Thái Thị Kiều Uyên -21CNA02

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

The United Kingdom (UK) is a sovereign country located in Europe, consisting of

four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The capital of the UK
is London, which is located in England. The official language of the UK is English,
and the currency is the British pound sterling. The population of the UK is
approximately 66 million people. The UK has a rich history, including the Roman
occupation, the Norman Conquest, and the Tudor and Stuart monarchies. It was also a
major player in world events such as the Industrial Revolution, the two World Wars,
and the formation of the European Union. England is the largest and most populous
country in the UK. It has a strong cultural identity, including the monarchy, the
English language, and various traditions and customs.

Britain is often used as a synonym for the UK, but strictly speaking, Great Britain
refers only to the island that includes England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland
is located on a separate island, and is part of the UK but not part of Great Britain.

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

England:
England is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and iconic landmarks. The
language, as English is a globally recognised language spoken by millions. The
country is celebrated for its majestic castles, such as the Tower of London and
Windsor Castle. England's vibrant capital, London, boasts world-famous attractions
like the Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the British Museum. The birthplace of
Shakespeare, England has a profound literary tradition with contributions from writers
like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. The picturesque countryside, including the
Cotswolds and Lake District, attracts nature lovers. Football, with its passionate fan
base, originated in England, and the Premier League is a global phenomenon.
England's traditional cuisine, featuring fish and chips, tea, and iconic desserts like
scones, contributes to its culinary fame.

Scotland:

Scotland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including the rugged Highlands,
serene lochs, and the mystical Isle of Skye. The country's rich cultural heritage is
highlighted by iconic symbols like the bagpipes, kilts, and the legendary Loch Ness
Monster. Edinburgh, the capital, is famous for its historic Edinburgh Castle and the
annual Edinburgh Festival. Scotland has a deep connection to whisky production, with
numerous distilleries producing some of the world's finest Scotch whiskies. The
birthplace of golf, St Andrews is a pilgrimage site for golf enthusiasts. Scottish
folklore and traditions, such as Hogmanay (New Year's Eve celebration), contribute to
the country's distinct identity. The warmth of Scottish hospitality and the friendliness
of its people also make a lasting impression.

Wales:

Wales is renowned for its captivating natural beauty, encompassing lush valleys,
rugged mountains, and a spectacular coastline. The country's cultural identity is
deeply rooted in its language, Welsh (Cymraeg), and it proudly preserves its linguistic
heritage. Wales is home to a wealth of medieval castles, including Caernarfon and
Cardiff Castle, showcasing its historical significance. The poet Dylan Thomas, a
literary giant, hails from Wales, contributing to its rich literary tradition. The nation
has a passionate affinity for rugby, with the sport playing a central role in its cultural
fabric. Additionally, Wales is celebrated for its vibrant music scene, traditional folk
music, and annual festivals, such as the Eisteddfod, fostering a sense of community
and artistic expression.

Northern Ireland:

Northern Ireland is famous for its stunning landscapes, including the Giant's
Causeway and the Mourne Mountains. It is also known for its historic cities, such as
Belfast and Derry-Londonderry, and its rich cultural heritage, including traditional
music, dance, and literature. Northern Ireland is also well-regarded for its sporting
achievements, especially in football, rugby, and golf. Finally, Northern Ireland played
a significant role in the Troubles, a period of conflict between unionists and
nationalists that lasted from the 1960s to the 1990s, and has since become renowned
for its peace process and reconciliation efforts.

3. Why has the UK government encouraged immigrant communities to speak

their own language and English?

The UK government's encouragement of immigrant communities to speak their own

languages alongside English reflects a commitment to cultural diversity and individual
freedom. By endorsing the use of native languages, the government aims to preserve
and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures within the country. This approach
acknowledges the significance of maintaining cultural identities, fostering a sense of
belonging for immigrants. Simultaneously, promoting English proficiency ensures
effective integration into society. This balance not only supports cultural preservation
but also upholds the fundamental principle of freedom—allowing individuals to
express themselves in the language they choose. By valuing linguistic diversity, the
UK promotes a society where cultural heritage is respected, and individuals are free to
communicate in a way that reflects their identity and background.

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 a Received Pronunciation (RP) accent is often the preferred
model for foreign language learners of British English due to its historical and cultural
associations. RP has traditionally been linked with prestige, education, and the British
upper class, making it a symbol of linguistic authority. Choosing RP as a standard
provides learners with a clear and widely accepted reference point for pronunciation
and language structure. It is commonly used in educational materials, making
resources more accessible and consistent for learners. Moreover, the neutral and non-
regional nature of RP ensures that learners can communicate effectively in a variety of
English-speaking contexts, fostering international intelligibility. While recognizing
the linguistic diversity within the UK is important, RP remains a practical choice for
its clarity, standardization, and global recognit

The BBC, being a globally recognized media outlet, predominantly uses RP in its
broadcasts, making it an influential linguistic reference point. Learners adopting this
standard benefit from exposure to clear articulation and pronunciation, crucial for
effective communication.

However, it is worth noting that RP is not the only accent or form of English that is
spoken in Britain, and there is a growing recognition of the importance of
acknowledging and respecting the diversity of accents and dialects in Britain. As such,
it is important to recognize that RP is just one of many accents that can be used to
learn and teach British English.

5. Give your comment on the British Parliament

The British Parliament, with its centerpiece being the House of Commons, showcases
a pivotal democratic institution closely combined with the House of Lords. The
elected House of Commons holds paramount importance, representing the will of the
people and serving as the primary legislative body. Its dynamic debates and decisions
shape national policies and laws. The synergy between the Commons and the
appointed House of Lords fosters a system of checks and balances, blending
democratic representation with expert review. This close combination ensures a
nuanced legislative process. Despite debates around the hereditary nature of the House
of Lords, the British Parliament remains a bastion of democratic governance, where
the Commons stands as the focal point, intricately linked with the broader
parliamentary framework.

6. Why does the British Prime Minister continue to ‘’advise’’ and ‘’request’’ the
King/ Queen when everybody knows that he/ she is really telling the Monarch
what to do?

The Prime Minister advises the monarch in matters relating to the government and
national affairs, but ultimately the monarch is bound to act on the advice of the Prime
Minister and the elected government. The language of "advising" and "requesting" is
used to uphold the tradition and formality of the monarchy's role in government, while
acknowledging the reality of the power dynamic between the monarchy and
government. Using this language also helps to maintain the perception of impartiality
and independence of the monarch from political influence, which is an important
value in a constitutional monarchy.

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

The English education system is characterized by distinct features at various levels. At

the school level, students progress through primary and secondary education, with
notable assessments like GCSEs and A-levels influencing academic trajectories. The
school schedule typically follows three terms, with breaks in between. Public schools,
which are fee-paying private schools, play a significant role in the system, often
known for their historical prestige and high academic standards. In contrast, state-
funded schools aim to provide education accessible to all. The coexistence of these
public and private institutions contributes to educational diversity. While public
schools historically emphasized boarding, many now offer day-school options. The
English education system, with its mix of public and private schools, strives to
balance tradition with inclusivity and academic excellence.

8. Give your comment on the British education system.

The British educational system is well-known for its demanding academic curriculum
that puts an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical training. It is
highly recognized throughout the world. Primary and secondary education come first,
then further and higher education. The system also heavily emphasizes standardized
testing, especially at the secondary level, where tests like the GCSE and A-level serve
as important indicators of students' future academic and professional prospects. The
British educational system is still praised for its quality and academic excellence,
despite complaints of its emphasis on testing and the achievement disparity between
different student groups. British teachers are highly trained and experienced; many
have advanced degrees in their subject areas that make me so respect and appreciate
them. Personally, I really like the British education system because of its high quality.

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

The United Kingdom has three branches of government, each with different roles and
responsibilities:

The executive branch, led by the Prime Minister, administers government policies,
proposes legislation, and manages daily affairs, ensuring effective governance.
The legislative branch, comprising the House of Commons and the House of Lords,
debates, scrutinizes, and passes laws, offering a platform for diverse perspectives in
policy-making.
The judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, interprets laws, resolves legal
disputes, and safeguards the constitution, ensuring the separation of powers and
upholding the rule of law in the UK.

10. How many types of family patterns are there in the UK? Which is your
favorite? Why?

Out of 7 types of family pattern, my favorite one is extended family. It is families

with two or more adults who are related through blood or marriage, usually along with
children.

Extended family:

Advantages Disadvantages

- It is easy to take care of the elderly and - Spend a lot of money on living expenses:
children especially in emergency cases having many people in the family means
such as illness. having to pay more for living expenses such as
- In case parents are too busy to take care eating, studying, and entertainment
of their children, so grandparents play an - Lack of privacy: because living with many
important role because they have enough people, there is not much privacy for each
experience to help and guide children. member and sometimes easy to be disturbed by
other members.

Nuclear family: a family consisting of a mother, a father and 1 to 2 children, but not
including aunts, uncles, grandparents, ect.
Advantages Disadvantages

- Financially stable, both parents usually - Exclusion of extended family can lead to
work now, isolation and stress,
- Children raised in a stable parenting - Can struggle with conflict resolution,
situation, - Nuclear families can become too child-
- Consistency, Emphasis on health and focused, resulting in self-centered children
education, and families neglecting other important
- Focus on communication things

Children family: are families with two parents who cannot have or don't want kids.

Advantages Disadvantages

- Typically have more disposable income, - Couples can feel isolated or left out when
-No dependents to take care of, all their friends/family start having kids, If
- Have more freedom to travel, go on you like kids, you can feel like something is
adventures, pursue different careers or missing,
education, - Infertility can force a family to be
- Couples get to spend more time together. childless, which can be hard for couples

Gandparent family: A grandparent family is when one or more grandparent is raising

their grandchild or grandchildren.

Advantages Disadvantages

- Grandparents and grandchildren form a close - Grandparents may not work or have full-
bond, time jobs, may struggle with income,
- Keeps children from ending up in foster - Depending on their health, it may be
homes or other situations. difficult for them to keep up with young
children or discipline them as they get older.

Single-parent family: Single parent families consist of one parent with one or more
kids
 Advantages Disadvantages

- Family members can become very close, - Families struggle to get by on one income;
- Learn to share household duties, some are on social assistance,
- Children and parents can become very - It can be difficult for parents to work full-
resilient. time and still afford quality childcare,
- Parenting can be inconsistent, especially if
kids go back and forth between parents.

Step family: A stepfamily is when two separate families merge into one. This can go
several different ways, like two divorced parents with one or more children blending
families, or one divorced parent with kids marrying someone who has never been
married and has no kids.

Advantages Disadvantages

- Children get the benefit of having two - Adjustment can be difficult for parents and
parents around children
- Children and their new siblings or step- - Parents can run into problems trying to
parents can form strong bonds discipline each other's kids
- Benefit of having two incomes compared - May lack discipline or be inconsistent.
to single parent families. - Conflict between children

Same-sex family: is a homosexual family They can live with their children or not.

Advantages Disadvantages

- understand the children most easily, - difficult to avoid social prejudices,

- Easily share everything with each other - difficulty in faithfulness.

11. Explain the function of the House of Commons?

The House of Commons, as the lower house of the UK Parliament, holds paramount
functions in the legislative process. Elected Members of Parliament (MPs) represent
constituencies, debating and proposing legislation. The House of Commons
scrutinizes government policies, holds the executive accountable through sessions like
Prime Minister's Questions, and approves public spending. Additionally, it is the
primary chamber for initiating and amending bills, playing a pivotal role in shaping
the laws that govern the country. The democratic principle of parliamentary
sovereignty is exemplified through the House of Commons, where the elected
representatives actively participate in decision-making, reflecting the will and interests
of the British people.

Overall, the House of Commons plays a crucial role in the democratic process,
ensuring that the government is accountable to the people and that laws are made in
the best interests of the country.

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

Aspect British pubs Vietnamese cafe/bar

Atmosphere
British pubs offer a warm, Varied, may include modern or
welcoming ambience traditional Vietnamese elements
because of their traditional
furnishings, wooden
interiors, and fires.

Food and drink

fish and chips, pies, and A variety of regional foods and
sausages and potatoes are beverages, including coffee, tea,
served at British pubs, and cocktails.
along with a variety of
alcoholic beverages like
beer, ale, and wine.

Entertainment Some pubs offer live Vietnamese establishments may

music or pub quizzes feature live music, karaoke, or
traditional performance

Opening hours Opening hours may vary,

May have longer hours,
especially in rural areas. influenced by local customs and
regulations
 Socializing Socializing often involves small
Emphasis on community
and social interaction groups and individual interactions

Cultural Significance Cafés/bars may reflect

Integral part of British
social life and culture Vietnamese cultural traditions
and social habits

13. Do you think that the British welfare state is successful in giving help to
everyone who needs it?

I think the British welfare state has been largely successful in providing assistance to
those in need. With its comprehensive social welfare programs, the UK ensures that
citizens have access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and
unemployment benefits. The National Health Service (NHS) exemplifies the
commitment to universal healthcare, while the education system strives for inclusivity.
Welfare benefits, such as housing support and unemployment benefits, aim to assist
individuals facing financial challenges. Though not without challenges, the British
welfare state reflects a commitment to social justice, aiming to create a safety net that
supports everyone, regardless of socio-economic background, fostering a more
equitable and compassionate society.

14. What are the functions of the UK press? What are the national newspapers
like ?

The UK press serves multiple functions, including providing news, analysis, and

opinion to inform the public. It acts as a watchdog, holding authorities accountable,

and contributes to public discourse. National newspapers in the UK vary in their

editorial stances, catering to diverse readerships. For example, "The Times" is known

for its comprehensive reporting, "The Guardian" for its liberal perspectives, and "The

Daily Telegraph" for its conservative stance. Tabloids like "The Sun" focus on

sensationalism. These newspapers cover a range of topics, from politics and business

to culture and entertainment, reflecting the diversity of the UK media landscape and

offering readers a variety of perspectives on current affairs.

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 or festival holiday in your
country?

Easter Monday stands out as a popular bank holiday in the UK. Falling on the Monday

following Easter Sunday, it extends the Easter weekend, offering an extra day for

leisure and festivities. The holiday is often associated with various traditions and

activities, including Easter egg hunts, family gatherings, and outdoor events. Many

people take advantage of the extended break to embark on short vacations or engage

in springtime activities. In some regions, there are traditional events like egg rolling

and fairs. The festive atmosphere, combined with the significance of Easter in

Christian traditions, makes Easter Monday a cherished and widely celebrated bank

holiday in the UK, marked by a blend of religious observance and joyful communal

activities.

Vietnam doesn't have a holiday similar to Easter Monday in Britain. While both
countries celebrate holidays, the cultural and religious contexts, as well as the specific
traditions, differ.