British Culture and History: Essential Questions and Answers

British Geography and Landmarks

Name three countries that are part of Britain?
England, Scotland, and Wales.

What did Pablo think was crazy about British pubs?
Pablo thought it was crazy that British pubs closed so early, at 11:00 pm.

Why do people go to Trafalgar Square on New Year's Eve and what exactly do they want to hear?
Because it's the traditional place in London to celebrate New Year's Eve. They want to hear Big Ben's bells announce the New Year.

The Globe Theatre and Shakespeare

Why is the Globe Theatre famous?
Because it's the theatre where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed for the first time.

Why are plays only performed in the Globe Theatre during specific months?
Because there isn't a roof over the centre of the building and it rains a lot in London.

In Shakespeare's time, who played the female roles?
Teenage boys played the female roles in his plays because women weren't allowed to be actresses.

London Life and Culture

Why is travelling on the Tube in London interesting?
Because you can see people of every nationality on the train.

What do people do at the Notting Hill Carnival?
People eat West Indian food and dance to Caribbean music.

What is a Cockney?
A Cockney traditionally is someone who is from the East End of London.

History and Accommodation

Who built the city of York and what was it originally called?
The Vikings built the city of York and it was originally called "Jorvik".

What is a guest house or B&B?
It is a type of hotel where the guests stay in a private house.

What period of time is covered at the cathedral?
It is from 948 AD to the 20th century.

What do we learn about the most famous stained glass window?
It is at the east end of the cathedral and tells the story of the beginning and end of the world.

Oxford and Local Legends

What might you hear at night in the Castle Museum?
You might hear the ghosts of former prisoners, crying and pulling their chains across the stone floors.

What is special about Oxford University?
It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world.

Why was Antonio disappointed when he arrived?
Because he expected a town that was full of history and he found himself in the middle of a modern shopping district.

What effect has the Scholastica Massacre had on local relations?
Townspeople and university students haven't always gotten on well with each other.

What unusual tradition is there in Oxford?
It is that people jump into the river in their expensive clothes, and a lot of them have a bottle of champagne in their hands.

Christmas in Britain

Give three reasons why Antonio stayed for Christmas.
His parents were in the States, he hadn't made any plans for Christmas, and he would have the opportunity to experience an English Christmas.

Why did Antonio enjoy himself on Christmas Eve?
Because it was different and everything was new for him.

When do the British have Christmas dinner?
The British have Christmas dinner on Christmas Day, and the traditional menu is roast turkey, roast potatoes, vegetables, wine, and Christmas pudding.

When did Antonio receive his Christmas presents and what were they?
On Christmas morning, after breakfast. He received some traditional English mustard, a bottle of Scotch whisky, and a book about Shakespeare.

How do you open a Christmas cracker, and what is inside it?
Two people have to hold each end of a cracker and pull. Inside the cracker, there is a coloured paper hat, a joke written on a piece of paper, and a small present.