Country studies

Exam questions
A. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
1. The System of Education,
The education system in the UK is one of the most well-known in the world. It is divided into four main stages: primary education, secondary education, further education, and higher education. Children in the UK start their education at the age of 5 in primary school and continue until they are 11 years old. After that, they move to secondary school, which they attend until the age of 16.
At 16, students take exams called GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education). After this, they can choose to leave school or continue to further education, which includes A-levels (Advanced Levels) or vocational qualifications. These are important for students who want to go to university.
Higher education starts at universities, where students can study for a bachelor’s degree (usually lasting 3-4 years), a master’s degree, or a PhD. The UK has some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, like Oxford and Cambridge.
Education is free for children up to 18 in public schools. There are also private schools (called "independent schools" or "public schools" in the UK), which charge fees. The system encourages students to study a wide range of subjects, including English, maths, science, and the arts.
2. The four countries of the UK (names, population, languages, religion) and their symbols (flag, plant, Saint Patron, National day, colour),
England is the largest and most populous country in the UK, with about 56 million people. Its official language is English, and the main religion is Christianity. England's symbols include the St. George's Cross (a red cross on a white background), the red rose, and St. George, its Patron Saint. England celebrates St. George's Day on April 23, and its traditional colour is white.
Scotland is in the north of the UK, with a population of about 5.4 million people. The main languages are English, Scots, and Scottish Gaelic. The main religion is Christianity, with the Presbyterian Church of Scotland being significant. Scotland’s symbols include the St. Andrew's Cross (a white X on a blue background), the thistle, and St. Andrew, its Patron Saint. Its National Day, St. Andrew’s Day, is celebrated on November 30, and its traditional colour is blue.
Wales is in the west of the UK and has a population of about 3.1 million people. The official languages are Welsh and English, and the main religion is Christianity. Wales' symbols include the Red Dragon (on the Welsh flag), the daffodil and leek, and St. David, its Patron Saint. St. David’s Day is celebrated on March 1, and the traditional colour of Wales is red.
Northern Ireland is in the northeast of the island of Ireland, with a population of about 1.9 million people. The official language is English, but Irish and Ulster Scots are also spoken. The main religion is Christianity, with both Catholic and Protestant communities. Symbols of Northern Ireland include the St. Patrick’s Cross (a red X on a white background), the shamrock, and St. Patrick, its Patron Saint. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17, and its traditional colour is green.
3. Pre-historic Britain and Invasions,
Pre-historic Britain refers to the period before written history, beginning with the arrival of humans after the Ice Age. During the Stone Age, early people were hunter-gatherers, using basic tools made of stone. By around 4000 BCE, they began farming, which led to permanent settlements and the construction of monuments like Stonehenge, a mysterious site likely used for religious or ceremonial purposes.
In the Bronze Age (2500 BCE – 800 BCE), people discovered how to make tools and weapons from bronze. Trade networks developed, and burial mounds called barrows became common. This period was followed by the Iron Age (800 BCE – 43 CE), when Celtic tribes arrived. The Celts introduced ironworking, built hill forts, and had a rich oral tradition, with their society deeply connected to nature and religion.
The Romans invaded Britain in 43 CE under Emperor Claudius. They brought roads, towns, and Roman law, establishing settlements like Londinium (London). They introduced Christianity and advanced architecture, including baths and villas. However, Roman rule faced resistance, notably from Boudica, a warrior queen who led a major uprising. The Romans left Britain in 410 CE, leaving a power vacuum.
The next wave of invasions came from Anglo-Saxon tribes (5th–6th centuries), including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. These groups created small kingdoms, influenced the English language, and introduced their pagan beliefs. Later, Vikings from Scandinavia raided and settled in Britain during the 8th–11th centuries, especially in areas like the Danelaw.
The final major invasion was the Norman Conquest in 1066, when William the Conqueror defeated the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings. The Normans introduced feudalism, castles, and many French words to the English language, reshaping British society.
4. The Tudors and the Stuarts,
The Tudors (1485–1603)