The Union Jack

The flag of Great Britain, commonly known as the Union Jack, represents the emblems of three countries under one Sovereign. The emblems that appear on the Union Flag are the crosses of three patron saints:

• the red cross of St. George, for England, on a white ground;

• the white diagonal cross of St. Andrew, for Scotland, on a blue ground;

• the red diagonal cross of St. Patrick, for Ireland, on a white ground.

The final version of the Union Flag appeared in 1801, following the union of Great Britain with Ireland, with the inclusion of the cross of St. Patrick. The cross remains on the flag although now only Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.

Wales is not represented in the Union Flag because when the first version of the flag appeared, Wales was already united with England. The national flag of Wales, a red dragon on a field of white and green, dates from the 15^th century.

Step 2. Speak on the following.

1. Why should each independent state have its national flag?

2. What colour is the flag of Great Britain?

3. Why are there three crosses on the British flag?

4. What colour is the flag of Ukraine?

5. What do yellow and blue colours stand for?

6. What do you know about the history of Ukrainian flag?

7. On what occasions are national flags hung in the streets?

Activity 10. Read, memorise and act out the dialogues with your partner.

№ 1

• Have you been to London before?

• No, it’s my first time here.

• Have you seen much of the city?

• So far, very little. Could you tell me what the most interesting places to visit are?

• Willingly. If you are interested in historical buildings and monuments I would advise you to see the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, the Tower, the Buckingham Palace. What would you like to see first?

• It makes no difference. Is it possible to arrange a bus tour with a guide?

• I hope so. By the way I can offer you a map of London and a guide book to make a preliminary study.

• Oh, thank you very much.

№ 2

• Excuse me, can you tell me the way to Trafalgar Square?

• Certainly. Go down Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus, and then go down the Haymarket. Turn to the left, and in less than a minute you’ll be in Trafalgar Square.

• Thank you very much. How far is it from here?

• If you walk, it’ll take you ten minutes or a quarter of an hour.

• Thanks a lot.

№ 3

• Excuse me, which is the way (how do I get) to the Houses of Parliament?

• Go two blocks down Victoria Street, turn to the right, then go straight ahead. You’d better take a bus. It’s a pretty good way.

• Thank you. Is there a bus stop or a tube station somewhere here?

• There must be. You’d better ask the policeman over there. He’ll give you all the information you want.

• Thank you very much.

№ 4

• (to Conductor) Does this bus go to Trafalgar Square?

• Yes, sir. Come along, hurry up. No room on top, inside only. Fares, please!

• How much is the fare?

• Single or return?

• Single, please.

• Three pounds.

• Here you are.

• Take the change.

(in five minutes)

• Trafalgar Square! This is where you get off, sir.

• Thank you very much.