Life in the UK Book - Historical Stories

Who has the responsibility of appointing the members of the cabinet in the UK?

Remember, the Prime Minister is the head of the government. He or she picks the team.

Who is well-known for creating the song Auld Lang Syne, commonly sung during New Year celebrations?

Imagine the sound of Auld Lang Syne, a tune linked with Scottish celebration and written by a famous Scottish poet.

Which patron saints have their respective days in the month of March?

Think of leeks and shamrocks, common symbols of Wales and Ireland, celebrated in March.

How many national parks can you find in England, Wales and Scotland?

Consider a rugby team. If you add the players on the field and the substitution players, you get the number.

During which season are Pantomime productions commonly performed in theatres?

Imagine festive Christmas cheer and the British tradition of pantomime shows performed at this time.

Who are two famous authors from Britain?

Think tales from lush Wessex countryside and intrigue from the 'third man'. Classic British literature.

Can you name two measures you can take to protect the environment?

Think green, not gas. Walking and recycling reduce your carbon footprint, helping our planet breathe easier.

Is the elderly population in the UK decreasing?

Remember, time brings wisdom and the UK is growing wiser. The number of people aged 85 and over is at an all-time high.

Is conducting female genital mutilation (FGM) or taking a woman or girl abroad for FGM considered a criminal act?

Law and human rights protect women and girls. FGM is a crime, no matter where it's carried out.

What two significant changes did the Reform Act of 1832 bring about?

1832 was a key year for democracy and fairness, boosting voter numbers and breaking old, rotten ways.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, where are all minor criminal cases handled?

Remember, for minor offences the magic word is Magistrates' - that's the court handling them.

Does the Prime Minister appoint around 80 senior MPs as ministers in charge of departments?

Less is more. Our PM only appoints about 20 senior MPs to head the departments.

What significant event did Queen Elizabeth II celebrate in 2012?

Diamonds are a queen's best friend. Her celebration in 2012 was sparkling as a diamond.

Are local councils in the UK frequently referred to as local authorities?

Keep it local. Councils are authorities in their locality hence often called local authorities.

Who is credited with establishing the Church of England?

Eighth is the key. Henry VIII made a new church when the Pope didn't grant him a divorce.

In which year did the Roman army leave Britain to defend other parts of the Roman Empire, never to return again?

History took a major turn in the fourth century - 410 AD, when Rome said 'farewell' to Britain.

When taking your dog for a stroll, what two crucial details should be displayed on your pet's collar?

Remember, if ever your dog goes missing, it's important to have a way back home and a point of contact. Thus, your name and address should be on its collar.

Can you identify the two measures that were implemented before the onset of the First World War in 1914?

Before the war, some support measures were already in place: a meal at school, free of cost, and a pension plan for retirement.

What type of cases do County Courts handle?

Remember, civil cases, like 'CIVILizations', resolve conflicts between individuals or organizations. Thus, County Courts handle civil disputes.

Who were the users of a land ownership system known as feudalism?

Remember, the Normans, notable for their 'normal or standard' method, implemented the system of feudalism.

When we talk about traditional pub games, which two come to mind?

Think about a typical friendly gathering at a pub. What games would you see? Something on a table (Pool) and something on the wall (Darts).

Where is the UK situated geographically in Europe?

Think of the UK 'heading up and to the left' on a map of Europe. It's in the North West.

Is it true that any man, including a woman's spouse, can be charged with rape if he coerces her into sexual activity?

In the eyes of the law, forced sex is a crime, regardless of the relationship between the individuals involved.

In which year did the Battle of the Boyne occur?

Imagine a 'battle of old bones' to help remember the year. The 'Battle of the Boyne' took place back in the year 1690.

Which drug among these can be legally purchased or sold in the UK?

Remember 'safe yet effective', paracetamol, a common over-the-counter painkiller, is legal unlike the other stronger and illegal drugs.

Is it true that Members of Parliament can only be reached via mail?

You are not restricted to the postman. Members of Parliament can be contacted through various channels, in person, email, social media, or phone.

In what year did English become the official language used for drafting documents?

Think of the 14th century, when English started to gain official recognition.

In which year did the Roman army depart from Britain?

Think of a year in the fifth century that rhymes with 'door to ten'.

What is the total number of countries that are part of the Commonwealth?

Think of a full deck of cards plus the four suits.

Which of the following days is considered a public holiday?

Think of the day right after Christmas.

Is it legal to sell or buy drugs such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and cannabis in the UK?

Remember, dangerous and harmful substances are usually controlled by law.

Who is credited with the invention of the World Wide Web?

Think of a 'Sir' with a festive memory: the web's first successful information transfer was a Christmas gift in 1990.

What city is home to the Scottish Parliament?

Think of the Scottish city that's famous for its castle and festivals.

What kind of award is the Turner Prize?

This prize is named after a famous painter, so think about art.

What is the highest denomination coin you can find in the UK?

Think of a coin with twice the value of a pound.

What does the acronym 'MEP' stand for?

This term includes 'European', 'Parliament', and the notion of membership, not a ministerial position.

In 1665, during Charles II's reign, which city suffered a devastating plague outbreak?

Remember the nursery rhyme 'Ring around the rosie'? It's a dark reminder of the plague's impact on London.

Is the Union Jack composed of the crosses of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland?

The Union Jack represents the union of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Wales is represented in the flag.

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which court handles more serious civil cases?

Think of the 'High Court' as the place where big legal battles are fought, like a high-stakes game.

Which national park is located in North Wales?

Imagine climbing Mount Snowdon, the heart of Snowdonia, a majestic Welsh landscape.

How is the Speaker of the House of Commons selected?

The Speaker is chosen by fellow MPs, like a secret vote to pick the referee of the parliamentary game.

Was the period after the Norman Conquest up to about 1485, known as the Middle Ages, a time of almost constant war?

Picture knights clashing and castles under siege – the Middle Ages were a time of frequent conflict.

Is it necessary to be a member of a political party to stand for election as an MP?

Anyone can run for MP, but joining a party often helps with getting elected.

Who is appointed by local authorities to be the ceremonial leader of the council?

The Mayor is like the town's VIP, the face of the council at special events.

Does everyone in the UK have the legal right to choose their religion or choose not to practice one?

In the UK, your beliefs are your own, and you're free to choose or not choose a religion.

As a British citizen, what are your responsibilities?

Being a good citizen means following the rules and caring for your community and the planet.

Do Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have full control over all policies and laws through their devolved administrations?

While these regions enjoy certain autonomy, areas like defence and foreign affairs still lie with the central UK government.

Life in the UK: A Historical Journey