What questions can you ask a British teenager about good manners in their country?

- Should I hug or shake hands when I say hello?

- What should I bring as a present when being entertained at someone's home?

- Should I greet people with a kiss?

- How many times a day do you usually saythank you?

Which holiday celebration in Belarus will you recommend your British friend?

When people come from other countries they usually look for something special and traditional in this country. So I think it would be a good idea to recommend them to take part in Kalyady celebrations in winter and Kupalle celebrations – in summer.

Kupalle is the most loved and celebrated pagan holiday in Belarus. Kupalle is celebrated in the night from the 6th of July to the 7th of July. In ancient times young girls used to go into the meadows to collect plants and herbs.

The central part of Kupalle celebration is a fire, which symbolizes life. People jump over the fire, bath in the river, roll in the grass dew. They dance in karagods, compet in strength and look for a blossoming fern flower – “paparats kvetka”.

5. Do you think it is important to follow our grandparents`traditions? Why?

Belarusian national culture is rooted in old antiquity. Belarusian nation has stored tremendous spiritual treasures that reflect the versatility (многосторонность) of its intellectual, moral, aesthetical and other being. Belarusian culture has always maintained its national traditions, at the same time remaining an integral part of the world cultural heritage.

So we are responsible for this heritage and shouldn’t repeat the mistakes of those generations that destroyed our national treasures and forgot our history.

№16

1. Now let`s talk about customs and traditions of an English-speaking country. What can you tell me about your favourite holiday in Britain?

2. Do you find some British holidays and traditions special? Why (not)?

3. What questions can you ask a British teenager about his/her birthday celebration?

4. What national souvenirs will you recommend me to buy in Britain?

5. Nowadays more and more people are getting interested in customs and traditions of different countries. What do you think about it?

1. Now let`s talk about customs and traditions of an English-speaking country. What can you tell me about your favourite holiday in Britain?

As for me, one of the most interesting holidays in Britain is Easter. Like in our country, it is celebrated each spring. On this holiday, we remember the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many people go to church on Easter Sunday.

Easter day is also associated with special food. The two important cakes at Easter are the Simnel Cake and Hot Cross Buns.

Boiled eggs are traditionally served at breakfast, then Easter cards and gifts may be exchanged.

Children dye Easter eggs and have Easter egg hunts. Small chocolate eggs are hidden for the children to find on the traditional Easter Egg Hunt.

The night before Easter Sunday, children set out their Easter baskets. They hope the Easter bunny will fill them with jellybeans, candy, and toys.

Do you find some British holidays and traditions special? Why (not)?

Though there are only six public holidays a year in Great Britain, the days on which people need not go to work. They are: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Spring Bank Holiday and Late Summer Bank Holiday.

Besides public holidays, there are other holidays, anniversaries and simply days off, for example Pancake Day and Bonfire Night, on which certain traditions are observed, but unless they fall on a Sunday, they are ordinary working days.

Every year on the 5th of November Bonfire night is celebrated all over the UK. It goes back to the discovery of the so-called Gunpowder Plot. The event is commemorated by fireworks and burning “guys” on bonfires.

Traditionally, 41 days before Easter Sunday is a special day for Christians, called Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday. It is the day before Lent starts. On Pancake Day people used to celebrate the last day before Easter when they could eat what they wanted. All over England there were pancake races on or near Shrove Tuesday. The tradition is still around today. The rules of pancake races are different in different places, but each participant, usually a woman, has to wear an apron and a hat or a scarf.

What questions can you ask a British teenager about his/her birthday celebration?

Birthdays are always happy events for all children and teens. And of course it’s interesting to know about these celebrations in Britain. So the questions may be:

- Where do you like to celebrate your birthday party?

- Do you prefer to invite your friends and relatives together?

- What presents do you usually get for your birthday?

What national souvenirs will you recommend me to buy in Britain?

Typical English presents (souvenirs) to take back home are rather various.

Common themes depicted on many English souvenirs include The Royal Family, Policemen, Royal Guards, London Transport, Union Flag and famous London buildings.

You can buy thimbles (напёрстки), bells, T-shirts, soft toys, models, magnets, pens and pencils, mouse mats, caps, pin badges, post boxes, aprons and much more.

Nowadays more and more people are getting interested in customs and traditions of different countries. What do you think about it?

So many countries so many customs, an English proverb says. The combination of the words tradition & custom means a usual manner of doing something, of conduct passed on from generation to generation.

By comparing the customs and cultures of people from other countries, we can learn how others view the world and why they think the way they do. By understanding others, we can not only form deeper friendships with others but can also learn more about ourselves and our own culture.

№ 17.

1. Let’s talk about modern means of communication. How do people communicate today?

2. Is there any means of communication you can’t live without? Why (not)?

3. What questions will you ask people who live without a TV set, computer or radio?

4. I’d like to watch an interesting programme on TV. What can you advise me?

5. Many people say that newspapers and radio are not as popular as TV and very soon they will lose their importance. What is your point of view?