Visiting London - Video for English Classroom

Summary

Explore the heart of London, from the iconic red buses and black taxis to the bustling streets of Regent Street. Travel through the city via the famous double-decker buses, the London Underground, or even by helicopter for breathtaking views. Discover London's rich history, from the Cockney accent in Canary Wharf to the Royal Family's influence and the ancient laws of Tower Bridge. Learn about the Queen's birthday celebrations, the royal gardens, and the grand Westminster Abbey, where the Queen humorously defends her family's image in the press.

Takeaways

• 😀 London is famous for its red buses and black taxis, symbols of the city.
• 😀 The double-decker bus offers a unique way to see the town, including monuments and traffic jams.
• 😀 Despite its iconic status, the London Underground (Tube) is still the quickest way to get around London.
• 😀 The Northern Line of the Tube is often hated by Londoners due to frequent delays and breakdowns.
• 😀 The modern city of London contrasts with the historical presence of horses, seen only in the Mounted Police.
• 😀 The helicopter offers an impressive view of the city, with Canary Wharf being a key landmark.
• 😀 Canary Wharf is historically significant, having been the old dockers' quarter and the birthplace of the Cockney accent.
• 😀 Tower Bridge has an ancient law allowing pigs to cross it, a quirky piece of London's history.
• 😀 The Palace of Westminster is the seat of the UK Parliament, divided into the House of Commons and House of Lords.
• 😀 Queen Elizabeth II is the head of the UK, with her royal duties including celebrations, like the Queen's birthday and garden parties.
• 😀 The Queen's English resembles more Shakespearean speech, contrasting with everyday London English, and she remains a constant figure in the media.

Q & A

What is one of the most iconic symbols of London mentioned in the script?

The double-decker bus is one of the most iconic symbols of London mentioned in the script.

What is a downside of using London's Northern Line according to the script?

The Northern Line is hated by Londoners because it is often slow, late, and prone to breaking down.

How does the script describe the experience of taking the London Underground?

The script describes the experience of taking the London Underground as practical and the quickest way to get around London, although the train can rattle under the River Thames.

What historical method of transportation is mentioned before the advent of the Underground?

Before the Underground, horses were used to pull carriages around London.

What modern landmark is described as being in the East End of London?

Canary Wharf, the old dockers' quarter, is described as being in the East End of London.

What is a unique feature of Tower Bridge that few people know?

An ancient law still allows you to cross Tower Bridge with pigs, which is a unique feature few people know.

What is the role of the House of Commons and the House of Lords in the Palace of Westminster?

The House of Commons is where members of parliament work, while the House of Lords is where older MPs go to discuss legislation.

What special event takes place in celebration of the Queen's birthday?

The Horse Guard's Parade takes place every year in celebration of the Queen's birthday.

What is a traditional activity at Buckingham Palace when the Queen hosts summer parties?

When the Queen hosts summer parties at Buckingham Palace, guests can enjoy cucumber sandwiches and tea if invited.

How does the script describe the Queen's language compared to modern English?

The script mentions that the Queen's language resembles more of Shakespeare's English rather than the modern English spoken on the streets today.