Traditional Dress

Many countries or peoples have got a traditional or national style of dress. But nowadays, at least in Europe and other parts of the Western world, people do not usually wear their traditional costumes. They only wear them for special occasions, such as weddings and festivals.

In Scotland, men wear tartan 'kilts' on Burns Night (25th January), when Scottish people celebrate the birthday of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet.

In Wales, women wear national dress, long skirts and tall hats, at the Eisteddfod, a festival when Welsh people come together and win prizes for singing, writing and reciting poetry in their native language, Welsh.

Native American Indians have got one of the most colourful traditional costumes. Their feathered head-dressed are a traditional symbol of battle skills.

In Japan, women and children wear kimonos for special occasions. Kimonos are long, richly-embroidered robes tied around the waist.

In some parts of the world, however, people wear traditional clothes every day. In southern India, Hindu women wear saris, which are long lengths of colourful material wrapped round the body. In parts of Africa, men wear long robes and women wear brightly coloured cotton dresses. In the cities and towns of the Middle East, you will see many people wearing Western clothes, but you will also see Arab men wearing loose robes and kaffiyehs, pieces of cotton or silk tied to the head by a band of cord.

Level: Beginner

Book: Changes for ESO 4

Year: 2002

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