Focal Points: four main types of British home, class system in the british ociety, ethnic relations in British British houses are made with concrete blocks or concrete-like build ing materials because the dampness of the climate causes wood to rot. Central eating is now widespread; previously, individual fires or heating devices were used. In general, British people are much more tolerant of the damp chill and less tolerant of heat over 26'C(80F). Clothes reflect the climate, and woolen goods, particularly tweeds, are famous products. British people tend to buy fewer but better-quality pieces of clothing and keep them longer, although this cannot be said for the rapidly changing fashions of youth culture British cook ing has a reputation for overcooked vegetables and unhealthy fried foods This situation has improved considerably in recent years, and foreign foods, particularly those from southern Europe and Asia ave become popular. Perhaps the most famous British specialties are roast beef with Yorkshire pudding(a type of popover baked in meat drippings); shepherds pie, made with minced lamb and mashed potatoes; and scones served with thick, clotted cream. Other favorite foods include fish and chips, steak and kidney pie, Cornish pasties, Welsh rarebit, kippers(salted and smoked herring or salmon), and, in Scotland, haggis(stuffed sheep's stomach)17 Focal Points: four main types of British home, class system in the British society, ethnic relations in British. British houses are made with concrete blocks or concrete-like building materials because the dampness of the climate causes wood to rot. Central heating is now widespread; previously, individual fires or heating devices were used. In general, British people are much more tolerant of the damp chill and less tolerant of heat over 26°C (80°F). Clothes reflect the climate, and woolen goods, particularly tweeds, are famous products. British people tend to buy fewer but better-quality pieces of clothing and keep them longer, although this cannot be said for the rapidly changing fashions of youth culture. British cooking has a reputation for overcooked vegetables and unhealthy fried foods. This situation has improved considerably in recent years, and foreign foods, particularly those from southern Europe and Asia, have become popular. Perhaps the most famous British specialties are roast beef with Yorkshire pudding (a type of popover baked in meat drippings); shepherd’s pie, made with minced lamb and mashed potatoes; and scones served with thick, clotted cream. Other favorite foods include fish and chips, steak and kidney pie, Cornish pasties, Welsh rarebit, kippers (salted and smoked herring or salmon), and, in Scotland, haggis (stuffed sheep’s stomach)