English – Speaking Countries

Culture and Civilization Topics for the Baccalaureat

Exam
1. Historical Events of The USA. The Civil War
There are many historical events that have occured over centuries. Some of them,
although significant, did not transformed the USA while others have completely changed its
culture and nation.
After the drafting of the Constitution, there were left some unanswered questions about
equality between black and white people. Why are the blacks bought and sold, their families
broken up and inhumanely treated like farm animals.
Futhermore, the problem was that most white citizens argued that black people were not
humans.
The importance of this event is that the Constitution was modified and the blacks were
given the right to vote and hold office. Another contribution is abolition of slavery of any
kind.
To sum up, is clear to me that this problem was solved and now we can see a nation
much more similar to that of the finally existent in the Western Hemisphere.

2. National Symbols of The UK. The Royal Coat of Arms.

National Symbols are defined as the icons of a national community that represents it and
its people. One of those symbols is The Royal Coat of Arms.
It consists of a shield with four quadrants.First contains the guardant lions of England, the
second and the third one contain the rampant lions of Scotland and the last one contains a
harp which means Nothern Ireland. This shield is supported by a crowned lion which
represents England and an Unicorn which represents Scotland.
Moreover there are two latin phrases that mean: “God and my Right” and “Shamed be he
who thinks ill of it”.
The importance of those symbols is that they are used by the King or Queen in their official
capacity as monarch. Also, they are defined as the Arms of Dominion.
To sum up, I think that, national symbols are those which make a country be unique and
special, they make it individual.

3. Royalty in The UK. Queen Elisabeth the II.

The UK is a constitutional monarchy, going back to the 19-th century. There are rules
about succession to the throne, according to the seniority of sons or daughters. The
coronation follows some months after the accession.
Now, UK’s monarch is Elisabeth the II – symbol of state and of national unity, where
everything is done in the Queen’s name. Indeed, her image appears on stamps, coins and
notes.
She has a great contribution, because she has the power to conclude treaties, to cede or to
annex territory, to declare war and to make peace, to recognize foreign states and
governments. Another importance is that she’s engaged in many charitable activities, visits to
school, universities, hospitals and factories.
To sum up, I consider that this system helps strengthen national unity and stability of the
country and makes it so powerful.

4. American Presidents
Forty-six men have served as President of the United States. They have led the country
through wars, economic depressions and monumental achievements.
 George Washington was the first President of the United States , someone who really
marked the leadership of the country. Although, The United States was a small nation when
Washington took office, consisting of 11 states. He worked hard to set an example of
fairness, prudence and integrity.
His importance is that he has given his name to the capital city of the USA, Washington
D.C. and to state, the state of Washington. Another contribution is that he developed the
country with his own money, didn’t accept any salary.
To sum up, I appreciate that he wasn’t interested in fame or money, but only in helping
his country.

5. Inspiring people. William Shakespeare.

Britain has been home for many famous Englishmen, all of them gave something to this
great country.
The English national poet William Shakespeare is known all over the world for „Romeo
and Juliet”, „Othello”, „Hamlet”. He is often called England’s national poet or „The bard of
Avon”. However, his plays consist of plays, sonnets, two long narative poems and have been
translated into every major living language.
He has a great contribution for the English literature because he introduced new words in
the dictionary. Although, another importance is that his works has made a lasting impression
on theatre and literature.
To sum up,I consider that Shakespeare is a phenomen and after centuries, no one will
replace him.

J.K.Rowling
British literature is an example for the whole world. There are many famous people which
gave something special to the country.
J.K.Rowling is a British novelist and screenwriter, the author of Harry Potter fantasy series.
Furthermore, her books has since sold more than 450 million copies and completely transformed
Rowling’s life. She went from being a jobless single mother to one of the best selling author of all the
time.
She has a major contribution for English literature because she encourages children to be creative,
to feel inspired and to read books. Indeed, another importance of her is that she’s envolved in
charitable activities.
To sum up, I appreciate her because she worked hard at her craft before anyone noticed her
and never gave up, which makes her an example to me.

6. The music of the USA. Frank Sinatra

The music of the United States is diverse and has a multitude of styles. USA is
considered a cultural melting pot, taking in influences from across the world and
creating distinctively new methods of cultural expression.
Francis Albert Sinatra was an American singer, actor and producer, one of the best-
selling music artists of all time. However, Sinatra found success as a solo artist after
he signed with Columbia Records. A perfectionist, famous for his dress sense and
performing presence.
His importance is that he promoted a new style of music and after death, was called
 „the greatest singer of the 20-th century”. Another contribution is that he became an
idol and made music of the USA more popular.
To sum up, I appreciate that he worked very hard from an young age to improve
his abilities in all aspects of music.
7. A song that promoted country’s culture.
When we think about songs that promoted a country’s culture, we think about
the country’s hymn. Hence, the group ABBA offers an example of pomoting the UK by
using a song.
The song „Waterloo” is the first single from the Sweedish pop group ABBA’s
second album. The title and lyrics reflect The Battle of Waterloo, and they used it as a
methafor for a romantic relationship.
Its contribution is that the song was the winning entry for Sweden in the 1974
Eurovision Song Contest. Indeed, another importance is that in 2005 it was chosen as
the best song in the competition’s history.
To sum up, my opinion is that this song is a symbol of the UK and of ABBA’s
popularity worldwide.
8. Painting. Gilbert Stuart.
The USA is home for many famous personalities. All of them gave something
special to this great country which increased its culture.
Gilbert Stuart was an American painter, known for painting the first six presidents
of the USA. However, his works are an accolade of fame, especially for his methods
of working like abandoning preliminary sketches and can be seen in many Americam
museums.
It has a great importance in promoting a new style of painting and developing the
country’s art. Moreover, his contribution is that he created the unfinished head of
George Washington, we can see now on the one dollar bill.
To sum up, I appreciate how he could modify and introduce new styles in painting
and his style inspired and other people.

9. Famous Cities. London

The United Kingdom has long been a favorite European tourist destination for
many people, because of its beautiful countryside, museums and outstanding
theatre.
London is a bustling city well-served by the underground tube stations so it is very
easy to get from place to place and discover the gems of the city. Those are the
Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben and the
British Museum.
Its importance is that is a world centre for music, shopping, theatre, literature and
culture. Another contribution is that it promotes beautiful and attracts tourists,
everywhere you look, you’ll see poeple doing incredible things, wether is building or
performing circus acts in the street.
To sum up, I think that London is a centre for culture and there’s a lot of things to
see and do, no matter what you prefere.
10. Musems/Art Galleries. Madame Tussaud’s
The UK is home for a variety of landmarks. The monuments in the country
represent important events and significant people in English history.
Madame Tussaud’s is located in London and is particularly famous for its attention
to detail, all the historic characters have been created after a meticulous study of old
portraits. The most photographed figure by women is Brad Pitt and by men is Naomi
Campbell.
The museum has a great contribution in promoting the history of the UK by those
characters. Also, another importance is its beauty which attracts many tourists and
icreases the popularity of the country.
To sum up, my opinion is that this museum is the place where you can mingle
with the movie stars and be encounter of beauty and history.

11. Natural Museum

The USA is one of the world’s greatest destinations for art and culture. Its museums and
art galleries are known worldwide for their fabulous art from all periods.
The Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona. The park’s main attraction is the
Grand Canyon, a valley of the Colorado River, which is often considered one of the Wonders
of the World. Although, the Canyon is made of lawyers of rock, and each of them has
different depth and colour.
It has a great importance in conserving different spaces of plants and animals, six different
kinds of rattlesnakes were identified here. Moreover, another contribution is that visitors
have the unique chance to participate in helicopter tours, running and skydiving activities.
To sum up, I consider that this place is the best place to enjoy time with family and
friends, see the beauties of the nature and learn a lot of new things.

12. Historical sites. Edinburgh Castle

The UK offers visitors endless possibilities of entertainment. This small but
influential country is simply bursting with fascinating history and cultural traditions.
Edinburg Castle is a historic fortress located in Scotland. Notably, the Castle is built
on the Castle Rock, which is a large, inactive volcano. Furthermore, Historic Scotland
mantains a number of facilities, including restaurants, café’s and shops.
The castle’s importance is that there is an educational centre in the Queen Anne
Building which runs events for school and educational groups. Another contribution,
is that the volcano where the Castle is situated played a crucial role is Scottish history
as a military fortress.
To sum up, I think that the Castle is a recognizable symbol of Edinburgh and of
Scotland and has a great historical energy.

13. Famous Universities. Oxford University

There are more than 60 universities in the UK. English universities differ from each
other in traditions, general organization and internal government.
Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-Speaking world. There,
entry standards are high and admissions are competitive. Furthermore, there are
 more than 100 libraries and a great number of museums. It holds significant works of
Michelangelo, Picasso, Turner and Leonardo da Vinci.
It has a major role in the intellectual life of the country since its early days.
Indeed, another importance is that there is the oldest Botanic Garden in the UK and
holds a variety of significant species.
To sum up, I consider that the University deserves its position among top
Universities also because most famous alumni where educated there.

14. A famous actor\actress

Media in the USA envolved through a long history of freedom and openness. With
social media develops and the cinema, and now, we have a large number of movies,
serials.
Dylan O’Brien is an American actor known for playing Stiles Stilinski on the
supernatural drama “Teen Wolf”. Furthermore, he’s also a talented musician who
plays guitar and the drums.
His contribution is that he started with a small YouTube channel where motivated
others to feel free by using comedy. Another importance is that he is envolved in
charitable activities and cares for animals.
To sum up, I appreciate him for his simple style of talking and his views about life.
He can set an example for many teenagers and for other celebrities.

15. Holidays in the UK. Saint Patrick’s Day

The UK has various bank holidays distributed across its calendar. Some are fun and
festive while others are more sombre.
Saint Patrick’s Day occurs annually on March, 17th in observance to the death of
the patron saint of Ireland. Moreover, on this day, it is customery to wear green and
people eat traditional Irish food like corned beef and cabbage.
The holiday has a major importance on promoting the Irish language where the
week of St.Patrick is the “Irish language week”. Another contribution is that donning
green clothes was used a symbol by Irish-Americans to pay tribute to their culture
and heritage.
To sum up, I consider that this holiday offers the possibility to learn a different
culture and to enjoy time with those we love.

16. Popular Sports. American Football

Sports in the USA are an important part of the country’s culture. The football
season is in the fall and the most popular sport of the country is American Football.
It is a combat game where highly trained athletes skilfully and brutally execute
strategic plans. However, players are required to wear protective equipment to help
keep the body safe during the game.
The importance of this sport is that it promotes the country where The National
League is the most important professional football league in the USA. Moreover,
another contribution is that sport keep the body trained and healthy.
 To sum up, I appreciate the attitude American people have according sport and
how it can bring people together.

17. Sportif. David Beckham

Britain is home for many famous Englishmen. All of them gave something special
to this great country. One of them is David Beckham.
He is an English football player who gained international fame for his on-field play
as well as for his highly publicized life. Moreover, at the age of 11 he won a football
contest and as a teenager he competed on Manchester United’s youth squad, leading
it to a national championship.
He has an importance for English world because he is the one who introduced
such brands as Gucci, Prada on the sport’s world. Another contribution is that from
2007 he is Ambassador at UNICEF.
To sum up, I appreciate his attitude and innovations and when I think about
David Beckham I think about the UK.

18. Mass-media in the UK

The media landscape in the UK is large, complex and mature, ranking second
globally to that of the USA. The British press remains one of the freest and most
diverse in the world.
The Times has been the most prestigious British newspaper since the early 19th
century. During the Crimean War, it developed a reputation for independence and
truthfulness. Furthermore, UK television is characterized by multi-channel provision.
The more popular channels are ITV, BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
The importance of the media is that it keeps people informed. Another
contribution is that makes the possibility of advertising more accessible.
To sum up, I appreciate how English people treat the media and the fact that it
promoted real information.

19. Statues and Monuments. The Statue of Liberty.

The monuments of the USA represent important events and significant people in
American history.
The Statue of Liberty represents a woman holding a torch in her raised right hand
and a tablet bearing the adoption date of the Declaration of Independence (July4,
1776) in her left. Furthermore, the Statue was administered by the US Lighthouse
Board, as the illuminated torch was considered a national aid.
Its importance is that it was set as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.
Another contribution, is that keeps straighten relationship between American and
French people.
To sum up, the Statue reflects not only a historical event but the country itself and
I appreciate that it became a symbol of liberty all over the world.
20. Theatre \ Cinema. Charlie Chaplin
The UK is home for many famous Englishmen. One who completely transformed
country’s culture in cinema is Charlie Chaplin.
He was not born with a silver spoon. He belonged to a disfunctional family and he
wrote a book about his childhood entitled “My autobiography”. Charlie mostly acted
in silence movies and the expressions that he conveyed were absolutely fantastic.
He played a major role in developing the English Cinema and transforming it on
that we know today. Another importance is that he is widely celebrated for bringing
the term “movie star” into existence as a true expression.
To sum up, I’m impressed about his realistic play of a comic character and I
consider that he set an example of hard work for those who want to give up.

21. Education System of the UK

Education is an important part of British life. It is based on long-lived traditions
and follows a strict code of rules.
Education in the UK is provided by state schools, independent schools, or home
schooling. Furthermore, education is free and compulsory for all children between
the age of 5-16, but school is not. Children are not required to attend school.
The education system plays a major role in the intellectual life of the country since
its early days. Indeed, another importance is that it represents an essential
preparation for adult life.
To sum up, I consider that the country has a highly prestigious higher education
and deserves its position among the ten most educated nations in the world.