אוסף אמין שנבנה מתוך ניסיון כיתתי עשיר על ידי שני מורים פעילים בהוראת אנגלית.

זה עובד. זה בדוק. פשוט, קל ובחינם.

מדריך קצר לדרך קלה לומדים בכיף לטירונים ולגיבורים שבדרך פטפוטון רגעי כיף בדרך לקריירה בחינות Teachers
Vocabulary lesson plan & materials

Customs & Traditions

Part 2. Explore customs, celebrations, festivals, cultural habits and traditions through reading, video comprehension, discussion and writing.

  • Present Simple
  • Present Progressive
  • Past Simple
  • can
  • would
  • might
  • Reading
  • Speaking
  • Writing

Active Vocabulary

1. customs
2. culture
3. shake
4. tradition
5. holidays
6. special
7. celebrate
8. meals
9. clothes
10. decorate
11. wear
12. festivals
13. music
14. popular
15. superstitions
16. important
17. rituals
18. follow
19. appreciate
20. diversity

Readings

Customs and Traditions

B1–B2

Customs and traditions are things that people do in their culture or society. They can be different from one country to another. For example, in some countries, people bow when they meet each other, while in others they shake hands.

One common tradition is celebrating holidays. Many countries have their own special days to celebrate, such as Christmas, New Year’s Day or Independence Day. People often have special meals, wear special clothes or decorate their homes for these holidays.

Another tradition is weddings. In many cultures, weddings are a big celebration with family and friends. The bride and groom usually wear special clothes, and there are often traditional customs such as exchanging rings or throwing rice.

Festivals are also important traditions in many countries. Festivals can be religious or cultural and are often celebrated with music, dance and food. Some well-known festivals include Diwali in India, Carnival in Brazil and Oktoberfest in Germany.

Finally, there are superstitions that people believe in. Superstitions are beliefs that certain actions or objects can bring good or bad luck. For example, in some cultures, people believe that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck, while others believe that carrying a rabbit’s foot can bring good luck.

In conclusion, customs and traditions are an important part of many cultures and societies. They can be celebrations, rituals or beliefs that people follow. Understanding and respecting these traditions can help us appreciate the diversity of our world.

Task 1 — Fill in the Blanks

Complete the passage with words from the original text.

customsculturebowshaketraditionholidaysspecialcelebratemealsclothesdecoratewearfestivalsreligiousmusicpopularsuperstitionsimportantritualsfollowappreciatediversity

_____(1) and traditions are things that people do in their _____(2) or society. In some countries, people _____(3) when they meet each other, while in others they _____(4) hands.

One common _____(5) is celebrating _____(6). Many countries have their own _____(7) days to _____(8). People often have special _____(9), wear special _____(10), or _____(11) their homes.

The bride and groom usually _____(12) special clothes and there are often traditional _____(13). _____(14) are also important traditions. Festivals can be _____(15) or cultural and are often celebrated with _____(16), dance and food. Some _____(17) festivals include Diwali, Carnival and Oktoberfest.

There are also _____(18) that people believe in. Customs and traditions are an _____(19) part of many cultures and societies. They can be celebrations, _____(20), or beliefs that people _____(21). Understanding them can help us _____(22) the _____(23) of our world.

Answers

1 customs · 2 culture · 3 bow · 4 shake · 5 tradition · 6 holidays · 7 special · 8 celebrate · 9 meals · 10 clothes · 11 decorate · 12 wear · 13 customs · 14 festivals · 15 religious · 16 music · 17 popular · 18 superstitions · 19 important · 20 rituals · 21 follow · 22 appreciate · 23 diversity

Task 2 — Choose the Correct Answer

Select one answer for each question.

  1. What are customs and traditions?
    • AThings people do in their culture or society
    • BThings people do only at home
    • CThings people do only at school
    • DThings people do only at work
  2. How can customs and traditions differ?
    • AThey are the same everywhere.
    • BThey can differ from one country to another.
    • CThey differ only within one country.
    • DThey differ only within one society.
  3. What is one example mentioned in the text?
    • ABowing when meeting someone
    • BKissing everyone
    • CHugging everyone
    • DWaving at everyone
  4. What is one common tradition?
    • ACelebrating holidays
    • BCelebrating every birthday publicly
    • CCelebrating every wedding
    • DCelebrating every anniversary
  5. What do people often do for holidays?
    • AHave special meals, wear special clothes or decorate their homes
    • BHave regular meals and decorate workplaces
    • CWear only regular clothes
    • DDo nothing special
  6. What is common at weddings in many cultures?
    • AA celebration with family and friends
    • BA small event with strangers
    • CNo special clothing
    • DNo traditional customs
  7. What are festivals described as?
    • AImportant traditions in many countries
    • BTraditions in only one country
    • CTraditions in every country
    • DNot traditions
  8. How are festivals often celebrated?
    • AWith music, dance and food
    • BOnly with music
    • COnly with games
    • DOnly with movies
  9. What are superstitions?
    • ABeliefs that actions or objects can bring good or bad luck
    • BRules about food
    • CRules about clothing
    • DTypes of festivals
  10. Why is it useful to understand customs and traditions?
    • AIt can help us appreciate cultural diversity.
    • BIt can help us ignore diversity.
    • CIt can help us criticize other cultures.
    • DIt makes cultures identical.
Answers

1 A · 2 B · 3 A · 4 A · 5 A · 6 A · 7 A · 8 A · 9 A · 10 A

Task 3 — Answer the Questions

Answer in full sentences.

  1. What are customs and traditions?
  2. How can customs and traditions differ from one country to another?
  3. What is a common tradition in many countries, and how do people celebrate it?
  4. What is a wedding, and what traditional customs can be associated with weddings?
  5. What are festivals, and how are they celebrated?
  6. What are superstitions, and why do people believe in them?
  7. Can customs and traditions change over time? Give an example.
  8. Why is it important to understand and respect other cultures’ customs and traditions?
  9. What does “appreciating the diversity of our world” mean?
  10. What is the main message of the text?
Answers
  1. They are things people do in their culture or society.
  2. They can differ in practices such as bowing or shaking hands.
  3. Celebrating holidays is a common tradition; people may have special meals, wear special clothes or decorate their homes.
  4. Weddings are celebrations involving family and friends, often with special clothing and customs such as exchanging rings.
  5. Festivals can be religious or cultural and are often celebrated with music, dance and food.
  6. They are beliefs that certain actions or objects can bring good or bad luck.
  7. Yes. The way holidays are celebrated can change over time.
  8. It helps promote cultural awareness, respect and understanding.
  9. It means recognizing and valuing differences among cultures and societies.
  10. Customs and traditions are important parts of culture, and understanding them can help us appreciate diversity.

Our Family Customs and Traditions

B1–B2

In my family, we have many customs and traditions. One of them is celebrating New Year’s Eve. On the night of December 31st, our family gathers together and has a big feast. We eat special foods such as rice cakes and dumplings. At midnight, we watch fireworks to welcome the new year.

Another tradition is giving red envelopes with money inside to children during Chinese New Year. This is associated with good luck for the year ahead.

We also celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival by eating mooncakes and admiring the full moon.

At weddings in our community, red is an important traditional colour, and people may wear special formal clothing.

We also enjoy dragon and lion dances during festivals. These performances are exciting to watch.

In my family, we have a tradition of making dumplings together on special occasions. We sit around the table, prepare different shapes and fillings, and enjoy the dumplings afterwards.

Customs and traditions are important because they bring us closer together and help us remember our culture and heritage.

Task 2 — True or False

Choose True or False.

1. The family celebrates New Year’s Eve with a big feast.
TrueFalse
2. Rice cakes and dumplings are mentioned as foods eaten at the celebration.
TrueFalse
3. Fireworks are not part of the New Year’s Eve celebration.
TrueFalse
4. Red envelopes with money are given during Christmas.
TrueFalse
5. The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with mooncakes and the full moon.
TrueFalse
6. Red is described as an important traditional colour at weddings in the community.
TrueFalse
7. Dragon and lion dances are not part of festivals.
TrueFalse
8. Making dumplings together is a family tradition.
TrueFalse
9. The writer says customs and traditions are unimportant.
TrueFalse
10. Customs and traditions help the family remember its culture and heritage.
TrueFalse
Answers

1 True · 2 True · 3 False · 4 False · 5 True · 6 True · 7 False · 8 True · 9 False · 10 True

Task 3 — Answer the Questions

Answer in full sentences.

  1. What is one of the family’s customs or traditions?
  2. When does the family gather for New Year’s Eve, and what do they eat?
  3. What happens at midnight on New Year’s Eve?
  4. What is associated with giving red envelopes during Chinese New Year?
  5. How is the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated?
  6. What traditional colour is mentioned in connection with weddings?
  7. What performances are mentioned as part of festivals?
  8. What family tradition involves making food together?
  9. Why does the writer think customs and traditions are important?
Answers
  1. One tradition is celebrating New Year’s Eve together.
  2. They gather on December 31st and eat special foods such as rice cakes and dumplings.
  3. They watch fireworks to welcome the new year.
  4. They are associated with good luck for the year ahead.
  5. By eating mooncakes and admiring the full moon.
  6. Red.
  7. Dragon and lion dances.
  8. Making dumplings together.
  9. They bring the family closer together and help preserve culture and heritage.

Communicative Situations

Sophie: “I’m so interested in learning about American culture. Can you tell me more about it?”

David: “Sure. American culture is a mix of different heritages, traditions and customs.”

Liam: “My family has a time-honoured tradition of making tamales for Christmas.”

Emily: “That’s so cool! I love learning about other people’s traditions.”

Nate: “I want to preserve my family’s cultural values and pass them on to my children.”

Avery: “That’s a great idea. It’s important to keep our cultural heritage alive.”

Jasmine: “I’m excited to attend the cultural exchange program next month.”

Ethan: “Me too! It’s a great opportunity to learn about different cultures.”

Aiden: “My city is a melting pot of different cultures.”

Mia: “That’s amazing! I love how diverse it is.”

Lucas: “I’m trying to blend in with the local culture.”

Sophie: “Don’t worry. Just be yourself. People will appreciate you for who you are.”

Olivia: “I want to honour my ancestors by performing their traditional rituals and ceremonies.”

Noah: “That’s a beautiful way to keep your heritage alive.”

Ava: “Sometimes it takes trial and error to learn about a new culture.”

Landon: “Yeah, but that’s part of the fun of experiencing something new!”

Exploring India

Sophie: Hi, James! I know you came back from India not long ago. How was it?

James: It was amazing, Sophie.

Sophie: That’s great. Did you experience any interesting customs or traditions when you were there?

James: Yes, a lot of them. One that stood out to me was the Holi festival. Do you know anything about it?

Sophie: No, what’s that?

James: It’s a Hindu spring festival, also known as the Festival of Colors. People throw coloured powder and water on each other and dance to celebrate.

Sophie: Wow, that sounds like so much fun!

James: It really was! We also went to a wedding ceremony where there was a baraat — a traditional wedding procession in which the groom may arrive on a decorated horse.

Sophie: Oh wow, that sounds like quite a sight!

James: It definitely was. And then there is Diwali — the Festival of Lights. Streets and homes are decorated with lights, candles and small oil lamps called diyas.

Sophie: So beautiful!

James: Absolutely. There are so many cultures and traditions in India that it’s impossible to see everything on one trip. But I’m definitely planning on going back someday.

Sophie: Make sure to bring me some coloured powder next time!

Task 1 — Fill in the Blanks

Complete the dialogue with words from the original text.

amazingexperiencecustomsfestivalcelebratesoundsceremonyprocessionlightsdiyastraditions

James: It was _____(1), Sophie.

Sophie: Did you _____(2) any interesting _____(3) or traditions?

James: One that stood out was the Holi _____(4). People throw coloured powder and water on each other and dance to _____(5).

Sophie: Wow, that _____(6) like so much fun!

James: We also went to a wedding _____(7), where there was a traditional wedding _____(8). And during Diwali, streets and homes are decorated with _____(9), candles and small oil lamps called _____(10).

There are so many cultures and _____(11) in India.

Answers

1 amazing · 2 experience · 3 customs · 4 festival · 5 celebrate · 6 sounds · 7 ceremony · 8 procession · 9 lights · 10 diyas · 11 traditions

Four Opinions

John

“I think customs and traditions are extremely important. They give us a sense of belonging and help us connect with our heritage. I never miss celebrating Thanksgiving with my family because it brings back childhood memories and reminds me of the values we cherish.”

Emily

“I’m all for creating new customs and traditions. They help us create new memories and bring people together. Last year, my friends and I started a Christmas cookie exchange, and now it is an annual tradition that we all look forward to.”

David

“I honestly don’t know how I feel about this topic. On the one hand, I appreciate the significance of customs and traditions, but on the other hand, sometimes it feels like they restrict us from exploring new things. I guess it depends on the situation and the specific tradition.”

Samantha

“I can’t stand it when people don’t respect other cultures’ customs and traditions. It’s a sign of disrespect and ignorance. For example, my friend went to Japan and refused to take off her shoes in a traditional Japanese house, and it was so embarrassing.”

Facts

Japan

Bowing is a common form of greeting and a way to show respect in Japan. Handshakes may also be used, especially in international or business settings.

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year traditions vary by region and family. Red decorations are common, and the traditional festival period culminates with the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day.

India

Henna, or mehendi, is used in many Indian wedding and festival traditions, especially in some communities and regions.

Australia

Christmas takes place during the Australian summer, and some families celebrate outdoors with barbecues, picnics or trips to the beach.

Mexico

During Día de Muertos, many families honour deceased loved ones, often with decorated altars called ofrendas.

United States

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Family meals commonly include foods such as turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie.

Italy

Many Italian towns and cities celebrate local patron saints with processions, religious observances, music and community festivals.

Germany

Munich’s Oktoberfest is known for its beer tents, food and music, and some visitors wear traditional Bavarian clothing.

Thailand

The wai — palms pressed together with a slight bow — is a common Thai gesture of greeting and respect.

Russia

New Year is widely celebrated with a decorated tree, festive meals and gifts, and is commonly associated with Ded Moroz and Snegurochka.

Video Comprehension

Video 1 — Window on British Festivals

Video Comprehension

Watch the video

  1. What is Guy Fawkes Night and why do British people celebrate it?
  2. How do children make models of Guy Fawkes?
  3. What is Pancake Day and what do people do on this day?
  4. When is St. Valentine’s Day and what do people usually do?
  5. What is Halloween and how is it celebrated in Britain?
  6. What are the two most important festivals mentioned in the video?
  7. What kind of decorations do people put up during Christmas?
  8. What do families usually do on Christmas Day?
  9. What are Christmas crackers and what do they contain?
  10. What is traditional Christmas pudding, and why is a silver coin sometimes put in it?
Answers
  1. It is celebrated on November 5th to remember the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
  2. They make models from old clothes.
  3. It is a day in February when people make, toss and race with pancakes, and eat pancakes.
  4. On February 14th; people send cards to someone they love.
  5. It is a festival associated with ghosts and witches; people have parties and children dress up.
  6. Easter and Christmas.
  7. Christmas trees, lights and ornaments.
  8. They spend time together, exchange presents and have a special meal.
  9. Small paper tubes containing a small gift, a paper hat and a joke.
  10. A dessert made with dried fruit and spices; a silver coin is associated with good luck.

Video 2 — Easter in Britain

Video Comprehension

Watch the video

  1. What kind of Easter presents does Sarah buy for her friends?
  2. How do Sarah and her family celebrate Easter?
  3. Why can’t Sarah eat Easter eggs?
  4. What do people usually do on Good Friday?
  5. What do Sarah and her family do after church on Easter Sunday?
  6. Who hides the chocolate eggs in the garden for the Easter egg hunt?
  7. What do people usually do on Easter Monday?
  8. What is egg rolling?
  9. Who wins the egg rolling competition?
  10. What does the winner receive as a prize?
Answers
  1. An Easter egg and a chocolate Easter bunny.
  2. They give presents, decorate eggs, go to church and have an Easter egg hunt.
  3. She is allergic to them.
  4. Many people have the day off because it is a public holiday.
  5. Her grandparents come to the house and the family has an Easter egg hunt.
  6. The Easter Bunny.
  7. Many people have the day off; some take part in egg rolling.
  8. A game in which eggs are rolled down a hill to see which goes farthest.
  9. Micah, with his pink egg.
  10. A chocolate egg.

Video 3 — Bonfire Night

Video Comprehension

Watch the video

  1. Who is Rosie and where does she live?
  2. What is Bonfire Night and why is it celebrated?
  3. Who was Guy Fawkes and what did he try to do?
  4. Why do people make a “guy” and put it on a bonfire?
  5. What safety posters are Sam and Rosie making for homework?
  6. What are sparklers and why can’t children buy fireworks?
  7. What do Rosie and her family do before going to the firework display?
  8. What food do they eat?
  9. What precautions should be taken while handling sparklers?
  10. What do people do at the firework display, and what do they burn on the bonfire?
Answers
  1. Rosie lives in Milton Keynes.
  2. It is celebrated on November 5th to remember the failed Gunpowder Plot.
  3. Guy Fawkes was involved in a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.
  4. It is part of the traditional way of remembering the failed plot.
  5. Posters about handling fireworks safely.
  6. Sparklers are handheld fireworks; children cannot buy fireworks because they can be dangerous.
  7. They eat together before going to the display.
  8. Hot dogs, toffee apples and other food.
  9. Handle them carefully because they can cause burns.
  10. They watch fireworks and burn a “guy” on the bonfire.

Discussion Questions

B1–B2 Discussion

  1. What customs and traditions do you have in your country?
  2. Do you celebrate any holidays or festivals? If so, which ones?
  3. How do people usually greet each other in your culture?
  4. Are there any special foods traditionally eaten during certain events or occasions?
  5. Is there a specific dress code for important events or ceremonies?
  6. What kind of music is popular in your country?
  7. Are there any superstitions or beliefs commonly held in your culture?
  8. How do families typically spend time together?
  9. Are there any traditional games or sports played in your country?
  10. What gestures or body language are commonly used to express emotions or communicate?

Advanced Discussion Questions

  1. What customs and traditions are unique to your country or culture?
  2. How do these customs and traditions survive over time?
  3. Do you think it is important to preserve traditional customs? Why or why not?
  4. Have you ever participated in a cultural festival or celebration? Which one?
  5. Are there customs from other cultures that you find particularly interesting or inspiring?
  6. In what ways do customs and traditions shape identities and communities?
  7. How do modern technologies and globalization affect traditional customs and practices?
  8. Can customs and traditions clash with modern values or beliefs? Give an example.
  9. How can we balance the preservation of traditions with the need for progress and change?
  10. Can learning about different customs and traditions promote understanding and respect between cultures?

Creative Writing

Personal Essay Topics

  1. My favourite holiday tradition and why I love it.
  2. The most exciting cultural celebration I know.
  3. My family’s special customs and how we celebrate them.
  4. An old tradition that comes from my family.
  5. The best part of celebrating a festival with my friends.

General Essay Topics

  1. Customs and traditions are important for preserving culture. Do you agree?
  2. Some people believe modern lifestyles are causing traditions to disappear. What do you think?
  3. Traditional clothing is an important part of many cultures. Should it be preserved?
  4. Celebrating holidays is an important part of many cultures. Do you think everyone should celebrate them?
  5. Some people believe traditions can limit personal freedom. Do you agree or disagree?

Advanced Personal Essay Topics

  1. My experience celebrating traditional holidays with my family.
  2. The customs and traditions I learned from my grandparents and how they shaped my identity.
  3. How I incorporate cultural traditions into daily life in a foreign country.
  4. My journey of discovering or reconnecting with ancestral customs and traditions.
  5. The importance of preserving customs and traditions in a rapidly changing world.

Advanced General Essay Topics

  1. Some people think globalization has led to the loss of cultural identity. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  2. In many countries, young people are becoming less interested in their own culture and more interested in international pop culture. Is this a positive or negative development?
  3. Some people believe it is important to maintain traditional customs, while others argue that we should embrace change and modernization. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  4. With the rise of social media and globalization, customs and traditions are being shared and adopted across cultures. Is this a positive or negative development?
  5. In some cultures, arranged marriages are still practised. Is this a tradition that should be preserved or abolished?

Customs & Traditions · Part 2 · B1–B2 · AllEnglishStudy

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