Explore Scotland’s dramatic past — from the clan system and the Wars of Independence to the modern debate over self-rule — while practising passive voice and linking ideas.
Read the text carefully, then answer the comprehension questions below.
For centuries, Scotland was organised around the clan system. The word “clan” comes from the Gaelic clann, meaning “children” or “descendants.” Each clan was led by a chief who provided protection, settled disputes and controlled the land. In return, clan members owed their chief loyalty and military service. Although many members shared blood ties with the chief, outsiders could also join a clan simply by swearing allegiance. The clan system was strongest in the Highlands and survived for hundreds of years before it was eventually destroyed after the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
Scotland’s struggle for independence began in 1286, when King Alexander III died without a clear heir. Edward I of England was invited to help choose the next king, but he used the opportunity to claim authority over Scotland instead. When the Scots resisted, Edward invaded in 1296, seizing the Stone of Destiny — the ancient coronation stone — and taking it to London as a symbol of English dominance.
The first great hero of Scottish resistance was William Wallace. In 1297, Wallace led a smaller Scottish force to a stunning victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, using the narrow bridge to neutralise the English advantage in numbers and cavalry. He was appointed Guardian of Scotland, but his success was short-lived. At the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, Edward I deployed Welsh longbowmen to devastating effect, and the Scottish army was crushed. Wallace spent years as a fugitive before he was captured in 1305 and executed in London.
After Wallace’s death, Robert the Bruce took up the cause. He had himself crowned King of Scots in 1306 and fought a long guerrilla campaign against the English. His greatest triumph came at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where his outnumbered forces decisively defeated Edward II’s army. However, England still refused to recognise Scotland’s independence.
In 1320, Scottish nobles sent the Declaration of Arbroath to Pope John XXII. This remarkable document argued that Scotland had always been a free and independent kingdom, and that the Scots had the right to choose their own king. Many historians consider it one of the earliest statements of national self-determination. As a result of diplomatic pressure, England finally recognised Scotland as independent in the Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton in 1328.
Ironically, Scotland later voluntarily joined with England. In 1707, the Act of Union merged the two parliaments into Great Britain. Many Scots opposed the union, and the debate has continued ever since. In 2014, Scotland held a referendum on independence, and 55% voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. The question of Scottish independence, however, remains very much alive in modern politics.
1 What does the Gaelic word clann mean?
2 What happened to the clan system after Culloden?
3 Why did Edward I of England get involved in Scottish affairs?
4 How did Wallace win at Stirling Bridge?
5 What happened to Wallace in 1305?
6 What was Robert the Bruce’s greatest military victory?
7 What did the Declaration of Arbroath argue?
8 What was the result of the 2014 independence referendum?
Historical texts often use the passive voice to focus on the event rather than the person who did it. Choose the correct passive form for each gap.
1 The Stone of Destiny by Edward I and taken to London in 1296.
2 William Wallace Guardian of Scotland after his victory at Stirling Bridge.
3 The Scottish army at the Battle of Falkirk by Edward’s longbowmen.
4 Before Bruce became king, Wallace and executed by the English.
5 The Declaration of Arbroath one of the earliest statements of national self-determination.
6 Robert the Bruce King of Scots at Scone in 1306.
7 Scotland’s independence by England in the Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton in 1328.
8 The clan system over many decades before it was finally destroyed after Culloden.
Good essays use linking words to connect ideas logically. Choose the best linking word or phrase for each gap.
1 Wallace won a brilliant victory at Stirling Bridge, he was unable to hold off the English in the long run.
2 Edward I invaded Scotland and seized the coronation stone. , he forced Scottish nobles to swear loyalty to him.
3 Bruce’s forces were heavily outnumbered at Bannockburn. , they achieved a decisive victory through superior tactics.
4 The Declaration of Arbroath was sent to the Pope. , the Pope eventually recognised Bruce as the rightful king of Scotland.
5 The clan system gave Highlanders a strong sense of identity. , it provided them with military protection and a system of justice.
6 Wallace used guerrilla tactics effectively in the Highlands. , Edward I relied on large professional armies and siege warfare.
7 The Act of Union was opposed by many ordinary Scots. , it went ahead because the Scottish parliament voted in favour of it.
8 Scotland voted to remain in the UK in 2014. , the independence movement has continued to grow and the debate remains important in Scottish politics.
Write an argumentative paragraph (100–150 words) giving your opinion on whether Scotland should be an independent country. Use information from the reading text and your own ideas.
Consider these questions: Does Scotland’s history justify independence? What are the advantages and disadvantages of being part of the United Kingdom? How important is national identity?
Try to include:
• At least two linking words from Exercise C (e.g. However, Furthermore, Although)
• At least one passive construction (e.g. Scotland was ruled by… / The decision should be made by…)
“In my opinion, Scotland should / should not be independent because…”
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