Holidays

– I say, Maggie, could you tell us what are the main public holidays in the USA?

– January 1 should be mentioned. It is New Year's Day. All banks, stores, factories and schools are closed. People see the old year out and the New Year in. They go to bed after midnight. New Year's Day is celebrated throughout the country.

– I hear that Decoration Day is marked on the last Monday of May. What is it dedicated to?

– Decoration Day is sometimes called Memorial Day. It is dedicated to those who fell in the War of Independence, in World War I and World War II.

– I see. The greatest holiday is July 4, isn't it?

– Yes, it is. The Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776 when the American colonies were fighting for independence against England. July 4 has become the greatest holiday since.

– What do the Americans mark on November II?

– November II is Veterans Day. All Americans who died in the antifascist struggle are honored.

– It is so difficult for me to remember when Thanksgiving Day is celebrated.

– That is a great holiday. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It has been celebrated since the autumn of 1621 that was the first harvest festival in America.

– You want to say that the Pilgrim Fathers celebrated the first harvest festival in America.

– That's exactly what I mean to say.

– Don't you think that Christmas is a great holiday?

– Christmas is a religious holiday. It is always celebrated on December 25. Schools and colleges are closed between Christmas and New Year's Day. It is customary to stay at home and spend time with one's families.

– Thank you for the information.

22. Answer the following questions:

1) What do the holidays reflect?

2) When do Americans celebrate Christmas?

3) Is 1^st of January widely celebrated?

4) What is the most important holiday in USA?

5) What are the holidays when people stay off work?

6) What is and where is Plymouth Rock?

7) What's children most favourite holiday?

Make up a monologue about holidays in the USA

ЛИТЕРАТУРА

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4. Бонк Н.А., Памухина Л.Г., Лукьянова Н.А. Учебник английского языка. В 2-х ч. Часть 2. – Переиздание. – М.: «Деконт+» – «ГИС», 2003.

5. Ханникова Л.Н. Spoken English: интенсивный курс английской разговорной речи. Москва: «Соваминко», 1991.

6. Цветкова И.В., Клепальченко И.А., Мыльцева Н.А. Английский язык для школьников и поступающих в вузы. Москва: «ГЛОССА», 1997.

7. Каверина В., Бойко В., Жидких Н. Сто тем английского устного. Москва: ЗАО «БАО-ПРЕСС», 2000.

Кравченко Т.И.

Горденко Н.В.