TRƯỜNG ĐHSP HÀ NỘI 2 ĐỀ THI KẾT THÚC HỌC PHẦN

KHOA: Tiếng Anh MÔN: VĂN HOÁ ANH – MỸ

(Đề thi có 01 trang) (Thời gian làm bài: 2 tuần)

Question 1 (5 points):

The picture below shows Queen Elizabeth II’s meeting with the former UK Prime Minister,
Theresa May. Examine the picture carefully, then answer the questions as follow:

1. How is the British government formed?

2. What does the picture tell you about the relationship between the Queen & the government?

3. What does the British monarchy reveal about Britain’s national identities?

Question 2 (5 points):

Presidents’ Day is an American holiday annually celebrated on the third Monday in February.

1. Why is February chosen for Presidents’ Day? How is it celebrated in

America?

2. In what ways does it reflect American dreams & beliefs?

 THE END

1.Question 1 (5 points):

The picture below shows Queen Elizabeth II’s meeting with the former UK Prime Minister,
Theresa May. Examine the picture carefully, then answer the questions as follow:

1. How is the British government formed?

2. What does the picture tell you about the relationship between the Queen & the government?

3. What does the British monarchy reveal about Britain’s national identities?

1.How is the British government formed?

The Parliament of Great Britain formed in 1707 following the Acts of the Union, which brought
together the three countries of Great Britain – England, Scotland, and Wales. Following the
British colonization of Ireland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland formed in 1801.
Britain ceded control of Southern Ireland (the Republic of Ireland) in 1922, and the UK became
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which remains its full title today.

Since its creation, the UK has had a functioning democracy. Only two parties formed
governments until 1923 – the Conservatives and the Liberals (who were the Whigs until the mid-
19th century). Since 1923, only the Conservatives and Labor have been in power. Universal
suffrage was in 1918 for men and 1928 for women.

Other than devolution in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, the key events that have
impacted the UK’s political system since World War Two have been:
The development of the modern welfare state, including the NHS, in the years immediately
following 1945. This gave the government a far greater role in areas such as healthcare,
education, and social security.

Decolonization and the decline of the British Empire after 1945. The UK had established
colonial rule in many overseas countries during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. By the
1970s, most of these countries had won independence. Over 50 of these countries are today
members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Joining the European Communities (now the EU) in 1973 and then subsequently voting to leave
in the 2016 Brexit referendum vote.

2.What does the picture tell you about the relationship between the Queen & the
government?

As Head of State, Her Majesty the Queen is must remain in a strictly neutral position with
respect to all matters political, where she is unable to vote or stand for election. However, the
Queen does hold a key position in our nation, which is to fulfil the important and formal
ceremonial roles in relation to the Government of the United Kingdom. The British Legislature is
best described by the formal phrase 'the Queen in Parliament’ which consists of the Sovereign,
the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Her Majesty is responsible for duties which
include the opening of each new session of Parliament, while dissolving Parliament before a
general election, and also approving Orders and Proclamations through the Privy Council. Her
Majesty has a very special relationship with the Prime Minister which is secured by the
constitution, where she retains the right to appoint and also meet with him or her on a regular
basis, usually every Tuesday evening at Buckingham Palace. Not only is the Queen’s role highly
specified in the Parliament of the whole of the United Kingdom, she also has additional, formal
responsibilities within the devolved assemblies of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Queen has a clear and concise relationship with Parliament that is supported by the
constitution. Though this role is comprised mostly of ceremonial duties, Her Majesty also has
many key powers that make her more than a mere figurehead. The term 'Crown in Parliament' is
most closely associated with the British legislature, which consists of the Sovereign, the House
of Lords and the House of Commons, but the most powerful political body of these three
different factions, is the House of Commons, which usually consists of a majority of MP’s
(Members of Parliament) whom normally support the elected Government of the day, which has
the dominant political power.

Her Majesty has a very unique and special relationship with her Prime Minister, who is the
senior political figure in the British Government, regardless of their political party. Her Majesty
is a constitutional monarch, which allows her to remain politically neutral, while her Prime
Minister contends within the political arena. When a potential Prime Minister to be is called to
Buckingham Palace to be presented to Her Majesty, The Queen will then and only in person ask
him or her whether he or she will form a government in the Queen’s name. Her Majesty, the
Queen has the right to retain the ability to give a regular audience to a Prime Minister during her
term of office and Her Majesty plays a role in the mechanics of calling a general election. The
Queen gives a weekly audience to the Prime Minister at which she has a right and a duty to
express her views on Government matters of the day.

3.What does the British monarchy reveal about Britain’s national identities?

Monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom. In a monarchy, a king or
queen is Head of State. The British Monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This
means that, while The Sovereign is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides
with an elected Parliament. Although The Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role,
he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation. As Head of State, The
Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one
thousand years of history. In addition to these State duties, The Monarch has a less formal role as
'Head of Nation'. The Sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a
sense of stability and continuity, officially recognize success and excellence, and supports the
ideal of voluntary service. In all these roles The Sovereign is supported by members of their
immediate family.

Question 2 (5 points):

Presidents’ Day is an American holiday annually celebrated on the third Monday in February.

1. Why is February chosen for Presidents’ Day? How is it celebrated in

America?

2.In what ways does it reflect American dreams & beliefs?

1.1. Why is February chosen for Presidents’ Day?

PRESIDENT's Day, also known as Washington's Birthday, is an annual federal holiday

celebrated on the third Monday of February.

The holiday commemorates the birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United
States born on February 22, 1732. Although his date of birth is actually February 22, 1732, the
commemoration day was moved to the third Monday as a result of the Uniform Monday Holiday
Act. The hope to gain three-day weekends for federal employees soon turned into a national day
of remembrance, which falls between February 15 to 21.

A number of states began to refer to the festivities as President's Day as Abraham Lincoln's
birthday also falls on February 12, resulting in the nickname being adopted in 1971 when it was
officially changed to the third Monday in February. So February was chosen for Presidents' Day
because it coincides with the birthdays
of two of America's most iconic presidents: George Washington, born on February 22, and
Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12.

It has now become a celebration of the birthdays and lives of all the President's who have served
the United States.

Presidents Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is celebrated every year on the third
Monday of February. This holiday was established to honor all past Presidents of the United
States, but it is most commonly associated with George Washington, the country's first President,
and Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President.

1.2. How is it celebrated in America?

There are many ways to celebrate Presidents Day, including visiting museums and historical
sites, reading about the lives of past Presidents, and watching documentaries and films about
their lives. Schools also often use this day to educate students about the history of the United
States and the role of its Presidents.

In addition to educational activities, Presidents Day is also a time for patriotic displays and
events, such as parades, concerts, and community gatherings. This holiday is also a great
opportunity for individuals to show their patriotism and support for the country by displaying the
American flag and wearing patriotic apparel like Combat Iron Apparel Co.

It is important to note that Presidents Day is not just a day off from work or school. It is a day to
honor the contributions and sacrifices made by past Presidents of the United States and to
celebrate the history and legacy of the country. Whether you choose to celebrate by educating
yourself, participating in patriotic events, or showing your support through patriotic apparel, this
holiday is a reminder of the importance of honoring our past leaders and the role they have
played in shaping the United States.

In conclusion, Presidents Day is a day to celebrate the legacy of America's leaders and to reflect
on the contributions they have made to the country. It is a time to honor the history of the United
States and the role of its Presidents in shaping the country, and to inspire the next generation of
leaders.

2. In what ways does it reflect American dreams and beliefs ?

Presidents' Day reflects American dreams and beliefs in several ways.

Firstly, it honors the leadership and contributions of the country's founding fathers and other
influential presidents, emphasizing the importance of democracy and the role of the president in
shaping the nation's history.

Secondly, it serves as a reminder of the American dream, as both Washington and Lincoln rose
to prominence through hard work, perseverance, and dedication to their country.

Lastly, the holiday highlights the values of unity and patriotism, as Americans come together to
celebrate the lives and legacies of their past leaders.