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

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

3. Why has the UK Government encouraged immigrant commnunities to speak

their own languages and English?

The UK government has encouraged immigrant communities to speak their own

languages and English for several reasons:

Speaking English is crucial for immigrants to integrate into British society and to fully
participate in the country's social, economic, and political life. However, it is also
important for immigrants to maintain their own languages and cultures, as this can help
to foster a sense of belonging and identity.

The UK is a multicultural society, and the government recognizes the importance of

respecting and celebrating the diversity of its citizens. Encouraging immigrants to speak
their own languages and maintain their own cultures is a way of promoting
multiculturalism and diversity.

Immigrants who are able to speak both English and their own languages are often better
equipped to navigate the challenges of living in a new country. They are also better able
to communicate with family members and friends who may not speak English.

Many immigrant children grow up speaking languages other than English at home.
Encouraging these children to maintain their own languages can help them to develop
strong language skills, which can be an asset in the global economy.

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

Nowadays, more and more people are dedicating time to studying English as a second
language. Many countries include English in their school syllabus and children are
starting to learn English at a younger and younger age. It is acknowledged that standard
English with an RP accent is the popular model for everyone who learning British
English as a foreign language. Standard English (SE) is the variety of English that has
undergone substantial regularisation and is associated with formal schooling, language
assessment, and official print publications. In British English, Received Pronunciation,
often called RP, is the accent that is widely accepted as the standard accent for both
native and foreign speakers. Standard English with an RP accent is taught to foreign
learners of English for making their conversations understandable to the largest
audience possible without any confusion or loss of information. The knowledge of
Standard English allows people to communicate efficiently and makes people think very
highly of the person at hand. Especially for teaching English it is quite useful to talk
about varieties of a language, as it encourages a reflective behavior towards language.
Considering these advantages, the logical conclusion is to use RP as a model for foreign
language teaching, which is apparently the case because it is “the kind of English that
foreigners want to learn”. For instance, when we talk or write to people who have high
socioeconomic status and power, such as doctors or headteachers, we use standard
English to show them respect or to make a good impression.

5. Give your comment on the British Parliament

Parliament is made up of three central elements: the House of Commons, the House of
Lords and the Monarchy. The main business of Parliament takes place in the two Houses.
Generally the decisions made in one House have to be approved by the other.

6. Why does the British Prime Minister continue to “advise” and “request” the
Queen, when everybody knows that he (or she) is really telling her what to do?

The reason is that about the appearance, the Queen appears to have great power over
Parliament. It is she who summons a Parliament, and she who dissolves it before a
general election. However, in fact, the Queen cannot choose anyone she likes to be Prime
Minister. She has to choose someone who has the support of the majority of MPs in the
House of Commons (the elected chamber of the two Houses of Parliament). This is
because the law says that ‘her’ government can only collect taxes with the agreement of
the Commons, so if she did not choose such a person, the government would stop
functioning. The Prime Minister will talk about ‘requesting’ a dissolution of Parliament
when he or she wants to hold an election, but it would normally be impossible for the
monarch to refuse this ‘request’. Similarly, while, in theory, the Queen could refuse the
royal assent to a bill passed by Parliament – and so stop it becoming law – no monarch
has actually done so since the year 1708. Indeed, the royal assent is so automatic that
the Queen doesn’t even bother to give it in person. Somebody else signs the documents
for her. In reality, the Queen has almost no power at all. She cannot actually stop the
government going ahead with any of its policies. Although many of the Queen's
prerogative powers are still legally intact, constitutional conventions have removed the
monarch from day-to-day governance, with ministers exercising the royal prerogatives,
leaving the monarch in practice with three constitutional rights: to be kept informed, to
advise and to warn.

7+8. What are the outstanding features of the English education system?

* Education in the UK and in Vietnam

The United Kingdom Viet Nam

2 types of school: state school and 2 types of school: public school and private
independent school school
- State school: owned and funded - Public school: occupy the majority
through the local authority or charging fees
directly from the government - Private school: occupy the minority,
- Independent school: are not funded more expensive fees
 by the state charge fees and training
more exclusive ladies and
gentlement
The academic year runs from September to
July and is split into three term, with a one
or two week half-term holiday in each. Two term, the academic year will start in late
Autumn term runs from early September to August or early September to the end of May
mid December (half term ends in late next year
October) The first term ends in mid-January with a
Spring term runs from early January to week holiday
Eater (half term ends in mid February) The second term finishes in late May.
Summer term runs from Eater to mid July
(half term ends in late May/early June)
School levels: 2 levels School level: 3 levels:
+ Primary school: Key Stage: 1-2; age: 5-11 + Primary school: grade: 1-5, age: 6-11
+ Secondary school: Key Stage: 3-4, age: 11- + Secondary school: grade: 6-9, age: 11-15
18
+ High school: grade: 10-12, age :15-18
4 key stages National Framework Study 4 main subjects: maths, english,
Compulsory subjects: maths, english, literature, science
science, history, languages,….
Each schools will have the difference
curriculum, schedules, textbooks

Follow the textbook of Ministry of Education

+ State schools in England and Wales are Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training
maintained by Local Education Authorities (MOET)
(LEAs)
+ LEAs are responsible for a pre-16
provision in Great Britain and they fund
schools largely on the basis of pupil
numbers.
+ The DfES funds post-16 education
institutions directly.
+ Specific central government grants are
made to LEAs in Great Britain to improve
school performance in literacy, numeracy
and ICT

Monday to Friday Monday to Saturday

Before 9am to 3-4pm each day (longer for Starting at 7am to 5pm each day, half-day
older children), no half-day and has a an-
hour-and-a-quarter lunch break
Summer break, christmas break, easter Lunar new year, Reunification and Labor Day,
break, bank holiday Independence Day, Summer Break
Student-centered learning Teacher-centered learning
Examination:
In Viet Nam, at the end of secondary school, 9 th-grade students are required to take the
“Entrance exam for 10th grade”. This exam mainly has three tests: Math, Literature and
Foreign Language. In 12th grade, students are required to take the National High School
Exam which qualifies as both a graduation exam and entrance exam to college. Students
have to take at least 4 exams: Math, English, Literature, Natural Science and/or Social
Science

In the UK, under the National Curriculum system, all pupils undertake a number of tests
at specific points in their education. They have to take a range of exams and assessments
such as GCSE/SCE for students aged 14-16, A levels for students aged 16-18, AS levels
and general national vocational qualification.

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

The UK education system is worldwide reputed for its high quality and standards. In
general, the British education system has five stages: early years, primary education,
secondary education, Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE). Everybody,
aged over 5 and under 16 is obliged to attend school. This aging time frame contains two
sections of the education system in UK: Primary and Secondary School. Primary and
secondary education is mandatory in the UK. After age 16, education is optional.

- Curriculum: All state schools in the United Kingdom must provide religious
education, but parents have the right to withdraw their children from these classes. Sex
and relationship education, including education about HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases, is compulsory in UK secondary schools and voluntary in primary
schools. Great flexibility enable schools to provide a curriculum appropriate to the
needs of individual pupils and greater emphasis on the content. There are four Key
Stages covering the ages of compulsory schooling. Key Stages I and 2 are studied in
primary schools, and Stages 3 and 4 in secondary school

- Examinatiosn and Qualifications: Examinations in England, Wales and Northern

Ireland are typically taken at the following ages

16 - General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE);

17 - General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary (AS level)

18 - General Certificate of Education Advanced (A level).

In Scotland, the National Qualifications (NQ) Framework covers Standard Grade (usually
taken at age 16); and Access, Intermediate 1 and 2, Higher and Advanced Higher
qualifications (usually taken at ages 17 and 18).

- Management:
+ LEAs are responsible for a pre-16 provision in Great Britain and they fund schools
largely on the basis of pupil numbers.

+ The DfES funds post-16 education institutions directly.

+ Specific central government grants are made to LEAs in Great Britain to improve
school performance in literacy, numeracy and ICT

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

The UK government is composed of three branches, each with its own distinct
responsibilities:

- The executive branch: comprises all official and public authorities (including local
authorities) that govern the UK, from initiating and implementing legislation to the
running of local and national services

- The legislative branch: is made up of the House and Senate, known collectively as the
Congress. The legislative branch makes all laws, declares war, regulates interstate and
foreign commerce and controls taxing and spending policies.

- The judiciary branch: works alongside the executive and legislative branches to uphold
the laws. The judiciary's role is to ensure laws are properly implemented. It does this by
interpreting the law and then enforcing it.

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

There are 7 types of family patterns in the UK

Nuclear family, extended family, single-parent family, childless family, grandparent-

grandchild family, blended family, homosexual family

My favorite family patterns is nuclear family.

A nuclear family consists of a father and a mother who are married, are in a civil
partnership, or cohabit, and their dependent children. These two generations live
together in one household.

Advantages:

Financially beneficial - the chance for two incomes which might make things
easier for the family when it comes to money. There is also a limited number of people
who need to be provided for with an income, and therefore less money needs to be
spent on essentials such as food, clothes, water bills etc.

Role models - children grow up with both a male and female role model in the
household, meaning both male and female children have a father or mother to look up
to.
 Closer Relationships - in smaller family units, it is easier for people to understand
each other emotionally and it is often a more supportive environment.

Support in the future - as mentioned in the last point, nuclear families tend to
have better, lasting relationships with each other. This means that, in the future, children
will have more external help if financial or health-related issues arise if they go on to
form another family unit. They are likely to keep happy and lasting relationships with
extended family members which might help them in the future

Disadvantages

Extended family issues - not as close or don't have as good of a relationship with
extended family members so if problems occur, you have less people to turn to to help.

Stereotypes - the nuclear family is the stereotypical family unit and if a child is brought
up in a nuclear family, there is a chance that they would be less accepting of other
people from perhaps single-parent households or families with parents of the same-sex.

Children easily influenced - this could be either a good thing or a bad thing however, if
one or both parents have bad habits or have been involved in crime, children are likely
to pick up similar habits and traits which could be harmful in the future.

11. Explain the functions of the House of Commons

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

The House of Commons represents the people of the UK by providing a forum for
elected Members of Parliament (MPs) to voice their concerns and opinions. MPs are
elected by the people of their constituencies to represent their interests and make
decisions on their behalf.

The House of Commons is responsible for proposing and passing laws (legislation). MPs
introduce bills and debate them before voting on whether to pass them into law. Once a
bill has been passed by the House of Commons, it is sent to the House of Lords for
further scrutiny and approval.

The House of Commons is responsible for scrutinizing the work of the government. MPs
can question government ministers on their policies and actions, and hold them
accountable for their decisions. .

The House of Commons is responsible for approving the government's budget. MPs
debate the budget and vote on whether to approve it. This helps to ensure that the
government is spending public money in a responsible and effective way.
Members of the House of Commons represent their constituencies and their interests.
They can raise issues that are important to their constituents and work to ensure that
their voices are heard in Parliament.

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

British pubs are often associated with a unique culture and atmosphere that is different
from typical cafes and bars. Pubs often have a cozy and intimate atmosphere with low
lighting, comfortable seating, and a friendly and welcoming environment. In contrast,
typical cafes and bars in Vietnam may have a different culture and atmosphere, with
different types of music, seating arrangements, and customer interactions.

British pubs are known for serving traditional pub food, such as fish and chips, bangers
and mash, and pie and mash. They also serve a wide range of beers, ales, and ciders,
many of which are locally brewed. In contrast, typical cafes and bars in Vietnam may
serve different types of food and drink, such as Vietnamese coffee, tea, and alcoholic
beverages.

British pubs often host live music, quizzes, and other forms of entertainment. This
makes them a popular destination for socializing and having fun with friends. In
contrast, typical cafes and bars in Vietnam may offer different types of entertainment,
such as karaoke, dancing, or other cultural activities.

British pubs have a long history and are often associated with traditional culture and
heritage. Many pubs have been around for centuries and have preserved their original
architecture and decor. In contrast, cafes and bars in Vietnam may have a different
history and tradition, with different types of architecture and decor.

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

The British welfare state is a system of social welfare programs and policies that aim to
provide support and assistance to those in need. It includes a range of programs such as
healthcare, education, housing, and social security. Employed people have to pay taxes
and be spent on social welfare such as welfare for children and pregnant women,
benefits for disabled and sick people, unemployment and people who have a meager
income.

While the welfare state has been successful in providing support to many people in the
UK, there are still some who fall through the cracks or face barriers in accessing the
services they need. For example, some people may not be aware of the programs
available or may face eligibility requirements that prevent them from accessing support.

14. What are the funtions of the UK Press? What are the national newspaper like ?

The ress in the UK serves several functions, including:

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

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

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

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

National newspapers are often described as broadsheet or tabloid papers on the

basis of differences in format, style and content, although one broadsheet, The Times, is
available in a ‘compact’ tabloid size as well as the traditional broadsheet and another,
the Independent, is only available in compact format.
Many newspapers have colour pages and most produce extensive supplements as
part of their Saturday or Sunday editions, with articles on the arts, personal finance,
travel, gardening, home improvement, food and wine, fashion and other leisure topics.
Increasing competition from other media in the delivery of news, information and
entertainment has contributed to a gradual decline in circulation for many titles.
15. In your opinion, what bank holiday is the most popular with British people?
Describe it in detail. Is it similar to a certain holiday or festival in your country?

New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom (UK). It is on January 1st.
People in the UK usually celebrate New Year from the evening of December 31st to
January 1st. New Year’s Eve is on 31 December, the last day before the New Year begins.
In many places, people go to parties, bars or restaurants with friends in the evening.
Sometimes they meet outside in a big square. Just before midnight, people look at the
Big Ben clock strikes to mark the coming of New Year, and together they count the last
ten seconds to welcome new year. At midnight, they stand in a circle, join hands and sing
the traditional song called ‘Auld Lang Syne’. They open the back door to let the old year
out and ask the first dark-haired man to come through the front door carrying bread,
salt, and coal. This means that in the following year everyone in the house will have
enough food (bread), earn enough money (salt), and be warm enough (coal). Many
people drink a glass of champagne, light some fireworks, or dance until the sun comes
up. New Year’s Day is 1 January, the first day of the New Year. It is a holiday for most
people, and the banks and many shops don’t open. Many people have parties at home,
relax and rest or go out. There is also a popular tradition of exchanging New Year gifts
while wishing each other well. Most people go back to work on 2 January, but in
Scotland they have two days’ holiday and go back to work on 3 January. At this time of
year, a lot of people make New Year’s Resolutions. They decide to do something different
to be a better person. The first time people see friends in the New Year, they usually say
‘Happy New Year!’

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