Model essay: describing and analysing a short English paragraph (task 6A).
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-06
Et beskrivende og analyserende essay som sammenligner hva briter og nordmenn er mest stolte av — basert på statistikk og kulturelle verdier. Bruk det som modell for et «describe and analyse»-essay på engelsk.
The statistics show what people in the UK are most proud of. At the top of the list is the NHS (National Health Service), with 48% saying it makes them proud. Close behind is British history (44%), followed by the Royal Family (29%). Other important aspects include democracy, culture and arts, and the armed forces, each with about a quarter of respondents expressing pride. Fewer people mention the media, BBC, or British business, which only 4% are proud of. This shows that public services, tradition, and national identity matter more to many people than economic power or global influence.
In Norway, people are often proud of different things compared to the UK. Here are five aspects of Norwegian society that many Norwegians are proud of:
Compared to the British, Norwegians are less focused on the monarchy and more focused on nature and social equality. This reflects the different values and history of the two countries.
National Pride in the UK and Norway: A Comparison Introduction
Every country has certain aspects of its culture, history, and society that its people are proud of. National pride can be based on shared values, achievements, or symbols that people identify with. In this text, I will first describe what people in the United Kingdom are most proud of, based on the statistics shown in the chart. Then, I will reflect on what Norwegians are proud of and compare the two countries’ values. Although both nations are proud of their identity, their sources of pride reflect their unique histories and social priorities.
According to the statistics, the number one source of pride for people in the UK is the National Health Service (NHS), with 48% of respondents saying it makes them proud. This shows that British people value their public healthcare system highly, especially because it provides free medical care for everyone. The second most valued aspect is British history (44%), which suggests a strong connection to the past, including the country’s global influence and rich heritage.
The Royal Family also ranks high, with 29% expressing pride in this institution. The monarchy remains a major symbol of British identity, even though opinions about it are divided. Other important aspects include the democratic system (26%), culture and arts (25%), and the British army (25%). These results reflect a society that values stability, tradition, and national service.
However, some areas received less pride. Only 14% are proud of the media, and even fewer—just 4%—are proud of British business. This may suggest growing public distrust in the media and a shift away from pride in economic power alone. Overall, the statistics show that British people are most proud of institutions that protect and represent them, especially the NHS and historical identity.
In contrast, Norwegian pride often centers around different values. If a similar survey were done in Norway, I believe the results would be quite different. Here are five things I think most Norwegians are proud of:
First, the welfare system is a major source of pride. Like the NHS in the UK, Norway provides free healthcare, free education, and strong social support. Norwegians value fairness and equality in society, and they often view their welfare model as something that benefits everyone.
Second, nature and friluftsliv (outdoor life) are extremely important in Norwegian culture. Norwegians are proud of their mountains, forests, fjords, and clean environment. Many spend time hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying nature, and there is a strong national tradition of protecting it.
Third, gender equality and democracy are seen as key parts of Norwegian identity. Norway often ranks high on global equality and happiness indexes, and Norwegians take pride in having an open, fair, and inclusive society.
Fourth, Norwegians are proud of their role as peacebuilders. The country is known for promoting peace, offering aid, and supporting the United Nations. The Nobel Peace Prize, awarded in Oslo, is a symbol of this commitment.
Finally, cultural traditions such as celebrating the 17th of May (Constitution Day), wearing bunads (national costumes), and enjoying local foods are also important. These traditions create a strong sense of belonging and national pride.
Both the UK and Norway have strong sources of pride, but they focus on different areas. In the UK, pride is linked to national institutions like the NHS, the Royal Family, and military history. In Norway, pride is more focused on nature, equality, and social support systems. While both countries value democracy and culture, Norway seems to place more emphasis on fairness, the environment, and peaceful international roles.
In conclusion, what people are proud of reflects what they value most as a nation. Whether it’s the NHS or the mountains, pride helps shape national identity—and understanding it helps us see what makes each country unique.