内容正文:
UNIT 4 HISTORY AND TRADITIONS
Reading and thinking
Learning objectives
At the end of the class, you will be able to
1. learn about the history about a country;
2. figure out the confusion about the name “the UK”;
3. practise paraphrasing sentences.
China is 40 times larger than the UK in terms of the size.
The UK covers approximately 245,000 km².
Warming-up: A glimpse into the UK
comparison
英国国土面积地图 和中国的一个省市相比
3
In the 19th century, it was commonly said that “the sun never sets on the British Empire”.
The Empire spread from Canada’s west coast to New Zealand’s South Island, with a presence on every continent.
Many places were reduced to colonies.
It used to be the top superpower in the world.
Warming-up: A glimpse into the UK
Despite the decline of the UK after the World War II, it remains still an influential country in the world, especially when it comes to culture.
gentlemenly manner
the English language
legendary universities
Warming-up: A glimpse into the UK
Greeting by talking about the weather
Drinking afternoon tea
Despite the decline of the UK after the World War II, it remains an influential country in the world, especially when it comes to culture.
Iconic landmarks
fascinating countryside
Warming-up: A glimpse into the UK
When? What happened? What changed?
Romans arrived
Ango-Saxons came
Vikings came
11th century
16th century
18th century
19th century
20th century
1st century
5th century
8th century
Normans conquered England
Wales was joined
Scotland was joined
Ireland was added
the southern part of Ireland broke away
towns and roads
language and the way houses were built
castles built, legal system changed, and new words from French introduced
“Kingdom of Great Britain” formed
“United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland” formed
name changed to “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”
vocabulary and names of locations
Activity 1: Read and understand
1 Read the passage and sort out the information according to the timeline.
2 What do the four countries have in common? What are the differences?
Countries Similarities in... Differences in...
England
Wales
Scotland
Northern Island
currency, the national flag, military defense
education system,
legal system,
traditions,
national days and dishes,
football teams
Activity 1: Read and understand
Activity 2: Think and paraphrase
1. They conquered England after the well-known Battle of Hastings in the 11th century.
Find a word or a phrase from paragraph 4 to replace the word “conquer”.
take over
take control of...by force; occupy
In the 11th century, they defeated/ took control of/ occupied England in the renowned Battle of Hastings, establishing/ declaring their rule.
The 11th-century Battle of Hastings marked their victorious invasion and subsequent domination of England.
Their conquest of England was secured after the historic Battle of Hastings in the 11th century.
The UK perfectly/ astonishingly/ impeccably/ remarkably combines/ blends its past and present, maintaining/ inheriting old traditions while embracing new cultural elements.
2. The UK is a fascinating mix of history and modern culture, with both new and old traditions.
Activity 2: think and paraphrase
The United Kingdom represents a blending/ combination of historical and contemporary culture, characterized by the preservation of traditional practices alongside modern innovations.
The UK is a unique combination of historical legacy and modern influences, where traditional and contemporary customs thrive side by side.
Activity 3: Think and explore
Look at the title and discuss in groups about what you can find in the name “the UK”.
The title "What's in a Name?" refers to the confusion surrounding the different names used for the United Kingdom, such as Great Britain, Britain, and England, and explores their historical and political significance. The text explains that these names reflect the gradual union of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland over centuries, resulting in the modern UK. It highlights how the UK functions as a unified entity in some areas (e.g. currency, military) while retaining regional differences (e.g. education, traditions). The title also reflects the rich history and cultural diversity shaped by various groups (Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Normans) that have influenced the country. Ultimately, the name "United Kingdom" is a complex blend of history, identity, and shared yet distinct national characteristics.
The name "the UK" tells a ____________ story of unity and diversity. Short __________ The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, it represents four distinct countries—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—that came together over centuries through talks, conquests, and ___________goals. While they unite under one flag (the Union Jack), currency, and government, each ____________holds its own culture, education systems, and even national sports teams.
The name also reflects layers of history. Invaders like the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and Normans shaped the UK's language, laws, and landmarks, ____________ ruins, castles, and traditions still __________ today. __________, London's Roman walls and Norman-built Tower of London stand alongside modern skyscrapers, showing how past and present __________.
__________, "the UK" isn’t just a name—it’s a living blend of nations and histories, __________unity and individuality thrive side by side.
Activity 4: Summarize and learn
for example leaving behind shared fascinating in a sense
coexist uniquely where visible for
fascinating
for
shared
uniquely
leaving behind
visible
For example
coexist
In a sense
where
How does the UK’s history influence its culture today? Give examples from the text and your own knowledge.
Activity 5: Reflect and evaluate
The UK’s history has a profound influence on its culture today. For example:
Language: The English language has been shaped by the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and Normans, who introduced new vocabulary and grammar.
Architecture: The Normans built castles and cathedrals, many of which still stand today as symbols of the UK’s medieval history.
Traditions: Events like the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and the Highland Games in Scotland reflect the UK’s historical roots.
Legal System: The UK’s legal system has evolved over centuries, influenced by Roman law and Norman reforms.
14
If you could introduce one aspect of British culture to your classmates, what would it be? Why?
Activity 6: Apply and create
If I could introduce one aspect of British culture to my classmates, it would be the tradition of afternoon tea. This custom reflects the UK’s emphasis on hospitality and social interaction. It also has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century when it became a popular practice among the upper class. Today, afternoon tea is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and is a great way to experience British culture.
15
Have you been to London? Match the place names below with the photos.
A Big Ben B Buckingham Palace C Houses of Parliament D Tower of London
E National Gallery F Trafalgar Square G Tower Bridge H Westminster Abbey
H
G
D
B
E
F
A
C
Video time
Video time
1. The Tower Bridge
2. Westminster Abbey
3. Buckingham Palace
4. The National Gallery
5. Trafalgar Square
6. The Houses of Parliament
7. Big Ben
Complete the sentences below by writing 1-7 on the lines.
____ A. is a symbol of the city of London.
____ B. is also called the Palace of Westminster.
____ C. is where the king or queen lives.
____ D. is where all royal funerals and most coronations take place.
____ E. is in fact the name of the bell in the tower.
____ F. is a traditional place for public meetings.
____ G. contains a great art collection.
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2
3
4
5
6
7
Video time
Lavf58.29.100
Bilibili VXCode Swarm Transcoder v0.2.58(gap_fixed:False)
Lavf58.12.100
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