The British Empire – the countries ruled by Britain – started in the late 15th century until a peak around 1920 when the British Empire (1. include)……….around a quarter of the world’s population. British colonies included parts of North America, islands in the West Indies, India, Australia, New Zealand and several countries in Africa. Many of them (2. become) ………. colonies at a time when several European countries, including Britain, France, Spain and the Netherlands, (3.compete) ………… for trade around the world and for new sources of raw materials. Most of these countries became independent during the 20th century, when it generally

(4. recognize)………………..that it was not morally acceptable (5.take over) ……………...other countries and exploit them, and many colonies(6. have)…………growing nationalist movements for independence. Many of the countries still (7. have)………..political and economic links with Britain through the Commonwealth and perhaps the most important and lasting cultural influence of the British Empire (8. be) ………..the spread of the English language which (9. be) still either an official language or (10.teach) as a second language in many countries.