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** Pytania konkursowe dla klas IV i VI Odpowiedzi na pytania konkursowe dla klas VI Odpowiedzi konkursowe dla klas IV Tekstowa podstrona Roztrzygnięcie konkursu Konkurs 2018 odpowiedzi Pytania i odpowiedzi na konkurs BRITISH CULTURE dla klas IV Pytania i odpowiedzi na konkurs BRITISH CULTURE dla klas VIII i gimnazjum

Ewa Decker

Pytania i odpowiedzi na konkurs BRITISH CULTURE dla klas VIII i gimnazjum

  1. THE  UNITED KINGDOM - QUESTIONS
  2. What countries  is the UK made of? England,  Wales,Scotland, Northern Ireland
  3. What is the capital of the UK? London With over 8 million inhabitants, it is the biggest city in Britain and one of the biggest in Europe after Istanbul and Moscow.
  4. What is the name of the national flag of the UK?  the Jack  Union
  5. What are the colours of the Union Jack? Red, white and blue.  It is a combination of the cross of St. George, the cross of St. Andrew, and the cross of St. Patrick.
  6. How does the British national anthem begin? God Save the Queen. It is originated in a patriotic song which became the National Anthem at the beginning of the 19th century. The British National Anthem represents the whole of the UK.
  7. What family of languages does English language belong to? West Germanic. West Germanic is a branch of  Germanic; and Germanic is a branch of the Indo-European language family.
  8. What is the official currency in the UK? The pound sterling. Commonly known as the pound, it is subdivided into 100 pence. The currency code for pounds is GBP,  the currency symbol is £.
  9. What is the car code of Great Britain?  GB British vehicle registration plates tell us were the vehicle was produced and how old it is.  When the owner moves about the country vehicles are not re-registered. The registration town is where it was sold as a new one.
  10.  What is the telephone code used to call UK from another country?  +44. The United Kingdom telephone code 44 is followed by a city code.
  11. Who in the UK is said  reign but not rule ? The Monarch. The Queen is the official Head of State. In fact, her political role is rather symbolic.  Instead she performs a very important ceremonial role. The Queen opens Parliament; approves the appointment of the Prime Minister; gives the Royal Assent to bills; gives honours such as peerages, knighthoods and medals.
  12. Who is the present Prime Minister of the UK? Therese May
  13. Who is the head of State in  the UK? The Monarch.    The UK is a constitutional monarchy. This means that the Monarch rules within the framework approved by Parliament. The work  the Monarch does in politics is largely symbolic.
  14. Who is the head of English Church?  The Monarch. The religious head of the Church is the Archbishop of Canterbury.
  15. What  political system is there in the UK? Parliamentary democracy Country is governed by representatives of people within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. The Monarch is the head of state, and the Prime Minister of the UK is the head of government.
  16. Who appoints ministers in the UK? The Prime Minister. Apart from running the Government, he represents the nations in political matters. He is also the leader of  the majority party.
  17. What are the two main political parties in the UK? The Labour Party and the Conservative Party. The Labour Party and the Conservative Party. The Conservative Party,   right of centre, supports traditional British values and institutions. The Labour Party, left of centre, promotes extensive social services, traditional ties with trade unions, and a heavy governmental role in society.
  18. Which democratic countries in the world have no written constitution ?  Israel, New Zealand and the UK.
  19. Which day of the week is the Election Day in the UK? Thursday. Elections take place on the first Thursday in May, every five years. This tradition arose as the best of several circumstances: Friday wages would lead to more drunken voters on Fridays and weekends;Many towns held markets on Thursdays; Having the election as far after a Sunday as possible would reduce the influence of Sunday sermons.
  20. What colour are the benches in the House of Commons? Green.
  21. What colour are the benches in the House of Lords? Red.The Lords Chamber is lavishly decorated, in contrast with modestly furnished the Commons with green upholstery.
  22.  What are members of the House of Commons called? MPs. Members of Parliament are members of the House of Commons – a lower house of Parliament.
  23. What are members of the House of Lords called?  The Peers. The House of Lords is a higher house of Parliament. In contrast to the elected House of Commons, most new members of the House of Lords are appointed, others are inherited.
  24. What are appointed members of the House of Lords called? Life peers. Their titles cannot be inherited, in contrast to hereditary peers who can pass on their titles.
  25. What is the name of a member of the House of Lords who can pass on their title?Hereditary peer. The title can be inherited, in contrast to life peer who  is appointed.
  26. Who presides debates in the House of Commons? The Speaker. The Speaker maintains order during debates, determines which members may speak,   may punish members who break the rules of the House. In the UK the Speaker remains strictly non-partisan, does not take part in debate nor vote.
  27. What is the name of an official who ensures party discipline in a legislature? A whip. A whip`s role is to motivate or even threaten party members to make them vote according to the official party policy. The name comes from the hunting term whipping in which means preventing hounds from wandering away from the pack.
  28. What  is the British Government called by the media? Whitehall. It was named after the central London street along which a number of Government Departments  are located.
  29. What Court handles minor criminal cases with a sentence of less than 6 months? Magistrates Court. It is a lower court where all the criminal proceedings start. It handles minor criminal cases, often motoring offences. It is possible to appeal from here to the Crown Court. Cases are also passed to the Crown Court when Magistrates Court stands the defendant deserves more than it can give.
  30. What Court deals with criminal cases with a potential sentences of more than 6 months? Crown Court.  Cases are heard by a judge and a 12-person jury. Crown Courts  also take appeals from the Magistrates Courts.
  31. What Court deals with civil matters? County Court. It deals with non-criminal matters where the rights of an individual or a business have been infringed, e.g., individuals demanding compensation for injuries, businesses trying to recover money they are owed, divorces.
  32. What is the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases? The Supreme Court. It is also the final court of appeal for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It hears cases of the greatest importance which affect the whole population.
  33. What  is the lawyer wearing a wig called? A barrister. Barristers specialise in representing clients in court. They also offer an expert legal opinion when asked. In some legal systems a professional with similar responsibilities is called an advocate.
  34. What is the lawyer performing legal work outside court called? A solicitor. Solicitors provide professional legal support and advice to clients in such areas as personal issues, commercial work, protecting the rights of individuals.
  35. In which country of the UK guns are carried by the police officers? The Northern Ireland. In the rest of the UK (England, Scotland and Wales) police officers do not carry firearms, except special circumstances. This originates from the formation of the Metropolitan Police Service in the 19th  century when police were not armed  to evoke confidence. The arming of police in Great Britain is a perennial topic of debate
  36. Which country of the UK does not have a representation in the Union Flag? Wales. When the first Union Flag was created in 1606, Wales was Principality of England.
  37. GEOGRAPHY – QUESTIONS
  38. What  the main three nations is Great Britain inhabited by? English, Scots and Welsh. Separated at  earlier stages of the history, the nations have their own  identity, tradition and language. Never call a Welsh or Scot English. They do not like it.
  39. What  climate does Great Britain enjoy?Temperate maritime climate. There are relatively cool summers, and not particularly cold winters. The weather is influenced by close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean,  northern latitude, and the warming waters from the Gulf Stream.
  40. What the bodies of water is Great Britain surrounded by? The North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Celtic Sea, the Irish Sea and the English Channel. During the last Ice Age, Great Britain was attached to mainland Europe. When the last Ice Age melted away, new bodies of water were formed including the English Channel and the Irish Sea. Britain and Ireland became islands.
  41. What is the busiest airport in the UK? London Heathrow Airport. It is followed by London Gatwick, Manchester, London Stansted. Heathrow is the busiest airport in Europe by passenger traffic, and the third busiest in the world.
  42. What countries in Europe still drive on the left site of the road? Ireland, Malta, Cyprus and the UK. Some historians believe that ancient travellers rode horseback on the left side of the road. Since most people are right-handed, they could hold their reins with their left hand keeping their right hand free. In case of emergency, they could defend themselves with a sword holding in the right hand. It is said, that Napoleon, who was left-handed, introduced right-handed riding in the European countries he conquered. However, island nations continued to drive on the left.
  43. What an imaginary line on the earth's surface indicates 0° longitude? Prime Meridian.  The line joins the north and south poles, and  separates east from west in the same way that the Equator separates north from south. It passes through the meridian room of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich in London. Prime Meridian is the centre of world time, and the starting point for each new day, year and millennium.
  44. Where does the term Britain come from? Britannia. When in AD 43 the Romans conquered most of the island, they named it Britannia. The term derived from the Greek word Prettanike which referred to a collection of islands. The Romans Latinised that name, and gave the female personification to it. They called the larger island Britannia Magna (Great Britain), and the smaller one (Ireland) – Hibernia - winter. Britannia was depicted as a helmeted woman with shield and trident.
  45. What is the longest river in the UK? The River Severn. It is 354 km (220 miles) long. It runs through England and Wales.
  46. What is the highest peak in the UK? Ben Nevis. It is rising to 1,343.8 m (4,406 ft), and is situated in the Grampian Mountains of western Scotland.
  47. What are lakes called in Scotland? Lochs. The only exception is the Lake of Menteith and one or two man-made lakes.
  48. What building structure divides England from Scotland? Hadrian’s Wall. Running across the narrow neck from the North Sea to the Irish Sea, the wall separates England from Scotland. Built on the orders of the Roman emperor Hadrian, it allowed Roman soldiers to control the movements of people coming into or leaving Roman Britain. It was the largest structure ever made by the Romans. A significant part of the wall still exists and is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern England.
  49. What is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city? Town. It is a community with a market, but with no cathedral. A village is a small group of houses with a church, but with no market. A hamlet is a village with no church, no shops, no services.
  50. What is the nickname of Loch Ness monster? Nessie. It is reputedly a large animal that inhabits Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. Its existence has been suggested; but has never been proved, or documented by scientists.
  51. What is another name for the Channel Tunnel? Eurotunnel. The Channel Tunnel consists of 3 interconnected tubes: one rail track each way, plus one service tunnel. Train services carry passengers, freight and vehicles between Folkestone, England and Coquelles, France.
  52. When was the Channel Tunnel officially opened? In 1994. Recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the tunnel was opened by the Queen and French President on 6th May 1994.
  53. What  term referrers to smoky fog highly toxic to humans? Smog. It is a slang word originally developed to describe the mixture of smoke and fog formed in London. Smog is the result of wet weather and coal burning in that city.
  54. What is the name of upland areas with water-logged soils and heather plants? Moorlands. Found  mainly in the north and west of the country, they are characterised by low-growing vegetation on low-nutrient, acidic soils with  small mammals and insects. 10-15 percent  of world`s moorlands stretch in the UK.
  55. What kind of accommodation is the most popular in Britain? Semi-detached house. It is closely followed by detached, then terraced.
  56. What is the ancient stone ring near Salisbury called?  Stonehenge. It is believed to be a religious place. The stones in the mysterious circle are four times taller than men. The big stone outside the circle was probably put to show where the sun first appears on Midsummer`s Day on 21st June.
  57. What village in Somerset gave name to its cheese? Cheddar. Natural, sharp tasting and relatively hard, it is the most popular brand of cheese in the UK. Its colour ranges from  pale-yellow to off-white. Named after the place of origin, Cheddars are produced in several countries around the world.
  58. Which  country in the UK has bilingual  road signs? Wales. All modern road signs are bilingual. Each local authority decides which language is shown first, Welsh or English. Welsh appears first in many principal areas.
  59. ENGLAND – QUESTIONS
  60. What is the capital of England? London. It is the capital of England and the UK.  Found  by  the Romans on the River Thames nearly two thousand years ago, it is now the biggest city in Britain and one of the biggest in Europe.
  61. What is officially established church In England? The Anglican Church. The process of creating the Church of England was started by Henry VIII. In 1534, after the Pope`s refusal of granting an annulment to his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Henry passed two important acts. The first, Act of Succession vested the succession of the English Crown in the children of King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. The second, Act of Supremacy  recognised the King as the only supreme head of the Church of England.
  62. Who is the patron Saint of England? St. George. He was a soldier in the Roman army, later venerated as a Christian martyr.
  63. When is Saint George`s Day? 23rd  March. In England it  is the feast day, though it is not an official national holiday.
  64. What is the English national flower? Red rose. This flower became an emblem of England when two royal houses - Lancaster and York - were at a series of wars, called the Wars of Roses. House of Lancaster`s emblem was a red rose, and the house of York`s emblem was a white rose.
  65. What is the symbol on  flag of England? A red cross set on a white background. Known as the St George’s Cross, it has its origin in the Crusades. Soldiers were identified by red-coloured crosses on their white tunics.
  66. Where does the word England come from? They were one of the main Germanic tribes which invaded Great Britain during the 5th  and 6th  centuries. They came from the Angeln, Denmark.
  67. What is the traditional English food? Fish and chips. Regarded as the most iconic British meal, fish and chips is not normally cooked at home. English people usually buy the dish at fish and chips shops, called  chippie . It is eaten on premises or as a take away.
  68. What is English national sport? Cricket. The level of its popularity is not really high, nor the standard of English players; nevertheless, cricket is just much more than a sport. It symbolises the way of life typical for English people - slow, peaceful and rural. Apart from cricket, the UK gave birth to tennis, squash, golf, boxing, rugby, football, snooker, billiards, badminton and curling.
  69. What is the royal sport in England? Polo. The Sport of Kings  used to be an Olympic sport. Players on horseback score goals against an opposing team. It is a favourite sport of Prince William.
  70. What is the most popular  holiday destination for British people?  Spain. It remains British number one holiday destination, in particular the Balearic islands of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza.
  71. What small car is the favourite one for British people? The Mini. Made by the British Motor Corporation, it is the British equivalent of the Germanic Volkswagen Beetle, or the Italian Fiat 500.
  72. What are the most popular pets British people keep? Fish. One in ten Britons now have pet fish. Fish are followed by dogs, cats and rabbits.
  73. What is the most popular English surname? Smith. It is the most common surname in England and Scotland.
  74. SCOTLAND –QUESTIONS
  75. What is the capital of Scotland? Edinburg. It is the second most populous city in Scotland after Glasgow. It was built, like Rome, on seven hills.
  76. Who is the patron Saint of Scotland? St. Andrew. He was a Galilean fisherman, who worked in the Black Sea. When he met Jesus Christ, he became one of his disciples together with his brother, Simon Peter.
  77. When is Saint Andrew`s Day? 30th  November. In Scotland, like in many countries with Scottish emigrants, St Andrew's Day is celebrated with traditional Scottish music, food, dancing and fireworks. It is a bank holiday in Scotland.
  78. What is the Scottish national flower? Thistle. Prickly-leaved purple flower was first used as a symbol of defence in the 15th  century.
  79. What is the largest city in Scotland? Glasgow. Situated on the River Clyde, it is the fourth largest city in the UK after London, Birmingham and Leeds. Inhabitants of the city are referred to as Glaswegians.
  80. What are the main three groups of Scottish Islands? Shetland, Orkney and  Hebrides.  They include most of over 790 Scottish islands. Some of the Islanders support the idea of independence from Scotland.
  81. What is the most popular  sport in Scotland? Golf. Scotland is the birthplace of this game, which has flourished there for six centuries.
  82. What is Scotland’s national instrument? Bagpipes. It is a wind instrument consisting of two or more reed pipes held in wooden sockets,  fastened to the bag. It is one of the most iconic symbols of Scottish culture.
  83. WALES - QUESTIONS
  84. What is the capital of Wales? Cardiff. The city has been the capital of Wales since 1955. Cardiff is crossed by three rivers; the Ely, the Taff and the Rhymney.  Both the Taff and Ely flow into Cardiff Bay creating an artificial lake.
  85. Who is the patron Saint of Wales? St. David. He was a sixth  century missionary bishop and the founder of many monasteries.
  86. When is Saint David`s Day? 1st  March. People with Welsh connection celebrate the life of their patron. Children wear traditional costumes, adults pin daffodils or leeks to their clothes.
  87. What plants are emblems of Wales? Leak and daffodil.  On the eve of battle with the Saxons, St David ordered the Welsh to pin leeks to their caps for distinguishing mate from foe. Daffodil is traditionally worn on St. David’s Day.
  88. What is the official language in Wales?  Welsh and English. Under Welsh law both languages have equal status. Though one out of ten people consider Welsh as their native language. Road signs are both in English and Welsh. There is a Welsh language television channel, a Welsh language radio station. Welsh is a compulsory subject for all school pupils up to the age of 16 .
  89. What is the most popular  sport in Wales? Rugby. The origin of rugby is reputed to be an incident at PE lesson in Rugby School. In 1823 two classes were playing football, when one player William Webb Ellis  picked up the ball and run with it. Everyone ran after him, and the new sport began. The game was named after the school where it was started.
  90. NORTHERN IRELAND – QUESTIONS
  91. What is the capital of Northern Ireland? Belfast. It became the capital of Northern Ireland  in 1921 when Ireland was partitioned between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was created.
  92. Who is the patron Saint of Northern Ireland? St. Patrick. When he was a boy, Irish pirates captured him from his home in Britain and  took as a slave to Ireland. He had been living there for 6 years, before he escaped  and came back to his family. When he became a cleric, he returned to Ireland where he served as an ordained bishop. He is known as the Apostle of this country.
  93. When is Saint Patrick`s Day? 17th  March. This is the date of St Patrick`s  death.  Many people wear an item of green clothing that day. Parties serving Irish food and drinks dyed in green are organised.
  94. What languages are spoken in Northern Ireland? Irish and English. Northern Ireland has no official language. Most people speak English habitually. The Irish language, known as Irish Gaelic, is recognised as a minority language in Northern Ireland.
  95. What is the Irish national plant? Shamrock. It is a three-leaved plant similar to clover. St. Patrick used it in his sermons to clarify the existence of the Trinity. He explained how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could exist  together in the same entity.
  96. What is Irish national sport? Gaelic football and hurling. Run by the same organisation, these games are strongly linked in many ways. Both hurling and Gaelic football are amateur games. Gaelic football is like soccer with limited use of hands allowed. Hurling, with over 3,000 years of tradition, is becoming one of the fastest growing team sports throughout the world.
  97. LONDON- QUESTIONS
  98. On what river is London situated? The River Thames. It is the longest river in England and the second longest in the UK after the River Severn.  
  99. What is the name of  the old building where the coronations of English  monarchs have been held? Westminster Abbey.  The Collegiate Church of St Peter is a large, mainly Gothic church situated in the City of Westminster. Apart from royal coronation place,  it  serves as the burial ground for numerous sovereigns,  politicians and artists.  Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton and David Livingstone were buried there .
  100. What is the name of the London`s  residency for the queen? The Buckingham Palace. It is one of  only a few working royal  palaces in the world with around 600 rooms, its own post office and police station. When the Royal Standard is flying from the roof, Her Majesty the Queen is in the residence.
  101. What  ceremony takes place in front of Buckingham Palace? Changing of the Guard. It is a ceremony where the Queen’s Guard, worn in their scarlet tunics and characteristic busbies, exchanges duty with the old guard in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. The ceremony takes place at 11:30 from April until the end of July and lasts 45 minutes.
  102. What  flag is flown above the Buckingham Palace when the Queen is in residence?  The Royal Standard. When the Sovereign is not present, the Union Flag flies instead.
  103. What castle in London has served as a fortress,  an armoury, a prison, a treasury, a menagerie, the Royal Mint and even a zoo? The Tower of London. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror soon after his coronation in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066. The castle was built to proclaim the physical power of the new Norman monarch.
  104. Where does the best known Ceremony of the Keys take place ? At the Tower of London. The formal locking of the gates of the Tower of London is one of the oldest, and most colourful ceremony that survived 700 years. Even though the British Monarch no longer lives there, it  still houses historic and valuable items including the Crown Jewels. Thus, maintaining security is still as important now as it was in the past.
  105. What is the residence of Prime Minister called? 10 Downing Street. Commonly known as Number 10, it is one of the most famous addresses in the world. Over three hundred years old, the building contains about one hundred rooms and serves as an office, home and a meeting place. The building’s exterior is recognizable by its modest black front door and its black brick facade.
  106. What is the nickname for London`s police? Bobbies - Peelers.  The London police force was created by an act introduced in Parliament by the home secretary, Sir Robert Peel. He gave the police their nicknames: Bobbies comes from Bob, and  Peelers comes from Peeler.
  107. What are two-storey London buses  called?  Double decker buses. Double-deckers are the icon of London, England and the UK. Two storeys, short length, and large amount of seating capacity make them easy to operate through the narrow streets typical for Britain.  
  108. What is the name of the tower of the Westminster palace? Big Ben. The name is used both to the tower and the bell. The tower holds four-faced chiming clock, which is the largest in the world. The clock was named after Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works and Public Buildings.  The tower was renamed as the Elizabeth Tower in honour of Queen Elizabeth II in her Diamond Jubilee year  - 2012.
  109. What is the name of Houses of Parliament? The Palace of Westminster. The most specific element of the Houses of Parliament is its clock tower, known as Big Ben. A light at the top of the tower is illuminated when Parliament is sitting at night.  
  110. What is London underground railway called? The Tube. London’s underground transport system has been called in many ways in the last 150 years, e. g., the Underground, the Metropolitan or Met. The most popular nickname, the Tube, originally referred to just one of its early lines.
  111. When was the first underground line opened in London? In 1863. The world's first underground railway ran between Paddington and Farringdon and served six intermediate stations.
  112. How many stations does the Tube serve? 270 stations and 11 lines.   It is one of the busiest metro in the world after Moscow and Paris.
  113. What is the busiest Underground station in London? Waterloo. It is the busiest station  in London taking into account the estimated number of people entering and leaving  a station.
  114. What is the name for London`s taxi ? Black cab. Unlike Minicabs, which can only be booked in advance from a licensed minicab office, London's  black cabs can be booked in advance, hailed on the street or picked up from designated taxi ranks. If the yellow TAXI sign at the front is illuminated, the cab is available for hire.
  115. What is the name of London`s modern observation wheel? London Eye. Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, a giant Ferris Wheel serves as the highest viewpoint in London available for the public. It is also called Millennium Wheel.
  116. Where can you find the wax figures of the world famous people? In Madame Tussauds. The museum  was set up in 1835 by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud. The most popular figures in the exhibition are royalty and stars.  It has branches in a number of major cities around the world.
  117. What is England’s most prestigious shop? Harrods. It is the most famous store in the UK and possibly in the world. Its humble beginnings go back to 1849, when a small grocery shop was opened in Southwark by Henry Harrod. The Harrods` motto is Omnia Omnibus Ubique—All Things for All People, Everywhere.
  118. What is the largest church building in London? St Paul's Cathedral. Dedicated to Paul the Apostle, it is a mother church of the Diocese of London and the seat of the Bishop. Designed in the English Baroque style by Sir Christopher Wren, it is the most impressive building in the City of London.
  119. What is the oldest royal park in London? St James's Park.  The oldest of London`s eight Royal Parks is situated at the very heart of London. The park has been the setting for many ceremonial parades and national celebrations. It is surrounded by three palaces: the most ancient - Westminster, St James's Palace and far-famed, Buckingham Palace.
  120. What is the name of recreated theatre from Shakespeare’s time in London? Shakespeare's Globe. The replica of the original Globe Theatre was finished in 1997. It stands on the south bank of the Thames, about 260 meters from the original.
  121. What is nickname of skyscraper built in London on the place of the terrorist attack in 1992? Gherkin. Standing at 30 St Mary Axe, the 41-story modern glass and steel tower is one of the most eye-catching buildings in London. The skyscraper was opened in 2004 and was built on the site where the Baltic Exchange was badly damaged by an IRA bomb attack in 1992.
  122. What statue is considered as the exact centre point of London? The Statue of Charles I. Situated between Great Scotland Yard and Trafalgar Square, The Statue of Charles I is one of the points used to measure distances from London.
  123. What is the most attractive area to do shopping in London? The West End. It is one of London's most vibrant areas for shopping comparable to Midtown Manhattan in New York City. No visit to London would be complete without soaking up the unique atmosphere in the West End.
  124. What is the name of the dialect spoken by working-class Londoners? Cockney. Originally applied to all city-dweller, the term has several meanings. It refers to East London accent, a person born within hearing distance of the sound of Bow Bells, or just a Londoner.
  125. LITERATURE – QUESTIONS
  126. What is the name of Irish poet and president? Michael D. Higgins. A passionate politician, a poet, a writer, and human rights advocate was inaugurated as the ninth President of Ireland in  2011.
  127. Which British Prime Minister was awarded Nobel Prize for literature? Winston Churchill. In 1953 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his works, in particular his six-volume work The Second World War.
  128. What is the Shakespeare`s birthplace? Stratford-upon-Avon. It  has become destination for the literary minded  visitors since the 18th century. There is a restored 16th century half-timbered  house open to the public.  
  129. In what famous play can be found the following quotation: To be or not to be, that is the question ? Hamlet. The phrase is probably the best-known line in English literature. It is the opening phrase of a soliloquy of William Shakespeare's  best-known, most-imitated, and most-analyzed play. The meaning of this phrase has been given numerous interpretations.
  130. What are the names of two families fighting each other in Romeo and Juliet? Capulets and Montagues. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet came from feuding families. After the  death of romantic lovers the two fighting families  vowed  to stop their feud.
  131. Which king was presented as a black character in Shakespeare`s  famous play? Richard III. For centuries he has been considered as the most wicked and evil man in the English history. But historians now think that the new dynasty, the Tudor, consciously presented him as a monster, both physical and moral, to get more support among English people. He was accused of murdering his nephews after keeping them in the tower in London, which gave the rise to the legend of the Princes in the Tower.
  132. Which romantic poet is described as passionate, unhappy and mysterious?George Gordon Byron. One of the greatest English poets was also one of the most unusual figures in English social life. This is because of his independent and radical ideas, but also because of social scandals he had caused. His best works, including the famous Don Jouan, were written in Italy were he settled after travelling around Europe. He died in 1824 fighting for the independence of Greece.
  133. Who  is the author of Harry Potter books? J.K. Rowling  - a British novelist who got a fame as the author of the Harry Potter fantasy series. They have become the best-selling book series in history.
  134. What is the title of the first Harry Potter book? Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. It was published in the United Kingdom in 1997.
  135. What is 221B Baker Street famous for? Sherlock Holmes Museum. It is the most well-known literary address where the famous detective was supposed to live.  Sherlock Holmes never actually existed. He is a literary figure invented by the English author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Smart private investigator, Holmes, solved complex criminal cases in 56 short stories and four novels.
  136. What novel describes adventures of a mischievous boy who can fly and never grows up? Peter Pan. He is a character created by Scottish playwright and novelist J.M.Barrie. Peter Pan enjoys his adventurous endless childhood on the Neverland island.
  137. Which  English writer is the best-selling novelist of all time? Agatha Christie. Her novels are the world's most-widely published. Christie`s books followed only Shakespeare's works and the Bible.
  138.  Who is considered the founder of the English novel?  Daniel Defoe. Before he became a novelist, he worked as a merchant and a political pamphleteer. Though he turned his pen to fiction late in life, his Robinson Crusoe is  of the most influential novels of all time.
  139.  Who is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian period? Charles Dickens. Many of his works are considered classics. In his most famous novels, David Copperfield and Great Expectations, he fictionalised his  childhood hardships as well as loneliness and despair he experienced in the period of Industrial Revolution.
  140. Who is considered the father of science fiction? Herbert George Wells. He was a prolific English writer in many genres; however, he is  best remembered for his science fiction novels. One of his earliest stories The War of the Worlds presents a conflict between mankind and an extraterrestrial race.
  141. Which English writer and mathematician wrote a novel about  a girl falling through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world? Lewis Carroll. He was a man of many interests including mathematics, logic, astronomy and philosophy. As he was very fond of children and entertaining them, he wrote Alice in Wonderland and its sequel Through the looking glass. He modelled Alice’s character on the daughter of his friend.
  142. Which medieval folk figure is portrayed as robbing from the rich and giving to the poor? Robin Hood.  A highly skilled archer and swordsman became a rebel  outlaw hero of a series of English ballads.
  143. Where did Robin Hood live? In Sherwood Forest. According to the legend, he  was a fallen nobleman  who alongside his band of Merry Men robbed from the rich and gave to the poor.   
  144. What is the most popular daily newspaper in the UK? The Sun. Politically populist, the Sun is willing to meet expectations of the prevailing public opinion. It is followed by Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Guardian.
  145. KINGS AND QUEENS – QUESTIONS
  146. What is the motto of the British monarch? Dieu et mon droit. God and my right – it is the military password chosen by King Richard I before the battle of Gisors in 1198. As the royal motto, the password was adopted by Henry V and appears on Royal Coat of Arms.
  147. How do you call the Queen when you speak to her? Your Majesty. The form used in the third person is  Her Majesty. Your Royal Highness is the style used to address to some members of royal families.
  148. What title is given to the eldest son of the monarch?Prince of Wales. Unlike Scotland and England, which were Kingdoms, Wales has been a non-sovereign principality since the 13th  century. In 1282 when the Welsh prince died in a fight with English soldiers, King Edward I captured Wales and called his son the Prince of Wales.  Traditionally,  the title Prince of Wales has been given to the eldest son of the monarch, so Prince William inherits the title when Prince Charles becomes King.
  149. What is the title of a female Monarch who reigns in her own right? Queen Regnant. A Queen Regnant ascends to the throne because she is first in the line of succession, e.g. Queen Elizabeth II.
  150. What is the title of the wife of the Reigning Monarch? Queen Consort. A Queen Consort is a Queen by virtue of her marriage to the King, not in her own right. When William becomes King Regnant in due course, his wife Catherine will become Queen Consort.
  151.  What is the title of the widow of  the deceased King Regnant? Queen Dowager. She holds the title from her deceased husband, e.g. Queen Fabiola of Belgium.
  152. What is the name of the Queen of England? Elizabeth II. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was named Elizabeth after her mother, Alexandra after her paternal great-grandmother, and Mary after her paternal grandmother.
  153. When did the coronation of Queen Elizabeth take place?On 2nd June 1953. The Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey. Conducted by  Archbishop of Canterbury, the ceremony was  broadcast on radio, and for the first time on television.
  154. What relative for queen Elizabeth II was the king who gave up the throne for love? Uncle. After the death of  king George V, his elder son became King Edward VIII. But he  ruled only for eleven months. King Edward fell in love with Mrs. Wallis Simpson, an American married woman, already once divorced. In order to marry her, King Edward was willing to give up the British throne. Edward chose Wallis Simpson; Elizabeth's father, Prince Albert, became King George VI.
  155. What is Queen Elizabeth’s favourite breed of dog? Uncle. After the death of  king George V, his elder son became King Edward VIII. But he  ruled only for eleven months. King Edward fell in love with Mrs. Wallis Simpson, an American married woman, already once divorced. In order to marry her, King Edward was willing to give up the British throne. Edward chose Wallis Simpson; Elizabeth's father, Prince Albert, became King George VI.
  156. Which member of the Royal Family is next in line to the throne? Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales. He will  become king when his mother, Queen Elizabeth, abdicates, retires or dies. In the case Prince Charles abdicates, he passes  the throne to his eldest son, Prince William of Wales.
  157. Who is Prince William married to? Catherine Middleton. The wedding took place on 29th April, 2011, at Westminster Abbey in London. Prince William has been given the title of the Duke of Cambridge by the Queen, and Miss Middleton has become Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge.
  158. Which king gave up the throne for love? Edward VIII. Edward became king of the UK after the death of his father, George V. The King's desire to marry an American  twice-divorced woman, Wallis Simpson, threatened a constitutional crisis, and finally led to his abdication. He ruled only 326 days. He was created Duke of Windsor by his brother and successor, King George VI.
  159. Which king reigned the longest period? George III. He had 15 children, and gave Buckingham Palace to his wife. He knew all about stars, animals, fruit and vegetables. The British called him The Farmer King. In later life George III went crazy; he talked to trees and shouted peacock all the time.
  160. Which Scottish king became the greatest national hero? Robert Bruce.  His official title was Robert I, and he was King of Scots from 1306 to 1329. Robert Bruce is the greatest of all the Scottish heroes who secured Scotland's independence from England.
  161. How many children did queen Victoria have? nine. In 1840 she married her cousin Prince Albert. They enjoyed really happy family life.
  162. Who was called the Widow of the Windsor? Queen Victoria. She loved her husband, Prince Albert, so much that when he suddenly died in 1861, many people feared of her sanity. After her husband`s death, she lived in Windsor castle outside London and very rarely left it.
  163. Which queen used to say: I am married to England? Elizabeth I. Since the beginning of her reign, Elizabeth was constantly pressed by the Parliament, the Court and well-wishers to choose a husband. She silenced the Parliament saying: I have already joined myself in marriage to a husband, namely the Kingdom of England. She was the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty.  
  164. What is the nickname of Queen Mary Tudor? Bloody Mary. She was the eldest daughter of King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine of Aragon.  As a devout Catholic,  she detested the religious changes of her father, Henry VIII, and her brother, Edward VI. Her nickname came from the number of Protestants who were burnt during her reign.
  165. What was the name of the king who had six wives? Henry VIII. Henry's marital career is probably the thing that he is the most known for. Few people know, he was a glamorous Renaissance Prince who wanted to become the greatest king England ever had. He was  athletic, intelligent, talented and highly educated. He  was a composer and  an accomplished player of many instruments. He spoke foreign languages and wrote songs for his wives. In fact, he was one of the most charismatic rulers to sit on the English throne.
  166. Who was the first Norman King of England? William the Conqueror. Despite the fact that he was not English, William claimed he was the rightful heir to the throne of England. He argued that Edward the Confessor promised him the throne to before he died. In fact, there is no proof of it. After defeating King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings, he was crowned king of England in 1066. He never spoke English and he was illiterate; however, he had more influence on the evolution of the English language than anyone before or since.
  167. HISTORY – QUESTIONS
  168. Who were the original inhabitants of the British Islands? Britons. They were Celtic people, native to Great Britain. After the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons they moved to the west part of the country. They have been  living in fringe areas of Wales, Cornwall and southern Scotland.
  169. How long did Romans stay in Britain? Almost four centuries. The Romans stayed in Britain from 43 to 409 AD. Their heritage is very important for British people. Romans left behind roads, cities, new plants and animals such as parsley, chestnut and chickens. They gave Britain legal system, roman numerals, calendar, measurements such as miles, feet and inches. The Romans introduced Christianity to Britain. Many churches are still built using designs like a Roman Basilica.
  170. What  Germanic tribes invaded Great Britain in the 5th  century? Angles, Jutes, Saxons.  The invaders consisted of various Germanic tribes, chiefly Angles from the historical area of Angeln, Schleswig Holstein; Jutes from the Jutland, Denmark; Saxons from Saxony. The Germanic invaders did not absorb the Celts, but rather conducted a war of extinction. The Germanic invaders replaced the Romanized Celts.
  171. What legendary commander led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders? King Arthur. He was a medieval mythological figure who was the head of the kingdom Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table. The Celtic army led by King Arthur temporarily halted Anglo-Saxons  in  west  England after their invasion in the south-east of the country. His legend has been popularized by many writers.
  172. What is the name of King Arthur's sword? Excalibur. It was the sword that Arthur received from the Lady of the Lake. It was her acceptance of Arthur as the protector of Britain. The sword and scabbard were enchanted; the scabbard protected the owner from being mortally wounded, and the sword was supposed to be unbreakable.
  173. Which Germanic tribe  gave England its name? Angles. They lived in the historical area of Angeln in north east Schleswig Holstein. England  was the land of the Angles.
  174. What invaders raided Britain from Scandinavia in early medieval times? The Vikings. Seafaring warriors from Scandinavia, travelling  in long dragon-ships,  explored areas of Europe, North America and even Asia. The Viking Age began in the late 8th  century and lasted for about 300 years. At that time the Vikings were truly the lords of the sea.
  175. Who was the only English monarch to be accorded the epithet the Great? Alfred the Great - King of Wessex. When in the 9th  century Vikings conquered islands around Scotland and Ireland, they were halted by English King Alfred. Vikings` settlement in England was confined to the north and east parts of the country. King Alfred was said to be a learned and merciful man of a gracious and level-headed nature, who encouraged education, improved the kingdom's legal system, military structure and quality of  human life.
  176. Who was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England? Harold II. He had no bloodline to the throne, but his sister Edith was married to King Edward the Confessor. With no royal blood, facing  claims from William Duke of Normandy, Harold crowned himself in Westminster Abbey on 6th  January, 1066, the day after Edward's death. However, on 14th October he was defeated and killed by William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings. During his brief reign, Harold showed he was an outstanding commander.
  177. Which important  date is regarded as the start of Medieval England? 1066. William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings became the full-scale conquest of England since the arrival of the Saxons. The date changed the course of history; established the Normans as the rulers of England and brought about a significant cultural transformation. A
  178. Which famous document led to formation of Parliament in England? The Magna Charta. It was signed in June 1215 between the barons of Medieval England and King John.  For the first time a monarch agreed in writing to abide  formal procedures.
  179. Who was a peasant girl who helped France win the Hundred Years` War? Joan of Arc. Called the Maid of Orléans, she  won many military victories over England and saved France from English rule. The Siege of Orleans, marked as a turning point in the Hundred Years` War,  was her biggest victory. Captured and sold to the English, she was put on trial and burned at the stake. When it turned out that Joan was innocent, she was made a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. She has been known as St. Joan of Arc.
  180. What was the plague that killed a third of population in the middle of the 14th  century? Black Death. Struck in early 1330-s, the plague was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history. It is thought to be originated in Asia and carried by  fleas living on the black rats inhabiting merchant ships. The disease caused spots on the skin that were red at first, then turned black. In winter, the disease seemed to disappear as fleas are dormant then. Each spring, the plague attacked again. It periodically reappeared for 300 years.
  181. Who introduced a printing press into England ? William Caxton. He was a translator and a publisher. When he translated a French book into English, lots of people in England wanted to read it. In those days people copied books by hand. Caxton decided to apply Gutenberg`s invention and started to print press in England.
  182. What was the name of the man who made the first English voyage to North America? John Cabot. In May 1497, with the support of the English king Cabot sailed west from Bristol on his ship the Matthew to find a shorter route to Asia. After a month, he discovered an unknown land and called it New found land on behalf of Henry VII. The age of discovery began.
  183. What  colony gave the beginning of the First British Empire? Newfoundland. The First British Empire emerged in the late 16th  century, peaked in the 18th  century and declined in the Age of Revolution. It consisted of colonies conquered in wars with France and Spain. The Empire started in 1497, when  John Cabot  sailed west from Bristol to find a shorter route to Asia. He discovered  unknown land which he called  Newfoundland.
  184. What act began the English Reformation? Act of Supremacy 1534. King Henry VIII declared that he was the only supreme head on earth of the Church of England.
  185. Who was the first king of England and Ireland? Henry VIII. Until 12th century Ireland had many kings who often fought each other. One of them Dermot asked Henry II, king of England for help. Henry`s men fought Irish kings, but they did not go home. They took more and more land for themselves. They built cities by the  sea and big castles. Nearly 400 years later, in 1541, Henry VIII pronounced himself  King of Ireland.
  186. What  is the Golden Age of English history called? The Elizabethan era. Queen Elizabeth I was considered England’s best monarch. She was smart and clever; she chose the right advisors and was not dominated by them. She ruled for 45 years, and during this time England experienced peace and prosperity. New discoveries  brought riches in terms of gold, silver and spices. The arts flourished.. The medieval feudal system ended. England consolidated its position with the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Elizabeth firmly established the Church of England begun by her father, King Henry VIII.
  187.  Who was the first  Englishman to sail around the world? Sir Francis Drake. He was an experienced and daring seafarer. His pirate raids on Spanish ships off the coast of America helped England to become a major sea power.
  188. Who was the explorer that brought tobacco and potatoes to Britain? Walter Raleigh. As English explorer, adventurer,  writer and a spy, he was one of the most notable figures of the Elizabethan era. He was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth, who knighted him and made him Captain of the Queen’s Guard.
  189. Who was the Spanish King that sent Armada against England ? Philip II. In 1559, Philip  had sent a proposal of marriage to Elizabeth, but she refused him. What is more, Elizabeth's decision to sign the death warrant of the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots, enormously angered the Catholic King. When English pirates and adventures began to attack Spanish ships, King Philip sent the largest fleet Armada to attack England.
  190. Which famous battle gave the beginning to England's exploration  and colonisation? The 1588 battle with the Spanish Armada. At that time England was a small nation with a little navy; Portugal and Spain led the way exploring the coasts of Africa, Asia and the Americas. The Armada sent by King Philip was the largest fleet ever sent to attack England. The English ships were small in size, light and  sleek, which made them fast and manoeuvrable. The defeat of the Spanish Armada began  English navy exploration of the world.S
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