BRITAIN

 

The United Kingdom includes four distinct nations—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—each with its own rich culture, history, and traditions. Despite sharing a political union, these countries retain unique cultural identities shaped by centuries of separate development. 

England culture is often associated with traditions such as afternoon tea, Shakespeare, and iconic landmarks like Big Ben. 

Scotland, however, has a distinct cultural heritage that includes kilts, bagpipes, and the Gaelic language, especially strong in the Highlands and Islands. Scots celebrate Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) with particular enthusiasm.

Wales is known for its national pride in the Welsh language, music, and folklore. The Eisteddfod, a Welsh festival of literature, music, and performance, highlights the country’s cultural emphasis on the arts. 

Northern Ireland, with its complex history, has a blend of Irish and British influences, evident in its festivals, folklore, and the prevalence(sự phổ biến)  of both the Irish and English languages.

These cultural differences are celebrated through distinct national holidays, sports, and regional customs, creating a UK that is both unified and diverse. While English culture has often dominated due to political power, regional pride continues to thrive, supported by cultural preservation efforts and devolution. This blend of shared and unique identities makes the UK culturally diverse yet interconnected.

 

UNIT 1: COUNTRY AND PEOPLE

1. Why is it inappropriate to refer to the UK as “England,” and what impact might this have on people from Scotland, Ireland, and Wales?

=> Referring to the UK as “England” is inaccurate and misleading the distinct identities of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom includes four nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each with unique histories, languages, and cultural identities. Calling the entire UK as “England” erases these differences, causing offense, especially to Scots, Welsh, and Irish people, who may feel disregarded or oppressed. This can revive historical grievances, as all three nations have histories of resistance to English dominance. Today, these regions value autonomy and cultural pride; for example, Scotland and Wales have their own parliaments, and Northern Ireland has distinct political complexities.  In conclusion, using “UK” instead of “England” shows respect for each country and acknowledges their unique contributions within the union.

1. How do symbols like Britannia and John Bull represent British identity, and why are these representations significant?

=> Britannia and John Bull are symbolic figures that capture key aspects of British identity. Britannia, traditionally shown as a warrior holding a trident and shield, embodies Britain’s historical naval power, resilience, and defense against external threats. With roots tracing back to Roman times, Britannia represents a collective pride in Britain’s seafaring and imperial legacy. John Bull, on the other hand, personifies the typical British character—often depicted as stout, confident, and practical—reflecting values like determination and loyalty. These symbols play a role to unite people, especially during periods of conflict or social change. Their presence in literature, art, and even politics reinforces national pride and reflects the qualities that the British see as integral to their character. In conclusion, these figures embody ideals that unify the British public and remind them of their heritage and cultural resilience.

UNIT 2: HISTORY

1. How did the Norman Conquest in 1066 impact the development of British society and governance?

=> The Norman Conquest in 1066 was a transformative event that reshaped British society and governance. When William defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, he introduced the feudal system, which reorganized society around land ownership and loyalty to the royal. This system centralized power under the monarchy, as nobles received land from the king in exchange for military service. Normans implemented new administrative practices, such as the Domesday Book, which recorded land ownership and helped William consolidate control. This conquest also introduced the French language into the English court and legal systems, blending with Old English to form Middle English and diversity the vocabulary. The Normans built castles throughout the land, solidifying their presence and military control. The conquest laid the groundwork for a strong, centralized English monarchy and a society structured around hierarchy and loyalty, influencing British governance for centuries to come.

1. Why was the English Reformation under King Henry VIII a significant turning point for British religious and political life?

=> The English Reformation, initiated by King Henry VIII, was a pivotal event that had lasting religious and political consequences in Britain. Henry’s decision to break from the Catholic Church and establish the Church of England allowed him to remove his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, consolidating his control over both church and state. This separation reduced the Pope’s influence in England and opened a Protestant national identity. The Reformation also led to the dissolution of monasteries, which redistributed land, altering the religious and economic landscape. Politically, this change reinforced the monarchy’s authority over religious affairs, influencing the future role of the church in governance. Henry’s actions marked the beginning of England’s religious transformation and set the stage for subsequent religious conflicts. The Reformation’s impact on English culture and identity persisted, as Protestantism became deeply intertwined with British national identity.

UNIT 3: GEOGRAPHY

1. Describe the geographical features of Britain and explain how they influence the country’s culture and way of life.

=> Britain’s geography—characterized by coastlines, rivers, mountains, and fertile plains—has had a lasting impact on its culture and way of life. The surrounding seas have made Britain a seafaring nation, with a history rooted in fishing, trade, and naval strength. Britain’s mild climate and fertile land in regions like England’s lowlands have supported agriculture, influencing traditional British cuisine, which includes a variety of local vegetables, meats, and dairy. The rugged landscapes of Scotland and Wales have fostered unique regional identities and outdoor traditions, such as Scottish Highland games and Welsh hiking culture. Major rivers like the Thames facilitated the growth of cities like London, establishing it as a hub for trade and culture. Britain’s geography has thus shaped its economic development, cuisine, recreational activities, and even regional customs, creating a diverse cultural landscape that reflects the natural environment.

1. Discuss how Britain’s environmental policies have evolved from the era of heavy industrial pollution to the present, focusing on the challenges and solutions introduced. 

=> Britain’s environmental policies have evolved greatly, shifting from unregulated industrial pollution during the Industrial Revolution to today’s focus on sustainability. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Britain’s rapid industrialization led to severe air and water pollution, particularly in cities like London, where coal burning produced thick smog. The Clean Air Act was one of the first legislative steps to address this issue, banning coal burning in major cities. Since then, Britain has gradually implemented more comprehensive environmental policies, such as the Climate Change Act, which set ambitious carbon reduction targets. Modern challenges include balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and promoting renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Britain has also taken steps to improve recycling programs and address plastic waste. These policy shifts reflect a broader awareness of environmental issues and a commitment to combating climate change for future generations.

UNIT 4: IDENTITY

1. How does the British class system influence personal identity, and in what ways has this system changed over time? 

=> The British class system has long influenced personal identity, affecting everything from accents to education and career paths. Traditionally, the system divided society into working, middle, and upper classes, with clear distinctions in lifestyle and social opportunities. Today, while class differences remain, they have softened due to changes like improved access to education and shifting job markets. People’s social backgrounds are still relevant, but many now view class as less important. Mobility between classes has become easier, and more people identify themselves based on individual success rather than traditional class.

1. What role does language play in preserving national identity within the UK, especially in Wales and Scotland? 

=> Language plays a crucial role in preserving national identity in Wales and Scotland, where Welsh and Scottish Gaelic are important symbols of cultural heritage. Welsh, in particular, has seen a revival, with government initiatives promoting its use in schools, media, and daily life. In Scotland, Gaelic has fewer speakers but holds cultural significance, especially in the Highlands and Islands. These languages connect people to their history, literature, and unique local traditions, helping maintain a sense of identity distinct from English-speaking Britain. By supporting these languages, the UK promotes diversity and respects the identities of its constituent nations.

UNIT 6: GOVERNMENT 

1. How has “devolution” affected the power balance between the central and local governments in the UK? 

=> Devolution, the transfer of certain powers from the central UK government to local governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has shifted the power balance in the UK. This process allows each region more control over local issues like healthcare, education, and transportation. For example, Scotland can set its own education policies. Devolution has empowered these regions to make decisions suited to their unique needs, though major issues, like defense and foreign policy, remain with the central government. This balance allows local governments to address specific issues directly while staying part of the UK.

1. How do British people’s attitudes towards politics and politicians reflect their values about governance and authority? 

=>  British attitudes towards politics often reflect values like accountability, transparency, and skepticism of authority. Many people expect politicians to be honest and serve the public interest, leading to widespread criticism when officials are seen as corrupt or self-serving. Historically, there is a strong tradition of public debate and scrutiny in British politics, exemplified by Question Time in Parliament and the role of a free press. This skepticism of power reflects a deeply-rooted belief in democratic principles and individual freedoms, highlighting the British public’s expectation that politicians should be answerable to the people.

UNIT 7: THE MONARCHY

1. What is the current role of the British monarchy in governance, and how does it differ from its traditional powers?

=> Today, the British monarchy has a mostly symbolic role in governance, unlike in the past when monarchs held significant power. The Queen (or King) remains the head of state, but real political power lies with Parliament and the Prime Minister. The monarch’s role is to approve laws (a formality), represent the UK in ceremonial events, and act as a unifying figure for the country. This modern role is largely ceremonial, as the monarchy has no decision-making power in government. Instead, it symbolizes continuity, tradition, and stability within the UK.

1. How does the British monarchy contribute to national pride and tourism in the UK?

=> The monarchy is an important part of British identity and brings a sense of pride for many citizens. As a long-standing institution, it represents continuity and tradition, values that resonate with the public. Additionally, the monarchy attracts millions of tourists each year who come to see places like Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Special royal events, such as weddings or jubilees, also boost tourism and national pride. The monarchy plays a role in both cultural pride and the economy, as its history and charm draw people from around the world.

UNIT 8: THE GOVERNMENT

1. What are the primary functions of the Prime Minister within the UK government, and how is the Prime Minister held accountable?

=> The Prime Minister leads the UK government, sets policies, oversees the Cabinet, and represents the country internationally. As the head of government, the Prime Minister makes key decisions on economic, social, and foreign policy. They are held accountable to Parliament, which can question their decisions and challenge their actions, especially during the weekly “Prime Minister’s Questions” session. Additionally, the public holds the Prime Minister accountable through elections. If the Prime Minister or their party loses the public’s support, they can be voted out, ensuring they remain answerable to the people.

UNIT 9: PARLIAMENT

1. How does the seating arrangement and debate format in the House of Commons influence British parliamentary traditions?      

=>   The House of Commons has a special seating arrangement, with the government and opposition facing each other across a central aisle. This setup encourages debate, often in a confrontational style, where both sides directly address their arguments. The format emphasizes opposition and accountability, with members of each side challenging and questioning the other. This tradition of direct debate shapes British parliamentary culture by promoting lively discussions and strong arguments. In summary, the seating arrangement symbolizes the balance between government and opposition, reinforcing a culture of active, often political debate.    

 

UNIT 1: COUNTRY AND PEOPLE 

• Looking for the name 

• The British Isles
• The north-east Atlantic archipelago
• The north-west European archipelago
•  IONA (Islands of the North Atlantic)
• The Isles

• Other signs of national identity 

• Albion (Celtic origin): literary name for GB, Latin “albus” (white).
• Britannia: female embodiment of GB wearing helmet & holding trident.
• John Bull: fictional character personifying Englishness and English virtues.
• Briton: official name for UK citizen Caledonia, Cambria, Hibernia: Roman name for Scotland, Wales & Ireland.
• Erin / Eire / The Emerald Isle: poetic name for Ireland

•  Should “Britain” be called as “England”

• Absolutely not! England is only one of ‘the four nations’.
• This can be insulting for people from Scotland, Ireland or Wales.

• In the past 

• Culture and lifestyle varied enormously:
• Ireland, Wales, Highland Scotland: Celtic culture & languages
• Lowland Scotland and England: Germanic culture & dialects
• They tended to have different economic, social and legal system, and they were independent of each other.

1. Nowadays 

• British people have only one government and one passport.
• The differences haven’t disappeared completely.
• Aspects of government are organized separately or differently in the 4 parts of the UK.
• Welsh, Scottish, and Irish people feel their identity very strongly.

=>  What is the name of the national flag of the UK? => Union Jack

• The Irish flag

• The green represented the Catholic majority A
• The orange was the colour of the Protestant population.
• The white symbolises a hope of peace or unity between the two

• Surnames

• ‘Mac’ or ‘Mc’ (McCain, McCall, MacCarthy, McDonald) => Scottish or Irish.
• ‘O’ (O’Brien, O’Connor) => Irish.
• Evans, Jones, Morgan, Price, Williams => Welsh.
• Smith => English or Scottish.

• First name for men

• English => John; Scottish => lan; Irish => Sean
• Scottish men: Jock
• Irishmen: Paddy or Mick
• Welshmen: Dai or Taffy

=> Be careful: Only use for friends! Never use plural!

• The dominant of England 

• Dominant culture of Britain today is English.
• The system of politics has English origin.
• The main language of all 4 parts is English.
• Many aspects of everyday life are organized according to English customs and practice.
• The political unification of Britain was achieved by force, not mutual agreement.

• National loyalties

• Many English people don’t bother to distinguish ‘Britain’ and ‘England’.
• People in other parts DO.
• What is the safest way to deal with this situation?
• Use ‘Britain/British’ instead of ‘England/English’
• Remember: England does not make up the whole of the UK.

• Migration and identity 

• Which part do most people migrate to?

=> People from Scotland, Wales, and Ireland have migrated to England for a long time.

• But they would never describe themselves as English.
• Which nation are these people likely to support in sporting contests?
• What do most British citizens who family origin lie outside Britain or Ireland like being described? British or English?  => British

 

UNIT 2: HISTORY

• Prehistory 

• 3000 B.C. New Stone Age begins: farming people arrive from Europe.
• 2100 B.C. Bronze Age begins: people learn to make bronze weapons and tools.
• 2000 B.C. Stonehenge completed.
• 1200 B.C. small villages are first formed.
• 750 B.C. Iron Age begins: Iron replaced bronze as the most useful metal.
• 500 B.C. The Celts settled in Britain.

• Stonehenge

• Located in Salisbury Plain, UK.
• The most important prehistoric monument in Britain.
• It was constructed in 3 phases, requiring more than 30 million hours of labour.
• Its purposes range from religion to astronomy.
• Druids are believed to hold ceremonies to mark the passing of seasons.
• During the summer solstice, the sunrise lines up with some of the stones

=> it may serve as a calendar or astronomical clock.

•  The Roman period (43-410)

• 43 Britain was invaded and became part of the Roman Empire.
• 50 Londinium was founded
• 70 Romans conquered Wales
• 122-128 Emperor Hadrian built a wall on the Scottish border
• 401-410 Romans withdrew from Britain & Anglo-Saxon migrants began to settle.

•  The Germanic Invasions (410-1066)

• The Jutes (Jutland) The Angles (South Denmark) and the Saxons (Germany) invaded and settled in the south-east.
• In the west, they were halted temporarily by the Celts led by the legendary King Arthur.

• Anglo-Saxon Britain 

• Late 6th century: Anglo- Saxon lifestyle predominated most of England (self-sufficient villages)
• Celtic culture survived in Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall
• 6th-7th century: Christianity spread throughout Britain

• Viking Britain 

• 8th century: first wave of Viking invasions
• The Vikings conquered and settled in some islands in Scotland & Ireland.
• King Alfred defeated the Vikings but allowed them to settle in eastern England.

• Norman Conquest 

• The military conquest of England by William, duke of Normandy, primarily effected by his decisive victory at the Battle of Hastings (October 14, 1066) and resulting ultimately in profound political, administrative, and social changes in the British Isles.

• Invasions of England 

• King Edward the Confessor died, having no child to inherit the throne.
• He named Harold Godwinson (the powerful earl of Wessex) his heir on January 5, 1066.

• Battle of Stamford Bridge September 25,1066

• At Stamford Bridge, King Harold II won a smashing victory against Harald III (King of Norway) & Tostig

• Before the battle

• While Harold was occupied in the north, William crossed the Channel with an army of 4000-7000 men.
• Harold, hurrying southward with 7000 men, approached Hastings on October 13.

• Battle of Hastings October 14/1066

• Harold’s wall of highly trained infantry held firm against William’s cavalry.
• The Norman forces panicked by the rumour of William’s death.
• But William removed his helmet to show he was alive and rallied his troops.
• By late afternoon, Harold was killed by an arrow in the eye.
• The English army scattered and fled. ( tả ra và 

• After the battle 

• William marched swiftly to London.
• He was crowned in Westminster Abbey On Christmas Day, 1066.
• He is known as “William the Conqueror”.

• The medieval period (1066-1458) 

• Following the Norman conquest, a strict feudal system (feudalism) was imposed.
• The peasants: English-speaking Saxons
• The nobles: French-speaking Normans

=> The start of the English class system.

• Middle English was the dominant language in all classes of society in England.
• Despite English rule, the Welsh, Irish and highland Scottish still retained Celtic language and customs. 
• Parliament (French ‘parler’ – to speak) gradually evolved into a democratic body. (13th century: an assembly of nobles called together by the king)
• 1215-Magna Carta (The Great Charter) was signed by King John, limiting the king’s power.

• Robin Hood

• A legendary folk hero, living with his band of ‘Merry Men’ in Sherwood Forest outside Nottingham.
• He stole from the rich and gave to the poor.

• The 16th century 

• The Black Death (bubonic plague) killed 1/3 of population => shortage of labour.
• Trade and towns flourished.
• Power struggles among nobles (quý tộc ) broke out.
• The Wars of the Roses (1455-1485)

• The house of Tudor

• The wars continued for 3 decades.
• Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at the battle of Bosworth (August 22nd 1485).
• He married Elizabeth of York and joined the two houses, founding the House of Tudor.

1. King Henry VIII (1509-1547) 

• Son of Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York.
• Married 6 times and T beheaded 2 of his wives.
• The main instigator of the English Reformation, turning Britain into a Protestant nation.

• English reformation 

• Wanting a male heir, Henry wanted to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragorn, but the Pope wouldn’t allow it.
• In 1534, Henry VIII declared himself supreme head of the Church of England, independent of Rome’s power. => Anglicanism.
• Henry introduced several laws outlining the relationships between the king, the pope, and the structure of the Church of England.
• The Act of Appeals, the Acts of Succession and the first Act of Supremacy declared the king was “the only Supreme Head on Earth of the Church of England.”
• The Church of England was under England’s rule, not Rome’s.

• Catholic 

• Granted people forgiveness for sins
• Churches are richly decorated
• Lots of statues and artwork
• Priests wear rich garments
• Latin language

• Protestant 

• Insisted that people seek forgiveness directly
• Churches are plain and simple
• No statues or art work
• Vicars wear plain garments
• Vernacular language

• Anglican and Catholic

• There are few differences between the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church.
• Henry VIII had few issues with the practices of the Catholic Church. His issue was with the power of the Pope.
• The Archbishop of Canterbury is the symbolic leader of the Anglican Church.
• However, King Henry VIII faced with much opposition from Catholic priests and monks, destroyed many churches and killed whoever opposed his authority.

• The 17th century 

• James VI of Scotland became James I of England (Stuart dynasty).
• Tension increased between religion and politics.
• Parliament dominated the monarchy, but the king raised tax without the consent of the House of Commons.
• Puritanism (a branch of Protestantism) criticized the luxurious lifestyle of the King.

=> The English Civil War broke out in 1642.

• English civil war

• The Battle of Naseby (June 14th 1645): The New Model Army (Roundheads) led by Oliver Cromwell defeated the Royalist army.
• Charles I was executed and his son Charles II was exiled
• Cromwell then led a brutal military campaign to crush resistance in Ireland.

=> English monarchy was replaced with the Commonwealth, then Protectorate; Oliver Cromwell became Protector of the Realm.

• Cromwell’s rule

• Cromwell imposed a strict system of government and puritan ethics.
• All forms of entertainment (pubs, theater, play house etc.) and celebrations (even Christmas) were banned.
• The system were so unpopular that King Charles I’s exiled son was recalled and became King Charles II.

1. Glorious revolution 

• King James II inherited the throne from his brother (Charles II).
• The King wanted to impose religious tolerance (giving full right to the Catholic).
• Leading politicians invited William of Orange and Mary (daughter of King James II) to assume the throne.
• King James II went into exile in France.

• William of Orange

• Parliament drew up Bill of Rights to limit monarch’s power.
• Dissenters (Protestants opposed to Anglicanism) are allowed to form Presbyterian Church in lowland Scotland.
• But Dissenters were not allowed to hold government posts or become MPs.

• English Bill of Rights

• In general, the Bill of Rights limited the power of the monarchy, elevated the status of Parliament and outlined specific rights of individuals.
• Freedom to elect members of Parliament, without the king or queen’s interference insights
• Freedom of speech in Parliament
• Freedom from royal interference with the law
• Freedom to petition the king
• Freedom to bear arms for self-defense
• Freedom from cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail
• Freedom from taxation by royal prerogative, without the agreement of Parliament
• Freedom of fines and forfeitures without a trial
• Freedom from armies being raised during peacetimes

• Battle or the Bone

• King James II fled to Ireland and mustered an army.
• His Catholic Irish army was defeated at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
• Laws were passed forbidding Catholics to vote or even own land.

=> the split society in Northern Ireland

• In Ulster, a large number anti- Catholic Scottish Presbyterian settled (their descendants are Orangemen).
• The other half is ‘native’ Irish Catholics.

• The 18th century 

• In 1707, the Act of Union was passed.

 => Scottish parliament was dissolved & joined with English and Welsh parliament in London: “United Kingdom of Great Britain”

• The political system remained stable with harmony between Monarch and Parliament.
• Division between two groups within Parliament:

• The Whigs (Protestantism)
• The Tories (monarchy and Anglicanism)

=> Beginning of the party system in Britain.

• Highland Scotland twice supported Catholic Stuart kings but failed.
•  Highlanders were massacred and exiled. => Celtic way of life was destroyed.
• Britain began colonizing the Americas, west Africa and India.
• Naval trade bloomed and paved the way for the Industrial Revolution.
• In 1782, James Watt invented the first steam engine.

 

UNIT 3: GEOGRAPHY

• The land and climate in Britain have a notable lack of extremes. 
• Britain has mountains, but none of them are very high; 
• It also has flat land, but you cannot travel far without encountering hills. (
• It has no really big rivers; it doesn’t usually get very cold in the winter or very hot in the summer.
• It has no active volcanoes(núi lửa), and an earth tremor(trận động đất) which does no more than rattle teacups in a few houses is reported in the national news media. 

• Climate 

• The climate in Britain is similar to that of Northwestern Europe, not too cold in winter or too hot in summer.
• The belief that it rains constantly in Britain is incorrect. London receives a similar or even lesser amount of rain than many other major European cities. Rain is heavier in the west, while snow mainly occurs in higher areas.
• The British often talk about the weather due to its unpredictability. There can be cold days in July and warm days in January.

=> Because of the generally mild climate, when extreme weather does occur, like sudden heat or cold, the transportation system and infrastructure often face disruptions.

• Land and settlement 

• Britain has neither towering mountain ranges nor impressively large rivers, plains or forests. But this does not mean that its landscape is boring. 
• Overall, the south and east of the country are comparatively low-lying, consisting of either flat plains or gently rolling hills. Mountainous areas are found only in the north and west, although these regions also have flat areas (The British Landscape).
• The forests that once covered Britain have mostly disappeared, replaced by extensive grasslands. A notable human-made feature is the hedgerows surrounding fields, which add variety to the landscape, although many were removed in the 20th century. 
• Due to the British preference for privacy and their reluctance to live in city-center apartments, cities have expanded outward rather than upward, resulting in greater land use compared to many European countries. For example, the London area has about three times the population of the Athens area but it occupies about ten times the amount of land.
• Although about 80% of the population lives in urban areas, Britain has still preserved many untouched rural areas, and some mountainous regions remain virtually unaffected.

• The environment and pollution 

• The word “smog” (a mixture of smoke and fog) was first used in Britain, and its cities were the first to suffer from the air pollution caused by industrialization.
• In the 19th century, London became famous for its thick fogs known as “pea-soupers.”(những làn sương mù dày đặc). The severe smog in 1952 caused between 4,000 and 8,000 deaths. The River Thames was also heavily polluted, leading to proposals to wrap the Houses of Parliament to avoid the awful smell.
• Legislation prohibiting coal burning and limiting factory pollution led to reduced air pollution and improved water quality in the Thames, where fish could eventually be caught.
• The increase in car usage in the late 20th century resulted in a new kind of air pollution, serious enough that air quality forecasts were necessary, and there were recommendations for vulnerable individuals, like asthma sufferers, to limit outdoor activities.
• Reducing greenhouse gases has become an urgent global need, especially as North Sea oil reserves dwindle. Alternative energy sources, such as nuclear power (which does not emit greenhouse gases but is politically controversial), solar, tidal, wave, and wind energy, are being explored.
• Wind farms are now a common feature in Britain, though they face opposition from local residents and tourism boards due to their impact on the landscape. To mitigate this issue, some wind farms have been constructed offshore.

• LonDon

• London (the largest city in western Europe) dominates Britain. It is home to the headquarters of all government departments, the country’s parliament, its major legal institutions, and the monarch. It is the country’s business and banking centre and the centre of its transport network. It contains the headquarters of the national television networks and all the national newspapers. 
• It is about seven times larger than any other city in the country. About a fifth of the total population of the UK lives in the wider London area. 
• The original city of London (the square mile) was quite small, with no Parliament or royal court, as these institutions operated in Westminster, located outside the city walls.
• Two famous areas of London are the West End, known for its theaters and expensive shops, and the East End, which is a poorer residential area with a diverse cultural history due to successive waves of immigration.
• The population in central London decreased in the second half of the 20th century, with most Londoners living in the suburbs and commuting into the center daily for work.
• London has the highest level of cultural and racial diversity in the UK, with over 300 languages spoken and 70 types of cuisine ( ẩm thực ) from around the world. Nearly one-third of London’s population was born outside of the UK.
• Despite having both rich and poor areas, the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in London is lower than in many other British cities. By the end of 2007, London was voted the most popular city in the world and is a preferred destination for Chinese companies expanding into Europe.

• Southern England 

• The area surrounding London known as “the land of commuters,” it is the most densely populated area without a large city; millions of people travel into London for work every day.
• Kent is referred to as “the garden of England” due to the many types of fruits and vegetables grown there; it features The Downs, where sheep farming occurs and which forms the white cliffs along the southern coast.
• West Country is known for its attractive rural image and widespread agriculture; Bristol was once a major port; it is famous for dairy products and seaside tourism, particularly the “Cornish Riviera.”
• East Anglia is a rural area with flat land and a dry climate, primarily growing wheat ( lúa mì ); it includes the region known as the Ferns, reclaimed from the sea, and the Norfolk Broads, which is a popular area for boating holidays.

• The Middle of England 

• Birmingham as the second largest city in England, it developed into a major engineering center during the Industrial Revolution and still maintains the iron and steel processing industry, despite the decline of heavy industry.
• The Midlands region includes towns like The Potteries, famous for china production; other towns such as Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham also contribute to the industrial economy. Grimsby, once a major fishing port, is now the main fish processing center.
• Although the Midlands do not have many positive associations, tourism has flourished in Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare’s birthplace) and Nottingham due to the legend of Robin Hood.

• Northern England

• The Pennine mountains run through northern England and are surrounded by coal and iron ore deposits that fueled the Industrial Revolution. Manchester became the leading producer of cotton goods, while Bradford and Leeds became known for woollen(dệt len) goods.
•  The once-thriving industrial towns evoke a mixed sentiment, with pride in their achievements but also challenges due to the decline of heavy industry, resulting in high unemployment rates.
• The hilly terrain and poor agricultural land led to a unique settlement pattern, with urban areas close to open countryside. Notable literary connections include the moors featured in “Wuthering Heights.”
• Outside major industrial regions, northern England is sparsely populated, with the Lake District as a notable area known for its beauty and as a popular walking holiday destination, classified as the largest National Park in England.

• Scotland

•  Scotland is divided into three main regions: the southern uplands, which primarily relies on sheep farming; the central plain, where more than 80% of the population lives; and the highlands, known for their spectacular natural beauty but sparsely populated.
• Tourism and whisky production play significant roles in Scotland’s economy. The central region has faced many difficulties in the second half of the 20th century but has been supported by the North Sea oil industry.
• Glasgow is the larger city, associated with heavy industry and a rich artistic heritage, while Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, has a middle-class image and is famous for its historic buildings and the Edinburgh Festival of the Arts.

• Wales

• Most of the people in Wales live primarily in the southeast region, which is known for its coal mining industry, although there are no large cities.
• Coal mining in southern Wales has nearly ceased chấm dứt), and the transition to other forms of employment has been slow.
• Much of Wales is mountainous, making travel between the north and south difficult.
• The area around Mount Snowdon is one of the most beautiful regions and is the largest national park in England.

• Northern Ireland 

• Primarily agricultural, with Belfast being the most Ethnic identity: the four nations

 

UNIT 4: IDENTITY

• Ethnic identity: the four nations

• Strong national loyalties => people from non- English origins: Scotland, Wales, Ireland

• Scotland 

• Strong national pride & distinctiveness:
• Different public life aspects: education, legal & welfare systems.
• Different dialects (Scots)
• Different cultural symbols
• Highland Scotland – Burns supper: Robert Burns’ poems, kilts, traditional songs, bagpipes, haggis (sheep’s heart, lung, liver & stomach)

• Wales 

• Not much national distinctiveness – quite similar to English culture.

• National Welsh hero: Owain Glyndwr (Owen Glendower)

• In the 19th century, Scottish, Irish & English people came to find work in Wales => They integrated into Welsh society.
• One single highly important symbol of Welsh identity: the Welsh language 20% of population have Welsh as 1st language

 

• Government have launched campaigns & programs to preserve Welsh: school, media, public life

• England 

• Little distinction between “English” and “British”
• The bulldog spirit:

… dogged ( lòg dũg cảm ) , unyielding courage [which] we think of as a great national virtue… and I realised I was extremely proud of [the players] and proud of England… it reawakened a sense of national solidarity in me [and] presumably that is what it was doing for every other Englishman and woman.

• Title: “To understand Britishness, watch rugby ( bóg bầu dục )”

• The Scottish, Irish, and Welsh have their own anthems.

• English & British anthem: God Save the Queen
• English anthem: Land of Hope and Glory

• Union Jack vs. St. George’s Cross
• English vs. British vs. European

• Other ethnic identity 

• Peoples of the four nations, even those whose family origins are in continental Europe: almost similar to each other.
• Two major groups of “other ethnicities”:

• Black Caribbeans: great wave of immigration during 1948-1962.

•  Indians: immigration wave at the same time.

• Black Caribbeans

• First immigrants mostly took low-paid manual jobs.

• Cultural practices are quite similar to the British.
• Language variety: creole & patwa.
• Caribbean music (reggae, calypso, ska) & festivals (Notting Hill Carnival) integrated into the local culture.
• They are proud of their cultural roots (just like Irish, Welsh & Scottish).

• Indiana

• Often referred as “Asians”.
• Their communities stay close together => retain much of culture (languages, non- Christian religions, music, clothes, food).
• Parents have more control over children.
• Indian British (Hindus or Sikhs) assimilate better than Bangladeshi / Pakistani British (Muslims).

1. The family 

• “Family” means “nuclear family” (not “extended family”).
• Family identity is weak, though family gatherings occur during family events (weddings, births, funerals).
• Ceremonial roles (godfather/godmother, best man …) do not come with lifelong responsibilities.
• For most British, Christmas is the only time for family reunion.
• British average number of family members is lower than European average.
• British average for people living alone is higher.
• More and more children are born outside marriage.
• Single-parent families are becoming popular.
• British people are less concerned about marriage formalities.
• “Partners” are often used than “husband”, “wife”, “boyfriend”, or “girlfriend”

• Geographical identity 

• Sense of loyalty to place of birth is uncommon because people are very mobile.
• Local pride arises because of people’s affection to their towns, not sense of belonging.
• City identity: Scousers (Liverpool), Geordies (Newcastle), Mancunians (Manchester), Glaswegians (Glassgow) and Londoners (London).
• County indentity: Yorkshire (north of England) and Cornwall (south-western of England)

• The north and The south 

• Northerners: tough, honest, warm-hearted.
• Southerners: soft, hypocritical, unfriendly.
• Common stereotype among northerners: “Rich southerners are exploiting labour northerners.”
• Jamie Oliver (a Cockney chef) endorsement for the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s:

=> Successful in the south but failed in the north.

• Class

• British class system is flexible: it’s always possible to “climb the social ladder”.
• Awareness of class plays important role in British sense of identity.
• British people think it’s difficult to make friends with people from a different “background”. 
• Different attitudes, daily habits: food, sports, pastime, conversation topics, accents, values.

• Class components

• Wealth is not the only factor.
• What and how people talk are definitely important:

• “Standard British English” => upper class.
• “Non-standard English” => working class.

• Accent is also important:

• The most prestigious: “Received Pronunciation” (RP), aka. “BBC English” or “the Queen’s English” => upper class.
• Strong regional accent => working class.

• Change in class awareness

• In the late 20th century, “social climbing” still goes on, but the opposite is more common.
• British people tend to define themselves as working class.
• “Inverted snobbery”: middle-class people try to adopt working-class values and habits.
• They try to avoid being called “snobbish” or “posh”.
• Clear distinguish among classes is disappearing.
• Wealthy people regard themselves as working class, while poor people regard themselves as middle class.

• Men and  women 

• British society does not endorse differences in public and social roles of men and women. => sex discrimination is illegal.
• People, unconsciously, expect differences in behaviors and roles:

• Untidy man vs. untidy woman
• Emotional man vs. emotional woman
• Grooming services for man vs. for woman
• Drunk man vs. drunk woman.

• Domestic roles for man and woman 

• Man is still considered bread-winner.

 

•  Though child-care is considered as woman’s responsibility, man are expected to assist.

• Public roles for man and woman 

• Most jobs are no longer associated with either man or woman.

• Britain is one of the first European countries to have a woman Prime Minister.

• 34% MPs and 25% executive directors of FTSE 100 are women.
• A much higher proportion of men work in skilled trades (process, plant, machine operatives), while women dominate work in administrative / secretarial roles and caring, leisure, and other services.

• Social and everyday contact

• Everyday personal contact is very important.
• Pubs and clubs (sports and pastimes): people socialize with others with the same interests and attitudes.
• Professions and skills are also important.

• Religion and politics 

• Most of the cases (except N. Ireland, Scotland and Islamic community), both religion and politics are unimportant in British people’s identity.

• Religion or politics rarely affects people’s decisions on important aspects of their lives (jobs and relationships).

• Identity in Northern Ireland 

• Identity is totally different from other nations.

• Ethnicity, family, politics and religion are interrelated, while social class has a minor role.
• Northern Ireland is a polarized society: most people are born into and stay, for their whole life, in one of the two communities:
• Protestant community: want to be part of the UK.
• Catholic community: want to be part of Irish Republic

• Protestant and Catholic 

• Though living side by side, their lives are segregated.
• Different housing estates, radios, TV channels, newspapers, anniversaries, schools, hospitals, and other facilities.
• Students from two communities may meet each other first time at university.
•  Most people from two communities rarely talk with each other.

• Being British 

• Do British people feel they belong to Britain? => Not really!
• Only 46% people regard themselves as “British” (2001); less than 50% teenagers think the national flag is important to them (2002); 50% people want to emigrate if they can (2007)
• British people are not actively patriotic.

• Concerns about “Britishness”

• The need to find common values in a multicultural society.
• The UK has much less influence on the world.

• The fear that the UK might break up.
• In 2006, the government suggested a British national day, which many people thought ridiculous and unnecessary.

• Personal identity: a sense of humour 

• Sense of humour is highly appreciated in British culture.
• It is expected in either informal or formal situations.
• Telling jokes, esp. about yourself, is highly prized.

=> Bravery in the face of adversity (stiff upper lip), modesty and sense of humour.

 

 

UNIT 6: POLITICAL LIFE

• The public attitudes to politics

• Britain people hold a negative attitudes towards politicians => dishonest & 

untrustworthy.

• Most people don’t care about politicians => People don’t know their names.
• “Politics” is often considered a bad choice of conversation topic.
• Politics is generally accepted as a dirty but necessary business

• The style of democracy

• British people have deep respect for the principles of law, but not keen to make new laws.
• In many aspects, Britain have few rules and regulations:

– British citizens don’t have ID cards.

– Until the 21st century, people can demand for information disclosure (côg khai) of the government.

– The 30-year rule is stiff in effect. (access to government papers is restricted (hạn chế) for 30 years)

• The people and the government “leave each other alone” as much as possible.
• The people are supposed to obey the law and pay taxes.
• The government has a “free hand” to run the country.

=> British democracy (dân chủ) means that people choose the government and let them do their job.

• The constitution ( hiến pháp)

• Britain is a constitutional monarchy: a country “governed” by a king or queen with “advice” from the government.
• Britain is also a parliamentary democracy: the government controlled by an elected parliament.
• The head of state (the King) has little real power.
• Technically, Britain does not have a physical constitution (the highest law of the land).
• All rules, regulations, principles, and procedures have been built up over 

centuries.

• There is no written law about PM’s requirements and powers. => custom and practice.

• The style of politics

• Politics is influenced by traditional respect for privacy and love of secrecy.
• The Parliament has 2 unique features:

– The Parliament is the highest power in the land.

– There are many ancient tradition of procedures. ( thủ tục)

• The political stability encourages cooperation among politicians of different parties.
• The pairing system: one MP of one party is paired with one MP of another party.

• The party system

• In reality, Britain is a “two-party system”.
• Either the Labour or the Conservative (Tory) control the House of Commons and the government.
• The second biggest party in Parliament (the opposition) forms alternate government (opposition leader + “shadow cabinet”)
• The parties’ goal is to gain power by forming an effective coalition of groups and opinions.
• It is very difficult for smaller parties to challenge.
• The party’s MPs are mostly responsible for party’s policies.
• Party members can: 

– elect the party leader.

– voice their opinions at the party conference.

– Decide candidate for MP at the next election.

• The appearance of unity within the party is very important.
• Party policies are presented as potential government policies.
• Party’s leading MPs are potential ministers.
• Party conference is a chance to boost the spirit, not debates.

• The modern situation

• Traditional confidence in British political system has weakened.
• Style over substance: presentation is the most important (personal advisors or spin doctors).
• Individual freedom is being restricted due to the fear of crime, illegal immigration and terrorism.
• Rights to free speech and protest is under threat because:

– Threat of terrorism

– Lack of written law

– Clashes with other principles, such as right not to be discriminated 

• Political correctness (PC) is often viewed negatively.

 

UNIT 7: THE MONARCHY ( chế độ quân chủ )

• Northern Ireland is The House of Windsor

• King George V (Queen Elizabeth II’s grandfather) changed the family name from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor.
• The current monarch ( vị quân chủ hiện tại ) is King Charles III – king pregnant (quốc vương) of 16 independent Commonwealth countries. ( 16 quốc gia độc lập trog khối thịnh vượng chung)

• Appearance

• The King has absolute power.
• The King can choose anyone to be PM or run the government.
• The King can summon and dissolve Parliament.
• The King has to give a bill royal assent so that it can become a law.

• Reality 

• The King has little power.
• The King has to choose someone with majority support in the House of Commons to be PM.
• The King has to agree with PM’s appointment of ministers.
• The King has to agree with PM’s “request” to dissolve Parliament for election. (cuộc bầu cử)
• The King’s royal assent is automatically granted to any bills passed by the Parliament.

• Honours

• Twice a year, an Honours List is published.
• People on the list are summoned to Buckingham Palace, where the King presents them with titles
• The decisions are often made by PM.
• Most titles and honours are given to politicians or civil servants, but also to business people, sports stars & entertainers.

• The role of the monarch

• The monarch is the personal embodiment ( hiện thân) of the government of the country.
• The monarch is supposed to be the final check on the government.
• The monarch, a figurehead ( biểu tượng ) and representative of the country, can perform ceremonial duties.(nhiệm vụ nghi lễ)

• The value of the monarchy

• The monarchy gives British people a sense of national pride.( niềm tự hào dân tộc)
•  The of the royal family can be a source of entertainment for the public and generates income from tourism.

• The future of the monarchy

• There is no public debate about the existence of the monarchy.
• The Queen remained popular, and the royal family is supposed to be a “model Christian family”.
• The public loses enthusiasm about the royal family.

 

UNIT 8: THE GOVERNMENT

• The cabinet (nội cát)

• Leading members of governing party become members of cabinet.
• Cabinet meets once a week to take decisions about new and existing policies.
• Unity among all government members is very important.

=> individual discussion is confidential. ( đc giữ bí mật )

•  Cabinet office helps  communications  & meeting agenda.
• Cabinet committees investigate (điều tra ) matters designated by the cabinet.

• The prime minister ( thủ tướng )

• The leader of the party with the largest number of MPs.
• Tradition title: primus inter pares ( ng đứng đầu trog số nhữg ng ngag hàg) (first among equals).
• Powers of patronage (appointing & conferring ) ( quyền bổ nhiệm và phog tước ): the Queen appoints people on the “advice” of the PM.
• Cabinet reshuffle( cải tổ ): changing the cabinet members.
• PM is  the public image of the government.
• PM makes the final decisions & the cabinet has to agree (collective responsibility).

• The civil service  ( côg chức nhà nước )

• Governments come and go, but the civil service remains( duy trì). (Permanent Secretary)
• Civil servants are unknown to the public, but have high salary, job security and honour prospects ( cơ hội thăg tiế) .
• The struggle for power between top civil servants & ministers.
• Political impartiality (trug lập): no political / partisan bias.

• Local government 

• Local government authority (councils) report to the central government.
• Elected councillors (MPs) meet in the Town Hall or Country Hall (Parliament) and make policies.
• Councils are allowed to collect council tax.
• Councils’ budgets are given by the central government.
•  “Devolution”: central government giving powers to local government.

• The balance of power 

• Two proposals:

• Local councils should be allowed to collect income tax. (not much public support)( thu thuế thu nhập)
• Local people can directly elect a mayor. (not much support either) ( trực tiếp bầu cử)

• The exception is Mayor of London.

• Local government service 

• Public hygiene ( vệ sinh công cộng)
• Health inspection (ktra)
• Rubbish collection
• Public place maintenance ( bảo trì )
• Public swimming pools, sports center, parks
• Public libraries

 

UNIT 9: PARLIAMENT

• House of Commons ( ko gian và cách diễn ra cuộc họp )

• The presiding officer of the HoC is the Speaker.
• Seating arrangements: two rows of benches facing each other (two-way ‘for’ (đồg tìh ) or ‘against’ ( phản đối ) tradition).
• The Speaker chairs the debate.

=> Encourage confrontation & two-party system

• No special place (podium) for MPs to speak: MPs just stand up and speak.
• No desks for MPs.
• The chamber of HoC is very small (400 seats).
• No names are marked on the benches.

=> informal atmosphere 

=> encourage discussion & cooperation, 

• Traditions, customs & practice are upheld:
• HoC was deliberately built to be small.
• Ancient rules and customs of procedures are kept.
• MPs are forbidden to address one another by name or “you”.
• Instead “going through the chair” by saying “the honourable member for …” / “my right honourable friend”.

=> deescalate debate & boost formality

• Member of Parliament

• Traditionally, MPs were not specialist politicians, but ordinary people from all walks of life.

=> diverse life experience into politics

• MPs were supposed to do the public a service, not making a career.
• Only the rich could afford to be MPs
• Now, politics becomes professional.
• Most MPs are full-time politicians.
• Before 2003: the House didn’t sat in the mornings (2.30 pm to 10.30 pm).
• Since 2003
• MPs’ jobs: committee work, research, speech preparation, dealing with constituents’ problems, visiting constituencies

• Parliamentary business

• Debating on proposals => resolution to accept / reject the proposals.
• MPs are supposed to vote ‘for’ (aye) or ‘against’ (no).
• Committees examine bills or investigates government activities.

• The party system in Parliament

• Most divisions take place along party lines.
• MPs vote according to parties’ policies / stances. ( /lập trường )
• Whips ensure party discipline (ensuring that members of the party vote according to the party platform, rather than according to their own individual ideology)
• By tradition, if the government loses an important vote in Parliament, it has to resign.

• House of Lords

• HoL has no real power & limited influence.
• Instead, it has a consultative role: discuss irregularities & mistakes in the bills.
• A small portion of “peers” are aristocrats, and most are given “life peerage” through honours.
• Political parties ‘kick upstairs’ older members as a reward / riddance.
• Lifetime tenure ensures impartiality & partisanship. 

 

UNIT 14: EDUCATION

Hệ thống giáo dục Anh: Tương tự các nước châu Âu và Bắc Mỹ, có giáo dục bắt buộc và miễn phí ở độ tuổi thiếu niên, với các cấp học tiểu học, trung học, và đại học.

Nền tảng lịch sử: Chính phủ Anh ít quan tâm giáo dục cho đến cuối thế kỷ 19, nhiều trường đã tồn tại trước khi chính phủ can thiệp.

Trường “Public” là trường tư: Khác với Mỹ, “Public School” ở Anh là trường tư dành cho tầng lớp thượng lưu.

Các cuộc tranh luận hiện đại: Hệ thống giáo dục Anh chú trọng chất lượng, công bằng xã hội và quyền tự chọn. Các trường và đại học có quyền tự chủ cao, tập trung vào việc hình thành con người toàn diện.

Trường công lập truyền thống: Đa phần ban đầu là trường nội trú nam sinh, hiện nay hầu hết đã hỗn hợp nam nữ, giảm tính kỷ luật hà khắc, chú trọng thành tích học tập.

Thiếu giáo viên: Anh thường xuyên tuyển giáo viên nước ngoài, dù gặp khó khăn vì học sinh có hành vi chưa tốt.

Đồng phục học sinh: Hiện nay hầu hết phụ huynh ủng hộ đồng phục vì chi phí thấp và tạo cảm giác thuộc về cộng đồng.

Dạy ngôn ngữ nước ngoài: Không hiệu quả, chỉ một số ít học sinh tiếp tục học ngoại ngữ sau 16 tuổi.

Phong cách giáo dục: Tập trung vào phát triển cá nhân và thể thao, không đặt nặng kiến thức học thuật so với các nước châu Âu khác.

Trường Summerhill: Trường tự do nổi tiếng, học sinh tự đặt quy tắc và có thể tự chọn lớp học, nhấn mạnh giáo dục tự nguyện hơn là ép buộc.

Giáo dục cho trẻ nhỏ: Bảo đảm giáo dục miễn phí bán thời gian cho trẻ nhỏ từ 3-5 tuổi.

Các kỳ thi công lập: Học sinh tham gia kỳ thi công lập ở độ tuổi 16 với các môn chính và nhiều môn tự chọn. Đánh giá bằng bài tập và bài thi.

Giáo dục sau 16 tuổi: Học sinh có thể học tiếp lên đại học, hoặc tham gia đào tạo nghề.

Các loại trường đại học: Bao gồm Oxbridge, các trường “Redbrick” thành lập trong các thành phố công nghiệp, các trường ở Scotland, và các trường “Campus” ở vùng ngoại ô.

UNIT 16: THE MEDIA

 

Suy giảm của báo chí và truyền hình

• Thách thức: Báo chí và truyền hình ở Anh đang mất dần lượng độc giả do sự phát triển của các nguồn giải trí và tin tức trực tuyến.
• Vai trò duy trì: Dù vậy, chúng vẫn giữ vai trò quan trọng trong đời sống hàng ngày.

Tầm quan trọng của báo chí quốc gia

• Sự thống trị của báo quốc gia: Báo quốc gia có sức ảnh hưởng lớn hơn báo khu vực.
• Ngoại lệ tại Scotland: Một số báo Scotland bán chạy hơn báo toàn quốc.
• Báo ngày Chủ Nhật: Báo quốc gia chiếm lĩnh ngày Chủ nhật do hầu hết báo địa phương không phát hành vào ngày này.

Các loại báo quốc gia

• Chất lượng vs. Phổ thông: Báo chất lượng chú trọng tin tức nghiêm túc, báo phổ thông hướng tới đối tượng rộng, với ngôn ngữ và hình ảnh đơn giản.
• Thay đổi kích thước: Từ năm 2004, các báo “broadsheet” và “tabloid” đã thay đổi kích thước, làm mờ ranh giới truyền thống.
• Sự giao thoa: Các loại báo này đều đưa tin về thể thao và các chủ đề khác, nhưng khác biệt ở cách trình bày.

Phủ sóng chính trị trong báo chí

• Độc lập chính trị: Các báo quốc gia không liên kết chính thức với đảng phái nào nhưng vẫn có định hướng quan điểm.
• Tập trung vào kinh doanh: Lợi nhuận là mục tiêu chính, với nhiều báo thuộc sở hữu của các tập đoàn đa quốc gia, giúp báo chí có sức mạnh và độc lập.

Tập trung vào đời tư và bê bối

• Người nổi tiếng và giật gân: Báo phổ thông tập trung vào đời sống người nổi tiếng; báo chất lượng cũng dần tiếp cận phong cách này.
• Tranh cãi về quyền riêng tư: Có nhiều tranh luận về quyền riêng tư so với tự do báo chí, với việc Ủy ban Khiếu nại Báo chí (PCC) tự điều tiết.

BBC

• Uy tín và độc lập: BBC nổi tiếng với tính khách quan, không bị ảnh hưởng bởi quảng cáo.
• Phát sóng toàn cầu: Thông qua BBC World Service, BBC phát sóng trên toàn thế giới, thúc đẩy quyền tự do và dân chủ.
• Tự do nội dung: BBC chống lại sự can thiệp của chính phủ, dù chính phủ vẫn có một số quyền hạn nhất định đối với đài này.

Cấu trúc và độc lập của truyền hình

• ITV và BBC: ITV phụ thuộc vào quảng cáo, còn BBC thì không. Lo ngại về ảnh hưởng của quảng cáo chủ yếu không có cơ sở.
• Tăng kênh truyền hình: Truyền hình vệ tinh và cáp mở rộng đã tăng sự lựa chọn, đòi hỏi khán giả phải chọn lọc hơn.

Phong cách chương trình truyền hình

• Cuộc đua xếp hạng: BBC và ITV cạnh tranh nâng cao chất lượng, với các phim truyền hình được đặc biệt yêu thích.
• Truyền hình giáo dục: BBC2 và Channel 4 tập trung vào nội dung giáo dục.
• Lo ngại về chất lượng giảm: Dù có lo ngại, truyền hình Anh vẫn tiếp tục sản xuất các chương trình chất lượng, cho thấy sự quan tâm của khán giả đến nội dung giáo dục.

UNIT 17: TRANSPORT

 

The British are enthusiastic about mobility. They regard the ability to travel far and frequently as a right. Some commuters can spend up to two or three hours each day getting to work in London or some other big city and back home to their suburban or country homes in the evening. Most people do not spend quite so long each day travelling. but it is taken for granted that they will not live near enough to their work or secondary school to get there on foot. Around 800 billion passenger kilometres are travelled inside Britain each year. That works out as more than 1,000 kilometres each month for every man, woman and child in the country.

The vast majority (more than 80%) of these journeys are made by private road transport, leading to the attendant problems of traffic congestion and pollution familiar in so much of the world. 

 

UNIT 18: WELFARE

• The benefit system 

The UK was the first country to establish a “welfare state,” where the government provides financial assistance to those in need. The welfare system includes pensions, income support, and other benefits such as child benefits and maternity pay. However, this system has some shortcomings, such as people who are eligible but do not receive benefits due to a lack of awareness about their rights or reluctance to undergo financial assessments.

• Social services and charities ( từ thiện)

In addition to financial support, the government also runs services like nursing homes and home assistance for people with disabilities. Social workers play a key role in identifying and assisting those in need, but their work is challenging due to mixed criticism. Furthermore, charitable organizations and volunteers continue to play a supplementary role in supporting the community, such as the “meals-on-wheels”(bữa ăn tận nhà) system for those who cannot cook for themselves. 

• The national health service

The NHS is considered the most notable achievement of the welfare system. It provides free healthcare services to the public, from birth to death. The system faces challenges due to rising healthcare costs and an increasing elderly population, resulting in financial pressure and longer waiting times for patients. Some individuals opt for private health insurance to access quicker services and avoid waiting lists.

•  The media profession

Specialist doctors and general practitioners (GPs) hold prestigious positions in society. GPs play a central role in the NHS, providing basic healthcare services to patients. Nurses, who originated from wartime efforts, are highly respected in British society, though their salaries are low, and they often leave the profession after a few years due to the demanding nature of the job.

=> In summary, the UK’s social welfare system plays a crucial role in protecting and supporting its citizens, despite facing numerous financial challenges, issues of efficiency, and increasing societal demands.

 

UNIT 19: HOUSING

• Most people in Britain dream of living in a detached (tách biệt)  house.
•  It illustrates ( phản ánh ) the desire for privacy and the importance attached to ownership which seems to be at the heart of the British attitude to housing.

• House, not flat 

• Ground-level housing ( nhà ở tầng trệt ) preferred over apartment

• Houses with separate courtyards ( có sân riêng ) give a rural feel that is popular.
• Apartments are seen as less private and are mainly the residence of those with incomes.

•  High-rise denigration: ( sự suy thoái của các tòa cao tầng )

• In the 1950s–1970s, the poor were moved into high-rise apartment blocks but disliked the loss of intimacy ( sự thân mật ) and the difficulty of supervising their children.
• High-rise blocks quickly deteriorated ( xuống cấp ), with inadequate maintenance( bảo trì ko đầy đủ ) and graffiti ( vẽ bậy )

• Cultural attitudes: Apartment living is so incompatible ( ko phù hợp ) with British attitudes that writer Jeremy Paxman once joked that only in Britain would flat living be considered a riot ( 1 cuộc bạo loạn ).

• Private property ( tài sản ) and public property 

• The “castle house ( nhà lâu đài )” symbol: The detached house represents a clear division between private property and public space. The British love this clarity, while apartments bring ambiguity ( mơ hồ ) about the right to use common areas (e.g. corridors ( hành lang ), communal halls ( sảnh chung) ).
• The British like to live in houses that are separated from the street, with front yards as a buffer between public and private spaces. Low fences ( hàng rào ) or walls have a psychological meaning, clearly signaling the boundary of private property.

• Semi-detached houses ( nhà song lập ) – A more reasonable choice: Detached houses are often less expensive, so many people choose to live in semi-detached houses. This type of house has two separate households living in the same house, with private gardens in the front and back.
• Apartments – The least desirable choice: The British do not like to live in apartments, without separate entrances to the outside. As a result, just under 20% of households in the UK live in flats, a low proportion in the EU.
• Thatched cottages ( nhà tranh ) – The ideal of rural tranquility: Cottages are often seen as the ideal retreat, offering a sense of peace and connection to rural life.
• Terraced houses ( nhà liền kề ) – Moderate choice: Terraced houses are houses in the same row, usually two storeys ( 2 tầng ), with a rear door through the house. Terraced houses at the end of the row are more popular as they resemble semi-detached houses. Before 1960, many terraced houses did not have an internal toilet or bathroom and were considered less desirable. However, some have been improved and are now becoming more attractive. In recent decades, many new terraced houses have been built with more convenient designs, suitable for a wider range of people.

=> The above points are the British concept of housing: they love private space, a clear division between public and private, and prefer to live in houses instead of apartments.

• The important of “home”

• The British cherish ( khái niệm) the concept of ‘home’ as a place to be, but have no deep attachment ( ko có sự gắn bó sâu sắc ) to a specific house or plot of land. When the opportunity arises, they are willing to sell their house, move elsewhere and make it their ‘home’.
• For many Britons, a house is an investment asset ( tài sản ). For example, two-thirds of inherited ( thừa kế ) homes are sold immediately after being acquired, regardless of whether the heir has ever lived in them.
• Self-build homes are rare, with most homes built by property developers and sold on the market.

•  Individuality and conformity 

• Flats are not only unpopular because of their lack of privacy, but also because of their lack of individuality ( cá tính ) . Britons want to choose the colour of their front door, window frames and have a small plot of land outside to design as they wish.
• There is a similarity in the design of houses that are often built in blocks, or “housing blocks ( khối nhà ở )”: to save costs, houses are often built in a uniform ( đồng nhất ) design. From above, the houses appear to be the same. However, each house is varied by the owner to create its own uniqueness.
• Many people name their houses to make a personal mark, although many see this as an act of account. When wanting to build an extension or a shed ( kho chứa ), the owner must give permission from the local authority, which can balance personal character with the general rules in the community.

• Interiors ( nội thất ): the importance of cosiness ( ấm cúng )

• British homes are often considered cold because they are older and less insulated ( cách nhiệt ) than those in other countries. Most homes now have central heating, but windows are still designed to open easily to varying degrees, allowing air to circulate without being too cold.

• The British value cosiness over aesthetics. They tend to choose cheap, mass-produced furniture and fill rooms with objects to create a sense of warmth.
• Many still prefer old objects or reminders of tradition to add to the sense of cosiness, such as real or fake fireplaces ( lò sưởi ).

• Older homes in Britain often have two living rooms, allowing one to be used for guests and the other for family. Modern homes often have just one living room, but for privacy, the main entrance often opens onto a small hallway or porch rather than directly into the living room.
• The back door is for family and close friends, while the front door is for guests.

• Owning and renting ( sở hữu và cho thuê )

• Home ownership: 

• Britons have a strong desire to own where they live, rather than just their assets. They like to build a long-term connection to their place of residence. Home ownership rates in the UK are very high, with around 70% of households owning their homes.
• This desire for ownership is partly due to a lack of attachment to their hometown or a particular family home, and so Britons often seek to ‘lay down roots ( bén rễ )’ in the place where they live.

•  Mortgage system (hệ thống thế chấp): 

• Most homes are purchased through mortgages, with many people borrowing up to 80% of the value of the home and repaying ( trả góp ) it in installments over 20-25 years.
• Mortgages were initially provided by organisations called ‘building societies’, but commercial banks are now also involved in this area.

•  Rising house prices and consequences: 

• House prices in the UK have often risen faster than the general cost of living, making investing in a home seen as profitable.
• The concept of “asset escalation ( leo thang tài sản )” emerged, referring to the practice of buying and selling houses at low prices and gradually moving to lower prices over time.
• Some people also invested in buying houses to rent them out (buy-to-let), but this drove up house prices even further and could have an impact on local communities.

•  Difficulty in buying a house for the working class and young people: 

• High house prices made it difficult for a large part of the population, especially teachers, nurses and young civil servants ( công chức trẻ ), to own a house, especially in the south-east of England.
• The government had to provide financial support for these people so they could buy a house.

•  Council house(nhà thuê của chính phủ): 

• Previously, the majority of the working class lived in rented houses from the government, called ‘council houses’. By the end of the 20th century, private rental housing declined sharply, and many people were encouraged to buy back their council houses.
• The government also sells many of its properties to housing associations (housing associations) to provide homes for disadvantaged families but still according to business standards, prioritizing social benefits.

1. Homelessness 

The number of homeless people in the UK is estimated to be between 250,000 and 500,000. The lowest numbers in this range are also very large, showing that homelessness is a serious problem.

• Causes of housing shortage: Inadequate housing for low-income earners: The main cause of homelessness is a lack of affordable housing. Specific reasons include: private landlords, unusable old housing, smaller families
• Forms of temporary accommodation for homeless people: hostels, charity temporary housing, living on the streets 

=> After measures to reduce the number of people sleeping rough, this issue has gradually been forgotten and is no longer a priority for political parties. However, charities such as Shelter and Crisis are still actively supporting and campaigning for homeless people.

•  Some homeless people are not necessarily homeless but because of personal problems, or they choose to live an unfixed lifestyle, such as: Nomadic groups: Including traditional Roma (gypsies) and those who choose a modern travel lifestyle (New Age Travellers). These people live in vehicles, and their problem is the presence of authorities for their nomadic lifestyle, rather than the problem of not having a fixed home.

• The future 

•  Although the UK population has only grown slowly over the past 40 years, the need for housing has continued to grow, with the trend of living alone or in small families. This has led to an estimated million new homes needing to be built in the next decade.

•  The UK is not only a country with a large population but also has a very special housing tradition: not liking to live in apartments: The British often prioritize private houses instead of apartments, have a preference for yards, and define the boundary between housing and non-public.
•  The British government is interested in the design and construction of new residential strategies, developing a green point system to be allowed to build. The green point system requires developers to achieve certain points through criteria such as: 

• Building trees.
• Firewalls with climbing plants.
• Providing rooftop gardens.
• Using energy from renewable sources.
• Building high passwords – an important factor to save land space.

• The challenge of changing lifestyles: 

• High-security building requirements include three-storey buildings with large family apartments, small courtyards and “safe play streets for children”.
• This century, nearly half of all new homes built are apartments. However, the question is whether the British people are willing to accept more communal and less private living, as the government encourages a more communal lifestyle and smaller private spaces.

 

UNIT 2O: FOOD AND DRINK

 

1. Quan điểm chung về ẩm thực Anh

• Nhiều người cho rằng món ăn Anh thiếu hương vị và thường đơn giản, một phần vì các món ăn truyền thống khó tìm thấy trong các nhà hàng rẻ tiền hoặc nhà ăn.

2. Thói quen ăn uống và thái độ của người Anh

• Chất lượng thấp: Nhiều nhà hàng ở Anh có chất lượng thấp, vì người Anh không chú trọng ẩm thực.
• Thức ăn nhanh: Ẩm thực nhanh và tiện lợi phổ biến hơn, nhiều người chỉ chú trọng vào sức khỏe.
• Bữa ăn ở trường: Jamie Oliver đã chỉ trích chất lượng bữa ăn tại trường và nỗ lực nâng cao nhận thức về ăn uống lành mạnh.

3. Sự thay đổi trong ẩm thực Anh

• Chuyển biến từ thập niên 1960: Người Anh bắt đầu khám phá các món ăn từ nhiều nền văn hóa, và những món như lasagna, moussaka, và gà tikka masala trở nên phổ biến.
• Chương trình nấu ăn: Sự gia tăng các chương trình nấu ăn trên truyền hình đã khuyến khích người dân thưởng thức ẩm thực nhiều hơn.

4. Nhà hàng nổi tiếng

• The Fat Duck: Được bình chọn là một trong những nhà hàng hàng đầu thế giới, nổi tiếng với các món ăn sáng tạo, nhưng không phản ánh thực tế của ẩm thực đại chúng.

5. Văn hóa “Đi ăn món Ấn”

• Các nhà hàng Ấn rất phổ biến, vì món ăn Anh thiếu gia vị. Sau khi đi uống ở quán rượu, người Anh thường “đi ăn món Ấn.”

6. Các món ăn đặc trưng của Anh

• “Fry up”: Bữa ăn với các món chiên như trứng, xúc xích, thịt xông khói. Người Anh cũng thích ăn bánh ngọt và dùng bột mì cho các món nướng.
• Đồ ngọt: Người Anh yêu thích đồ ngọt, đặc biệt là sô-cô-la và khoai tây chiên.

7. Văn hóa ăn ngoài

• Người Anh ít khi ăn ngoài, và chỉ đến các nhà hàng đắt tiền để thể hiện địa vị.

8. Ảnh hưởng từ ẩm thực quốc tế

• Các món ăn Ý, Ấn, và Trung Quốc phổ biến ở Anh, đáp ứng nhu cầu đa dạng của người dân.

9. Quán rượu (Pubs)

• Đặc trưng: Là nơi gặp gỡ xã hội quan trọng, với không gian thoải mái, không phục vụ tại bàn.
• Giao lưu: Khách quen thường được biết mặt, quán pub được xem như ngôi nhà thứ hai.
• Hoạt động: Có trò chơi như ném phi tiêu, truyền hình, và tạo không gian giao lưu trong cộng đồng.

UNIT 21: SPORT AND COMPETITION

Ảnh hưởng của Anh quốc đối với thể thao: Các trường công lập ở Anh phổ biến hóa thể thao cạnh tranh vì lợi ích tâm lý, nhấn mạnh tinh thần công bằng và làm việc nhóm. Văn hóa này vẫn ảnh hưởng đến thể thao Anh hiện nay dù đã có sự phát triển chuyên nghiệp.

Niềm đam mê quốc gia dành cho thể thao: Thể thao đóng vai trò quan trọng trong đời sống người Anh, với sự tham gia và đưa tin mạnh mẽ từ truyền thông. Ngoài các môn thể thao phổ biến, nhiều môn ít được biết đến như ném phi tiêu và bowling trong nhà cũng có lượng người theo dõi đáng kể.

Tính cạnh tranh trong văn hóa Anh: Hoạt động cạnh tranh từng bị giảm trong trường học vào những năm 1980-90, nhưng vẫn là phần quan trọng trong văn hóa Anh, thấy rõ qua các chương trình truyền hình và thậm chí là làm vườn.

Tầm quan trọng xã hội của thể thao: Chính phủ cung cấp cơ sở thể thao công cộng và các sự kiện thể thao lớn được phát sóng miễn phí trên TV. Các sự kiện biểu tượng như Wimbledon và Grand National thu hút lượng khán giả toàn cầu.

Cricket: Dù không phải là môn phổ biến nhất, cricket tượng trưng cho lối sống nông thôn, hoài cổ đối với nhiều người Anh, phổ biến hơn ở Anh và xứ Wales, chủ yếu trong tầng lớp trung lưu.

Bóng đá: Bóng đá là môn thể thao phổ biến nhất tại Anh, vượt qua ranh giới tầng lớp xã hội và trở thành niềm đam mê quốc gia với tình trạng côn đồ giảm và sân vận động thân thiện hơn, dù giá vé cao.

Rugby: Có hai loại rugby, Rugby Union (dành cho tầng lớp trung lưu) và Rugby League (tầng lớp lao động), mỗi loại có nguồn gốc khác nhau nhưng ngày càng hòa nhập.

Thể thao với động vật: Các môn thể thao truyền thống của tầng lớp thượng lưu bao gồm săn bắn và câu cá, cùng với đua ngựa và đua chó, đặc biệt phổ biến vì yếu tố cá cược.

Các môn thể thao khác: Anh chơi nhiều môn thể thao, ưu tiên các môn đồng đội. Các môn cá nhân như tennis và golf phổ biến, đặc biệt khi có yếu tố xã hội.

Cá cược: Cá cược rất phổ biến ở Anh, đặc biệt trong đua ngựa và xổ số quốc gia. Dù có sự phản đối về mặt văn hóa, cá cược vẫn gắn liền với xã hội Anh.

 

UNIT 22: THE ARTS 

Sự phổ biến của nghệ thuật trong xã hội: Nghệ thuật phổ biến hơn trước, nhưng người Anh vẫn ưu tiên thể thao và giải trí hơn. Chính phủ ít quan tâm đến nghệ thuật và hầu hết quỹ nghệ thuật đến từ nhà tài trợ tư nhân.

Bảo tàng và triển lãm: Tại Anh, bảo tàng và triển lãm miễn phí. Nghệ thuật được coi là một phần của sản phẩm công cộng.

Giáo dục và công nhận nghệ thuật: Nghệ thuật ít được coi trọng trong giáo dục và truyền thông. Chỉ các nghệ sĩ nổi tiếng mới được công nhận rộng rãi.

Đặc điểm nghệ thuật Anh: Nghệ thuật Anh mang phong cách cá nhân, thường không gắn với phong trào chính thống. Các tác phẩm nghệ thuật chú trọng vào cảm xúc cá nhân hơn là các thông điệp chính trị hay xã hội.

Sân khấu và điện ảnh:

• Sân khấu: London là trung tâm sân khấu chính. Kịch Anh thường khai thác các mặt tối của con người qua yếu tố hài hước.
• Điện ảnh: Điện ảnh Anh chủ yếu là giải trí, không phải nghệ thuật. Hỗ trợ tài chính ít hơn so với các nước châu Âu khác.

Âm nhạc:

• Nhạc cổ điển: Ít người Anh nghe nhạc cổ điển, ngoại trừ một số nhạc sĩ nổi tiếng nhờ sự kiện đặc biệt.
• Nhạc pop và ảnh hưởng toàn cầu: Những năm 1960, nhạc sĩ Anh như The Beatles có ảnh hưởng lớn tới nhạc pop, mở rộng chủ đề nhạc pop và phong phú hóa thể loại này.

Văn học:

• Thói quen đọc sách: Người Anh yêu thích đọc sách, mượn sách từ thư viện phổ biến hơn cả xem bóng đá.
• Văn học Anh: Các giải thưởng văn học lớn của Anh đã trao cho nhiều tác giả từ các nước cựu thuộc địa của Anh.

Nghệ thuật thị giác:

• Hội họa và điêu khắc nhỏ: Ít phổ biến trong công chúng.
• Điêu khắc công cộng: Các tác phẩm điêu khắc lớn như “Angel of the North” được công chúng ủng hộ.

📌 Bạn có thể tham khảo thêm:
👉 [IELTS READING – THE MAGIC OF KEFIR]
👉 [IELTS READING – FOOD FOR THOUGHT]