Is devolution good for democracy? The United Kingdom may not be too far from welcoming its newest nation. Some think it is time for the whole country to get more decentralised.
‘Make Cornwall the fifth UK nation’
Celtic charms: Kernow's unique culture is a feast for the senses, from Cornish pasties (top left), to the black and white flag of St Piran, to jam-first scones and the revival of the Cornish language. Comprehension quiz
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The word “decentralised” most nearly means:
A: To become more controlled by one big group
B: To spread power or control to different places
C: To focus on one small point
D: To bring everything together in one spot
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Which word is the closest synonym for “catalyst”?
A: A reason something stops
B: A problem that gets in the way
C: Something that makes things happen
D: A small whisper
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Add the correct punctuation to this sentence:
the petition for cornish nationhood has received over 20,000 signatures
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What two things has Cornwall kept that show its unique character?
A: Its tin mines and shipwrecks
B: Its own customs and language
C: Its fishing boats and tourist spots
D: Its own government and laws
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What is one problem that tourism has caused for local people in Cornwall?
A: Tourists are not visiting the area enough.
B: Many homes are being turned into second homes and holiday rentals.
C: There aren’t enough jobs for locals in tourism.
D: More people are learning the Cornish language.
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Why are some people against the idea of devolution?
Give one reason from the article.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. B, 2. D, 3. The petition for Cornish nationhood has received over 20,000 signatures., 4. A, 5. A, 6. They believe that in places like Scotland and Wales, devolution has created one-party states and weakened national unity.
1. B, 2. D, 3. The petition for Cornish nationhood has received over 20,000 signatures., 4. A, 5. A, 6. They believe that in places like Scotland and Wales, devolution has created one-party states and weakened national unity.
Glossary
Levantine - Relating to the Levant, a region in the eastern Mediterranean including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, or to the people who live (or lived) there.
Cornwall - A county in southwest England.
Petition - A formal, written request for change, signed by many people.
Devolved - When power is given from a higher level to a lower level. The term is often used when news powers are given to regional leaders.
Extinct - A species that no longer has any living members.
Catalyst - A substance able to increase the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being consumed or changed by the reacting chemicals.
National Unity - A shared sense of purpose, identity, and belonging among the people of a country.