University of Education THE END-OF-TERM TEST

Department of English Subject: American and British Studies

Date: Dec 18th, 2024

Student’s N0: 48.01.701.109……………… Name: …Nguyen Truc Quynh………………….

Part 1: Write answers to any 6 questions from the 6 topics we have covered during the course for
this paper.

I/HISTORY

- What was Queen Victoria's role in British history?

Queen Victoria (1837-1901) is synonymous with the British Empire. It was under her reign that
the colonial Empire expanded rapidly to the point where ‘the sun never sets on the British
Empire’.

Victoria also influenced the modern Monarchy, moving toward a more public-friendly family
values and ceremonial institution. She brings out imperial rules and the expansion of under
Victoria. Whilst the Monarchy did become more ceremonial over her 64 year reign, she wielded
palpable influence, particularly around imperial policy.

While often associated with a conservative outlook, Victoria supported various social reforms.
She championed causes such as improving working conditions, public health, and education. Her
influence helped to shape a more compassionate and socially conscious Britain.
Victoria was a patron of the arts and sciences, fostering a thriving cultural scene. The Victorian
era is renowned for its advancements in literature, art, and science, with figures like Charles
Dickens, Alfred Tennyson, and Charles Darwin making significant contributions.
Perhaps the ultimate symbol of the symbiotic relationship between the Empire and Monarchy in
the Victorian era was that of the Golden and Diamond Jubilees. Nominally celebrations of the
Queen’s reign, both occasions in 1887 and 1897 were massive festivals of Empire. Colonial
troops paraded through the streets of London. Exhibitions of far-off colonies were displayed.
Union Jacks hung on every corner and God Save the Queen echoed throughout the land. For
many, the now doughty Queen Victoria was a proxy for national and imperial pride.

II/ What are the strengths and weakness of the US trade-union movement?
The U.S. trade-union movement has played a significant role in shaping labor rights, wages, and
working conditions but it also faces several challenges.
First thing to consider is
Unions have historically been instrumental in securing better working conditions, higher wages,
and benefits like health care, pensions, and paid leave.
Labor unions in the U.S., like the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of
Industrial Organizations). The AFL-CIO is the result of a merger between the largest
organizations, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial
Organizations (CIO)). It has been influential in advocating for policies that protect workers, such
as the minimum wage, social security, and labor laws.
Some unions provide training programs, apprenticeships, and career development opportunities,
helping workers improve their skills and adapt to changing industries. They also provide legal
and financial support to workers facing unfair treatment, such as wage theft, discrimination, or
unsafe working conditions.
However, on the other hand, The U.S. trade-union movement still have some drawbacks. Union
membership has declined significantly since its peak in the mid-20th century (In 1950, around
35% of American workers were unionized; today, that number hovers around 10%). This decline
weakens their bargaining power and political influence.
Beside that, Unions have struggled to gain a foothold in emerging industries such as tech and gig
work (e.g., Uber, Amazon). This has limited their relevance to younger and growing segments of
the workforce. American businesses, particularly in sectors like retail, fast food, and tech, have
resisted unionization efforts through various tactics, such as lobbying for "right-to-work" laws
that reduce union power, hiring anti-union consultants, and intimidating workers.
While unions in most countries of the world have lost membership or density over recent
decades, membership in US unions is particularly low. Moreover, the structure of US union and
bargaining law means that when unions have low membership, they have limited ability to shape
the labour market. In part because of these weaknesses, US unions have been experimenting with
a range of strategies and tactics to grow their membership and gain greater influence over the
labour market. These efforts have led to a few successes, but none has succeeded in reversing the
basic trends of declining membership and influence. Nevertheless, even as it is in many ways the
worst of times for labour, unions have seen a renewed interest and growth in public support in
recent years, leading to on-the-ground organizing successes as well as greater consideration of
labour law reform that would reverse the decline in union density. Whether or not the obstacles
facing labour can be overcome, and growing interest in unions can be turned into sustainable
growth in union membership, remain open questions.

III/ Religion

What political impact does the Church of England have in England?

The Church of England is the established Or national church in England.This means
that its legal position is confirmed by the Elizabethan Church Settle- ment and Parliament.
The monarch is the head of the Church; its archbishops, bishops and deans are appointed
by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister; and Parliament has a voice in its
organization and rituals. But it is not a state church because it receives no public financial
aid, apart from clerical salaries, some non-clerical positions and help with church schools.
The Church therefore has a special relationship with the state, although there are calls for its
disestablishment (cutting connections between Church and state) so that it can have
autonomy over its own affairs.
Under current rules, 26 bishops are guaranteed seats in the House of Lords. The
archbishops of Canterbury and York, the bishops of London, Durham and Winchester and
21 other bishops in order of seniority together form the “Lords Spiritual”. The Church has
other influences in Parliament. For instance, Anglican prayers are held at the start of
parliamentary business each day and places in the chamber are reserved by putting down
prayer cards. Another examples is the Church of England published Faith in the City, which
cited government policies that it believed would lead to urban gentrification, adversely
affecting young people, increasing hunger and crime.

IV/ How does the system of checks and balances function within the US federal government?

The U.S. system of checks and balances divides government power among the legislative,
executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one branch from dominating. Here’s how it
works:

Legislative (Congress): Can pass laws, override a presidential veto, control funding, approve
appointments and treaties, and impeach and remove officials from office.

Executive (President): Can veto bills from Congress, appoint judges and other officials (with
Senate approval), and influence the direction of national defense and foreign policy.

Judicial (Supreme Court and other federal courts): Can review and declare laws or executive
actions unconstitutional, which acts as a check on both Congress and the president.

This checks and balances system is important because it keeps each branch accountable and
prevents any one from becoming too powerful, protecting democratic values and helping
ensure that the government acts in the people’s interest.

V/ What role did Queen Elizabeth II play in promoting the sports in the UK?

Ceremonial Involvement

Olympics: The Queen played a central role in events like the London 2012 Olympics. She
officially opened the Games and participated in a memorable skit with James Bond (Daniel
Craig) for the opening ceremony, showcasing her sense of humor and support for the event.
The performance brought together two key symbols of British culture: James Bond, the suave,
sophisticated British spy, and Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British
history. Their pairing on such a global stage highlighted the nation's blend of tradition and
modernity.
Commonwealth Games: As the head of the Commonwealth, she was a strong advocate for the
Commonwealth Games. She presented the baton for the Queen's Baton Relay, which symbolized
unity among Commonwealth nations.

Royal Patronage

 The Queen was a patron of numerous sporting organizations, such as the All England
Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (Wimbledon) and the Football Association. This
patronage highlighted her commitment to the development of various sports in the UK
and beyond.
 She frequently attended major sporting events like Royal Ascot and Derby Day, elevating
the profile of such events.

Recognition of Sporting Achievements

Sir Andy Murray is a British tennis legend and one of the most accomplished athletes of his
generation. He won Olympic gold medals at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics,
along with a silver medal at London 2012. He held the title World No1 Ranking for 41 weeks in
2016. Known for his resilience and skill, Murray remains a symbol of excellence in British
sport.

 Murray on the Queen’s Inspiration: In an interview following her passing in 2022,

Murray said,
"The way she carried herself, the way she worked until she was 96 years old, is
something to be admired. She inspired so many people around the world with her sense
of duty and the way she conducted herself."
 He said the recognition was a proud moment that encouraged him to work harder, not just
in sports but also in charitable endeavors.

Sir Kenny Dalglish has been remembered as one of the greatest players to have played for
Liverpool, and was part of the club's most successful team in history – having won three
European Cups in seven years, six league titles and one UEFA Super Cup.
During the Queen reign, over 70 athletes were knighted or rewarded damehoods for their sport
achievements, which was a great contribution to the Uk Sport’ development

VI/ Why Do Students Choose to Study in the US?

Many international students are drawn to the US for its renowned academic institutions and
unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here are the key reasons why
students choose the US for their higher education:

The US is home to nearly half of the world’s top universities, offering over 5,000 higher
education institutions with programs across all disciplines. From first-class academics to
international-friendly programs, US universities provide exceptional learning environments.US
universities offer flexibility in choosing majors, allowing students to explore interests before
committing. General education courses expose students to various fields, while electives and
interdisciplinary programs provide additional customization.

Students gain real-world experience through internships, co-ops, and career workshops.
Advanced facilities and industry connections prepare graduates for global job markets.
Universities host career fairs and events that connect students with top employers and industry
leaders. Beside that, the US is a hub for cultural diversity, with vibrant international
communities, cultural festivals, and inclusive campus programs. Students interact with peers
from all over the world, fostering teamwork and cross-cultural understanding.

US universities emphasize active learning, with flexible teaching styles and hands-on
experiences. Professors are often industry experts, offering valuable insights and mentorship.
Cutting-edge facilities enable groundbreaking research and innovation. International students
benefit from robust support systems, including advisors, cultural adaptation programs, and
resources to assist with academic and personal needs. Programs like Shorelight’s Career
Accelerator help students succeed academically and professionally.

Moreover, studying in the US encourages independence and self-reliance, helping students

develop time management, responsibility, and decision-making skills while shaping their future.
A US degree is widely respected, symbolizing academic excellence and preparing students for
rewarding careers worldwide. Research opportunities and specialized programs further enhance
professional prospects.

With its diverse programs, flexible learning environment, and global career opportunities, the US
remains a top destination for international students. Ready to take the next step? Speak with an
advisor to begin your journey toward studying in the US!

Part 2: Write a 300-word essay comparing some social or cultural aspects of Vietnam and the
US or UK.

Topic: The differences between Vietnamese and American wedding practices

The first thing to consider is the date of the wedding. In Vietnam, it is the parents of both
families that choose it, not the couple. They tend to ask for consultation from a fortune-teller to
choose an auspicious date and time for marriage. In contrast, the bride and the groom in
American usually pick their wedding day when they are ready and rely on their personal calendar
framework.

Furthermore, Vietnamese weddings include a series of ceremonies and wedding parties. The
wedding ceremony is the solemn and spiritual part of the wedding while the wedding party is a
big festivity. At the bride’s house, the groom family will come to pick up the bride by
exchanging lots of gift. There will be occurred a ceremony of praying in front of the ancestor’s
altar. Afterwards, the bride will be taken to groom's house for the other similar etiquette. In the
after party, the couple wear traditional Vietnamese outfits and perform creative ceremonies such
as pouring champagne, cutting the wedding cake, and lighting candles.

Meanwhile in American weddings there is always a long white dress, flowers, music, a
clergyman, attendants in matching clothing, and a ring exchange ceremony, followed by a
reception with a tiered cake. After the brides walk through the aisles, the couple will make their
vows, put the rings on one another finger and share a kiss. After the ceremony, the American
newly-wed couples will also have a after party, usually in the evening, which the couples and the
guest share dinner and dance together.

Unlike weddings in America, often last for few hours, Vietnamese weddings may take place in
one or even two days to complete all the ceremonies.

In conclusion, Vietnamese wedding and American weddings have some differences. First is the
preparation, then the etiquettes. Vietnamese tradition may look more complicated then the
American ones, but it is very important to the couple. Therefore, today some people in Vietnam
tend to want their weddings to be simpler, but still keep some main customs and practices.