British Culture and Traditions
Goal: In this lesson, you will explore British culture and traditions. You will also acquire the vocabulary needed for this topic.
Task 1 (Vocabulary)
Practice useful vocabulary on Quizlet. Start with your language or another language you know well, and finish with English-English vocabulary practice in the bottom row.
NOTE: The links open in a new tab. You may need to register on Quizlet for full access.
Task 2 (British Cultural Icons)
Take a look at the pictures and the clues below. Can you answer the questions in each box?
Check your answers by clicking “SHOW THE ANSWER”.
John, Paul, Ringo & George
What is the band’s name?
SHOW THE ANSWER
The Beatles
Formed in Liverpool in 1960.
Members: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr.
Best-selling music of all time, with over 600 million records sold.
Charles, Camilla, William & Kate
What is their popular name?
SHOW THE ANSWER
The Royal Family
Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years (1952-2022).
Prince William is first in line to the throne.
Buckingham Palace in London is the official royal residence.
Famous for his plays & sonnets
What is his name?
SHOW THE ANSWER
William Shakespeare
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564.
Wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets.
Famous works: “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” “Macbeth”.
Politician, painter & writer
Who is his name?
SHOW THE ANSWER
Winston Churchill
Prime Minister during World War II (1940-1945) and 1951-1955.
Famous speech: “We shall fight on the beaches” (1940).
Nobel Prize in Literature winner (1953).
Symbolizes Unity of the UK
What is the flag called?
SHOW THE ANSWER
The Union Jack
National flag of the United Kingdom.
Combines three crosses: St. George (England), St. Andrew (Scotland), St. Patrick (Northern Ireland).
Used since 1801.
MAIN CHARACTER IN Books, Films & Computer Games
What is his name?
SHOW THE ANSWER
Harry Potter
Book series by J.K. Rowling, the first published in 1997.
Seven main books, adapted into eight films.
Set in fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Britain.
Task 3 (Reading)
British Cultural Icons
Listen to and read the texts below. Then take the reading comprehension tests.
Text 1
The Beatles
Click to see the complete text
The Beatles, formed in Liverpool in 1960, revolutionized popular music and became a global cultural phenomenon. The band consisted of four members: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Each member brought unique talents to the group, contributing to their distinctive sound and image.
The Beatles are recognized as the best-selling music act of all time, with over 600 million records sold worldwide. Their music evolved significantly, from early rock and roll to more experimental and psychedelic sounds. Some of their most famous albums include “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Abbey Road.” The band’s influence extended beyond music, impacting fashion, art, and social attitudes of the 1960s.
Despite breaking up in 1970, The Beatles’ legacy inspires new generations of musicians and fans. Their songs, such as “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be,” remain popular and are frequently covered by other artists. The Beatles’ impact on British culture and their role in shaping the “British Invasion” of the 1960s cannot be overstated.
Reading comprehension test
Text 2
The Royal Family
Click to see the complete text
The British Royal Family has been central to the nation’s identity for centuries. Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for an impressive 70 years from 1952 to 2022, was the longest-serving monarch in British history. Her reign saw significant changes in British society and politics. Prince William, the eldest son of King Charles III, is currently first in line to the throne after his father. The line of succession is clearly defined to ensure a smooth transition of power.
Buckingham Palace, located in the heart of London, is the official royal residence and administrative headquarters. The palace has 775 rooms and is a popular tourist attraction.
The Royal Family performs various ceremonial and diplomatic duties, representing the United Kingdom at home and abroad. They also support numerous charities and social causes, contributing to the nation’s welfare. The monarchy’s role has evolved over time, adapting to modern expectations while maintaining traditions. Royal events, such as weddings and jubilees, often bring the nation together in celebration. Despite occasional controversies, the Royal Family remains an enduring symbol of British heritage and continuity.
Reading comprehension test
Text 3
William Shakespeare
Click to see the complete text
William Shakespeare, born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, is widely regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language. During his career, Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets, demonstrating his mastery of various genres including comedy, tragedy, and history. His most famous works include “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” and “Macbeth,” which continue to be performed and studied worldwide.
Shakespeare’s plays explore universal themes such as love, power, jealousy, and ambition, making them relevant even in modern times. His contributions to the English language are significant, with many phrases and words he coined that are still used today.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, a reconstruction of the original Globe, attracts thousands of visitors annually. His works have been translated into numerous languages and adapted for film, television, and other media. Shakespeare’s influence extends beyond literature, impacting psychology, politics, and philosophy. Despite controversy about his authorship, Shakespeare’s position as a cultural icon remains secure. His birthday, April 23, is a national holiday in England.
Reading comprehension test
Text 4
Winston Churchill
Click to see the complete text
Winston Churchill served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during two crucial periods: from 1940 to 1945 during World War II and again from 1951 to 1955. He is best known for his leadership during World War II when his speeches inspired the British people to resist Nazi Germany. Churchill’s famous “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” speech, delivered in 1940, rallied the nation during one of its darkest hours.
His oratorical skills were widely recognized, and he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 for his numerous books and speeches. Churchill’s political career spanned over six decades, during which he held various important positions in the government. He was not only a politician but also an accomplished painter and writer, publishing numerous books on history and current affairs.
Churchill’s “V for Victory” hand gesture became an iconic symbol of British resistance during the war. Despite facing criticism for some of his policies, Churchill is generally regarded as one of the greatest Britons in history. His legacy continues to influence British politics and international relations to this day.
Reading comprehension test
Text 5
The Union Jack
Click to see the complete text
The Union Jack, the national flag of the United Kingdom, is a powerful symbol of British identity and unity. It combines three crosses: the red cross of St. George (representing England), the white saltire of St. Andrew (representing Scotland), and the red saltire of St. Patrick (representing Northern Ireland). The current design of the Union Jack has been in use since 1801, following the union of Great Britain and Ireland.
The flag’s complex design reflects the historical nation-building process in the British Isles. It is flown on government buildings and during official ceremonies throughout the United Kingdom. The Union Jack also appears on the flags of several Commonwealth countries and British Overseas Territories, symbolizing their historical ties to the UK.
In popular culture, the flag is often associated with British music, fashion, and sports. During major sporting events like the Olympics, the Union Jack is a source of national pride for British athletes and fans. The flag’s design has inspired various products and artworks, becoming a recognizable symbol worldwide. Despite occasional debates about its representation of the UK’s constituent nations, the Union Jack remains a unifying emblem for many Britons.
Reading comprehension test
Text 6
Harry Potter
Click to see the complete text
The Harry Potter series, written by British author J.K. Rowling, has become a global cultural phenomenon since the first book was published in 1997. The series consists of seven main books, which have been adapted into eight blockbuster films. The story follows the adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard, and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Britain.
Rowling’s imaginative world-building and engaging storytelling have captivated readers of all ages around the world. The books have been translated into over 80 languages and have sold more than 500 million copies worldwide. The Harry Potter series has had a significant impact on children’s literature and has encouraged many young people to develop a love for reading. The fictional world of Harry Potter has expanded beyond books and films to include theme park attractions, stage plays, and various merchandise.
The series explores themes such as friendship, courage, and the power of love, resonating with readers on a deep emotional level. Hogwarts and its magical world have become an integral part of British popular culture, attracting tourists to filming locations across the UK. The enduring popularity of Harry Potter demonstrates its status as a modern British cultural icon.
Reading comprehension test
Task 4 (Video)
Watch the video on British culture and traditions.
- Pay attention to pronunciation (how to say words) and intonation (sentence melody).
- If necessary, use the dictionary to understand all parts of the text.
Task 5 (Web Quest)
Search the Internet for answers to the questions about British cultural icons. The questions are displayed by clicking on the labels below.
Done? Click HERE to check your answers.
Task 6 (Talking and Writing)
Part 1: Based on the texts above and your web quest, record your thoughts on the icons of British culture. The picture below is your starting point. You will find the recorder under the picture.
Part 2: Write a short text about British culture and traditions, exploring your recording for ideas. Then, turn in your text in the assignment at the bottom of this page.
Task 7 (Wrapping Up with a Song)
Listen to the song about British cultural icons.
Sing along and enjoy!
