surrounded by traditions and superstitions meant to ward off evil and ensure good luck in the
coming year. Vietnamese people eat traditional cakes, such as "Chưng" cakes and "Tết"
cakes, made from rice, pork, and green beans. Tết is not only a celebration of the arrival of
spring and an occasion to honor one's ancestors, but it is also a time for family reunions.
Family members return to their homeland to gather and enjoy the holiday together.

16. What can you say about the trends in the ENGLISH education system? Is it moving
towards greater or lesser uniformity?

The English education system is changing in ways that offer both more variety and some
standard rules. On one hand, there are more types of schools now, like academies, grammar
schools, and faith-based schools, giving students and parents more choices. Some schools
also focus on specific subjects like science or the arts. On the other hand, there is a push for
more consistency, especially with exams like GCSEs and A-levels, which are the same for
all students. Schools are also regularly checked by Ofsted to make sure they are meeting
standards. Technology in education is helping both standardize and personalize learning,
allowing for both uniformity and flexibility. Overall, the system is balancing more choice
with some rules to ensure every student gets a fair education.

17. What is the Simple Majority System of voting in the UK ?

The Simple Majority System (also known as First-Past-the-Post or FPTP) is the voting
system used in the UK for general elections. In this system, each constituency elects one
Member of Parliament (MP) to represent them in the House of Commons. Here's how it
works:

1. One Vote per Person: Each voter can choose one candidate from the list of
candidates running in their constituency.
2. Whoever Gets the Most Votes Wins: The candidate who receives the most votes in a
constituency wins the seat, even if they don't get more than half of the votes (just the
highest number of votes compared to other candidates).
3. No Need for a Majority: A candidate doesn’t need to win more than half the votes—
just more than any other candidate. This means the winner could have less than 50%
of the vote if the other candidates split the remaining votes.

For example, in a constituency with 3 candidates:

• Candidate A gets 40% of the vote,

• Candidate B gets 35% of the vote,
• Candidate C gets 25% of the vote. Candidate A would win, even though they didn't
get more than half the votes.

This system is simple and quick but can sometimes result in outcomes where the winner does
not have the support of the majority of voters.

18. British culture is being enriched through its contact with other cultures. Explain
this.

British culture is being enriched through its contact with other cultures in many ways. The
UK has long been a place of immigration, with people from all over the world bringing their
traditions, food, languages, and customs. This mixing of cultures has ma de British culture
more diverse and vibrant. For example, British cuisine has been influenced by dishes from
countries like India, Italy, and China, making food in the UK more varied and exciting.
Music, art, fashion, and language have also been enriched by global influences. British pop
culture, such as music and film, often blends elements from different cultures, creating new
and unique forms of entertainment. Additionally, the UK’s multicultural society has led to a
greater understanding and appreciation of different traditions and values, making the culture
more inclusive and open-minded. Overall, the contact with other cultures has helped British
culture grow and evolve, making it more dynamic and diverse.

19. Is Easter Sunday a festival or a holiday in the UK? Describe it.

In the UK, Easter Sunday is both a religious festival and a public holiday. It is celebrated
by Christians as the day that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a central event
in Christian belief. It typically involves church services, prayers, and family gatherings.

As a festival, Easter is a time for religious observance and reflection. Many people attend
church services, and some take part in special activities like Easter egg hunts, where children
search for hidden chocolate eggs. The Easter bunny, a symbol of new life, is also associated
with the celebration.

As a holiday, Easter Sunday is part of a longer Easter weekend, which includes Good Friday
(the day before Easter Sunday) and Easter Monday (the day after). Good Friday and Easter
Monday are both public holidays in the UK, meaning many people have time off work.
While Easter Sunday is mainly a religious observance, the whole weekend is seen as a time
for rest, family, and celebrations. Many people use the holiday to spend time with family or
go on short trips.

Easter is also a time when many shops and businesses have special sales, and traditional
foods like lamb and chocolate eggs are enjoyed.

20. What are major changing values and norms of the British family?

The values and norms of the British family have changed a lot over time. Families are now
more diverse, with many different types of family structures, such as single-parent families,
same-sex families, and stepfamilies. Gender roles have also shifted, wit h both men and
women sharing responsibilities for work and childcare. Marriage is no longer the only option
for couples, and many choose to live together without getting married. Divorce has become
more common and is less stigmatized than before. Families today focus more on having a
good work-life balance, with flexible working hours and remote work becoming more
common. Parenting styles have also changed, with parents now focusing more on involving
their children in decisions and supporting their emotional well-being. Lastly, while families
today often live more independently, they still maintain close relationships across
generations, and caregiving between family members is becoming more important. These
changes reflect the broader shifts in society, such as the rise of gender equality and more
focus on individual choices.