Life In The UK March 2013

1. True or false: The flower that is traditionally worn on Remembrance Day is a lily

True

False

The flower that is traditionally worn on Remembrance Day is not a lily. The correct flower is a red poppy. The red poppy has been used as a symbol of remembrance since World War I, inspired by the famous war poem "In Flanders Fields" written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The poem describes how poppies grew among the graves of soldiers in Flanders, and since then, wearing a red poppy has become a way to honor and remember those who have lost their lives in war.

Explanation

The flower that is traditionally worn on Remembrance Day is not a lily. The correct flower is a red poppy. The red poppy has been used as a symbol of remembrance since World War I, inspired by the famous war poem "In Flanders Fields" written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The poem describes how poppies grew among the graves of soldiers in Flanders, and since then, wearing a red poppy has become a way to honor and remember those who have lost their lives in war.

2. True or False: Scotland has its own Parliament with devolved powers in defined areas

True

False

Scotland does have its own Parliament with devolved powers in defined areas. The Scottish Parliament was established in 1999 and has the authority to make decisions on various matters such as education, health, and justice within Scotland. This devolution of powers allows Scotland to govern itself to a certain extent while still being part of the United Kingdom.

Explanation

Scotland does have its own Parliament with devolved powers in defined areas. The Scottish Parliament was established in 1999 and has the authority to make decisions on various matters such as education, health, and justice within Scotland. This devolution of powers allows Scotland to govern itself to a certain extent while still being part of the United Kingdom.

3. Which country of the UK has a dragon on its flag?

England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

Wales is the correct answer because its flag, known as the Welsh flag or Y Ddraig Goch, features a red dragon. The dragon is a national symbol of Wales and represents their proud heritage and history. It is a prominent feature on the flag, with a red dragon passant (walking) on a green and white background. This flag has been used for centuries and is a recognizable symbol of Welsh identity.

Explanation

Wales is the correct answer because its flag, known as the Welsh flag or Y Ddraig Goch, features a red dragon. The dragon is a national symbol of Wales and represents their proud heritage and history. It is a prominent feature on the flag, with a red dragon passant (walking) on a green and white background. This flag has been used for centuries and is a recognizable symbol of Welsh identity.

4. Which of these statements is correct?

During the Second World War, on D-Day British and French soldiers were evacuated from France

During the Second World War, on D-Day British and French soldiers landed in France

During the Second World War, on D-Day, British and French soldiers landed in France. This is the correct statement because D-Day, which occurred on June 6, 1944, was the Allied invasion of Normandy in France. It involved a massive amphibious assault by British, Canadian, and American forces, along with French commandos, to establish a foothold in German-occupied France. The successful landing marked a crucial turning point in the war and paved the way for the eventual liberation of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Explanation

During the Second World War, on D-Day, British and French soldiers landed in France. This is the correct statement because D-Day, which occurred on June 6, 1944, was the Allied invasion of Normandy in France. It involved a massive amphibious assault by British, Canadian, and American forces, along with French commandos, to establish a foothold in German-occupied France. The successful landing marked a crucial turning point in the war and paved the way for the eventual liberation of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany.

5. What is the name of the part of the Edinburgh Festival that showcases mainly theatre and comedy?

The Edge

The Fringe

The Alternative

The Show

The correct answer is "The Fringe." The Fringe is a part of the Edinburgh Festival that primarily focuses on theater and comedy performances. It is known for its diverse range of shows, featuring both established and emerging artists. The Fringe offers a platform for innovative and experimental productions, making it a popular choice for theater and comedy enthusiasts.

Explanation

The correct answer is "The Fringe." The Fringe is a part of the Edinburgh Festival that primarily focuses on theater and comedy performances. It is known for its diverse range of shows, featuring both established and emerging artists. The Fringe offers a platform for innovative and experimental productions, making it a popular choice for theater and comedy enthusiasts.

6. Which of these two events are in the month of November?

Bonfire Night

Halloween

Valentines Day

Remembrance Day

Bonfire Night and Remembrance Day are the two events that are in the month of November. Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is celebrated on November 5th in the United Kingdom to commemorate the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, is observed on November 11th to honor the members of the armed forces who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts. Halloween is celebrated on October 31st, and Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th, both of which are not in the month of November.

Explanation

Bonfire Night and Remembrance Day are the two events that are in the month of November. Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is celebrated on November 5th in the United Kingdom to commemorate the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, is observed on November 11th to honor the members of the armed forces who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts. Halloween is celebrated on October 31st, and Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th, both of which are not in the month of November.

Submit

7. During the reign of Charles II, which scientist successfully predicted the return of a comet which was then named after him?

Isaac Newton

Richard Arkwright

Samuel Pepys

Edmund Halley

During the reign of Charles II, scientist Edmund Halley successfully predicted the return of a comet, which was later named after him as Halley's Comet. This comet is one of the most famous comets and has a regular orbit that brings it close to Earth every 76 years. Halley's prediction and subsequent naming of the comet after himself demonstrated his significant contribution to the field of astronomy.

Explanation

During the reign of Charles II, scientist Edmund Halley successfully predicted the return of a comet, which was later named after him as Halley's Comet. This comet is one of the most famous comets and has a regular orbit that brings it close to Earth every 76 years. Halley's prediction and subsequent naming of the comet after himself demonstrated his significant contribution to the field of astronomy.