1. The British Empire
Read the Text Please
The British Empire began in the late 1500s. England started to build colonies overseas.
Early colonies were founded in North America and the Caribbean.
Trade was very important for the growing empire. Ships carried goods, people, and resources across the oceans and the trade brought wealth to England.
In the 1700s and 1800s, the empire grew very quickly. Britain gained land in Africa, Asia, America, and Oceania. India became one of the most important parts of the empire, India was called the jewel in the crown of the Empire.
The empire also included Canada, Australia, and many islands. The British navy was the strongest in the world. This helped Britain control trade routes and protected its colonies.
At its largest, the empire covered about one quarter of the world’s land. Millions of people lived under British rule. People often said, “The sun never sets on the British Empire.”
The empire brought wealth and power to Britain. It also spread the English language around the world. But for the colonies the empire often ment conflicts and civil wars.
In the early 1900s, the empire began to face challenges. The First and Second World Wars weakened Britain. After 1945, many colonies wanted independence and the empire slowly broke apart. Britain changed from an empire into a Commonwealth of Nations.
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Map over the English Empire
English (and British) Traditions
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Questions
- When did the British Empire begin?
- Were were the first English colonies founded?
- Why was trade important for the growth of the empire?
- Give examples of which continents Britain did control?
- Why was the British navy important for the empire?
- How much of the world did the empire cover at its largest?
- What does the phrase “The sun never sets on the British Empire” mean?
- How did the empire make Britain richer and more powerful?
- How did the empire help spread the English language?
- What negative effects did the empire have on the colonies?
- How did the two World Wars affect the British Empire?
- When did India become independent?
- What happened to many colonies after 1945?
Extra
- Find out what the organization Commonwealth is about
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1.1 Punks and the English Traditions
The punk movement began in the mid-1970s as a rebellious response to mainstream culture and commercialized music.
It first gained major attention in cities like New York City and London. Bands such as Ramones and Sex Pistols helped define its fast, raw sound.
Punk music was loud, short, and simple. Often with political or anti-establishment lyrics. The movement was not only about music but also about attitude and lifestyle.
Punk fashion included ripped clothes, leather jackets, safety pins, and colorful hairstyles.
It promoted ideas of freedom, individuality, and questioning authority.
Many young people were drawn to punk because it expressed anger about social and economic problems.
Over time, punk influenced other genres like alternative rock and hardcore. Even today, the punk movement remains a symbol of rebellion and self-expression.
Sex Pistols was an English Punk band. They made a song called “God Save the Queen” insulting the Queen. The song was forbidden in England. So of course it became very popular.
Below you will find the lyrics and a video. Read the lyrics and see the video.
Here is the text. By the way the word “punk” means
- “skarn”
- “ballademager”
- “bølle”
- eller en “uopdragen/unyttig person”
- … og det kan vist nok også betyde “ussel
“God Save the Queen” er Storbritanniens nationalsang. Hør den evt her:
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Her er så Sex Pistols’ sang til den britiske dronning:
God Save The Queen
God save the queen
The fascist regime (fascist regime = facistisk regime)
They made you a moron (moron = idiot)
Potential H-bomb (H-bomb = brintbombe)
God save the queen
She ain’t no human being (human beeing = “et værende menneske” = menneskelig)
There is no future
In England’s dreaming
Don’t be told what you want
Don’t be told what you need
There’s no future, no future,
No future for you
God save the queen
We mean it man
We love our queen
God saves her
God save the queen
‘Cause tourists are money
And our figurehead (figurehead = statsoverhoved)
Is not what she seems
Oh God save history
God save your mad parade
Oh Lord God have mercy
All crimes are paid
When there’s no future
How can there be sin
We’re the flowers in the dustbin (dustbin = skraldespand)
We’re the poison in your human machine
We’re the future, your future
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Questions true/false
- Punks are old people (true/false)
- Punks are only from England (true/false)
- Punks are often poor people (true/false)
- Punk music is like a love song (true/false)
Answer the questions, please
- Describe the punks. How are they dressed, what do they look like?
- What is the song God Save the Queen about
- Why was it forbitten in England?
- What does Sex Pistols tell about the Queen in the song
- Are Sex Pistols royalists (går de mon ind for kongedømmet)
- Are the British in general royalists?
- Write down 10 words that describes the song
- How do you think the Sex Pistols’ concerts were. Cosy/fun/wild/caotic (kaotisk)/controlled. You can watch the song “Anarchy for the U.K.” and a bit of their concerts below:
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2. *** Sports in England
Sports are very important in British culture. People of all ages enjoy playing and watching sports. Football (soccer) is the most popular sport, but many people also like rugby, cricket, tennis, and athletics just to mention some of them.
In schools, children often play sports every week. Sports help them stay healthy, learn teamwork, and make friends. Many schools have football, netball, or cricket teams.
Outside school, local clubs and community centers organize sports for young people and adults. Amateur football leagues, running clubs, and swimming teams are common. Sports give people a chance to meet others and have fun.
Watching sports is also very popular. Football matches in the Premier League and national team games are watched by millions on TV. Big events like Wimbledon (tennis) or the FA Cup final bring the nation together. Fans celebrate, cheer, and support their favorite teams.
Sports also have a social and cultural role. They teach values like fair play, respect, and discipline. Many British people have favorite sports teams that are important to their identity.
Even older people stay active through sports. Walking, cycling, swimming, and golf are popular ways to exercise. Community sports events like charity runs are also common.
Overall, sports are more than just games in Britain. They are part of daily life, helping people stay healthy, connect with others, and celebrate traditions. Sports are a way to have fun, be active, and feel part of the community.
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Please Answer the Questions
- Why are sports important in British culture?
- What is the most popular sport in Britain?
- Name two other sports people enjoy in Britain.
- How often do children play sports in schools?
- What do children learn by playing sports at school?
- Where can people play sports outside of school?
- Name one type of amateur sports league in Britain.
- Why do people watch sports on TV?
- Name one big sports event in Britain.
- What values do sports teach in Britain?
- How do sports help people socially?
- What are some ways older people stay active?
- What is a community sports event mentioned in the text?
- Why are sports more than just games in Britain?
- How do sports help people feel part of the community?
Sports dialogue
- What is your favorite sport?
- Do you play or watch any sports? Which ones?
- How often do you play sports?
- Do you like watching sports on TV?
- Who is your favorite athlete or player?
Football / soccer questions:
- Do you like football?
- Do yoy have a favourite football team?
- Do you play football with friends?
- What sport do you want to try one day?
- Have you ever been to a sports event or match?
- Have you ever won a sports game or competition?
- Which sport is the most popular in your country?
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2.1 *** Sports in the former British Empire
English sports are still very popular in many former colonies. Sports like cricket, field hockey, and rugby were introduced by the British during the colonial period. Today, countries like India, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand are known for their strong teams in these sports.
Cricket is very popular in India and Pakistan, with millions of people playing and watching. Big tournaments like the Indian Premier League attract fans from all over the world. Field hockey is also important, and both India and Pakistan have won many international competitions.
Rugby is especially popular in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. These nations have strong national teams and famous tournaments like the Rugby World Cup. American and Australian football are very close related to rugby.
Rugby is named after Rugby School in Warwickshire, England. The sport originated there in the early 19th century, with the rules first codified in 1845.
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Here are Some Questions to the Text
- This shows that English sports have remained important and continue to bring people together even after the end of the British Empire.
- Which sports were introduced by the British in former colonies?
- Name three English sports mentioned in the text.
- Which countries are famous for cricket?
- What big cricket tournament is mentioned in the text?
- Why is cricket important in India and Pakistan?
- Which sport is also popular besides cricket in India and Pakistan?
- Name three countries where rugby is very popular.
- What big rugby tournament is mentioned in the text?
- How have English sports stayed important after the British Empire ended?
Extra questions:
- Investigate what Gaelic sports is and where they are popular. There are four of them
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2.2 *** Derbys
“Derby” is not only a town in the middle of England it is also an concept within sports.
A football derby is a football match between two teams from the same city or region. These games are usually very exciting and sometimes very emotional. Fans are very passionate, and the atmosphere in the stadium is special.
One famous derby in England is the Tyne-Wear Derby, between Sunderland and Newcastle United. Another example is the North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspurs, and the Manchester derby between Manchester City and Manchester United.
Derbies are more than just normal games. They are about pride, history, and local rivalry. Players and fans often remember these matches for many years.
Football derbies are not limited to England. Other very famous football derbies are Glasgow Rangers vs. Celtic in Scotland, Barcelona vs Real Madrid in Spain, Boca Juniors vs River Plate in Buenos Aires (probally the wildest in the World, allmost every time they play someone get killed), and even BUNDby sorry Brondby vs. FC Copenhagen in Denmark.
Nicknames in Sports
Sunderland AFC’s nickname, “The Black Cats,” was officially adopted in 2000 following a fan vote, but it stems from long-standing folklore and, specifically, a fan bringing a black cat to the 1937 FA Cup Final as a good luck charm. It represents luck, local history, and a connection to the area’s maritime and industrial past. Sunderland has a habour.
Questions
- What is a derby in football?
- Why are derby matches special?
- Name one famous derby in England.
- Which teams play in the Tyne-Wear Derby?
- Which city has the Manchester Derby?
- What is a nickname?
- Do you know nicknames of other sports teams in any country even Denmark? Hint: In the USA and Canada every team in American Football, icehockey, basketball and probally other sports as well has a nickname. Extra: In Salt Lake City in the USA they are very proud of their basketball team called “Utah Jazz”. Their stadium has a seating capacity of 19.000 people for the Jazz games. Find out why their nickname is “Jazz”.
Further Questions
Netflix made a documentary about an English Club called Sunderland. The documentary is called “Sunderland till I die”. The theme is the football club in Sunderland and their very passionate fans.
- Explain what a documentary is
- Make a short summary about what the documentary is about
- Watch it on Netflex 🙂
Fans of Sunderland
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2. *** Humor in sports
For a long time Manchester United was one of the leading football clubs in Europe. They won titles, played well, they had Fanclubs in many countries including Denmark and everything was fine. Then came a period with bad results and they had a hard time losing many football games.
One of their fans, Frank Ilett, told the world that he would not have a haircut until Manchester United won 5 games in a row. And now Frank is famous far outside Manchester for his wild hair.
Many people make fun of that, here is a AI picture of Old Trafford the homeground of Man. United:
Here’s a status (17th of February 2026)
- Last haircut: He was last cut on October 5, 2024.
- He has now let his hair grow for over 500 days.
- He came extremely close to completing the challenge on February 10, 2026, as United had won four games in a row under interim coach Michael Carrick, but the team drew 1-1 with West Ham, which meant that the “streak” was broken.
Charity: When he finally gets a haircut, he plans to donate his hair to the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children with cancer, and he also raises money for the organization “Mind”.
Questions:
- Who is Frank Ilett?
- Which football club is he a fan of?
- Why is he famous?
- For how long time hasn’t he cut his hair?
- Explain his promise about not cutting his hair.
- Why did he here in February 2026 came close to a haircut?
Extras:
- What can you tell us about Manchester United. How old is the club and how long have they been one of the biggest clubs in England?
- For a long time they had a rather famous Danish goalkeeper. That goalkeeper even won “Dancing With the Stars” in England. (Svarer til “Vild med dans” i Danmark). Find out about him!
3. *** Border collies
Border collies are very smart dogs. They come from United Kingdom.
Farmers use them to help with sheep so they are sheep dogs
They have a lot of energy and they learn new commands very fast. They like to run and play outside but they don’t want to sit still all day.
Their fur can be black and white, brown, or other colors. Many people think border collies are one of the smartest dog breeds.
Questions:
- What kind of animal is a border collie?
- Where do border collies come from?
- Who uses border collies on farms?
- What animals do border collies help with?
- Do border collies have a lot of energy?
- Do they learn commands fast or slowly?
- Where do they like to play?
- What colors can their fur be?
- Are border collies lazy dogs?
- Why do many people like border collies?
Here are 2 movies about border collies.
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