REVISION ( BRITISH CULTURE)

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

- United Kingdom, an island country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. The United
Kingdom comprises the whole island of Great Britain—which contains England, Wales, and Scotland—as
well as the northern portion of the island of Ireland. The name Britain is sometimes used to refer to the
United Kingdom as a whole. The capital is London, which is among the world’s leading commercial,
financial, and cultural centres. The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary
democracy. Keir Starmer is the current Prime Minister. The UK is a constitutional monarchy, with King
Charles III as its head of state, and a parliamentary democracy. The UK's scenic landscapes include the
Scottish Highlands, Lake District, and Cornwall’s coastlines. Celebrations include Christmas, Easter, and
Bonfire Night, with unique festivals like Glastonbury and Hogmanay in Scotland.
- England is a country within the United Kingdom (UK), situated in the southern part of the island of Great
Britain. It shares borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west. Britain, or more accurately
"Great Britain," is a geographical term that includes the island comprising England, Scotland, and Wales.
Great Britain is part of the UK, including Northern Ireland, located on the neighbouring island of Ireland.

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

England is renowned for its historic landmarks like the Tower of London, Stonehenge, and its capital,
London—a global centre for culture, finance, and the arts. England is also famous for its literary giants
like Shakespeare and the origins of afternoon tea.

Wales is known for its scenic landscapes, including Snowdonia National Park, and its rich Celtic heritage.
Castles are plentiful here, as is the traditional Welsh language and music.

Scotland is famous for its Highlands, whisky distilleries, and the Edinburgh Festival. It’s the birthplace of
iconic cultural symbols like kilts, bagpipes, and the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

Northern Ireland is known for the Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Belfast museum, and beautiful coastal
scenery. It also has a vibrant music and art scene, influenced by Irish traditions.

3. Why has the UK Government encouraged immigration communities to speak their own
languages and English?

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 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 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?

Received Pronunciation, also known as "RP," is a British accent known as the "Standard British"
accent. It is spoken mostly in London and South East England but is also the accent most often
used in formal education and the media (such as news broadcasts). It is also used for phonetic
pronunciations in all British dictionaries.
Standard English with an RP accent is taught to foreign learners of English to make their
conversations understandable to the largest audience possible without any confusion or loss of
information. The knowledge of Standard English allows people to communicate efficiently and
makes people think very highly of the person at hand. Especially for teaching English it is quite
useful to talk about varieties of a language, as it encourages a reflective behaviour towards
language. Considering these advantages, the logical conclusion is to use RP as a model for
foreign language teaching, which is apparently the case because it is “the kind of English that
foreigners want to learn”.
5. Give your comment on the British Parliament.

The British Parliament impresses as a fascinating blend of tradition and modern governance. Its structure,
with the elected House of Commons and the appointed House of Lords, reflects both democratic
principles and the preservation of historical roles. The passionate debates in the Commons showcase a
commitment to transparency and accountability, often setting a high standard for democratic discourse.

However, the House of Lords raises mixed opinions. While many appreciate the expertise it brings, some
view its unelected status as undemocratic in an era favoring full representation. Overall, Parliament’s
resilience and adaptability make it a respected institution, balancing the UK's rich history with
contemporary governance. It’s a model that combines historical depth with functional effectiveness, albeit
with room for reform.

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, monarchs have the power to summon, and dissolve Parliament, and give Royal Assent to
legislation passed by the UK. Besides he/she can appoint important officeholders including the Prime
Minister and another government minister. He/she also confers peerages, knighthoods, and other honours.
She/He has the power to declare and make peace, recognize foreign states and conclude treaties. But in
reality, the Prime Minister is the head of government, every decision must be suggested and decided by
him. He is ultimately responsible for the policy and decisions of the government. The Prime Minister
presides over the meetings with the monarch to inform her/him of the general business of the Government
and recommend a number of appointments to The Monarch. He also represents the UK at major
international events. Therefore, the King/Queen has to ask the Prime Minister for advice or requests
7. What are the outstanding features of the ENGLISH education system?

Types of Schools State Schools (funded by local authority/government)

Independent Schools (privately funded, charge fees)
Academic Year September - July
Term Structure Autumn Term: Early September - Mid December (Half-term: Late
October)
Spring Term: Early January - Easter (Half-term: Mid February)
Summer Term: Easter - Mid July (Half-term: Late May/Early June)
School Levels Primary School (Key Stages 1-2, ages 5-11)
Secondary School (Key Stages 3-4, ages 11-18)
School Management State Schools: Maintained by Local Education Authorities (LEAs) in
England and Wales, funded based on pupil numbers
Post-16 Education: Funded directly by the Department for Education
and Skills (DfES)
School Schedule Monday to Friday, usually from before 9 am to 3-4 pm (longer hours
for older students)
No half-days
1.25-hour lunch break
Holidays Summer Break, Christmas Break, Easter Break, Bank Holidays
Teaching Approach Student-centred learning

8. Give your comment on the ENGLISH education system ( kinds of schools, school levels,
curriculum, qualifications, management, etc.) .

- State school: State schools are classified into three broad categories (Community schools, Foundation
Schools, Voluntary Schools)
- Independent schools: In England the ISI inspects schools in the ISC every six years, using criteria
approved by Ofsted and the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).
- Primary schools: all children must attend school no later than the start of the term after the 15th
birthday. Primary schools consist mainly of infant schools for children aged 5 to 7, junior schools for
those aged 7 to 11, or combined junior and infant schools for both age groups.
- Secondary schools: secondary pupils attended comprehensive schools. There general take pupils
without reference to ability or aptitude, providing a wide range of secondary education for all or most
of the children in a district.
- Every school will have a special curriculum
- Organization of compulsory school year
- Administration and management: State schools in England are maintained by LEAS. Universities and
higher education colleges are legally independent corporate institutions with individual governing
bodies. A number of government departments are responsible for education policy: The DfES in
England.
 In my opinion, having two types of school is very suitable for people in the UK, they will feel the cost
is reasonable and have a choice between public and private schools for their children.

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?

Types of family Advantages Disadvantages

Nuclear Family - Close bond between parents - Limited support network.
and children.
-Clear family structure and
roles.
Extended Family - Broader support network - Possible conflicts between
(financial, emotional, childcare). family members.
- Close connection with - Lack of privacy, crowded
grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc. living situations.
Single-Parent Family - Strong parent-child bond. - Emotional challenges from
- Flexibility in decision-making. single-handed parenting.
Childless Family - More financial freedom and - Potential feelings of isolation
career focus. or lack of purpose
- Less daily stress and - No direct experience of raising
responsibility. children.

Grandparent-Grandchild Family - Emotional support from - Potential generation gap and

grandparents. differences in parenting styles.
- Stability and safety for - Grandparents may face
children. physical and emotional
exhaustion.
Blended Family - Expands family support - Possible conflicts between
network. step-siblings or stepparents.
- Children can benefit from - Adjustment difficulties with
additional parental figures. new family dynamics.
Homosexual Family - Promotes diversity and - Facing societal prejudice or
acceptance. discrimination.
- Strong emotional bonds, - Legal and social challenges (in
 similar to heterosexual families. some countries).

11. Explain the functions of the House of Commons.

The House of Commons is one of the two houses of the UK Parliament, and its main functions are:

- The House of Commons represents the people of the UK by providing a platform for elected Members of
Parliament (MPs) to voice their constituents’ concerns and opinions.
- MPs are elected to represent their constituencies, introduce and debate bills, and make decisions on their
behalf. The House of Commons is responsible for proposing and passing legislation; once a bill is
approved, it goes to the House of Lords for further review.
- MPs scrutinize government actions by questioning ministers on policies and holding them accountable.
- the House of Commons approves the government’s budget, debating and voting to ensure responsible
public spending.
- Members of the House of Commons represent their constituencies and their interests. They can raise
issues that are important to their constituents and work to ensure that their voices are heard in Parliament.

12. In what ways are British pubs different from typical cafes and bars in your country?

British Pubs Vietnamese Cafes and Bars

Atmosphere Cozy, community-centred, social Relaxed or lively; often a mix of
socializing and working
Primary Beverages Beer, cider, whiskey Coffee, tea, cocktails
Food Hearty pub food like fish and Light snacks like bánh mì, rice
chips, pies dishes
Function Socializing, community bonding Relaxation, socializing, working
Popular Activities Conversations, watching sports Chatting, working, sometimes live
music

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 people 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 functions of the UK Press:

 Informing the public: The press informs the public about current events, news, and issues that affect
society. This includes local, national, and international news.

Investigating and reporting: The press investigates and reports on issues and events that might not be
covered by other media outlets. Investigative journalism is an important function of the press in the UK.

Holding those in power accountable: The press holds those in power accountable by reporting on their
actions and decisions, and by exposing any wrongdoing or corruption.

Opinion and commentary: The press provides a platform for opinion and commentary on a wide range of
issues, allowing for debate and discussion in the public sphere.

- The national press consists of 11 morning daily papers and 11 Sunday papers. National newspapers are
often described as broadsheet or tabloid papers on the basis of differences in informants, style, and
content. Many newspapers have colour pages and most produce extensive supplements as part of their
Saturday or Sunday editions

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 UK, celebrated from the evening of December 31st to January
1st. On New Year’s Eve, people often gather at parties, bars, or squares, counting down the final seconds
to midnight as Big Ben strikes. At midnight, they join hands to sing *Auld Lang Syne* and may open the
back door to let the old year out. Tradition calls for a dark-haired man to enter with bread, salt, and coal,
symbolizing wishes for food, money, and warmth in the year ahead. Many enjoy fireworks, champagne,
or dancing. January 1st is a day for relaxation, gift-giving, and making New Year’s resolutions. In
Scotland, celebrations last through January 2nd.

In Vietnam, the New Year holiday often falls in February because Vietnamese people use the Chinese
calendar. It is called Tet holiday and lasts 5 days. New Year’s Eve is surrounded by traditions and
superstitions that supposedly ward off evil and ensure good luck in the New Year. Vietnamese people eat
traditional cakes : “Chung” cakes and “Tet” cakes that are made from rice, pork and green beans. Not
only is Tet a celebration of the arrival of spring and an occasion to pay respects to one's ancestors, it is
also a great opportunity for family to come together. Family members will return to their homeland for a
reunion and to savour the flavours of the holiday

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 balancing trends toward both uniformity and diversification. Uniformity
is reinforced through the National Curriculum, standardized exams (GCSEs and A-levels), and strong
accountability measures from Ofsted. The rise of academies has also standardized many educational
practices, with a focus on core subjects like English, mathematics, and science. However, there is a
parallel trend toward diversification. Increased options in secondary education, including vocational
pathways like T-levels and apprenticeships, offer flexibility beyond traditional academic routes.
Additionally, various school types—such as free schools, grammar schools, and faith schools—bring
unique educational approaches, especially in secondary education. Attention to special educational needs
(SEN) has further encouraged personalization, allowing individualized learning experiences.

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

The Simple Majority System, also known as "First-Past-the-Post" (FPTP), is the primary voting system
used in UK general elections. In this system, voters cast a single vote for a candidate in their local
constituency. The candidate with the highest number of votes in each constituency wins a seat in the
House of Commons, representing that area as a Member of Parliament (MP). This process repeats across
all constituencies in the UK, and the party that wins the most seats overall typically forms the
government.

One key feature of FPTP is that a candidate only needs more votes than any other candidate in their
constituency to win—not necessarily a majority (over 50%) of all votes cast. This system is
straightforward but has been criticized for potentially underrepresenting smaller parties and creating
“safe” seats where the same party wins consistently. It often favors larger parties and generally leads to
single-party majority governments.

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

The influence of diverse communities, from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond, has
expanded British traditions, cuisine, language, and the arts.

Cuisine is a prime example; dishes like curry, pizza, and sushi are now as commonplace as fish and chips,
reflecting tastes from across the world. Festivals from different cultures, such as Diwali, Chinese New
Year, and Eid, are celebrated nationwide, fostering inclusivity and understanding.

In the arts, British music, film, and fashion increasingly incorporate global influences, creating unique
styles and genres. Language, too, has been enriched by loanwords from numerous languages, reflecting
this cultural diversity.

In language, British English has absorbed words and phrases from many languages—like “bungalow”
from Hindi, “lager” from German, and “karaoke” from Japanese—reflecting the diversity of the UK.
Regional dialects have also evolved with international influences, creating new accents and slang.

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

Easter is the most important festival in Christianity, marking the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It
begins with Good Friday, commemorating Jesus’s crucifixion, and continues to Easter Sunday,
celebrating his resurrection. Named after the pagan goddess Eostre, Easter falls on the first Sunday after
the first full moon after March 21, between March 22 and April 25. Easter traditions include giving
chocolate eggs, which symbolize new life and began in the 19th century. Parents often tell children that
the Easter Rabbit hides these eggs for them to find. Another custom is “egg rolling,” where decorated
eggs are rolled down a hill. Hot cross buns are popular at Easter—small, spiced loaves marked with a
cross. Girls sometimes make flower-decorated hats, or “Easter bonnets,” and wear them in parades. Easter
Monday is a public holiday, and many enjoy time outdoors or watch sports. Lent, a 40-day period before
Easter, is traditionally a time of fasting and reflection.

20. What are major changing values and norms of the British family?
British family values have evolved toward greater diversity and inclusivity. Family structures now include
single-parent, blended, and same-sex families, reflecting changes in social attitudes. Marriage rates have
declined, with cohabitation becoming common and accepted, allowing couples to have children without
formal marriage.

Gender roles have shifted significantly, with dual-income households more common and childcare shared
between parents. Parenting now emphasizes children's emotional well-being and autonomy over
traditional discipline.

The aging population has led to more multi-generational households, where elderly family members are
closely supported. Work-life balance is increasingly prioritized, with many opting for flexible work to
focus on family.

Cultural diversity has also influenced family norms, bringing varied customs and traditions into British
society.