Traditions
учебно-методический материал по английскому языку (6, 7 класс) на тему

Read the text and do the tasks below.

Traditions

          What is a tradition? I think traditions are a way of defining who people are, that’s why it is very important that traditions do survive in the country. Take Great Britain, for instance. It is a unique country because it has a link with quite ancient traditions.

          Besides, traditions are an essential part of our culture because they join different generations together and pass down different beliefs, practices and customs from the past to the present.

          Russia is a country of great culture and lots of old traditions have survived up to the present day. For example, Russian people traditionally mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring by burning straw scarecrows of winter on bonfires and eating pancakes with honey, caviar or sour-cream. This longstanding tradition is still alive in many places in Russia.

          There are a lot of traditions in my family, for example celebrating birthdays, holidays, and traditional wedding ceremonies. They help to keep the family together and they make our life more interesting. The family meal is another tradition that we try to keep up in our family. In my opinion, family meals reflect the country’s culture and traditions. Besides, it’s a good chance for parents and children to talk. We usually gather together in the evening and tell each other what has happened during the day. And I always feel the love and support of my family. I think it’s very important.

          There are some Russian traditions that make me especially proud because they are unique and make us feel a little bit different from other nationalities. For example, a guest in Russia is always welcomed with the symbol of life-giving food bread and salt. Another tradition that makes me feel proud is Russian wedding ceremony, which is quite different from what people are used to in different countries. For example, only in Russia the groom has to pay a ransom so as to get the bride. Everything is played out as a joke and both sides are mostly competing in the sense of humour.

1. Find in the text the English equivalents of the following phrases.

1) связь с древними традициями

2) важная часть нашей культуры

3) объединяют разные поколения

4) соломенное чучело

5) блины с медом, икрой и сметаной

6) давняя традиция

7) любовь и поддержка семьи

8) уникальный

9) платить выкуп

10) соревнуются в чувстве юмора

2. Mark the sentences as true or false.

1) Russia is a country of great culture and lots of old traditions have survived up to the present day.

2) The tradition of burning straw scarecrows of winter on bonfires is not very popular nowadays.

3) Family traditions and holidays help to keep a family together.

4) A guest in Russia is always welcomed with pancakes and honey.

3. Answer the questions.

1) Why is Great Britain a unique country?

2) Why are traditions an essential part of our culture?

3) How do Russian people mark the end of winter?

4) What Russian traditions are different from other nationalities?