Тема / Топик по английскому языку:
Celebrations in the USA
The population of the USA is made up of people of different nationalities. Centuries ago they brought with them their native celebrations. Some holidays which are marked in the United States originated in America. The number of holidays is different in different states - from 8 in the District of Columbia to 20 in Oklahoma. But the most important holidays are celebrated throughout the USA. They are: New Year’s Day (January 1), Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12), Washington’s Birthday (February 22), Independence Day (July 4), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), Christmas (December 25). Here are a few words about them.
On New Year’s Day people see the old year off and the New Year in. Most people stay up all night, even children. At midnight many people go outside and shout «Happy New Year»! Some people set off fireworks and blow automobile horns which are heard everywhere. Everybody exchanges presents and good wishes. Offices, factories, banks and stores do not work on this day.
Lincoln’s birthday is celebrated every year on February 12. Abraham Lincoln was President during the Civil War (1861-1865) He led the fight to keep the nation together and to free the slaves. His life ended tragically. He was killed at the theatre during the performance soon after the victory of the North. In honour of this great man a beautiful memorial has been built in Washington, D.C. Lincoln’s birthday is celebrated every year on February 12.
Washington’s birthday is marked on February 22. George Washington led the American Army to victory in the War for Independence. Later he was elected President of the United States and was in office for 8 years (1789-1797). The national capital of the United States, a state and several towns are named after George Washington.
One of the greatest holidays is Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. It proclaimed independence of the thirteen British colonies from Great Britain. July 4 has become the greatest holiday since. In the past this day was marked with big parades and fireworks, but now it is celebrated more quietly. Cities and towns are decorated with flags on that day, there are parades in some places, but most people just go on picnics to the countryside.
Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September. On this day workers make a public show with marches, meetings, etc. It also marks the beginning of the school year and the end of summer.
Thanksgiving Day is marked on the fourth Thursday of November. On this day the Americans honour the memory of the first settlers. It also marks the end of the harvest season. It is a long-standing tradition to make a festive meal with a fried turkey on this day.
Christmas is a religious holiday which symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ. By this day people decorate fir trees with toys and candies. Children wait for Santa Claus who comes to every house and brings them presents. Before going to bed, children leave their shoes to find in them what they want most of all the next morning. Some people, especially young people, like to celebrate it in restaurants and cafes and pubs, but most people prefer to stay at home with their family on this day.
Topical Vocabulary
Answer the questions:
- Why is the number of holidays different in different states?
- What kind of holiday is New Year’s Day?
- Birthdays of what political figures are national holidays?
- What is Independence Day?
- What is Thanksgiving Day?
- What kind of holiday is Christmas?
Translate into English:
- Люди разных национальностей принесли с собой свои национальные праздники.
- Общенациональные (national) праздники справляются на всей территории США.
- Во время общенациональных праздников все банки, офисы и магазины не работают.
- Новый год - это праздник, когда люди провожают старый год и встречают новый; они обмениваются подарками и пожеланиями.
- Несколько общенациональных праздников - это дни рождения политических деятелей США.
- Вашингтон возглавлял американскую армию в войне за независимость. После победы он был избран президентом США.
- Линкольн был президентом США, был у власти во время гражданской войны и возглавлял борьбу за освобождение рабов.
- День независимости отмечается в честь подписания (signing) Декларации независимости.
- Большинство праздников отмечается парадами и фейерверками, многие устраивают праздничные обеды и отправляются на пикники за город.
- В День Благодарения американцы чтят память первых поселенцев.
- Рождество символизирует рождение Иисуса Христа.
Посмотреть ответы
2. National holidays are celebrated throughout the United States.
3. During national holidays all banks, offices and stores do not work.
4. New Year’s Day is a holiday when people see the old year off and the New Year in; they exchange presents and good wishes.
5. Several national holidays are birthdays of political figures of the USA.
6. Washington headed the American Army in the War for Independence. After the victory he was elected president of the USA.
7. Lincoln was president of the USA during the Civil War, he led the struggle to free the slaves.
8. Independence Day is celebrated to honour the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
9. Most holidays are marked with parades and fireworks; many people make a festive meal and go on picnics to the countryside.
10. On Thanksgiving Day Americans honour the memory of the first settlers.
11. Christmas symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ.