Great Britain is a country full of contrasts—modern cities sit alongside picturesque villages, and tradition blends with innovation. In the culture section of the course English. No Problem! 1 you’ll discover fascinating facts about the three countries that make up Great Britain—England, Scotland and Wales—while learning how to talk about them in English.
It’s the perfect way to learn the language while exploring the culture, geography and everyday life of the British.
England — the heart of Great Britain
England is the largest and most populous part of the United Kingdom. This is where London is located—the capital of both England and the entire country, and one of the most important cities in the world. It’s also a land of academic tradition—Oxford and Cambridge have been synonymous with academic excellence for centuries.
Beyond London, it’s worth noting other major cities:
- Birmingham — an industrial and tech hub,
- Liverpool — a port city and the birthplace of The Beatles,
- Manchester — known for its football clubs and a dynamic music scene,
- Leeds — a modern centre of business and education.
England is a country where history and modernity meet at every turn—from castles to skyscrapers.
Scotland — between the mountains and the sea
To the north lies Scotland, known for its rugged wilderness, mountainous landscapes and strong national identity. Its capital, Edinburgh, is renowned for its architecture and cultural richness—this is where the famous Edinburgh Festival takes place every year, one of the world’s largest arts events.
The second-largest city is Glasgow, a centre of art, music and design. Aberdeen, on the North Sea, is known for the oil industry and its fishing port.
Scotland is also a land of symbols: kilts, bagpipes and lochs, including the legendary Loch Ness. It’s a place where modernity and tradition coexist in remarkable harmony.
Wales — the land of green hills and a language that sounds like singing
In the west of Great Britain lies Wales—a nation with a strong identity and its own language, Welsh, which is still spoken by many residents.
The capital, Cardiff, is a vibrant port city and a hub of culture and sport. Nearby is Swansea, known for its beautiful beaches and seaside atmosphere.
Wales captivates with nature—green hills, castles, and stone-built towns make it an ideal destination for lovers of history and the outdoors.
Great Britain or the United Kingdom?
It’s worth remembering the difference between two often-confused terms:
- Great Britain includes England, Scotland and Wales.
- The United Kingdom is Great Britain plus Northern Ireland.
In everyday conversation, people in the UK often use these names interchangeably, but for language learners it’s helpful to distinguish them—especially in the context of geography and culture.
Learning the language and culture in one place
The culture of Great Britain is not just a map—it’s also the language that describes it. In the first unit of the course English. No Problem! 1 you learn how to talk about countries, nationalities and jobs, using simple but very useful structures with the verb to be.
Examples:
- I’m from England.
- He’s from Scotland.
- She’s Welsh.
With SuperMemo, you learn not only grammar and vocabulary but also real cultural contexts—it’s as if you were travelling around Great Britain with a linguist as your guide.
Why learn with SuperMemo?
In English. No Problem! 1, every new word and sentence is introduced in a practical context—through dialogues, descriptions and interactive exercises. You learn natural language, and SuperMemo’s intelligent review system makes sure you don’t forget what you’ve already mastered.
It’s learning through experience—bringing together culture, geography and language into one coherent process.
Summary
Great Britain fascinates with its diversity—from modern London, through Scotland’s rugged landscapes, to the valleys of Wales. In the English. No Problem! 1 course, you can not only get to know these places, but also learn to talk about them in English—accurately, naturally and with confidence.
