Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: Believe It or Not!
The UK is a union of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. England has long dominated the other countries politically and this has affected Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish attitudes to the English.
On page 137 you can read about some peculiar aspects of the three smallest countries of the UK. Here is one for each of them:
- The national animal of Scotland is the unicorn. Used in Scottish coats of arms since the Middle Ages, it is a symbol of purity and strength.
-
The letters K, Q, V and Z do not appear in the Welsh alphabet.
-
On average, it rains 157 days a year in Belfast. There is a good reason why Ireland is often called the Emerald Isle!
Spectacular scenery
Here are some videos from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that will probably make you want to go there. Watch in full-screen mode and preferably with earphones on ...
Links
-
Beautiful Scotland
(huffingtonpost.com) -
Wales - part 1
(youtube.com) -
Wales - part 2
(youtube.com) -
Belfast and the Best of Northern Ireland
(ricksteves.com) Longer film, includes historic background to the conflict in Northern Ireland in addition to tourist information, such as a visit to the Giant's Causeway.
Extra Tasks
Listening
Visual Material
Links
-
What Is The Difference Between England, the UK and Britain? (video)
(youtube.com) -
News: Scotland
(bbc.com) -
News: Wales
(bbc.com) -
News: Northern Ireland
(bbc.com) -
FAQs: Wales
(wales.com) -
Northern Ireland videos (tasks included)
(learnenglish.britishcouncil. org)