British English vs. American English 2nd Revision Study Materials PDF

**The 2nd Revision Test Study Materials** **Contents** [[1.] [THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE - British English vs. American English] 1](#the-english-language---british-english-vs.-american-english) [[2.] [RELIGION IN THE UK] 14](#religion-in-the-uk) [[3.] [EDUCATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: primary, seconda...

**The 2nd Revision Test Study Materials** **Contents** [[1.] [THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE - British English vs. American English] 1](#the-english-language---british-english-vs.-american-english) [[2.] [RELIGION IN THE UK] 14](#religion-in-the-uk) [[3.] [EDUCATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: primary, secondary, tertiary] 21](#education-in-the-united-kingdom-primary-secondary-tertiary) [[4.] [BRITISH CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS] 27](#british-customs-traditions) [[4.1.] [Holidays in the United Kingdom] 27](#holidays-in-the-united-kingdom) [[4.2. British Food & Drinks] 30](#british-food-drinks) [[5.] [SPORTS & LEISURE] 33](#sports-leisure) [[5.1.] [Sport and Competition] 33](#sport-and-competition) [[5.2.] [Leisure] 35](#leisure) [[6.] [ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT IN THE UK] 38](#arts-and-entertainment-in-the-uk) THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE - British English vs. American English =========================================================== ***Differences between American and British English*** - While there are certainly many more varieties of English, **American** and **British** English are the two varieties that are taught in most ESL/EFL programs. - Generally, it is agreed that no one version is **\"correct\"** however, there are certainly preferences in use. - The most important rule of thumb is to try to **be consistent** in your usage. E.g., try to be **consistent** in your spelling even though this is of course not always easy. - The following guide is meant to point out the principal differences between these two varieties of English. - *AmE - American English (AmE) is the form of English used in the United States - It includes all English dialects used within the United States of America* - *BrE - British English (BrE) is the form of English used in the UK. It includes all English dialects used within the United Kingdom* - - *Prestigious accent in Britain which was spoken by a small group of influential people.* - *Today considered old-fashioned* - *well received because other people wanted to talk like them.* - *Its nicknames were: Oxford English, The Queen's English, BBC English* - - *Accent that doesn't have any local features* - *It is connected to the London speech* - *GA-GENERAL AMERICAN - Mixture of educated speech of Northern USA* ***MAIN DIFFERENCES: FOUR CATEGORIES*** (**[you need to be able to name the 4 differences and give one example to illustrate the difference]** e.g. SPELLING -- AmE flav**or**; BrE flav**our**) **[1. grammar]** **[2. vocabulary]** **[3. spelling]** **[4. pronunciation]** - Nevertheless, it remains the case that although spoken American and British English are generally mutually intelligible, there are enough differences to cause occasional misunderstandings or at times embarrassment -- for example, some words that are quite innocent in one dialect may be considered vulgar in the other. - ***tart*** - Brit Eng pie/pastry Slikovni rezultat za tart Am Eng "Woman of easy virtue" **1. Pronunciation** Differences in **pronunciation** between American English (AmE) and British English (BrE) can be divided into: [Differences in accent] Accents vary widely within AmE and within BrE, so the features considered here are mainly differences between **General American (GAm) and British Received Pronunciation (RP)** **2. Grammar** a\. ***Use of the Present Perfect -*** In British English the present perfect is used to express an action that has occurred in the recent past that has an effect on the present moment. For example: **BE*: [I\'ve lost] my key. Can you help me look for it?***\ In American English the following is also possible:\ **AE: *[I lost] my key. Can you help me look for it?*** In British English the above would be considered incorrect. However, both forms are generally accepted in standard American English. Other differences involving the use of the [present perfect in British English] and [simple past in American English] include already, just and yet. British English: ***I\'ve just had lunch; I\'ve already seen that film; Have you finished your homework yet?*** American English: ***I just had lunch*** OR ***I\'ve just had lunch***\ ***I\'ve already seen that film*** OR ***I already saw that film.***\ ***Have you finished your homework yet?*** OR ***Did you finish your homework yet?*** b\. ***Possession*** There are two forms to express possession in English. [Have or Have got] ***Do you have a car? / Have you got a car?\ He doesn\'t have any friends. / He hasn\'t got any friends.\ She has a beautiful new home. / She\'s got a beautiful new home.*** While both forms are correct (and accepted in both British and American English), [have got (have you got, he hasn\'t got, etc.) is generally the preferred form in British English] while most speakers of American English employ the have (do you have, he doesn\'t have etc.) c\. ***The Verb Get*** The past participle of the verb get is [gotten in American English]. Example ***He\'s gotten much better at playing tennis.*** British English - ***He\'s got much better at playing tennis.*** d\. ***Prepositions*** There are also a few differences in preposition use including the following: American English - **on** the weekend / British English - **at** the weekend American English - **on** a team / British English - **in** a team American English - please write me soon / British English - please write **to** me soon e\. ***Past Simple/Past Participles*** The following verbs have two acceptable forms of the past simple/past participle in both American and British English, however, the irregular form is generally more common in British English (the first form of the two) and the regular form is more common to American English. ------- ----------------- ------------------ British English American English Burn Burnt OR burned Dream dreamt OR dreamed Lean leant OR leaned Learn learnt OR learned Smell smelt OR smelled Spell spelt OR spelled Spill spilt OR spilled Spoil spoilt OR spoiled ------- ----------------- ------------------ ***f. Collective nouns*** AmE: always followed by a singular verb e.g., My team is winning. BrE: followed by either a singular or plural verb e.g., My team is winning. (team: one idea) e.g., My team are winning. (team: many individuals) **3. Vocabulary** Probably the major differences between British and American English lies in the choice of vocabulary. Some words mean different things in the two varieties for example: ***Mean***: (American English - angry, bad humoured, British English - not generous, tight fisted) ***Rubber***: (American English - condom, British English - tool used to erase pencil markings) - There are many more examples (too many for me to list here). If there is a difference in usage, your dictionary will note the different meanings in its definition of the term. - Many vocabulary items are also used in one form and not in the other. - One of the best examples of this is the terminology used for automobiles. -------------------------- -------------------------- American English - hood British English - bonnet American English - trunk British English - boot American English - truck British English - lorry -------------------------- -------------------------- **4. Spelling -** Here are some general differences between British and American spellings: - Words ending in ***-or (American) -our (British)*** color, colour, humor, humour, flavor, flavour etc.\ Words ending in ***-ize (American) -ise (British)*** recognize, recognise, patronize, patronise etc. - ***yse (BrE)/ yze (AmE)*** -- analyse/ analyze - ***doubled l(BrE)/ single l(AmE)-*** travelled/ travelled - ***ence(BrE)/ ense (AmE)-*** defence/defense - ***-y (BrE)/ i (AmE)*** - tyre /tire - ***-re (BrE)/ er (AmE)*** - centre /center - As you can see, there are really very few differences between standard British English and standard American English. - However, the greatest difference is probably that of the choice of vocabulary and pronunciation. **QUIZ ANSWER KEY** **Question 1**: Correct answer: A tired Brit might say she feels **knackered.**\ \"Peckish\" means \"hungry.\" \"Sparky\" means \"energetic **Question 2**: Correct answer: If you cut your finger in England, bandage it with **a plaster**.\ A \"conker\" is a horse chestnut. A \"spanner\" is a wrench.  **Question 3:** Correct answer: An English person who loves \"toad-in-the-hole\" enjoys **sausage baked in pastry**.\ **Question 4:** Correct answer: If you\'re shopping for sneakers in London, ask for **trainers**. \"Wellies\" are waterproof boots.  \"Smalls\" refers to underwear. **Question 5:** Correct answer: A Brit looking for a new \"jumper\" in America should check a store that sells **sweaters**. \"Jumper\" is one of the British words that got cut from U.S. editions of [[Harry Potter]](http://www.infoplease.com/spot/harrypotter2.html).-  jumper *Noun* **1**. *Brit & Austral* a knitted garment covering the upper part of the body **2**. *US & Canada* a pinafore dress **Question 6:** Correct answer: A British babysitter is known as a **minder.** A \"lollipop lady\" is a crossing guard.  A \"busker\" is a street musician. **Question 7:** Correct answer: If an Englishman says he needs a \"biro,\" give him **a ball-point pen**.\ \"Biro\" is a brand name that has come to mean the thing itself.  **Question 8:** Correct answer: If a Brit tells you she has a flat, it means she lives in **an apartment**.\ Apartments are called \"flats\" in the United Kingdom. **Question 9:** Correct answer: At an English restaurant, if you want French fries ask for: **chips**. \"Crisps\" are potato chips.  \"Bickie\" (short for \"biscuit\") is a cute way to say \"cookie.\" **Question 10:** Correct answer: In England, you would find a \"pelican crossing\" **on the street**.\ On a street, a \"pelican crossing\" has a light that shows red or green figures that indicating whether it is safe to cross. \"Pelican\" comes from \"pedestrian light-controlled.\" **PE**DESTRIAN\ **LI**GHT **C**O**N**TROLLED **CROSSING**. **Results for American English To British English Quiz** 1\. In the US it is sidewalk what is it in the UK? Pavement 2\. US = pants, UK = Trousers 4\. US = pantyhose, UK = Tights 5\. US = line, UK = Queue 6\. US = elevator, UK = Lift 7\. US = eraser, UK = Rubber  ***Slang* A condom.** 8\. US = diaper, UK = Nappy 9\. US = closet, UK = Wardrobe (It can also be called a Cupboard.) 10\. US = gasoline, UK = Petrol **Key: British/American Quiz:** Give the American English word for the British English word 1. bonnet (of car) -- hood 2. pack (of cards) -- deck 3. dummy -- pacifier 4. single (ticket) - one-way 5. queue - stand in line 6. lift -- elevator 7. boot (of car) -- trunk 8. autumn - fall 9. biscuit -- cookie 10. caravan -- trailer - The English language is full of weird and wonderful words and phrases. For example: What does one do if they **\'spend a penny\'**? [go to loo (toilet)] What has happened to someone who has **\'kicked the bucket\'**? died Why do people in England drive slowly over a **\'sleeping policeman\'**? **American and British Words That Mean the Same Thing** +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | American | British | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 1. airplane | aeroplane | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 2. antenna | aerial | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 3. apartment | flat | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 4. argument | row | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 5. baby carriage | pram | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 6. band-aid | plaster | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 7. bathroom | loo or WC | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 8. bill | bank note | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 9. briefs, boxers | underpants, briefs | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 10. cab | taxi | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 11. can | tin | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 12. candy | sweets | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 13. check | bill | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 14. chopped beef | mince | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 15. cookie | biscuit | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 16. corn | maize | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 17. diaper | nappy | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 18. eggplant | aubergine | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 19. elevator | lift | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 20. eraser | rubber | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 21. fall | autumn | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 22. flashlight | torch | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 23. fries | chips | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 24. gas/gasoline | petrol | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 25. glasses | spectacles | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 26. guy | bloke, chap | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 27. highway | motorway | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 28. hood (car) | bonnet | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 29. indicator | blinker | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 30. intersection | crossroads | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 31. jello | jelly | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 32. jelly | jam | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 33. stationwagon | estate car | |  | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 34. lawyer | solicitor | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 35. license plate | number plate | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 36. line | queue | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 37. mail, mailbox, mailman | post, post box, postman | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 38. motor home | caravan | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 39. movie theatre, movie | cinema, film | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 40. muffler | silencer | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 41. napkin | serviette | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 42. nightgown | nightdress | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 43. nothing | nought | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 44. overpass | flyover | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 45. pacifier | dummy | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 46. panties | knickers, pants | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 47. pants | trousers | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 48. parking lot | car park | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 49. period | full stop | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 50. pharmacist, pharmacy, | chemist, chemist's shop | | drugstore | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 51. potato chips | crisps | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 52. a public school (is funded by | - a state school is free & | | the government -- no tuition | government funded | | | | | | - an **independent school** is | | | private and has a school fee | | | | | | - **a public school *in the UK | | | is also private and students | | | must pay a tuition; a public | | | school is NOT funded by the | | | government in the UK, it is | | | an elite private school*** | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 53. rent | hire | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 54. sausage | banger | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 55. sidewalk | pavement | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 56. soccer | football | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 57. stove | cooker | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 58. subway | underground | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 59. sweater | jumper | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 60. trash can, garbage can | bin, dustbin | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 61. truck | lorry | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 62. trunk (car) | boot | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 63. undershirt | vest | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 64. vacation | holiday | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 65. vest = prsluk | waistcoat | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 66. windshield (car) | windscreen | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 67. yard | garden | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 68. zip code | postal code | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ - DIFFERENT WORD, SAME MEANING - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SAME CONCEPT, DIFFERENT MEANING - - - - - - - **NOTE:** **1. Areas of differences also include Idioms** **2.** **Areas of differences also include date/number formatting (be careful which month and which day -- the order differs in American and British English (BrE is like Croatian!)** e.g. ***7-4-2020 = July 4, 2020 AmE*** (Month-Day-Year) - ***4-7-2020 = 4 July 2020 BrE*** (Day-Month-Year) **3.** Areas of differences also include **Time:** colon -- 11**:**15 pm (AmE) full stops - 23**.**15 (BrE) +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **What is Cockney Rhyming Slang?** | | | | - Cockney Rhyming slang is a coded language invented in the | | nineteenth century by Cockneys so they could speak in front of | | the police without being understood. | | | | - The cockney language can be traced back to the early part of the | | 19th Century, when Sir Robert Peel formed the first Police force | | stationed at Bow Street, London. | | | | - They were known as the Bow Street Runners, Peelers and even | | **Bobbies** (Robert - Bob). | | | | - This was in 1824, and the slang, as mentioned above, was [to hide | | the true meaning of discussions from both the Police and the | | nonces (informers for the Police).] | | | | - It uses a phrase that rhymes with a word, instead of the word | | itself -- thus 'stairs' become 'apples and pears' that is | | 'apples'. | | | | - It can become confusing when sometimes the rhyming part of the | | word is dropped: thus 'daisies' are 'boots' (from 'daisy roots'). | | | | **What or who is a Cockney?** | | | | - [A cockney traditionally is a person born within hearing distance | | of the sound of Bow bells, meaning within the sound of the bells | | of the Church of St Mary Le Bow in Cheapside, London, EC2 and | | refers to an East London accent] | | | | - However, to most people living outside London the term Cockney | | means a Londoner. | | | | +---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | | | **Cockney** | **Meaning** | **Example** | | | +---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | | | 1\. Adam and Eve | B\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | I don\'t Adam and | | | | | | Eve it! | | | +---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | | | 2\. Apples and | S\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | Get yer Bacons up | | | | Pears | | the Apples and | | | | | \_\_ | Pears. | | | +---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | | | 3\. Bacon and 4. | L\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | You have got a | | | | Eggs | \_\_ | lovely set of | | | | | | Bacons. | | | +---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | | | 5\. Bread and | M\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | I wish I had loads | | | | Honey | | of Bread. | | | +---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | | | 6\. Butcher\'s | L\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | Take a Butcher\'s | | | | Hook | | at that! | | | +---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | | | 7\. Dog and Bone | P\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | She\'s always on | | | | | | the Dog. | | | +---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | | | 8\. Donkey\'s Ears | Y\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | Ain\'t seen you in | | | | | | Donkeys. | | | +---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | | | 9\. Pork Pies | L\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | He\'s always | | | | (Porkie Pies) | \_ | telling Porkies. | | | +---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | | | 10\. Tea Leaf | T\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | Watch it, he\'s a | | | | | \_\_\_\_\_ | bloody Tea Leaf. | | | +---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ RELIGION IN THE UK ================== - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1. 2. 3. 4. \- each is governed separately by its own institutions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - **England and Wales:** - - - - **Scotland** - religious education in schools - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Similarities: - - Differences: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - **Christmas traditions in the UK** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - **\ ** - Britain in the 21st century is a **multicultural and multi-faith society.** - People in the UK are **free** to choose and follow their own religious beliefs. - Everyone has the right to **religious** freedom. - The United Kingdom was created as an **Anglican** Christian country and **Anglican** churches remain the largest faith group in each country of the UK. - **Protestants** make up the majority of the population, although there are also many **Catholics**. - **Christians** constitute about 71% of the population, but Britain is a **multi-faith** society and all other religions, including; Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Sikhism are freely practised. - Before the reign of King **Henry VIII**, Britain was a **Roman Catholic** country guided in religious matters by the **Vatican** in Rome. - Henry was desperate for a male **heir,** and up until then his first wife had only borne **daughters**. - In 1533 when the Vatican refused to grant him permission to **divorce** his first wife he founded the **Anglican** Church - part of a **worldwide community** of Anglican Churches - In **1534,** as the conflicts between Church and State culminated**,** Henry VIII issued **the Act of Supremacy** - the **Church of England** became **the established church** - Henry VIII was declared as **the Supreme Head of the Church of England** - Catholicism had a short resurgence during the reign of Queen **Mary** (1553), but the Anglican Church was reinstated by Queen **Elizabeth I** in 1558 and has been the official religion ever since. - She altered the title to **"Supreme Governor"** - Form of worship set out in the **Book of Common Prayer** (1549) - Today, every **sovereign** must swear to uphold and protect the **Anglican** faith and is expected to marry a **Protestant**. - His Majesty **King Charles III -** Today the King is not only **the Head of State,** but also an important symbol of national unity. - His full title, by virtue of the Royal Titles Act of 1953, is: **\"Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of His other Realms and Territories King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith**\". - - - - - the **Archbishop of York -** is the second most senior clerical position in the Church of England - Four distinct Anglican Churches in the UK: 1. **The Church of England** 2. **The Church of Wales** 3. **The Episcopal Church in Scotland** -- the Church of **Scotland** -- the national church 4. **The Church of Ireland** (also operates in the **Irish Republic**) \- Each is governed separately by its own institutions - The **Church of Ireland** and the **Church in Wales** separated from the Church of England in 1869 and 1920 respectively and are autonomous churches in the Anglican Communion EDUCATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: primary, secondary, tertiary ============================================================= - **History of education --** - - - - - - - - - - **Education in the UK** - - - - - **4 stages of education:** - - - - 1. **Nursery education** - age of three - very expensive - children start at 9 a.m. and finish at 3 p.m. - lunch at school and a rest in the afternoon - Children between the ages of 3 and 5 are entitled to 600 hours per year of optional, state-funded, pre-school education. - This can be provided in \"playgroups\", nurseries, community childcare centres or nursery classes in schools. 2. **Primary education** - - - - - - - **Scotland** - some schools in Scotland provide education given in the Scottish Gaelic language main cities of Scotland and in areas with higher amounts of Gaelic speakers. Increasingly popular throughout Scotland, **Wales** - children in Wales spend 7 years at primary school between the ages of 4 and 11 has a similar structure to Primary education in England, but teaching of the Welsh language is compulsory **Home schooling**- a tradition of independent schooling and - Home schooling: legally, parents may choose to educate their children on their own - Steadily advancing classes - one teacher who is responsible for their education. This teacher may be assisted to varying degrees by specialist teachers in certain subject areas, often music or physical education 3. **Secondary education** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - **The school year is divided into [three terms]:** - - - - - - 4. **Tertiary /Higher education in the UK** - - - - **The oldest universities in the UK: The University of Oxford & The University of Cambridge** - **Tertiary education:** - - More than ninety percent of 16-year-olds continue in some form of education or training after school. - There are several different types of qualifications offered, which can take students onto a higher level of study or directly prepare them for a job like traineeships or internships. Secondary education finishes at the age of 16 or 18 Students attend university from age 18 onwards Some take a year off before college - **Gap year** Vast majority of students complete their studies Fee payments: begin at £9000 per year for UK students suggested that rises in tuition fees would put poorer students off applying to university However, the gap between rich and poor students has slightly narrowed because universities have used tuition fees to invest in bursaries and outreach schemes. Scholarships and grants are also offered to cover tuition. - - - - **NON-STATE AND STATE SCHOOLS IN THE UK** \- tuition /fee-paying schools. \- 7 per cent of children in education \- do not have to follow the National Curriculum a distinctive educational tradition & higher academic standard a wider education, taught in longer school hours - with subjects, options or levels beyond the national curriculum well-endowed facilities lower pupil-teacher ratios extra-curricular opportunities perceived social advantages or privileges a family tradition of attending a particular school, which may have lasted for generations offers of unacceptable state schools \- Fees between £2,500 and £30,000 per year. \- a large number of scholarships and bursaries available (financial-need based awards that do not have to be repaid) **Public schools** -- elite private schools in the UK funded by a combination of endowments, tuition fees and charitable contributions. financed through national taxation take pupils free of charge between the ages of 3 and 18 all charges are voluntary 93% of children in the UK attend these schools. \- the National Curriculum is followed in all local authority-maintained schools of England, Northern Ireland and Wales. What all state schools have in common is that they are entirely free to parents, being funded through taxation. **THE UK's EDUCATION SYSTEM -- Brief overview:** The **school year** is divided into **three terms**: [**autumn term**: early September / Christmas] [**spring term**: early January / Easter] [**summer term**: end of April / mid-July.] The **education system** is divided into four stages: 1. **Nursery education** age of three very expensive children start at 9 a.m. and finish at 3 p.m. lunch at school and a rest in the afternoon Children between the ages of 3 and 5 are entitled to 600 hours per year of optional, state-funded, pre-school education. 2. **Primary education**, up to age eleven 1. infant schools for children aged five to seven 2. junior schools for those aged seven to eleven. 1. pre-preparatory schools for children aged up to seven 2. preparatory (\'prep\') schools for those aged seven to eleven. 3. **Secondary education**, up to age sixteen - The u[sual age for pupils to transfer to secondary school is eleven in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and twelve in Scotland.] - When we talk about state schools [no form of examination has to be undertaken in order for them to do so]. - If a pupil wants to enter an independent secondary school he/she has to take a Common Entrance Examination. ***The law requires children to attend primary and secondary school. Compulsory education is free of charge, but parents may spend money on educating their children privately if they want to.*** 4. **Tertiary education**, for those over the age of sixteen; university or college level. - The fourth stage is \'further\' education at university or college. - More than ninety percent of 16-year-olds continue in some form of education or training after school. - There are several different types of qualifications offered, which can take students onto a higher level of study or directly prepare them for a job **Postgraduate education** - Postgraduate programs of study are those leading to higher degrees, diplomas and certificates, and usually require a first degree as an entry qualification. - Higher degrees include doctorates, master's degrees and higher bachelor's degrees. - Postgraduate studies vary in length, each usually takes two to three years of more or less full-time study. ***Differences between state & different types of non-state schools:*** ***A. state schools*** *-free of charge* *- funded by the government* *- must follow the national curriculum* *- larger classes which results in a poorer student/teacher ratio* *- State schools maintain a more standardized education system, including the national curriculum they follow and conditions for teachers such as employment standards and pay* *- Their academic results and facilities are usually less impressive than public schools* ***B. public schools/independent schools/ private schools*** *- charge school fees (tuition)* *- provide better facilities and opportunities* *- Given their greater resources, private schools tend to offer more subjects for students to choose from* *- key objective of most private schools is to train high-achieving students to enter top universities* *- small class sizes, which provides students the chance to interact more with teachers and have their attention* *- offer a wider range of extra-curricular activities and puts effort into helping students build a professional network at an early age.* *- private schools tend to place an emphasis on offering more support for struggling students or students with learning difficulties.* ***Similarities:*** - *quality teaching exists in both private and state schools.* - *both equally competitive in pushing to build a stronger work ethic among students to strive for greater academic achievements* **Concluding remark**: Private schools are known for, such as the nice buildings, the committed teachers, better exam results, range of extra-curricular activities, the better educated family backgrounds etc. It is reasonable to assume most private schools do have the means to afford better facilities, activities, and teachers, but that's certainly not the case for all schools. Some state schools have outstanding teachers and some private schools have poor teachers. Just like for everything in life, money can't always guarantee quality. 4. BRITISH CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS ============================ 1. Holidays in the United Kingdom ------------------------------ - **Bank Holidays** - public holidays; have been recognized since 1871 - Banks and many other businesses are closed for a day - There are eight bank holidays a year in England and Wales, nine in Scotland and ten in Northern Ireland. **Bank holidays in England and Wales [2024 ]** 1. 1 January Monday New Year's Day 2. 29 March Friday Good Friday 3. 1 April Monday Easter Monday 4. 6 May Monday Early May Bank Holiday 5. 27 May Monday Spring bank holiday 6. 26 August Monday Summer bank holiday 7. 25 December Wednesday Christmas Day 8. 26 December Thursday Boxing Day - a '***substitute day'*** - When the usual date of a bank or public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a 'substitute day' is given normally the following Monday. - **Special holidays** - Additional holidays may be added - laws - change the dates of bank holidays, - declare other holidays (celebration of special occasions) e.g. : - a special bank holiday in 2011 to celebrate the ***Royal Wedding*** - in 2012 to celebrate the ***Queen's Diamond Jubilee*** - the **Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022 - 3 June (Special Holiday- 70 years on the throne!)** - **the bank holiday treatment seems to be reserved mainly for state ceremonies, where royals in direct line for the throne are concerned.** - ***State Opening of Parliament*** - This ceremony marks the beginning of the new parliamentary year and features peers and bishops and a royal procession involving the State Coach. It occurs when Parliament reassembles after a general election, annually in November. **25th January -- Burns' Night (Scotland) -** Burn's night is a celebration of Robert Burns, a celebrated Scottish poet. In Scotland people have a special dinner on Burns' Night. Men wear kilts and people listen to traditional bagpipe music, they dance, read Burn's poetry, sing his famous song "Auld Lang Syne" (title in the Scots language)/ translated literally as "Old Long Since" and share a meal of haggis (a traditional Scottish dish of sheep heart, liver and lungs) with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes). **February -- Shrove Tuesday or 'Pancake Day' -** It is the day before Ash Wednesday (Pepelnica/Čista srijeda) and starts the celebration of Lent (korizma). The history behind it is that they would make pancakes to use up the stuff in the pantry because during Lent you are supposed to abstain from sweets. **1^st^ March -- St David's Day -** People in Wales and those of Welsh origin celebrate the life of their patron saint, St David, and the Welsh culture on March 1^st^ each year. Many people pin a daffodil or leek to their clothes, and some, especially children, wear traditional costumes. **17th March -- St Patrick's Day -** Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated annually on 17th March, the day that the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, died. According to legend, Saint Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish pagans. **23^rd^ April -- St George's Day -** St George is the patron Saint of England. There is a legend that he bravely killed a dragon! The Cross of Saint George is red on a white background and is the national flag of England. It is not a national holiday in England (much to the dismay of many English people). **June -- The Monarch's Official Birthday --** Queen Elizabeth II's **real birthday was on the 21st of April** however it has been a tradition since 1748 for the state to celebrate the king or queen's birthday in June.  This is because in June there is more likely to be nicer weather, so the monarch can celebrate her/his birthday with their subjects in a more comfortable climate.  A military parade known as **Trooping the Colour** is held in London and is attended by the Royal Family. **July - Battle of the Boyne Orangemen\'s Day -** People in Northern Ireland have a bank **holiday** on or after July 12 to commemorate the **Battle** of **Boyne**, which occurred on Ireland\'s east coast in 1690. The **Twelfth** (also called the Glorious **Twelfth** or Orangemen\'s Day) is a Protestant **celebration** held on **12 July**. \... It **celebrates** the Glorious Revolution (1688) and victory of Protestant king William of Orange over Catholic king James II at the Battle of the Boyne (1690), which began the Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland. **August -- Notting Hill Carnival -** Notting Hill Carnival is held in the streets of Notting Hill in west London over the last Summer bank holiday weekend. It's Europe's biggest street festival and it is completely free. Around 1 million people flock to watch the colourful procession, dance to music from salsa to reggae, and taste Caribbean food from street stalls. **5^th^ November -- Bonfire Night / Guy Fawkes Night. -** In Britain, Bonfire Night is associated with the tradition of celebrating Guy Fawkes' failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament on 5th November 1605 during the state opening of Parliament, intending to kill the king and members of Parliament in order to clear the way to reestablishing Catholic rule in England. It is an annual event dedicated to bonfires, fireworks and celebrations. Different traditions celebrate Bonfire Night on different days. Some of the most popular instances include Great Britain's Guy Fawkes Night, which is also celebrated in some Commonwealth countries. Throughout the UK there are various bonfires and firework displays. 11th November -- Remembrance Day **- Every year in the UK on 11^th^ November we honour members of the armed forces who lost their lives in battle. The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918. Armistice is Latin for to stand (still) arms. To this day Britons mark Armistice Day around the United Kingdom with a Two Minute Silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. In the weeks leading up to 11^th ^November, The Royal British** - Wreaths of poppies are laid on the memorials and two-minutes\' silence is held at 11 a.m. - Canadian doctor Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's famous poem "In Flanders Fields" moved American teacher Moina Michael who began making and selling silk poppies to friends to raise money for the ex-service community. - Poppies have been the symbol of the Royal British Legion since it was formed in 1921 - **Legion charity sell paper poppy flowers to raise funds for veterans and their families (the poppy is a symbol of Remembrance Day).** - Poppies are available from late October when the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal launches. Street collectors will be selling them all over Britain up until November 11. **30th November** -- **St Andrew's Day** (Scotland) - St Andrew's day is Scotland's official national day. In 2006, the Scottish Parliament designated St Andrew's Day as an official bank holiday. It is also a national holiday in Romania. In Scotland and many countries with Scottish connections, St Andrew's Day is marked with a celebration of Scottish culture with traditional Scottish food, music and dance. **26th December** -- **Boxing Day** - Boxing Day is the day after Christmas day. It is a bank holiday in the UK. There are a few theories as to why it's called 'Boxing Day' but no one is completely sure. Arguments include: - In Britain 'Christmas Box' is a name for a Christmas present. Boxing Day was a day off for servants and when they received a 'Christmas Box' from the master. 'Boxing day' could have been named after the 'Christmas box' of money or gifts which employers used to give to servants and tradesmen. - A box to collect money for the poor was placed in Churches on Christmas day. The money would be distributed the day after. 'Boxing day' could have been named after this custom. \- also known as **St Stephen's Day** and a day for fox hunting - - **31^st^ December -- New Years - Like many countries around the world the UK celebrates the New Year, we do this by hosting parties with friends and families to await the countdown to the New Year.** In Scotland they call it Hogmanay - the New Year\'s Eve and New Year\'s Day celebrations marked with parties, specially prepared food (haggis), songs (Auld Lang Syne) & the custom of '**first footing'** **- The first-footing** - is the first person to cross the threshold of a home on New Year\'s Day and a bringer of good fortune for the coming year. - 4.2. British Food & Drinks -------------------------- - based on beef, lamb, pork, chicken and fish and generally served with potatoes and one other vegetable. - The most common and typical foods eaten in Britain include the **sandwich, fish and chips, pies** like the Cornish pasty, trifle and roasts dinners - British main meal dishes - **Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding** - **Toad-in-the-Hole** (sausages covered in batter and roasted.) - **Roast Meats** (beef, pork, lamb or a whole chicken) - **Shepherds\' Pie** - **Cottage Pie** - **Bangers and Mash** (mashed potatoes and sausages) - more delicious British food\... - **jellied eels** - **black pudding** - **Haggis** (made from spiced liver, offal, oatmeal and onion and cooked inside a bag made from a sheep's stomach) - British meals - **breakfast** (usually eaten between about 7:30 and 9:00). - **tea-break** at about 11:00 in the morning (**elevenses**) - **brunch** (a meal is eaten in the late morning instead of both breakfast and lunch) - **lunch** (usually between 12:30 and 2:00) - **Tea-time** - a small meal eaten in the late afternoon (usually between about 3:30 and 5:00) - **High tea** is a light meal eaten in the early evening (for example, 6 o\'clock) - **Supper** (or dinner)-the meal eaten in the evening (usually between 7:00 and 8:30) - \...and several snacks between the meals (usually sweets and crisps) - **English breakfast** - a large, hearty meal served in hotels and cafes(pubs) to tourists - contains Toast, friend bread, butter, jam and marmalade, cereal, bacon, eggs, sausage, ham or other meat and fish grilled or tinned tomatoes, fried mushrooms, baked beans and black pudding, chips, hash browns\... - The English breakfast tea is a blend of several black teas from various countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, China and Malawi. - **Meals served in pubs\...** - sandwiches - fish and chips - Steak and Guinness Pie with Mash - Lamb Henry - Ploughman\'s Lunch - Steak and Kidney Pie with chips - **What the British drink...** - Tea - It is well known that the British are fond of drinking tea. - The standard British drink has been failing for many years. - The average number of cups of tea drunk each day is 3.6, though some people drink as many as 10 cups a day. - **Tea phrases** - If someone asks you if you \'**would like a cuppa**\', they are asking if you would like a cup of tea. - If someone says, \'**let me be mother**\' or \'**shall I be mother**\', they are offering to pour out the tea from the teapot. - If something is not quite to your taste, it's probably \'***not your cup of tea***\'. - **Soft drinks** - The British now spend more money on alcoholic drinks. - Soft drinks are used to mix with alcoholic ones, so the sale of the soft drinks as \"mixers\" has risen with the increased consumption of alcohol. - Sale of bottled water has also increased (still and sparkling). - **Fizzy beverages**: another name for **bubbly** water is carbonated water, and there are four main types: sparkling water, club soda, seltzer, and tonic water. - They are each unique, and they each have their own purpose. - **Beer** - Most beer drinking is done in pubs. - Traditionally, beer is drawn from the cellar up to the bar of the pub to be served to the customer as draught beer. - During the last 20 years many of the breweries have manufactured keg beer. - Keg beer is artificially fizzy and is kept in special metal barrels or kegs. - There are different types of draught and keg beer. - **Drinking spirits** - Although high taxes make wine and spirits expensive, the British drink twice as much as they did 10 years ago. - Whiskey is the favourite of the spirits in Britain-it is, of course, the national drink of Scotland, and \"Scotch\" is exported to the rest of the world. 5. SPORTS & LEISURE ================ 2. Sport and Competition --------------------- - - - - - - +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **Sports Played in Britain What sports do you play in England?** | | | | **Sports play an important part in the life of the British people and | | is a popular leisure activity.** Many of the world\'s **[famous | | sports began in England]**, including | | **[cricket](http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions | | /sport.html#cricket#cricket), | | [football](http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/ | | sport.html#football#football), | | [lawn | | tennis](http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/spo | | rt.html#tennis#tennis) | | and | | [rugby](http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/spo | | rt.html#rugby#rugby).** | | | | **England\'s national sport is cricket** although to many people | | football is seen as a national sport and the most popular sport. | | **Cricket** is played on village greens on Sundays from April to | | August | | | | **Football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in England** and has | | been played for hundreds of years. Some of England\'s football teams | | are world famous, the most famous being Manchester United, Arsenal | | and Liverpool. The highlight of the English football year is the FA | | (Football Association) Cup Final each May. | | | | **Rugby originated from Rugby school in Warwickshire.** It is similar | | to football but played with an oval ball. Players can carry the ball | | and tackle each other. The best rugby teams compete in the Super | | League final each September. | | | | *American Football derived from the British game of Rugby. Also | | Baseball derived from the old English game of Rounders.* | | | | **The world\'s most famous tennis tournament is Wimbledon.** It | | started at a small club in south London in the nineteenth century. It | | begins on the nearest Monday to June 22, at a time when English often | | have the finest weather. Millions of people watch the Championships | | on TV live. It is traditional for visitors to eat strawberries and | | cream whilst they watch the tennis. | | | | **Netball is the largest female team sport in England.** The sport is | | played almost exclusively by women and girls, although male | | participation has increased in recent years. | | | | **Basketball - Over 3 million people participate in basketball in the | | UK.** | | | | **Golf - Scotland is traditionally regarded as the home of golf.** | | There are over 400 golf courses in Scotland alone. The most important | | golf club in Scotland is in the seaside town of St. Andrews, near | | Dundee. | | | | **Horseracing, the sport of Kings is a very popular sport** with | | meetings being held every day throughout the year. The Derby | | originated here, as did The Grand National which is the hardest horse | | race in the world. | | | | Horse racing and greyhound racing are popular spectator sports. | | People can place bets on the races at legal off-track betting shops. | | | | Ascot, a small town in the south of England, becomes the centre of | | horse-racing world for one week in June. It\'s called Royal Ascot | | because the Queen always goes to Ascot. She has a lot of racehorses | | and likes to watch racing. | | | | **Polo -** Another equestrian sport is polo, brought to Britain from | | India in the 19th Century by army officers. It is the fastest ball | | sport in the world. | | | | **Table Tennis (ping pong) was invented in England in 1880.** It | | began with Cambridge University students using cigar boxes and | | champagne corks. | | | | **Badminton** takes its name from the Duke of Beaufort's country | | home, Badminton House, where the sport was first played in the 19th | | century. | | | | **University Boat Race -** In the nineteenth century, students at | | Oxford and Cambridge, Britain\'s two oldest universities, were huge | | fans of rowing. In 1829, the two schools agreed to hold a race | | against each other for the first time on the Thames River. The Oxford | | boat won and a tradition was born. Today, the University Boat Race is | | held every spring in either late March or early April. | | | | **Fishing (Angling) is one of the most popular sports in the UK,** | | with an estimated 3.3 million people participating in the sport on a | | regular basis. Fishermen can be see sitting beside rivers and lakes. | | | | **Bowls -** The two main forms of bowls are lawn flat green (outdoor | | and indoor) and crown green. | | | | **Boxing -** Boxing in its modern form is based on the rules | | established by the Marquess of Queensberry in 1865. In the UK boxing | | is both amateur and professional, and strict medical regulations are | | applied in both. | | | | **Swimming** is also a popular pastime and enjoyed by people of all | | ages. | | | | **Martial arts -** Various martial arts, mainly derived from the Far | | East, are practised in the UK, such as judo and karate. | | | | **Darts is a very popular pub game.** The game of darts, as it is | | today, was invented in the north of England in a town called Grimsby. | | However, the origins of the game date back to at least the Middle | | Ages. | | | | **Boxing Day Hunts -** Traditionally Boxing Day is a day for fox | | hunting. The huntsmen and huntswomen ride horses. They use dogs too. | | The dogs (fox hounds) follow the smell of the fox. Then the huntsmen | | and huntswomen follow the hounds. | | | | Before a Boxing Day hunt, the huntsmen and huntswomen drink hot wine. | | But the tradition of the December 26th is changing. Now, some people | | want to stop Boxing Day hunts (and other hunts too) They don\'t like | | foxhunting. For them it is not a sport - it is cruel. | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ **Football Hooliganism** \"Hooliganism\" is the term used broadly to describe disorderly, aggressive and often violent behaviour perpetrated by spectators at sporting events. In the UK, hooliganism is almost exclusively confined to football. **Hooligan or Football Firms** are groups that have been verified as participating in football hooliganism or other sports-related hooliganism. Over the years a number of initiatives have been taken (based in large part on the European Convention) that greatly contributed to improved international co-ordination, co-operation and exchange of information. The initiatives taken were almost exclusively concerned with the safe management of matches and tournaments. Repressive and secondarily preventive measures were aimed at the way in which the hooligan problem manifested itself and were heavily influenced by striking incidents, such as the Heysel-tragedy. Although it is recognised that the roots of hooliganism lie outside the field of sport, in a European context few initiatives were taken to influence the behaviour of fans in between matches. Educational, social and cultural measures and strategies to prevent violence deserve more attention. Leisure -------  Leisure Activities in Britain - What do British people like doing at the weekends? - The weekends are a time for families in Britain. - Often the parents are not at work having worked a five-day week from Monday to Friday. **Activities outside the home**\ Saturday is traditionally the day for **shopping** and **watching sport**s. **Retail Therapy** ([[Shopping]](http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/shops.htm)) - Despite the challenging economic climate, shopping remains an attractive UK pastime. **Sundays** - used to be a very special day of the week in Britain. - It was the one day of the week for \'worship and rest\'. - Popular leisure activities on Sunday used to be going to church **How do people spend their free time?** People enjoy various indoor and outdoor activities in Britain. - The most common leisure activity in the UK is **watching [[television]](http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/media.htm), especially watching movies at home** - Spending time with family and friends. The second most popular activity in Britain is visiting or entertaining friends or relations (**socializing / entertaining)** - **Sport and hobbies** are also **among the most popular leisure activities** - **Listening to the radio** - While the young may listen to music, adults are more likely to listen to the radio in the mornings, when commuting to and from work, and when they are having their evening meal. - **Using the Internet, using social media** - **Walking, jogging & running** - **Reading** - **Going to restaurants, pubs and cafes** - **Going to the** **cinema -among the** most popular cultural activities in the UK. - **Going to the theatre** - **Learning foreign languages** - **Homes and Gardens - gardening** - The British are known as a nation of gardeners. - **DIY** - Every town in Britain has one or more DIY (Do it Yourself) centres and garden centres. These are like supermarkets for the home and garden. These places are very popular with British homeowners at the weekends. - - - - - - - - - - - Local governments provide cheap sport and leisure facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, parks and gold courses. - People go to watch other people play sports like football or take part in sports themselves. **Public Houses (Pubs)** - - - - British people drink an average of 99.4 litres of beer every year. More than 80% of this beer is drunk in pubs and clubs. - Pubs also sell beer. - British beer is always warm. - The traditional kind is called \'real ale\'. That\'s a very strong beer from an old recipe. - Beers are served in \"pints\" for a large glass and \"halves\" for a smaller one. **Pub Customs** - Customs in British pubs differ from those in American bars. - In Britain, you must go to the bar to order drinks and food and pay for your purchase immediately, there is no table service. - Bartenders are called \"landlords\" and \"barmaids\" and they do not expect frequent tipping. - To tip a landlord or barmaid, it is customary to tell him to \"buy himself one.\" - Pubs have traditional names which date back over 600 years - The Chequers, The White Swan, The Crown, The King's Arms, The Red Lion and The White Horse - There is usually a sign outside the pub showing the pub's name with a picture - The minimum drinking age is 18, but 14-year-olds may enter a pub if they order a meal - Children may enter a pub with their parents until 9 p.m., which lets families enjoy reasonably priced pub meals together - - The traditional British holiday is a seaside holiday. - - - **Abroad -** Nowadays a lot of people go abroad for their holidays to somewhere warm. Spain and \'Spanish islands of Majorca and Ibiza are popular as are other places in Europe like Croatia. For skiing, people often go to the Alps. **Preferred mode of transport to holiday destinations**\ **Air** 43 million; **Sea** on 9.7 million; **Channel Tunnel** (train) 5.6 million ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT IN THE UK ================================ The UK prides itself on various activities, places and factors which could be considered as part of both their entertainment industry as well as leisure-loving lifestyle. - **Literature** **-** In its literature, England arguably has attained its most influential cultural expression. For more than a millennium, each stage in the development of the English language has produced its masterworks. - English literature, the body of written works produced in the English language by inhabitants of the British Isles (including Ireland) from the 7th century to the present day. - The UK is home to some of the world's most notable writers. From Harry Potter to Shakespeare, the plots and protagonists of famous British books are a huge part of popular culture. - **VISUAL ARTS** - Sculpture - Painting - **ARCHITECTURE -** English architecture has varied significantly by location, according to readily available building materials. - **PERFORMING ARTS** - Theatre - Film - Music - Dance - **Theatre** - The UK has had a constant and unique tradition and love for theatre ever since the middle ages. Also, a common very popular tourist activity - **Cinema** - One of the most influential and celebrated cinema and television in the world - **Popular films:** Mainly comedy, romance or action films: James Bond, Harry Potter series, Monty Phyton, Notting Hill, The King\'s Speech, The Queen, Trainspotting - **Television** - Regular television broadcasts in the United Kingdom started in 1936 with BBC as a public service free of advertising - currently, 480 channels, six main channel owners - Since then, the UK created some of the most influential movies and tv shows - Its long history in filmmaking, animation and special effects is recognised globally - **Popular TV shows:** Only Fools and Horses, Fawlty Towers, The Crown, Downton Abbey, Peaky Blinders, Sherlock, Black Adder, etc. - **British sitcoms:** - puns (do not easily translate) - nonsense - black humour - eccentricity - satire and sarcasm - understatement and irony ***General Features of British TV-Series:*** - wit and wordplay - character-led rather than plot-led - farce - social entrapment - SOME NOTABLE SERIES - *\'*Allo *\'*Allo! - Bottom - Coupling - Fawlty Towers - Mr. Bean - The Office - One Foot in the Grave - 2point4 Children - Yes, Minister - Monty Python - Only fools and Horses - Black Adder - Red Dwarf - **Music and Dance In the UK** - British music and musicians have been famous for decades and many British musicians are some of the greatest musicians of all time in the world -- the British invasion - **Popular music bands:** The Beatles, Queen, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Oasis, Coldplay, Pink Floyd, spice Girls, Iron Maiden, Arctic Monkeys, One Direction, etc. - **Popular musicians**: Phil Collins, Elton John, David Bowie, Billy Idol, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Jessie J, Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams, Ellie Golding, Harry Styles, George Ezra, etc. - 1920: jazz, ragtime - 1930: swing became popular, jazz is still popular - 1940: dance music - 1950: rock and roll is dominating - 1960: The Beatles began their career - 1970: glam rock -- new sound, punk - 1980: hip-hop, rap - 1990: pop and rock - 2000 and now: pop - **Dances:** - From the 14th to the 17th century, performance-oriented dances, including court dances and dances developed for the stage - In the 20th century ballet began to take hold in England - A lot of dances were popular in the past but there are few interesting dances that are also popular today: English country dancing, Rapper Sword dance, Maypole dance, Morris folkdance, Irish stepdance, Ceilidh dance, Scottish country dancing, Highland Reel dance, Square dance, Welsh folk dancing, Jac y do, - Always finding new ways to engage with their audience. - Many entertainment venues and production companies. - UK -- Fond watchers of TV / Radio listeners. - Games industry - The UK - Europe's second largest market for videogames - ENTERTAINMENT IN THE UK: - FESTIVALS & CONCERTS - MUSIC -- SONG & DANCE - MUSICALS - THEATRE - RADIO, TV AND FILM / CINEMA - MUSEUMS - GALLERIES - AMUSEMENT ARCADES - VIDEO GAMES AND GAMING - SPORTS **CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS** - The British Museum - The British Library - The London Zoo - The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - The University of Cambridge Library - The University of Oxford (the Bodleian Library) - The National Gallery - The Victoria and Albert Museum - The National Portrait Gallery - Two Tate galleries---Tate Britain and Tate Modern **SPORTS AND RECREATION** - ***The UK has a lively cultural life and sports play an important role*** - Leisure is increasingly the concern of commerce: foreign holiday package tours, gambling of many kinds (from bingo to horse-race and political betting), and the transformation of the traditional English pub by trendy interior decoration. - The weekend is the occasion for countryside trips and for outdoor activities from fishing to mountaineering. The world the sports: cricket, football (soccer), rugby football, angling, basketball, snooker, and swimming. **MEDIA AND PUBLISHING** - ***Centred in London, the broadcasting and print media in England are vast and exercise influence not only within England and the United Kingdom but throughout the world.*** - - *The Sun*, a tabloid that is the country's most widely read paper, with circulation in the millions - *The Daily Telegraph* - *The Guardian* (also published in Manchester). - Major regional dailies *include the Manchester Evening News, the Wolverhampton Express and Star, the Nottingham Evening Post, and the Yorkshire Post.* - Periodicals, such as *The Economist*, also exert considerable international influence. **The major broadcasting services in the UK are:** - British Broadcasting Corporation - Commercial Television - Radio **Some of the most common digital modes through which media companies reach their audience are:** - Online News Portals - Social Media - Podcasts 1\. Online News Portals in the UK - Online news platforms like BBC News, *The Guardian*, and *The Independent* have a significant online presence, delivering breaking news and in-depth analysis to a global audience. 2\. Social Media in the UK - Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are widely used for news consumption and social interaction---they have become essential tools for journalists and news organisations to reach audiences. According to reports, almost 50% of UK adults use social media for news nowadays. Plus, among the various social media channels; Facebook is the most used for local news, Twitter for breaking news, and TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are all used for celebrity news. As one of the most used video websites worldwide, YouTube has also captured its share of the online entertainment market in the United Kingdom (UK). YouTube is supporting the UK creator economy by helping hundreds of thousands of creators grow careers, start businesses and share their uniquely British stories with a global audience.