英国社会与文化复习重点

英语国家社会与文化重点术语1. British Monarchy：英国君主制，指的是英国的君主制政府体制。

2. House of Commons：下议院，指的是英国主要立法机关之一，也是英国议会的两个部分之一。

3. House of Lords：上议院，指的是英国另外一个主要立法机关，也是英国议会的两个部分之一。

4. Prime Minister：首相，指的是英国执政党领导人，是英国内阁的首脑和政府的领导者。

5. Cabinet：内阁，指的是由首相挑选的政府部长组成的政府机构，决定英国政府的政策和行动。

6. Queen’s Speech：女王演讲，每年在英国的议会开幕时，由女王亲自发表的演讲。

7. Politics：政治，指的是社会维护社会稳定，调节社会关系，实现社会发展的活动过程。

8. Parliament：英国议会，是讨论和决定英国国家政策的高级立法机构，也是英国政府的最高权力机构。

9. Law：法律，规范国家内外秩序、保障国家和民族利益和权利的检测过程。

10. Constitution：宪法，是一国的政权体系以及公民权利和义务的根本法。

11. Human Rights：人权，指人们在代表国家的政府的保护下，享有的一系列的权利和自由。

12. Freedom of Expression：言论自由，指人民可以自由地表达自己的想法，不受任何形式压制。

13. National Identity：国家认同，指共同体中具有特定文化、语言、信仰等共同性的独特性，共同为国家特定历史、凝聚力和竞争力而努力。

14. Diversity：多样性，指的是不同文化、不同宗教、不同背景和不同选择等等，都在一起被尊重、受到容纳、并互相影响。

15. Multiculturalism：多元文化，指的是一个社会中的多种文化，有存在的多样性的社会。

16. Immigration：移民，指的是一个国家的人口在短时间内有显著的增长，或者将永久定居于其他国家的行为。

Unit 1一、判断1、Britain is no longer an imperial country.（T）英国不再是一个帝国主义国家。

2、The Commonwealth of Nations includes all European countries.（F）英联邦的国家包括所有欧洲国家。

3、1 in 10 of the British population are of non-European ethnicity.（F）十分之一个非欧洲的英国人口的种族。

4、The stereotype of the English gentleman never applied to the majority of British people.（T）刻板印象的英国绅士永远适用于大多数的英国人。

5、When people outside the UK talk about England,they mistake it as Britain sometimes.（T）当英国以外的人谈论英国,有时他们的错误这是英国。

6、The scots and Welsh have a strong sence of being British.（F）苏格兰和威尔士有强烈的感觉是英国人。

7、Scotland was never conquered by the Romans.（T）苏格兰从未被罗马人征服。

8、MMost people in Scotland speak the old Celtic language,called"Gaelic".（F）大多数人在苏格兰古老的凯尔特语言,称为“盖尔语”。

9、Scotland was unified with England through peaceful means.（T）苏格兰与英格兰通过和平方式统一。

10、Wales is rich in coal deposits.（T）威尔士有丰富的煤炭储量。

英国概况：一、填空1.The full name of the United Kingdom is The United Kingdomof Great Britain and the Northern Ireland.2.The island of Great Britain is made up of England ,Scotland and Wales.3.The United Kingdom has a member of European Union since1973.4.Britain is now a Multiracial society which produce apopulation of which 1 of 20 are of non-Europeanethnicity.5.London plays a significant role in Britain’s’s notonly the financial center of the nation,but also one of the three major international financial centers in the world.6.The highest mountain in Britain is Ben Nevis.7.Thames river flows through central London and it is avery important river.8.Edinburg is the capital of Scotland.9.Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (George Ⅲ) currentUnion Flag adopted on Jan.1st ,1801.10.National Day of UK is officially celebrated in Britainon the 2nd Saturday of June each year since February 1952.11.The largest lake in Britain is the Longh Neagh inNorthern Ireland which covers an area of 396 km2.12.London Eye is the largest Ferris wheel(摩天轮〕in Europe.二、选择1.The location of UK is the Europe.A. EasternB. Western2.All the following cities are major deep-water ports ofUK , except .A. LondonB. LiverpoolC. BelfastD. Edinburgh3.The national flower of UK is .A.rose4.All of the following except for , were tribes fromthe north who moved into England in the 400s AD.A. AnglesB.SaxonsC.Jutes5.The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a .A. poem about a hero named BeowulfB.newspaperC. historical record6.Beowulf is .A. a long novelB.a long poem written by Geoffrey ChaucerC. a long poem by unknown storytellerD.a long novel written by W.William Shakespeare7.The Canterbury Tales was written by .A.Geoffrey ChaucerB. Thomas Becket8.The frame of The Canterbury Tales is .A. the pilgrims telling stories on their tripsB.the conflict between the friar and the summonerC. King Arthur’s courtD.the differences between the knight and the squire9.The Canterbury Tales is an unusual piece of literaturefrom the Middle Ages because .A. It describes the characters’ personalitiesB.it includes middle class charactersC. both A and BD.neither A and B10.There are stories in The Canterbury Tales.A. 5B. 26C. 15D. 6 BDADC CAACB三、简答1.What are the differences between Britain and the BritishIsles, Great Britain, England, the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth?2.Describe the geographical position of Britain?3.Does Britain have a favorable climate ? Why?4.What are the factors which influence the climate inBritain？Which part of Britain has he most rainfall andwhich part is the driest?英国教育填空1. State Schools are totally funded by the government and free to all British children.2.Schooling is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 years :total of 11 years in UK.3. Co-educated Schools admit both boys and girls.4.All British schools - State & Independent are requiredto follow the National Curriculum guide-lines set down by the government.5.The children begin secondary education at the age of11 .6. Grammar schools select the children who get high marksin the “Eleven Plus〞examination, or show academic potential.7.British universities receive funds from the central government .8.Two characteristics of University of Oxford and Cambridge is College system and Tutorial system .9. Open University is U.K.’s largest university for part-time higher education.10.University of London is a federation of colleges.单项选择1. A are funded by the fees charged to the parents.A.Independent SchoolsB.State SchoolsC.Co-educated SchoolsD.Public Schools2.Those wishing to gain entry to university must complete an additional two years of D studies.A.GCSEB.SATC.Eleven PLusD.A Level3.Before primary schooling some chidren have an opportunity to attend the few kingdergartens,which are called“ C 〞.A.Junior sectionB.Infant sectionC.Nursery SchoolsD.Secondary Schools4.Academic Year in UK begins in September, and is divided into three terms, with holidays at B .A.Christmas, Easter, and in the winter.B.Christmas, Easter, and in the summerC.Christmas, Halloween, and in the summerD.New Year, Easter, and in the summer5.After 5 years of secondary schooling, at about age 16, the students sit their C exams.A.GCEA(General Cetificate of Education-Advanced)B.GNVQ(General National Vocational Qualifications)C.GCSE(General Certificate of Secondary Education)D.A-Level6.After the students sit their GCSE exams, then they can concentrate on vocational training, and attend B exams.A.GCEA(General Cetificate of Education-Advanced)B.GNVQ(General National Vocational Qualifications)C.GCSE(General Certificate of Secondary Education)7.There is only one privately funded university in UK, thatis D .A.the University of ManchesterB.the University of CambridgeC.the University of OxfordD.the University of Buckingham8.Which one is the oldest university in the English-speaking world? CA.the University of ManchesterB.the University of CambridgeC.the University of OxfordD.the University of Buckingham9.The amount of funding each university receives is based on D .A.its sizeB.the number of students it teachesC.the research it conductsD.All of the above10.which university is not in Scotland? AA.the University of YorkB.the University of GlasgowC.the University of EdinburghD.the University of Aberdeen简答1.What is the purpose of the British education system?2.What is the difference between Chinese&British Education Systems?3.What is Open University?①UK’s largest university for part-time higher education.②It was founded in 1969 and began its first course in1970.③It is open to everybody.④Courses are taught through TV,radio,英国政党：I.填空1.In Britian, the citizens aged 18 or over have the right to vote.2.In Britain, a candidate must be at least 21 or over with the deposit of £ 500 .3.The Liberal Demorats is the combination of the Social Democratic Party and the Liberal Party .4.Currently the three dominant political parties in UK are the Conservative party , the Labor Party and the Liberal Democrat .5.The Party which holds a majority of the seats in parliament forms a government , with its party leader as Prime Minister .6.Churchill is the member of Conservative party .7.The current leader of liberal democratic party is Nick Clegg , who is the deputy PM.8.A Hung parliament refers to the condition where no party was able to command a majority in the House ofCommons .9.The class system does exist in British society , which includes Working-class , Middle-class , hereditary aristocracy .10.The majority of recent immigrants are from south Asia —— India , Pakistan and Sri Lanka and Caribbean coutries—— Jamaica and Trinidad .Ⅱ选择1.Who has the rights to vote for the Members of Parliament forming the House ofCommons of the parliament of UK. DA.lordB.criminalsC.the legally insameD.citizens over 182.On Tuesday 11 May , Gordon Brown announced his resignationas Prime Minister ,marking the end of 13 years of A government.A. LabourB. The Conservative partyC. The Liberal DemocratD.the LibaralParty3.In 2021 , Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ, who then invited B toform a government andbecome Prime Minister .A. Cordon BrownB. David CameronC. Nick CleggD.Tony Blair4.Coalition talks began immediately between the Conservatives and C andlasted for five days .A.the Liberal PartyB. Labour PartyC. the Liberal DemocratsD.The Tory5. A Refers to where no party was able to command a majority in the House ofCommons .A. hung parliamentB. shadow parliamentC. parliamentD. cabinet6.The Conservative party was foundedin 1834 out of the oldD , which itselfhad been found in 1678 .A. Labour PartyB. The LiberalC. WhigsD.Tony Party7.She advocated the idea of small government and free-maeket economics.During herterm as the Prime Minister , she carried out policies toB and to cut tax rates .A. nationalize the privateB. privatize the nationalized industryC. Establish the private industryD.invest the private industry8.In 1948 ,The Labour government set up the National Health Service to provide highquality A for all free .9.If the government loses a B in the House of Commons , that is , if a majority ofMPs agree , then it has effectively lost its ability to govern and is forced to resignand call a general election .A. First-Past-the-PostB. “vote of no confidence〞C. Winner-takes-allD.majority of support10.The ideal of the liberal Democrats is to C .A. Provide free welfaresB.cut the taxesC. giving “power to the people〞D.solve the unemplaymentⅢ.简答1.What are the effects of Immigramts ?2.What is the meaning of First-Past-the-Post in British election ?3.What are the main policies of the Conservative Party ?4.What are the main policies of the Labour Party ?英国政府：一、填空1.The UK still keeps an old fashioned government on thebasis of constitutional monarchy .2.Coronation is a ceremony of crowning a king or queen .3.Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ has crowned since 1952 .4.Elizabeth Ⅱ is the current monarch of UK . has a democratic government with electedrepresentatives in its parliament .6.King John of England agreed to sign The Magna Carta ,in 1215 , to the demands of his barons.7.The members of House of Lords consists of the LordsSpiritual and the Lords Temporal .8.Windsor Castle 32 kilometers (20 miles) west of Londonon the Thames , has been the residence of England’s royal family for 900 years .9.The House of Commons is a democratically elected chamberwith elections held at least every five years .10.Buckingham Palace in Westminster is the official Londonresidence of the British sovereign .11.The Cabinet meets regularly , usually once a week , inone of the rooms in the Prime Minister’s official residence No.10 Downing street .12.The House of Commons consists of 651 members elected fromthe country’s 651 constituencies with Mr. Speaker as the chairman in debates .二、选择1. In the United Kingdom , ministers are appointed by theQueen on the recommendation ofC .A.the Lord ChancellorB. the MonarchC.the Prime MinisterD.the King2.During World War Ⅱ,as a war leader , D receivedmassive popular support and led the country to final victory in 1945 .A.Harold WilsonB.Margaret ThatcherC.Franklin RooseveltD.Winston Churchill3.On accepting D , the age of constitutional monarchy ,of a monarchy with powers limited by Parliament , began.A.Constitutional LawB. The Declaration of IndependenceC.Civil LawD.Bill of Rights4.In Britain , a B is held when a Member of Parliamentdies , retires or resigns .A.civic electionB.by-electionC.popular electionD.general election5.All of the following , except for D were the mostimporant provisions of the Great Charter .A.No tax should be made without the approval of the council.B.No free man should be arrested or imprisoned unless convicted by a jury of his fellowcitizens.C.Merchants should be permitted to move about freely .D.The king renounced his crown .6.Females were allowed to vote in national elections untilA .7.The parliament was a B word for a talking-place .8.Joan of Arc lived during the B century .th B. 15ththth9.Joan lived and fought in B .10.As soon as William had been crowned , he began to organizethe government of England on the system that had been so successful in Normandy.This is called C system , and it was based on the ownership of land.三、简答pare the government system of UK with that of UA .2.Describe the power of the queen .3.What are the functions of parliament？4.Elaborate the composition of the parliament.简答题：概况1.What are the differences between Britain and the British Isles, Great Britain,England, the United Kingdom and the BritishCommonwealth?2.Describe the geographical position of Britain?(1)an island country surrounded by four seasto the south by the English Channel, which separates it from continental Europeto the east by the North Seato the west by the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean(2)located off the northwest coast of Europe ,looking west to America3.Does Britain have a favorable climate ? Why?Yes , it does .a steady reliable rainfall throughout the whole yearthe temperature varies within a small range.4.What are the factors which influence the climate in Britain？Which part ofBritain has he most rainfall and which part is the driest?(1) The surrounding waters tend to balance the seasonal differences by heating upthe land in winter and cooling it off in summer. The south-west winds blow over the country all the year round , bringingwarm and wet air in winter and keeping the temperatures moderate .The North Atlantic Drift passes the western coast of the British isles andwarms them .(2)政府pare the government system of UK with that of UA . The System of Government in the UK(1)It is a monarchic 君主政体的 government with the Queen as the head of thestate (constitutional monarchy君主立宪制)(2)It is a democratic government with elected representatives in its parliament(Parliamentary Democracy)(3)It is a unitary government with a strong central governmentThe System of Govenment in the USA(1)The United States is federal country with a presidential government .(2) Federalism联邦制度——the division of the powers of government betweenthe nation and the state in the United States .(3)The Separation of Powers ——the separation of powers among the threedepartments of the Federal Government.2.Describe the power of the queen .The power of the queen is nowhere defined as Britain has no written constitutionand many of the rules that govern the system are customs or conventions .(1)Theoretically , the Queen has all the power :①She is the head of the executive branch of government and gives effect to alllaws.②She may pardon criminal offenses and cancel punishments .③She is the commander指挥官- in-chief of the armed forces .④She is the temporal head of the Church of England.⑤She also confers all titles of rank and appoints judges , officers of the armedforces , governors, bishops主教and diplomats .⑥She has the power to conclude treaties , to declarewar upon and make peacewith other nations .(2)In practice, the role of the monarchy(symbolic):①symbolise the tradition and unity of the British state ;②set standards of good citizenship and fimily life ;③ a confidante知己的女友to the Prime Minister .3.What are the functions of parliament?(1)passes laws;(2)provides the means of carrying on the work of government by voting fortaxation;(3)scrutinizes仔细检查，详审government policy , administration and expenditure;(4)debates the major issues of the day .4.Elaborate the composition of the parliament.(1)the Queen(2)the House of Lords(3)the House of Commons政党5.What are the effects of Immigrants ?Positive:increases the variety and interest withinEnglish culture; a varied cuisine;new forms of popular music; different religious beliefs/contributions to society;Relatively tolerant countryNegative:inequality and discrimination do exist ;depends on the attitude of some oftheir white neighbor;view the newcomers as a threat to their way of living/troublein the process of assimilating theimmigrants;economically poorer than the whitepopulation6.What is the meaning of First-Past-the-Post in British election ?First-Past-the-Post was coined as an analogy类比to house racing(1)The winner of the race is the first to pass a particular point on the track.(2)All other runners automatically and completely lose .(3)The payoff is “winner-takes-all〞赢者统吃(4)The candidate must receive the largest number of votes in their favour wins.7.What are the main policies of the Conservative Party ?4.What are the main policies of the Labour Party ?经济1.What is “British Disease〞?(1)a term used to characterize Britain’s economic decline after the wars(2)Britain’s slow growth of productivity, soaring inflation, and large unemployment2.What causes the relative decline of UK Economy?(1)heavily into dedt in order o finance the war(selling many accumulated overseasassest,borrowing large amounts from the US and Canada) (2)the era of the British Empire was over——decolonnization殖民地独立(lossesof raw material& market)(3)military expense (until the process of decolonization completed in the 1960s)文学4.What does “Byronic Hero〞 mean ?The “Byronic hero〞 is a proud, mysterious rebel figure of noble origin.Withimmense superiority in his passions and powers , this Byronic hero would shoulderthe burden of righting all the wrongs in a corrupt society , and would fight aloneagainst any type of tyrannical rules either in government, in religion, or in moralprinciples with unconquerable wills and inexhaustible energies. The conflict isusually one of rebellious individuals against outworn social systems andconventions.ment on Hamlet .Hamlet is the most popular and controversial tragedy.Shakespeare expresses hisgreat praise of the noble quality of Prince Hamlet as a representative of humanistthinkers and his disillusionment with the corrupt and degenerated society in whichhe lived.Hamlet’s revenge is not a personal matter. What troubles him most is the injustice,conspiracy and betrayal in the wicked society .Hamlet is tragedy of “blood and thunder〞.教育1.What is the purpose of the British education system?2.What is the difference between Chinese&British Education Systems?6.What is Open University?(1)UK’s largest university for part-time higher education.(2)It was founded in 1969 and began its first course in 1970.(3)It is open to everybody.(4)Courses are taught through TV,radio,videos and a network of study centers.。

英国社会与文化 An Introduction to British Society & Culture主编常俊跃 李莉莉 赵永青国家哲学社会科学项目“英语专业基础阶段内容依托式教学改革研究”项目组 编ContentsUnit 1 The English Character (1)Text A The English Character (I) (1)Text B The English Character (II) (7)Text C The English Spirit of Control (11)Unit 2 The Constitutional Monarchy (14)Text A The Constitutional Monarchy (15)Text B The Role of the Monarchy Today (23)Text C The Queen’ s Official Birthday (25)Text D Diana, the People’s Princess (27)Unit 3 The British Parliament (33)Text A The British Government Today (34)Text B Political Parties in the U.K (39)Text C Margaret Thatcher (41)Unit 4 Food and Drinks in the U.K (45)Text A Food and Drinks in the U.K (46)Text B British Meals (51)Text C Pub Etiquette (53)Text D Leisure Time for Britons (56)Unit 5 The British Ways & Manners (60)Text A Politeness in Britain (61)Text B What’s Typically British (66)Text C Social Customs in Britain (68)Text D Name Roots (71)Unit 6 Education System in the U.K (74)Text A Going to School: British Style (75)Text B Schools in the U.K (79)Text C Boarding School (81)Unit 7 The British Welfare System (85)Text A Welfare System in the U.K (86)Text B The Welfare State (90)Text C The National Health Service (92)Unit 8 The British Media (94)Text A The British Press (95)Text B The Broadcast Media (100)Text C Local Newspapers in Britain (102)Text B Jury System in the Dock (113)Text C The Police in Britain (115)Unit 10 Family Life in the U.K (118)Text A Family Life in the U.K (119)Text B Changing Values & Norms of the U.K. Family (124)Text D Marriage Customs (127)Unit 11 The British Sports & Games (129)Text A The British Sports (130)Text B Cricket—A Very English Game (136)Text C The Highland Games (137)Text D Traditional Games in Scotland (139)Unit 12 Theatre & Music in the U.K (142)Text A Theatre & Music in the U.K (143)Text B Pantomimes (150)Text C Cats, the Classic Musical (151)Text D The Beatles (152)Unit 13 The British Holidays& Festivals (156)Text A Holidays and Festivals in the U.K (157)Text B Holiday Life in England (164)Text C Valentine Customs (166)Unit 14 The British Literature (I) (168)Text A Overview of British Literature (I) (169)Text B William Shakespeare (176)Text C To be, or not to be (177)Text D Of Studies (179)Unit 15 The British Literature (II) (182)Text A Overview of British Literature (II) (183)Text B Pride and Prejudice (191)Text C Christmas Dinner (193)Text D Agatha Christie––Queen of Crime (196)Appendix: Key to the Exercises (200)重点参考的书目和网站 (214)Unit 1The English CharacterSuccess is the ability to go from one failure toanother with no loss of enthusiasm.——Winston ChurchillUnit Goalsz To understand character and personality of English people e To understand character and personality of English peopl z To get acquainted with some basic cultural concepts concerning English characterTo get acquainted with some basic cultural concepts concerning English character z To learn some useful words and expressions on English character To learn some useful words and expressions on English characterBefore You ReadWork with your partner and share ideas with each other.1) What are the first three things that come into your mind when you hear the words “Britain” or “Britons”?E.g. When I think of “the English” I think of…____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2) What do you think of the Britons?What are the three descriptivewords you associate the most withthe British people?E.g. _____, _____, _____Start to ReadText A The English Character (I)1. To other Europeans, the best known quality of the British, and inhe never tells you anything about himself, and you may work with him for years without even knowing where he lives, how many children he has, and what his interests are. English people tend to be like that.2. If they are making a journey by bus they will do their best to findan empty seat; if by train, anempty compartment. If theyhave to share the compartmentwith a stranger, they may travelmany miles without starting aconversation. If a conversationdoes start, personal questions like“How old are you?” or even“What is your name?” are noteasily asked.3. This reluctance to communicate with others is an unfortunate quality in some ways since it tends to give the impression of coldness, and it is true that the English (except perhaps in the North) are not noted for their generosity and hospitality. On the other hand, they are perfectly human behind their barrier of reserve, and may be quite pleased when a friendly stranger or foreigner succeeds for a time in breaking the barrier down. We may also mention at this point that the people of the North and West, especially the Welsh, are much less reserved than those of the South and East.4. Closely related to English reserve is English modesty. Within their hearts, the English are perhaps no less conceited than anybody else, but in their relations with others they value at least a show of modesty. Self-praise is felt to be impolite. If a person is, let us say, very good at tennis and someone asks him if he is a good player, he will seldom reply “Yes,” because people will think him conceited. He will probably give an answer like, “I’m not bad,” or “I think I’m very good,” or “Well, I’m very keen on tennis.” Even if he had managed to reach the finals in last year’s local championships, he would say it in such a way as to suggest that it was only due to a piece of good luck.faults, one’s own failure, even atone’s own ideals. The criticism ,“He has no sense of humor” isvery commonly heard in Britain,where humor is highly prized. Asense of humor is an attitude tolife rather than the mere abilityto laugh at jokes. This attitude isnever cruel or disrespectful ormalicious . The English do not laugh at a cripple or a madman, or a tragedy or an honorable failure.6. Since reserve, a show of modesty and a sense of humor are part of his own nature, the typical Englishman tends to expect them in others. He secretly looks down on more excitable nations, and likes to think of himself as more reliable than they. He doesn’t trust big promises and open shows of feelings, especially if they are expressed in flowery language. He doesn’t trust self-praise of any kind. This applies not only to what other people may tell him about themselves orally, but to the letters they may write to him. To those who are fond of flowery expressions, the Englishman may appear uncomfortably cold.7. Finally, sportsmanship . Like a sense of humor, this is an Englishin ideal which not all Englishmen live upto. It must be realized that sport in thismodern form is almost entirely aBritish invention. Boxing, rugby,football, hockey, tennis and cricketwere all first organized and given rulesin Britain. Rules are the essence ofsport, and sportsmanship is the abilityto practice a sport according to its rules,while also showing generosity to one’sdefeat. The high pressure of modern international sport makes these ideals difficult to keep, but they are atleast highly valued in Britain and are certainly achieved there more commonly than among more excitable peoples. Moreover, sportsmanship as an ideal is applied to life in general this is proved by opponent and good temperwell-aimed, strong criticism and “below the belt” is used to describe an unfair one. One of the most elementary rules of life is “never hit a man when he’s down”—in other words, never take advantage of a person’s misfortune. English schoolboys often show this sense of sportsmanship to a surprisingly high degree in their relations with each other.After You ReadKnowledge Focuspartner and share ideas with each other.1. Work with your W h a t w o u l d a n E n g l i s h m a n o r w o m a n u s u a l l y d o i n t h e f o l l o w i n g s i t u a t i o n s ?lishman makes a journey to somewhere by train… man’s skills inomething quite funny happening in public and annis match…rite T if the statement is true and F if it is false.emotional, and____ 2) t noted for their generosity and____ 3) are much less reserved than people of the____ 4) is an attitude to life rather than the mere____ 5) lder” and “below the belt” areAn Eng An acquaintance asks an English lady’s age…Someone pays compliments to an English tennis…There’s s Englishman happens to see it…An Englishman has just lost a ten2. W ____ 1) A reserved person is one who is quite tends gets excited easily.The British people are no hospitality.The Welsh,South and East.A sense of humor ability to laugh at jokes.“Straight from the shou sporting terms borrowed from rugby.Language Focusnings of the bold-faced words in this text and 1. Discuss the mea work with a partner to fill in the blanks with a proper word ormunicate with others, he usuallye guests are treated _______.as honeyis likely to. Fill in the blanks with the following expressions you have be noted for look down on be keen on2) If a person is reluctant to com __________ to start a conversation.3) The hostess is very hospitable , and th 4) Whenever anyone mentions the word “conceit ”, the image of Mr.Darcy comes into mind, he was thought to be_________.5) You’d better ____________those people who are sweet to your face and as malicious as hell behind your back.6) If you seek help from a friend known for generosity , he __________.2learned in this text.due to for a time live up totake advantage of apply to) This rule cannot be ________ any case.to speak English.ilty, but before longlong. I ________ outdooress is entirely ________ his hard work.nts.. Fill in the blanks with the proper forms of words in the1) (reserve) person is one who does not talk very much tosh (except perhaps in the North) are not 12) Students must ________ every opportunity 3) Conceited people always ________ others.4) _________ the police thought she might be gu they eliminated her from their list of suspects.5) This resort ________ its hot springs.6) It’s boring to stay at home all day sports.7) His succ 8) I hope I can ________ the expectations of my pare3brackets.A _____ strangers, does not show much emotion, and seldom gets excited.2) This _____ (reluctant) to communicate with others is an unfortunate quality in some ways since it tends to give the impression of coldness.3) It is true that the Englivery _____ hoolboys often show this sense of sportsmanship to a6)The _____ (criticize), “He has no sense of humor” is commonly heard in Britain, where humor is highly prized. 7)The typical Englishman secretly looks down on more (excite) nations, and likes to think of himself as more _____ (rely) than they. 8) English sc _____ (surprise) high degree in their relations with each other.Comprehensive WorkBritish sayings and try to use them to make 1) time saves nine.an’s poison.not make it drink.em.th.. Pair-work: work with your partner and share ideas with each re the English character with the American character. What 1. Study the following dialogues.A stitch in 2) One man’s meat is another m 3) You can lead a horse to water, but you can 4) The grass is always greener on the other side.5) Don’t cross your bridges before you come to th 6) The best advice is found on the pillow.7) Birds of a feather flock together.8) Don’t look a gift horse in the mou2other.Compa are the similarities and differences?Read Moregolden ”, “Empty vessels make the most noise ” andeirtuations isnot exclusively a sporting one. It describes the sort ofay appear fearless and calm on the surface, deepmanner.2) “Silence is “You are not put on to this earth to enjoy yourself ”. From the sayings above we can get the clue that the English parents want their children to be __________________________________.3) If there is one trait that absolutely singles out the English it is th shared dislike for anyone or anything that “________”.4) To the English the proper way to behave in almost all si to display a languid _____ to almost everything. Even in affairs of the heart, it is considered unseemly to show one’s feelings except ________.5) The term is behaviour both on and off the playing field that characterises everything the English really respect. The term refers to “________”.6) Whilst they m down the English suffer from agonising self-doubt, feeling that in many areas of human activity they just cannot cut the mustard. The underlined expression means __________.7) The English have a strong sense of history and they tend to fillul and inventive, but rarelyText B The English Character (II)S t i f f U p p e rL i p their homes with ______.8) The English are endlessly resourcef ________ their inventions.teristic English pose involveskeep The charac ing the head held high, the upper lip stiffand the best foot forward. In this position,conversation is difficult and intimacy of any kindalmost impossible. This in itself is a clue to theEnglish character.ting rather like the thre nd behaviour against all c od is also Eng in this certainty to the gen vessels make the most noise” and, most telling, “You are not put on to this earth to enjoy yourself”.Small wonder that they end up, as adults, ac e wise monkeys and emotionally in traction.But still the English defend their character a omers. Perhaps that is because Puritanism with its punishing work ethic assures them that their reward for all that restraint will come at a sort of school prize-giving ceremony in the world to come.If it is the latter, they are forgetting that since G lish—a firmly-held belief—any hedonism in the next world will probably be accompanied by mugs of bromide.Nevertheless, the English continue to bask eral astonishment of the rest of mankind.is one trait that absolutely singles out the English it is their shar an excess of emo English the proper way to behave in almost all situations is to d If there ed dislike for anyone or anything that “goes too far”.Going too far, as the English see it, covers displaying tion, getting drunk, discussing money in public or cracking off-colour jokes and then laughing at them noisily. Beyond the pale altogether is the man or woman who regales one with his or her titles or qualifications. The only acceptable place to air these is on an envelope.To the isplay a languid indifference to almost everything, though one may be seething underneath. Even in affairs of the heart, it is considered unseemly to show one’s feelings except behind closed doors.h man or woman refers to you as “a good sport”, you wil sively a sporting one. It describes the sort of beh If an Englis l know that you have really arrived. For to them it is a qualification normally never awarded to a foreigner and by no means within the grasp of all the English.The term is not exclu aviour both on and off the playing field that characterises everything the English really respect. In all physical trials, the goodIt goes without saying that the good sport will also be a good loser. The English are fiercely com S e l re will be no arguing with umpires or outward signs of disappointment. On the contrary, a remark such as “The best man won!” tossed airily to all and sundry, and never through clenched teeth, is obligatory even in the face of crushing defeat.This does not really fool anyone, for the petitive especially in matters sporting. They would rather be crossed in love than beaten on the tennis courts, but to let it be seen would be going too far.f -D o u b tapparent colossal self-confidence and moral certainty of the conquered and foreigners to be e helter-skelter slide from Empire to Commonwealth and S e n It is the English that is paradoxically one of their greatest stumbling blocks. For both qualities are, to a certain extent, only illusions. Whilst they may appear fearless and calm on the surface, deep down the English suffer from agonising self-doubt, feeling that in many areas of human activity they just cannot cut the mustard.All the time there were countries to be governed, the English could sublimate all their clamouring uncertainty. The scent of success served as incense at the altar of their self-assurance.But with th ever downwards, their doubts, like itches, have begun to plague them and it is considered bad form to scratch in public.t i m e n tglish have a strong sense of history. Because their past was so led with old thingsnot The En infinitely more glamorous than their present, they cling to it tenaciously. Mix this love of bygone ages with an unrivalled sentimentality and you have a heady mixture which can be sensed inevery aspect of the English life.Antique shops clutter upevery town and village. Englishhomes are fil only because please the eyebut because there is a feeling thatShi andfather/grandmother, it’s good eno niness is vulgar and the patina of age lends respectability. Thus they cling on to old furniture, old carpets, old chipped china, old kitchen gadgets and garden implements long after common sense dictates that they should be replaced.“If it was good enough for my gr ugh for me!”. The English cry goes up and each new invasion from the future is greeted with the indignant question: “What was wrong with the old one?”. And as far as the English are concerned, there is no answer to that.InventivenessThe English are endlessly resourceful and inventive, but rarely pro one unobserved by gh, he will come up with something with real pro 2. Read the following passage and finish the following exercises.sunny in English comedy shows,to tea drinking in England: The water musttrol is shown infit from their inventions. The inventor in his garden shed turning out gadgets and widgets tends to be almost exclusively male, lacking the more practical female genes in any great numbers.Often perceiving needs in daily life which have g the rest of his compatriots, he will beaver away 24 hours a day creating such indispensable items as the perfect egg boiler or the self-creasing trouser.Occasionally, thou mise like the hovercraft which will then be ignored by his countrymen and taken up by foreigners.1) The English national character is dualistic: One aspect i conservative, the other _____.2) Most Americans find nothing f since English humor is _____ oriented while American humor is more _____ oriented.3) There is a whole ritual be _____ rapidly, the teapot _____, the tea _____, then _____ at least 5 minutes in a teapot covered by a tea cosy.4) In the following passage, the English spirit of con the following aspects: English pubs, ______, pace of living and ______.The English national character is dualistic: One aspect is conservative, the other extroverted. The English people, like people of elsewhere, love to entertain themselves in some pleasure; however, their pleasure always know temperance.The pub is a fine example of the conservative aspect of English character. The pub, unlike the bar in the U.S., is a focal point for the “locals.” One goes to the pub for the same reasons one used to go to church: for fellowship and spiritual enlightenment. There is nothing flashy or plastic about most pubs. Many look like one’s living room, full of plush, soft chairs, couches, a fireplace, and bright lights. The pubs keep respectable hours, too—open from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. and 5 P.M. to 10 P.M.; Friday and Saturday nights they stay open until 11 P.M. There are no all-night or 3 A.M. public bars. When the pubs close everyone goes home. The pub represents pleasure with control and in good taste.This control is also exemplified in English humor. Most Americans find nothing funny in English comedy shows, since English humor is word oriented while American humor is more action oriented.The same control that is found in English pubs and humor is also found in the English pace of living. Where else does one stand in line quietly for the bus or the taxi?barbarians drink tea by placinga tea bag in a cup of hot water.There is a whole ritual to teadrinking in England: The watermust be boiling rapidly, theteapot warm, the tea loose, thensteeped at least 5 minutes in ateapot covered by a tea cosy.Then and only then does onepour the tea into a cup and drink it. Not only old ladies in lace with Pekingese on their laps drink tea, but a whole nation of workers, entrepreneurs, and aristocrats have tea for breakfast, lunch, and, of course, all activity stops in the afternoon for thecustomary tea break.NotesWinston Churchill (1874–1965) was a Britishpolitician known chiefly for his leadership of theUnited Kingdom during World War II. He served asPrime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to from 1951 to 1955. A noted 1945 and again statesman and orator, Churchill was also an officer in the British Army, a historian, a Nobel Prize-winning writer, and an artist.For FunBooks to ReadJules Verne, Around the World in Eighty Days —Phileas Fogg bets half his fortune against other members of the Reform Club he can travel around the world in 80 days or less.Peter Mandler, The English National Character —a historian of modern Britain challenges long-held familiar stereotypes and proposes an entirely new perspective on what it means to think of oneself as being English.Movies to SeeMr. Bean—Life is a difficultchallenge for Mr. Bean, whohas trouble completing even thesimplest of tasks. Thankfully, his perseverance is usually rewarded, and he finds an ingenious way around the problem.。

Unit OneIntroduction& Unit 1The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries课程名称：英语国家社会与文化本课内容：The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries授课时间：90分钟教学目的:通过本节课的教学，使学生了解英语国家社会与文化课程的主要内容与要求，了解文化的概念；同时对英国有一个总体上的了解。

教学意义:帮助学生了解主要英语国家的社会与文化概貌，如地理、历史、政治、经济、社会生活和文化传统等方面的基本知识。

教学重点:文化的概念；英国基本情况。

教学难点:英国概况教学方式：以电子课件为主，辅以少量板书的课堂讲授。

教学内容: (详见下页）1.什么是文化？2．英国国土与人民英国的不同名称及其区域3. 伦敦概况教学方法：采取教师教授为主，结合学生课堂讨论。

时间分配: What is culture? (10 分钟.);What’s th e relation between Culture and society? (10 分钟);Why should we learn culture (10 分钟);UK- a complicated country with a complicated name(40 分钟)A Brief Idea about London. (20 分钟)课堂板书:1. Culture-the foundation of communication2. The four parts of UK3. Main cities of EnglandLondonBirmingham-second largest city of England.Liverpool-second largest port of EnglandManchester- industrial and commercial centre.课后作业: Exercises in Unit 1Unit OnePart One1.What is culture?Culture-the foundation of communicationCulture is very abstract and complicated. Concretely speaking, it refers to all the aspects of social life, such as, the values, the practices of a society and social conventions, education, politics, art or literature,language,ideas,etc.文化即是人们所思,所言(言语和非言语),所为,所觉的总和.文化是无处不在的,具体说来,包括社会生活的一切方面,如:价值观念,生活行为方式,社会规范等,乃至艺术,政治,经济, 教育,修养,文学,语言,思想等.2. What’s the relation between Culture and society?1)Culture is a separate idea from society, although culture and society areinterrelated and cannot exist without each other.2)Culture is a system of values (or beliefs) and norms (or behaviour). A societyis a system of interrelationships which connect or bind individuals together.3. Why should we learn culture?1)Requirement of communication2) Language and culture are inseparable3)Culture acquisition is important for the study of literature.Part TwoUK- a complicated country with a complicated nameⅠStatus in the worldEffects of its Imperial Past--“an empire in which the sun never set”（日不落帝国）:1.one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding memberof NATO, and of the Commonwealth,2. Member of European Union and the Group of seven3.The make-up of the British population (Immigration has produced a populationof which 1 in 20 are of non-European ethnicity.)II. The effects of its imperial past* The days of empire ended after World War II1. The effects were mainly encountered in the close relationships which exist with the 50 or more colonies of that empire, and which maintain links through Commonwealth of Nations. But more important international relation is its membership in the European Union since 1973.2. The makeup of the British population--- immigration from India, Pakistan, or Caribbean (西印度群岛与中南美洲海域) countries in the 1950s and1960s. 1/20 are non-European ethnicity.III.The features of British society:1.a multiracial societyRacial, gender, class, regional and economic differences in the societya multi-racial society: most are Christians and because of immigration, many are Muslims;gender difference: male and female live different livesclass difference: the class structure of UK society is relatively obvious (A white-collar worker’s lives are very different from a blue-collar worker’s.) economic and regional difference within each of the 4 countries:-- difference between highland and lowland Scots-- difference between north and south England (South is on average more wealthy than the north)2. a society with class-structure3. a society with difference of region difference: highland and lowland Scots，north and south England，the capital and provinces.Part ThreeMain cities of England1. London2. Birmingham-second largest city of England.3. Liverpool-second largest port of England4. Manchester- industrial and commercial centre.London--cultural,bussness,and financial centre1. One of the most famous cities of the world, London is England's capital and a favourite for tourists from all over the world who flock there in their millions. It has a history stretching back almost 2000 years, A population of 7.5 million people, and some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world.2.London Attractions:Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.The Tower of London,Tower Bridge,St Paul's Cathedralthe River ThamesCountless fascinating museums, art galleries and famous theatres.The English Royal Family reside in London at Buckingham Palacewhere you can see the famous 'Changing of the Guard'and muchmore.3. A significant role of LondonWhen a man is tired of London, you are tired of life for there is in London all that life can afford.—Samuel Johnson London is dominant in UK in all sorts of ways.1)It is the largest city in the country with abo ut one seventh of the nation’spopulation.2)It is seat of government.3)It is the cultural centre.4)It is the business centre.5)It is the financial centre of the nation.6)London is a huge weight in Britain’s economic and cultural life, and to someextent the rest of the country lives in its shadow.For reference英国历代国王与王后Geographical features1.Geographical positionThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) is situated north-west of the European continent between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. It has a total land area of 244,100 square kilometres, of which nearly 99% is land and the remainder inland water. From north to south it is about 1,000 kilometres long.(1) Northwest of Europe(2) North Atlantic Ocean(3) Separated from the rest of Europe by the English Channel2.Geographical features(1) An island country, surrounded by sea(2) Highlands in the north and west(3) Lowlands in the east and southeastA. Part of the great European PlainB. Level land and fertile soilC. farming(4) 3 natural zones in ScotlandA. the highlands in the northB. the central lowlandsC. the southern uplands. Rivers and LakesImportant role of rivers in the country’s economy1.Important Rivers(1)the Severn RiverA.the longest in the countryB.only 338 kilos long(2)the Thames RiverA.the 2nd longestB.the most important riverC.336 kilos longD.Oxford and London are on the river(3)River ClydeA.the most important in ScotlandB.important commercial waterway2.the Lake District(1)in northwest England and North Wales(2)popular tourist attractions(3)the home of the Lake PoetsA.William WordsworthB.Samuel Taylor ColeridgeC.Robert SoutheyClimate1.Typical feature of Britain’s climate“Other countries have a climate; in England we have weather.”The statement is often made by Englishmen to describe the peculiar meteorological conditions of their country.A maritime type of climate(1)rainy---abundant rainfallThe uncertainty about the weather tends to make the Englishmen cautious.“A foreigner may laugh when he sees the Englishman setting forth on a brilliantly sunny morning wearing a raincoat and carrying an umbrella, but he may well regret his laughter later in the day!”(2)changeable and unpredictable, no clear cut of 4 seasons“In no country other than England, it has been said, can one experience four seasons in the course of a single day! Day may break as a balmy spring morning; an hour or so later black clouds may have appeared from nowhere and the rain may be pouring down. At midday conditions may be really wintry with the temperature down by about eight degrees or more centigrade. And then, in the late afternoon the sky will clear, the sun will begin to shine, and for an hour or two before darkness falls, it will be summer.”(3)Mild: no extremesIn England one can experience almost every kind of weather except the most extreme.temperature: 4-6℃ in winter, 12-17℃ in summer2.Factors influencing the climate(1)the surrounding waters(2)the prevailing south-west winds(3)the North Atlantic Drift (warm current)3.Rainfall(1) a steady reliable rainfall throughout the year(2)uneven distribution of rainA. a water surplus in the north and westB. a water deficit in the south and eastUnit TwoThe History of England课程名称：英语国家社会与文化本课内容：The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries授课时间：90分钟教学目的:通过本节课的教学，使学生了解英国历史，尤其是英格兰的历史；掌握主要历史事件及人物。

历史英国知识点总结英国，是一个拥有悠久历史和丰富文化的国家，其历史可以追溯到数千年前的史前时期。

下面将对英国历史的重要知识点进行总结，涵盖了政治、社会、文化等多个方面。

古代英国古代英国的历史可以追溯到史前时期。

在新石器时代，英国地区就有人类居住，他们通过狩猎和采集谋生。

在青铜时代，英国地区的人民开始使用青铜制品，发展了农业和畜牧业。

在铁器时代，英国地区先后被凯尔特人、罗马人、盎格鲁-撒克逊人、维京人等不同民族侵略和统治。

罗马统治公元43年，罗马帝国开始对英国进行征服，将其列入罗马帝国的版图。

罗马人在英国建立了许多城市和道路，并推动了英国地区的文明发展。

罗马统治结束于公元410年，当时罗马帝国内部和外部的压力都很大，无法再维持对英国的统治。

盎格鲁-撒克逊统治盎格鲁-撒克逊人是日耳曼民族的一支，他们在罗马撤离后的英国地区建立了自己的王国。

盎格鲁-撒克逊人在英国地区的定居不断扩张，并逐渐形成了七个王国，即肯特、埃塞克斯、苏塞克斯、威塞克斯、埃尔格、伊斯特安格利亚和诺森布里亚王国。

这个时期，英国基督教传入，盎格鲁-撒克逊人的文化和宗教也得以发展。

维京统治维京人是另一个日耳曼民族的分支，他们在9世纪开始对英国进行侵略，并建立了一些王国。

其中最重要的是丹麦维京人在英格兰的统治，直到11世纪被诺曼底公爵威廉征服。

诺曼征服1066年，诺曼征服发生，诺曼公爵威廉率领诺曼军队成功征服了英格兰。

这次征服标志着英国历史进入了中世纪阶段，同时也深刻影响了英格兰的政治、社会和文化发展。

在诺曼人统治下，英国的封建制度得到了发展，国王和贵族对英国的控制进一步加强。

中世纪英国中世纪是英国历史上最为重要的一个时期，包括了诸多重要的事件和变革。

骑士文化在中世纪初期，骑士文化在欧洲盛行，英国也不例外。

骑士作为受封的贵族，是封建制度中的重要组成部分。

骑士们通常从事骑士精神的沉淀，并以尊严和勇气为荣。

骑士文化也是中世纪英国文化的一个重要组成部分。

1.英语语言发展阶段：古英语--中古英语--现代英语：古英语-old English主要是日耳曼部落讲的凯尔特语，语法性浓厚。

中古英语-Middle English罗曼底征服事件后，人种混合，语言混合，英语渐渐取代法语成为主要语言。

语法形态简化。

现代英语-文艺复兴，印刷术，伦敦方言成为标准英语。

语音变化巨大。

趋势-简化语法，简化单词。

变体-美国英语（主导），澳大利亚英语，加拿大英语，南非英语，印度英语。

2.英美国家概况之历史篇：美国历史（重要事件列出）：最早的美国人是印第安人；英国在1607在美国建立殖民地，并逐渐建立13个殖民地。

1776年圣诞节美军挫败英军，1783年巴黎和约英国承认美国独立。

美国宪法前十条是«人权法案»，保护个人权利。

英美最后一次交火是1812年的英美战争。

美国内战期间，林肯发表【解放奴隶宣言】，1863葛底斯堡演说民有民享民治（the government of the people,by the people and for the people）.1903年，莱特兄弟发明第一架飞机。

第一次世界大战，美国宣布中立，但实际上是支持同盟政策。

20ce20ys,美国是物质上成功但精神挫败迷惘的时期。

罗斯福的新政措施目的在于拯救美国民主制度和资本主义制度。

20ce30ys,美国奉行孤立主义外交政策。

目的是远离欧洲和亚洲的战争。

二战期间，美国外交政策针对英国和前苏联，想赢得战争，阻止苏联扩张。

美苏英三国首脑会晤三次，第一次1943德黑兰会议决定“霸王行动”向法国进攻。

第二次1945年雅尔塔会议，决定建联合国组织。

第三次1945波茨坦会议，确定欧洲格局暂时分配。

1946年，美国电报出现遏制苏联政策，1949年，杜鲁门公开遏制政策。

同年，美国签订北约（The North Atlantic Treaty).1945年以来，美国经济进入25年的繁荣期。

1962古巴导弹危机，在位肯尼迪。

英美国家社会与文化期末复习资料汇总：判断题：1. 英国的君主体制是以君主立宪闻名的。

君主政体实际已无实权。

它的权力受限于法律和议会。

君主立宪制是从1688年的光荣革命后开始。

2. 1863年11月9日，林肯在葛底斯堡阵亡将士公墓落成仪式上发表了简短的演说，他以另人难忘的语言结束了演说“民有，民治，民享的政府永远不会从地球上消失”。

3. 严肃报纸面向那些想全面了解社会事物各方面信息的读者。

英国共有5家严肃日报（《金融时报》、《每日电讯报》、《卫报》、《独立报》、《泰晤士报》）和4家严肃周日报（《星期日电讯报》、《星期日独立报》、《观察家》、《星期日泰晤士报》）4. 许多历史学家都把美国的二十世纪二十年代描写成一个物质上成功，精神上迷惘或漫无目标的时期。

5. 英国人喜欢各种各样的音乐，包括古典音乐，摇滚和流行音乐，爵士乐，民间音乐和轻音乐。

20世纪60年代，一种新的流行文化—披头士，出现在英国的利物浦。

这是由一群年轻人组成的乐队叫披头士乐队，又称甲壳虫乐队。

6. 大公司的出现，城市化及新技术的迅速发展是美国20世纪初经济增长出现的三大特点。

7. 殖民主义者新生活方式的这些特点在美国人性格形成中发挥了重要作用：建立代义制政府，法治，对个人权利的尊重，宗教上的宽容及强烈的个人进取心。

8. 《独立宣言》是由托马斯。

杰文逊起草的，它明确阐述了支撑这场革命的政治理论，这一理论来源于英国著名哲学家约翰。

洛克。

9.苏格兰位于大不列颠的北部。

它有三大自然区：北部高地，中部低地及南部山陵。

首府：爱丁堡。

10. 辉格党人和托利党人这两个政党名称皆起源于1688年的光荣革命。

辉格党人是指那些反对绝对王权，支持新教徒宗教自由权利的人。

辉格党人在19世纪中叶与持不同意见的托利党人组盟组成自由党。

托利党人是指那些支持世袭王权、不愿去除国王的人。

托利党是保守党的前身。

名词解释1.诺曼征服 --1066年的诺曼征服也许是英国历史上的最著名事件。

Cash Benefits5）改革reformsIn the late 1990s a working-families tax credit（税务减免）replaced income support for low-paid working households with children; the government introduced a national minimum wage;the government also introduced a children’s tax credit toprovide additional support to low-and middle-income families.5）改革：在20世纪90年代后期，提出工薪家庭税收减免政策，来取代对低收入家庭孩子的收入支持，政府还出台了国家最低工资标准。

政府还出台了一个儿童税收减免，以向中低收入家庭提供更多的支持。

在20世纪中期1）在20世纪中期，英国地方政府营造了简易住宅（包括公共房产）1980年2）1980年“购买权”法律的出现，很多租户变成了业主居住者。

21世纪开端3）21世纪开端，当地政府对房屋的占有率几乎减半。

1）教育国务大臣全面负责英格兰的教育，并对议会、教育部和科学部负责2）在苏格兰、威尔士和北爱尔兰，教育部门由部长领导，并对区议会负责。

初、中级教育是地方政府的责任。

地方教育机构雇佣教师，并提供教育经费。

少数的学校由自愿者经营，多具备宗教性质。

也有一小部分是私营的。

3）初级教育是免费的，从5岁到11岁是义务教育。

地方教育机构通过各种组织形式，为11到19岁的孩子提供中等教育，中等教育是免费的，义务教育到16岁。

1）除了公立学校，一小部分私立学校（常被称为“公学”）为1到20岁的孩子提供教育。

2）在英国，那些私立学校常被称为“公学”。

3）这些学校的教育资金来源于学费和私人募捐。

4）其中的大部分学生来自富裕家庭，并非常愿意继续到名牌大学深造。