1     (get) to know a little bit about British history will help you understand what these different names—the United Kingdom, Great Britain, Britain England—mean. In the 16th century, the nearby country of Wales     2     (join) to the Kingdom of England. Later, Scotland and then Ireland was added. Although the four countries have some differences, they use the same flag,     3     (know) as the Union Jack, as well as share the same currency and military    4     (defend).

The four countries that belong    1    the United Kingdom worked together in some areas.    2    , they also have some differences. For example, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all have different education systems and legal systems. They also have    3    (they) own traditions, football teams and so on.