Homes in the UK

Here are some typical homes in the UK. Are there homes like these where you live?

 

Detached houses
A detached house is an independent building. Some detached houses are very big. Others, like traditional cottages or bungalows, are small. Detached houses have usually got a garden and they've often got a garage too.

Semi-detached houses
Semi-detached houses are two houses which are connected. They share a wall on one side, but they've usually got separate gardens. The two houses are usually similar, but they're sometimes very different.

Terraced houses
Terraced houses are three or more houses in a row. The houses in the middle share walls on two sides. Some terraced houses are small and simple. Others are very big and elaborate.

Flats
In big towns and cities, people often live in flats. Some flats are in old houses. Other flats are in tower blocks. About 30 per cent of people in London live in flats because houses in the city are very expensive.

How common are different types of home in the UK?

• Detached houses: 23%
• Semi-detached houses: 31%
• Terraced houses: 26%
• Flats: 20%

Level: Beginner

Book: Switch 1

Year: 2010

The Monarchy and Parliament in Great Britain

MONARCHY

Queen Elizabeth II's full title is "Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland". She is also "Head of the Commonwealth", a group of independent countries, such as Australia, Pakistan, India and Canada. These countries were once part of the British Empire.

The Queen is Head of State, but her power is limited. She makes a speech at the beginning of each year when Parliament begins a new session, announcing what the government will do. However, she does not write this speech.

PARLIAMENT

The government in Britain sits in the Houses of Parliament in London. There are two parts to the British Parliament: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. There are 650 members of the House of Commons. They are called MPs (Members of Parliament). The British people elect them every five years. The political party with the largest number of MPs forms the government and its leader becomes prime minister.

The House of Lords has got approximately 500 members. Unlike the MPs, they have inherited their titles (Baron or Baroness) for their lifetime.

In a few years' time, the House of Lords might not exist. Some people in Britain believe the monarchy should be abolished and only elected representatives should govern the country.

Level: Beginner

Book: Changes for ESO 4

Year: 2002