UNIT7

Holidays and Traditions

1 Read the newspaper ad for an event. Check true or false.

I It re's just -.omt· of\\ hat � ou 'II t·njo}:

begirnti11g at ,:(Hl. u th(' coursl· di1111cr plc1111wd and
prepared b, \\'orld lanwu, d1l'f l'il'tTL' R.i, naud
• !in· dinner music performed b\ pim11st (hear I krn1.in
• al 9:00. a I\\ o hum co1H ert '>l,11Ti11g tile :-;.i-;,iL·-.. 011c of the holte.,l ne\\ hands in the cit,
• at I J .fHJ. popular hits ,111d ;ill ,0111 rc1,ori1t· dann· ..,ongs pla>ed hy DI "Haging" Hobin
Coll111'> from radio sl ,1lloll \ \ l{OC
• huts and horns pa..,,cd oul ;ti I l: l() Tickets must be purchased in advance.
• ;1 counlthl\\ 1110 1111d11ighl h> I >i "H,q.:_111g" Robin Go online to buy tickets or get more
• ;1 perfect , iL'\\ uf the 11re,, orks t n er lhl' Ch<1rlton Ri, er information.

true false
1. The ticket includes dinner. D D
2. Oscar Herman is a radio DJ. D D
3. The Sassies will perform until 11 :00. D D
4. You need to bring your own hats and horns to this event. D D
5. You can view the fireworks on a large TV screen. D D

2 Choose an important holiday in your country. Using the ad above as a model, write an ad for a
party that would be in the local newspaper. Include the same type of information as the ad above.

,-
1
--------------------, I
You and your family are incited to the special event organized by none other than CBA.
I I
I Your presence would be an honor for the company. There will be dancing, singing and I
I most of all some delicious wine tasting. I hope these reasons are compelling enough to
I welcome you at our PARTY on January 23 at 18:00.
I
I
I
I

·------------- ------- - - - -'

97
 3 Complete the conversation. Use the words from the box.

get together with it's impossible mobbed takes place reminds me

mobbed
A: Wow, the airport is-- - - - --· Why are there so many people here?
1.
B: It's because it's almost Thanksgiving. It's an important holiday here in the U.S.

A: Really? What's the holiday for?

takes place
B: It started as a harvest celebration. It ____ _ _ _
_ every year on the fourth Thursday of
November. 2.

A: How do you celebrate it?

get together with their families. That's why ______
B: People usually ________ it's impossible _ _ to get around.
3. 4.
Oh, and the food is great! This holiday is about families ...and eating!

A: It _reminds
______me of one of our traditional holidays.
5.

4 WHAT ABOUT YOlJ Complete the conversation in your own way.

Visitor: Tell me about a holiday that you celebrate in your country.
� Well, one holiday is ________
Agust 6
Visitor: What kind of holiday is it?
� It's a(n) ________
historical Agust
holiday that takes place in ________
Visitor: How do you celebrate it?
� Well, in my family we usually _____________________
see the parades _

Visitor: That sounds great!

5 Complete each sentence with historical, religious, or seasonal.

seasonal
1. A ________ holiday is a celebration of a particular time of year.
2. On historical holidays, people celebrate something that happened in the past.
seasonal _ _ _ holiday.
3. A harvest festival is an example of a _____
religious
4. A ________ holiday is related to people's beliefs.

98 UNIT 7
6 Match each word with the correct definition. Use the words from the box.

a card a costume the dead

fireworks a gift a parade
a picnic pray wish each other well

1. a gift something that you give someone, especially to thank him or her, or on
a special occasion
2. a parade a public celebration when musical bands, brightly decorated vehicles, etc.,
move down the street
3. a costume clothes worn by someone to make him or her look like a different person,
an animal, etc.
4. pray to speak to God or gods in order to ask for help or give thanks
5. fireworks colorful explosives that people burn when celebrating a special day
6. the dead people who have died
7. a picnic a meal that is prepared at home and then taken outside to be eaten
8. a card a written greeting, often with a picture on the front, that you send to
people on special occasions
9. wish each other well to say that you hope someone will have good luck, a happy life, etc.

7 Circle the word(s) that correctly completes the sentence. In some sentences, both choices
are correct.
1. Anyone who I that tries this dessert loves it.
2. The parties that I who take place on New Year's Eve are always so much fun.
3. The New Fire Ceremony was an Ancient Aztec celebration that it I that was celebrated every 52 years.
4. An emcee, or master of ceremonies, is a person who I he acts as the host at a formal occasion.
5. The flowers that I who arrived yesterday were absolutely gorgeous.
6. A host is someone that I who invites a person to his or her home.

8 Write the adjective clause that correctly completes each sentence. Use the clauses in the box.

that is celebrated in Latin America who enjoy being outside

who is invited to someone's home that are celebrated with the whole family
that come by e-mail who talked about David

who enjoy being outside

1. This is a great holiday for people _________________ _ _ _____
2. I love holidays---- - - ----
that are celebrated - - family
with the whole --------- - - -----
3. It's a holiday _______________________________
that is celebrated in Latin America _
4. A person _____________________________
who is invited to someone’s home is called a guest.
5. I'm surprised by the number of greeting cards ___________________
that come by e-mail _
6. She's the woman--------------------------------
who talked about David

Holidays and Traditions 99

 2
9 Complete the conversation. Circle the best response to each question or statement.

Mitch: Do you mind if I ask you something?

Vanessa: Yes, of course. I Of course not.
Mitch: I'm not sure about the appropriate behavior here. When you go to someone's house for
dinner, what should you bring?
|
Vanessa: You should bring a small gift. I You should bring the host.
Mitch: Definitely. I Thanks. It's a good thing I asked.

Gift-giving Etiquette
• In Japan, China, and Vietnam, it is not customary to open a gift in front of
person who gave it to you. The gift is set aside and opened later in private
• In Russia, gifts for children are usually opened in private, while gifts for
adults are usually opened in the presence of others.
• In Germany, you should avoid giving large or expensive gifts in private.
The larger the gift, the more public the gift-giving should be.

10 Read each sentence. If the relative pronoun can be omitted, cross it out. If it can't be omitted, circle it.
1. The dress that I wore to the party is in my closet.
2 . Anyone wh& travels on that holiday should plan for delays.
3. The woman that you were talking with is a professional party planner.
4. The couple whom we saw at the movies last night used to live in our building.
5. Ella is someone who always makes people feel good about themselves.
6. On Valentine's Day I think about the people that I love.
7. It's great to meet someone who goes out of his way to help you.
8. What should a person who's invited to dinner take?

11 Combine the two sentences into one, using the relative pronoun in parentheses. Omit the
relative pronoun where possible.
1. The holiday takes place in July. I told you about the holiday. (that)
TJ.,e J.ioliday (tJ.,at) I told yov abovttakes: place i11 Jvly.
2. The person should bring flowers. The person comes for dinner. (who)
The person who comes for dinner should bring flowers.

3. Hanbok is a dress. Women in Korea wear itfor Chuseok. (that)

Hanbok is a dress that women in Korea wear for Chuseok.

4. People enjoy Halloween. People like wearing costumes. (who)

People who like wearing costumes enjoy Halloween.

5. The celebrations are a lot of fun. The celebrations take place during Mardi Gras. (that)
The celebrations that take place during Mardi Gras are a lot of fun.

100 UNIT 7
 6. The food was amazing. I ate the food during Eid al-Adha. (that)
The food that I ate during Eid al-Adha was amazing.

7. The friend went to Thailand for his vacation. I told you about the friend. (whom)
The friend whom I told you about went to Thailand for his vacation.

8. My friends spent New Year's Eve with me. They came from Germany. (who)
My friends who came from Germany spent New Year’s Eve with me.

12 Correct the error in the adjective clause in each sentence.

1. The package who we received came from Hong Kong. The package who that we received came from Hong Kong.

2. We really liked the restaurant the book recommended it. We really liked the restaurant the book recommended it.
Children’s Day is a holiday that is celebrated in many countries.
3. Children's Day is a holiday is celebrated in many countries.
4. That holiday is fun for anyone whom loves to celebrate. That holiday is fun for anyone whom who loves to celebrate.
5. The costumes that Carnaval dancers wear them are gorgeous.
The costumes that Carnaval dancers wear them are gorgeous.

3
13 Read the article Holidays Around the World on page 80 in the Student's Book again. Answer the
...5;:!S�:s:.- questions.
c:�&�IS� 1. When is Ramadan celebrated?
Ramadan is celebrated on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, for one month.
2. Why do Muslims celebrate Ramadan?
Ramadan marks the time when Muhammad received the word of God through the Koran.

3. When is the Chinese New Year celebration?

Chinese New Year celebration usually takes place in February and lasts 15 days.

4. How do people prepare for the Chinese New Year?

They clean their homes, decorate the doors, have a meal, and set off fireworks.

5. Which two countries celebrate Simon Bolivar's birthday on July 24th?

Venezuela and Ecuador

6. Why is Simon Bolivar called "the Liberator"?

He led his army in the fight for independence from Spain, which helped liberate Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia,
Ecuador, Peru, and Panama.

Holidays and Traditions 101

 14 Read about how one holiday is celebrated in different countries. Then answer the questions.

ln 19:-4. The United :Nations General Assembly suggested that al: countrie� szt aside 21
speo.�d day for children. The idea behind Children's Day w(;,S to encoura�e all natJcns
to focus on the needs. rights. and well-being c,£" children ev2ryv.11czre. Smee then. and m
some pl.aces even before then, Children's Day has been celebrated Jn many countries. on
different dcJys, and m different ways.

UH\ii
Children's Day in Japan used to be celebrated separately for girls
(on March 3) and for boys (on May 5), but today it's a holiday for
all children on May 5. On Children·s Day, families with boys often
hang carp decorations, since a carp is a fish that symbolizes
strength and success. They also display figures that look like
warriors. or fighters. People eat rice cakes filled with bean paste
and covered with leaves. There are many sporting and art events
for children all over Japan on that day.

13,hii •@If+
Celebrated on May 5, Children's Day is a national Jawaharlal Nehru. the first prime minister of India,
holiday in Korea. Many parents don't work and spend deeply loved children. His birthday. November 14.
the day with their children. Families often visit parks, became Children·s Day 1n India. Schools celebrate by
zoos, and movie theaters because they're free for having cultural programs and handing out treats and
children on this day. Parents traditionally give their snacks. There are competitions and games of all kinds.
children gifts and money.

l®Hi
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. established
April 23 as Children's Day in this country People enjoy festivals and
performances by children. Children replace the president, prime
minister, members of the Grand National Assembly, and other officials
for one day. They address children·s and educational issues.

ffi::Hf
Lotu-Tamiat1. or Children's Day. is celebrated in Samoa on White Sunday. the second Sunday in October. It is both a
religious and national holiday in Samoa. Children dress all in white and parade in line from tallest to shortest into
church. They perf orm songs and religious plays and dance for their parents and relatives. Then they return home for a
celebration meal. They are honored by their parents by being served first and receiving gifts.

1. In which two countries do children receive gifts on Children's Day?

Korea and Samoa

2. In which country was Children's Day traditionally celebrated separately for boys and girls?
Japan
3. In which country do children participate in government on Children's Day?
Turkey

102 UNIT 7
 4. In which two countries was Children's Day started by a famous political leader?
Turkey and India
5. In which two countries is Children's Day celebrated on the same date?
Korea and Japan

6. In which country is Children's Day both a seasonal holiday and a religious holiday?
Samoa

15 � i\T; v Write a paragraph about your favorite holiday. When is it? How do you
celebrate it in your family? What traditions (such as special foods or clothing) are part of this
holiday? Is it religious, seasonal, or historical?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. The date is the 24 th of December. The weather

is usually cold. On that day, I am usually with my family at my house. A typical food
for the holiday is fish and potato salad, cabbage soup, fish, and mushroom soup. I like
this holiday because my family is together and we don’t have to worry about anything,
just enjoying the holiday and trying to make others happy

www.irLanguage.com

16 Put the events below in the order in which they normally occur.
1 an engagement
3 a reception
4 a honeymoon
2 a wedding

17 Complete each sentence with the correct word(s) from the box.

bride ceremony engagement got engaged groom

honeymoon newlyweds reception wedding

got engaged
Neil and Carrie dated for three years before they ____ _ . They were both so excited, and they
engagement_immediately.They wanted everyone to know they were going to get
announced their_
2.
married!
wedding
Today is the ceremony __ which will have two parts. First is the _ ____ which is the formal
3. 4.
reception
service that will make them legally married. Then comes the real celebration: At the------
5.
everyone will eat and dance for hours.

Holidays and Traditions 103

 Right now Carrie, the _ bride
______ is putting on her dress. She is so excited! Neil, the
6.
groom _ is pretty excited, too, but he's also really nervous.
7.
newlyweds
Tomorrow morning the __ honeymoon
_____ are going to Tahiti for a seven-day-------· After all
8. 9.
the stress and excitement of the wedding, they'll need a vacation!

·111e word liL)llL')'lllL'\)ll L'L)llles lrL)ltl .111 L1ld ln:,;h l1,1d1tio11. NewlywL·ds drank wine
nude !1\_1111 hL1lh.'Y IL11' till' first 1111..111tll (,1r lll(X'll) atkr lx:in,'l, 111,1rricd. They believed
that by ,foing this, they WL'tlid h,m..· a s,111 within the first year of marria:�c.

18 Read the article. Then circle the letter of the word or phrase that best completes each sentence.

In many ancient cultures, the circle is a

A
symbol of eternity. The wedding ring has
t weddings in many parts of the
come to symbolize endless
world, brides and grooms gi\'e one
love ,rnd commitment.
another wedding rings. These rings
remind them of the commitment they made to Wedding rings hm·e almost
one another when they got married. They arc always been worn on the
also a sign to others that they are ma rricd. fourth finger, but the hand
it's worn on depends on
No one kno\.\'S for sure how this tradition
where you liYe. In some
startcd, but there is cv idcnce that it began
cultures, people 1,vear their
long c1go, in ancient Egypt. Coins at that time
rings on the left hand, and
had a hole in the center. J\n Egyptian groom
in others, thev vvear them

B
used to place a coin on his bride's finger to
on tl1eng1.
·' 1 t , �
show that he would take care of her.

mr«KL4-1'..AA.9,.!(B.-t-t:U:ciL��i,(,��;:c-t«-.:C.Jf«"[-t«'"[..{'��i.(_;{:'Jl«3..-tM:.Jt«;t.,�..
1. Rings are traditionally given __ ,
a. only in Egypt b. during weddings c. just to brides
2. Ancient Egyptian grooms gave their brides--·
a. money to buy a ring b. money shaped like a ring c. a ring for every finger
3. A wedding ring is a symbol of __ .
a. a circle b. eternity c. love without end
4. Most people wear their wedding rings __.
a. on both hands b. on the fourth finger c. only on the left hand

104 UNIT?
GRAMMAR BOOSTER

A Read each sentence. If the sentence is correct, write�- If the sentence is incorrect, write 1 and correct it.
Babootie is a traditional food from South Africa who that is originally from Malaysia.
1. Babootie is a traditional food from South Africa who is originally from Malaysia. _I _
2. Japan is a country that has a lot of festivals. __
C
The most expensive trip I took was the one that it went to Antarctica.
3. The most expensive trip I took was the one that it went to Antarctica. __
I

My best friend is a woman that who lives in Brazil.

I
4. My best friend is a woman that lives in Brazil. __
C
5. The Grand Hotel is a seaside hotel that everyone likes. __

B Rewrite each item as one sentence with a reciprocal pronoun.

1. Adam sees Barb and Linus every day. Barb sees Linus every day, too.
AdaYYJ, /3arb and LinvS" s-ee one anotl,er every day.

2. Ms. Heidie waved at Ms. Cook and Ms. Cook waved back at her.
Ms. Heidle and Ms. Cook waved at each one another.

3. Gerry meets Trish for lunch every day.

Gerry and Trish meet each one another for lunch every day.

4. James, Barb, and Jessie were lost. All of them tried to find the others.
James, Barb, and Jessie were lost and tried to find each other/one another.

5. The employees in my office buy gifts for the other people in the office.
The employees in my office buy gifts for each other/one another.

C Choose the phrase that correctly completes each sentence.

1. Don't talk to--·
C
a. you b. herself C. yourself
2. Did he hurt _B _
?
a. herself b. himself C. each other
3. You should be really proud of_ . A
a. her b. herself C. you
4. She's feeling really sorry for __
C right now.
a. one another b. myself C. herself
5. I think he should believe in __ B more.
a. myself b. himself C. each other
C
6. They always see on weekends.
a. themselves b. they C. one another

Holidays and Traditions 105

 D Complete each sentence with a phrase from the box.

by herself by himself by ourselves by themselves by yourself each other

1. Nobody went with Kate to the movies. She decided to go _by herself
_ ___
by yourself You need a partner.
2. You can't dance the tango------·

3. Young children often want to do things by themselves

, even if it's difficult for them.
4. The players wished each other good luck before the game.
by himself_
5. Mrs. Jackson often works very late, so her husband eats dinner _____
by ourselves
6. We decided to do the work ____ _
_ instead of paying someone to do it.

E Circle who or whorn. and complete the sentences in your own way.
1. Mr>. Reilly is my neighbor who\/ whom moved in three years ago.
2. People who I whom talk a lot can be very _______
chatterbox _
3. My friend who I whom lives in _______ _ is a really _ good
Italy ______ person.
4. The people who I whom I met when I was in ________
Miami gentle. _ _ _ _
were really ___ _
He
5. ________ is a family friend who I whom I have known for a long time.
6. My friend _____ is someone who I whom I talk to almost every day.
Javier _ _ _

WRITING BOOSTER

A Read the sentences. Write the underlined words in the correct column in the chart. Think of other
words and add them to the chart.
1. The traditional sweet and salty candy felt so good on my tongue that I closed my eyes in happiness.
2. My ears were filled with the sweet sound of children laughing.

3. The fragrant odor perfumed the air.

4. The women looked like a rainbow in their many-colored traditional robes.

5. The food was very .mk.x and rich, and I was reminded of the flavors of Morocco.
6. The banging of the drums in the parade made a sound as loud as thunder.

Sight Sound Taste Smell

looked, like a rainbow,

ears, sweet sound, >1,veet fragrant, odor,
laughing, banging,
many-colored salty, tongue, perfumed
sound,
spicy, rich, flavors
as loud as thunder

106 UNIT 7
B A simile is a way of describing something by comparing it to something else. Think about your
happiest holiday as a child. Then complete the similes below with your own information.
Examples: On Children's Day, I was as happy as a clown. The food was so good I ate like a horse.
1. On_ ____, I was ... 2. On that day, ... I_____ _
as happy as ______ like a------· I_ _ _ _ _
_
as excited as ______ like a____ _
_ _ __ __
like _____ _

C Look at the photographs. Write a sentence with interesting details about the sounds, sights,
smells, and tastes.

"i

Songkran celebrations-Thailand Independence Day barbeque-Canada

Sight: _ ___________ Smell:_______ _ _______

Sound: _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ Taste:_ _ ___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
__

Carnaval parade-Brazil Thanksgiving dinner-United States

Sight: _ _____
_ Smell:_____ _ _ _ _ ______

Sound: _ _ _ ___________ _ Taste: ____________ _ _ _

_

D Choose one photograph from exercise C. On a separate sheet of paper, write a paragraph describing
the event. Use interesting details to describe what things look like, smell like, sound like, or taste like.

Holidays and Traditions 107