- Length of time: 60 minutes

- Number of questions: 4 questions

- Format: 2 questions (3 marks/each) and 2 questions (2 marks/each)
I. Instruction: Select 2 interesting points for each following topics and write a 4-
paragraph essay about them, including introduction, body, and conclusion. (270-
300 words)
1. International relations
The attitudes of a country's population toward the rest of the globe, as well
as the relations of its government with other countries. British foreign
relations with transatlantic and European countries are exceptional and one-
of-a-kind.
The first is the relationship between the British and the Transatlantic
relations, which are referred to as a "special relationship" between Britain
and America by British governments. As a result, the definition and mutual
use of the phrase "Special Relationship" indicate that one actor influences
the other as a distinct and powerful ally. As a result, the rhetorical
dominance of the US-UK alliance over all other Transatlantic connections
may be asserted. On the one hand, having diplomatic closeness to the
world's most powerful nation and a common language to carry gives people
a sense of familiarity with America is reassuring. On the other hand, there is
some resentment of US power. There is little dispute about it, yet Britain is
frequently compared to the 50th state of the United States. During WWII, the
unusually tight Anglo-American partnership established its importance and
success in cooperation. Since Britain joined the European Communities, the
term "special relationship" has lost its significance. The tunnel's opening in
1994 underscored the fact that Britain's connections are now primarily with
Europe.
 Following that is the relationship between the British and Europe. The prime
ministers of the European Union's 25 member states assembled on the
morning of December 13, 2007, to sign the late: European Treaty. The
British one was unable to attend due to a prior commitment. On the one
hand, this approach is considered as an economic requirement, while on the
other, it is seen as a political advantage. The law should be administered
consistently and precisely, according to British tradition. Standardization
means quality, reliability, and convenience to many other Europeans.
However, for many Britons, it entails constraint, monotony, and discomfort.

2. Religion
Despite the emerging consensus on the right to freedom of conscience and
the need for some type of separation between church and state, the
relationship between religion and politics remains a major issue in British
history.
Some people attempted to assassinate the King in the first part of the 17th
century because he was not sufficiently Catholic. However, another King was
assassinated in the second half of the 17th century because he had a large
Catholic population. So, in the 17th century, religion and politics had a
complicated and powerful relationship. Throughout this century, the
Parliament has reigned supreme over the monarchy. And a fight between anti-
Catholics and those distrustful of the Stuart monarchs' support for
Catholicism led to the Civil War, which ended with a full victory for
Parliament. There was an original idea that the rise of secularism during the
Enlightenment (18th century) would put an end to religion's influence.
Following that, the British Parliament curbed the monarch's authority while
also allowing Dissenters (Protestants who did not agree with Anglicanism) to
practice their faith freely. On the other hand, while Dissenters were not
permitted to hold government or become members of Parliament, Catholic
bishops were permitted to visit the House of Lords.
 To sum up, the changing relationships between religion and politics have had
a significant impact on British history.
3. The economy and everyday life

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is the organization that

represents employers in private industry, and the majority of employers are
members of the CBI. The majority of British trade unions are linked to
certain occupations. Many are members of the Labour Party, for which they
pay a political "levy." Local branches of unions exist, some of which are
referred to as "chapels." However, unions are not normally organized along
party lines; that is, instead of having a distinct union for each political party
within a group of employees, there is usually only one union for that group of
employees. Besides, the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) is a non-profit
organization comprised of the country's trade unions. There are almost a
hundred of these, representing employees from various businesses. In 1994,
the TUC said that it was loosening relations with the labor party and would
instead focus on forging tighter ties with other parties. There is also The
National Farmers' Union (NFU) not a member of the TUC. It is primarily
made up of agricultural employers and self-employed farmers.
Following that is shop opening hours. Regular store hours are determined by
the type of business and location. 9 a.m. is the standard opening time for
stores. The majority of small businesses are open all day and close around
5.30 p.m or later. By the early 1990s, many stores, including chain stores,
were open on some Sundays, particularly during the Christmas season. A
1997 law, In Norther Ireland allowed small shops to trade anytime on Sunday
and big shops allowed to trade 5 hours between 13:00 to 18:00. In Scotland,
there are no limitations, and shops are frequently open for extended hours on
Sundays.
II. Answer the following questions (180-200 words)
4. Provide an overall description of British education.
Education is an important aspect of life in the United Kingdom. Hundreds
of schools, colleges, and universities exist, including some of the world's
most prestigious.
 Each country in the United Kingdom has its own educational system, with
education powers devolved to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. All
children aged five to sixteen in England and Wales are required to attend
full-time school. Compulsory education in Northern Ireland begins at the
age of four. Publicly supported nurseries and pre-schools are offered for
children under the age of five. Over 93 percent of all pupils in the Britain
attend publicly sponsored state schools (i.e. free). If people want to pay for
it, they can get a private education.
Secondary school graduation occurs between the ages of fourteen and
fifteen. After two years, pupils sit for GCSE (General Certificate of
Secondary Education) state exams. The GCSE is a single-subject test
administered and graded by independent assessment boards. Some subjects
are required (English and Mathematics being two). After this examination,
students may choose to leave school or continue their studies. Students may
take A-Levels (Advanced Level examinations), which are required for
university admission in the United Kingdom. Universities in the United
Kingdom include the so-called Oxbridge universities, which are among the
world's oldest and are consistently ranked first among British universities.
The British education system may appear perplexing at first, yet it is rich in
tradition and strict laws.

5. Describe some of the characteristics which give the BBC its special
position in Britain and the rest of the world.
Through its 12 publicly nominated board of governors, the BBC is
ultimately accountable to parliament. The BBC's major purpose is to "bring
the world to the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom to the world."
 The BBC's daily operations are divided into 16 departments. The Executive
Committee is made up of their directors who report to the director-general.
The BBC's governors evaluate each division's performance on a regular
basis. BBC 1 and BBC 2 - viewer license fees, program sales, and the
rental and sale of educational films based on programs. Do not rely on
advertising as a source of revenue. BBC World is a 24-hour news, analysis,
and information channel.
The BBC operates five radio stations that transmit across the United
Kingdom. There are also over 200 independent local radio stations and
three independent national radio stations (classical music, rock music, and
talk radio). BBC World Service Radio broadcasts in English and 45 other
languages around the world, with a wide range of programs and high-
quality news broadcasts.
6. Introduce some attractive points about sport and holidays in the UK.
7. What are the interesting points about food and drink?
8. What are the interesting points about the arts?