Explore the language, history and pride that make up Scottish identity β and learn to connect your ideas smoothly with linking words at B2/C1 level.
Read the text carefully, then answer the comprehension questions using the dropdown menus.
What does it mean to be Scottish? For many people, Scottish identity is about much more than living inside a border on a map. It is a mixture of history, landscape, language and a strong sense of belonging.
Language plays an important part in this identity. As well as English and Scottish Gaelic, many Scots speak Scots, a language closely related to English but with its own distinctive words. For example, a child might be called a "bairn", a small amount is a "wee bit", and to be tired is to be "wabbit". Although some people once saw Scots as simply "bad English", it is now recognised and celebrated as a language in its own right.
Scotland's relationship with the rest of the United Kingdom is another key part of its identity. While Scotland has been part of the UK since 1707, it has kept its own legal system, its own education system and its own church. In 2014, Scots even voted in a referendum on whether to become an independent country. In the end, the majority chose to remain in the UK, but the debate showed how strongly many people feel about their nation.
1 Scottish identity is about more than living inside a on a map.
2 As well as English and Gaelic, many Scots speak .
3 A "bairn" is a .
4 To be "wabbit" means to be .
5 Scots was once wrongly seen as "bad ".
6 Scotland has been part of the UK since .
7 Scotland has kept its own legal, church and system.
8 In 2014, Scots voted in a referendum on .
Choose the linking word that connects the ideas correctly.
1 Scotland is part of the UK, it has its own legal system.
2 Many Scots speak English Gaelic and Scots.
3 Scots has its own words; , "wee" means small.
4 Some saw Scots as "bad English". , it is now a recognised language.
5 The majority voted to stay, many still feel strongly about independence.
6 Scotland kept its own church, its identity stayed strong.
7 Identity matters to Scots it connects them to their history.
8 , most Scots see their identity as proud and complex.
The word in brackets tells you the job the linker must do. Choose the right one.
1 (contrast) Edinburgh is old; , Glasgow feels modern.
2 (reason) People are proud their history is rich.
3 (result) It rained all day, we stayed inside.
4 (addition) Scots has its own words its own grammar.
5 (example) Many words are unique, "bairn" and "wee".
6 (contrast) the cold weather, tourists love Scotland.
7 (result) The debate was close; , the country stayed united.
8 (concession) Scots is different, English speakers can often understand it.
What makes your own region or country's identity special? Write a text (100β130 words) about the language, traditions or history that shape where you come from. Use at least four linking words.
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