Thanksgiving and Christmas: Holiday Traditions

Thanksgiving and Christmas:
Holiday Traditions

I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises

Level:	Topic:	Type:	Speakers:	Length:
medium	holidays	interview	man and interviewees	01:32

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day are some of the major holidays in the United States. From what you understand, how are these holidays celebrated (food, family activities, local celebrations, games and recreation, etc.)?

HELPFUL TIP: Many countries have a day of thanksgiving, and learning about this holiday and respecting the traditions associated with it can mean a lot to the people of that country. Search the Internet to see how this day is celebrated in different countries.

turkey

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

Listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play Audio" button and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.

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1. Where does this news program take place?
A. at a shopping center
B. at a local school
C. in a city market place

2. How does the young girl, Elizabeth, celebrate this holiday with her family?
A. They go out to eat at a restaurant.
B. They visit close relatives.
C. They go to see a movie.

3. What does Johnny and his family eat on this day?
A. turkey
B. ham
C. chicken

4. What sentence best describes Steven's feelings about Christmas?
A. It's a time when people exchange gifts with friends, family, and teachers.
B. It's a holiday when friends give gifts during an elaborate dinner.
C. It's a day when people think of others without waiting for a gift in return.

5. The final young woman says that the best thing about Christmas is:
A. receiving presents from classmates.
B. having a vacation from school
C. sleeping late every day

Score =
Correct answers:

Listen to the conversation again as you read the Quiz Script.

III. Vocabulary Activities [Top]

Review the key vocabulary from the conversation: [ Why do these? ]

III. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

Imagine an international exchange student is coming to live with you for a year. What are the three most important holidays in your country that he or she should be aware of in preparing to understand your traditions. Explain how this holiday is celebrated, its meaning and significance, and what activities are held on that day. Which holiday do you enjoy the most?

Now, write your opinions on a similar topic at Randall's ESL Blog HERE.

VIDEO SNAPSHOT [ ? ]

IDIOMS!

"see eye to eye" = agree on this, have the same opinion

"Even though we come from different countries, we see eye to eye on many different issues."

"stick out like a sore thumb" = very visible because something is different

"If we don't follow the traditions, language, and body language of the culture, our actions might stick out like a sore thumb."

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