Almost everybody in the UK who is in paid work, including self-employed people, must pay National Insurance Contributions. Employees have their National Insurance Contributions deducted from their pay by their employer. People who are self-employed need to pay National Insurance Contributions themselves.

Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the Houses of Parliament in London. Many people call the clock Big Ben as well. The clock is over 150 years old and is a popular tourist attraction.

After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles Ill’s eldest son, Prince William (the Prince of Wales), is the heir to the throne.

The Normans used a system of land ownership known as feudalism. The king gave land to his lords in return for help in war.

In 1918, women over the age of 30 were given voting rights and the right to stand for Parliament. Shortly before Emmeline’s death in 1928, women were given the right to vote at the age of 21, the same as men.

The early 20th century was a time of optimism in Britain. It was also a time of social progress. Financial help for the unemployed, old-age pensions and free school meals were just a few of the important measures introduced.

The Prime Minister appoints about 20 senior MPs to become ministers in charge of departments. These ministers form the cabinet, a committee which usually meets weekly and makes important decisions about government policy. Many of these decisions have to be debated or approved by Parliament.

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a poem from the Middle Ages about one of the knights at the court of King Arthur.

William the Conqueror sent people all over England to draw up lists of all the towns and villages. The people who lived there, who owned the land and what animals they owned were also listed. This was called the Domesday Book. It still exists today and gives a picture of society in England just after the Norman Conquest.

Born in Lincolnshire, eastern England, Isaac Newton first became interested in science when he studied at Cambridge University. He became an important figure in the field. Many of his discoveries are still important for modern science.

Applying to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK is an important decision and commitment. You will be agreeing to accept the responsibilities which go with permanent residence and to respect the laws, values and traditions of the UK.

There is no established Church in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has 90 elected members, known as MLAs (members of the Legislative Assembly). They are elected with a form of proportional representation.

Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer. He often read and performed his work in public, including for the BBC. His most well-known works include the radio play Under Milk Wood and the poem Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.

Golf is a popular sport played socially as well as professionally. There are public and private golf courses all over the UK.

Political parties are particularly busy at election times. Members work hard to persuade people to vote for their candidates - for instance, by handing out leaflets in the street or by knocking on people’s doors and asking for their support. This is called ‘canvassing’.

The government is usually formed by the party that wins the majority of constituencies. If no party wins a majority, two parties may join together to form a coalition.

Henry VIII was most famous for breaking away from the Church of Rome and marrying six times.

Public houses (pubs) are an important part of the UK social culture. Pub quizzes are popular. Pool and darts are traditional pub games.

Mahomet was born in 1759 and grew up in the Bengal region of India. In 1810 he opened the Hindoostane Coffee House in George Street, London. It was the first curry house to open in Britain.

Magistrates and Justices of the Peace (JPs) are members of the local community. In England, Wales and Scotland they usually work unpaid and do not need legal qualifications. They receive training to do the job and are supported by a legal adviser. In Northern Ireland, cases are heard by a District Judge or Deputy District Judge, who is legally qualified and paid.

The Pre-Raphaelites were an important group of artists in the second half of the 19th century. They painted detailed pictures on religious or literary themes in bright colours. The group included Holman Hunt, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Sir John Millais.

Roald Dahl is most well known for his children’s books, although he also wrote for adults. His best-known works include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and George’s Marvellous Medicine. Several of his books have been made into films.