Independence Day

4th of July Parade  n the fourth of July, America celebrates its birthday, Independence Day. This day is in remembrance of 1776 when the thirteen colonies declared their independence from Britain. The Declaration was written a year after the start of the American Revolutionary War and marks the beginning of a new nation, the USA.

This day often marks the official start of summer vacation. And what better way to start off the summer than with a good old American barbeque (cook out). Americans light up their grills, throw on the hot dogs and hamburgers and enjoy the afternoon with family and friends. For most, the day begins with attending a local Fourth of July parade and ends with a dazzling fireworks display. As fireworks are illegal in most states, cities and towns organize their own shows for the local community to safely enjoy. It is an evening where people come together, young and old, pull out their blankets and beach chairs and enjoy the happiness of the evening.

Labor Day

Just as July 4th marks the beginning of summer, Labor Day weekend brings it to a close. Labor Day is the first Monday in September. It is a day to recognize workers in America. Unlike other European countries who mark the day with parades, speeches and political demonstrations, Labor Day in the US is celebrated similarly to the Fourth of July with picnics, cook outs, baseball and other outdoor festivities. For most, it is a last chance to enjoy the summer vacation. Most college students start packing their bags and begin their trek back to campuses around the country, while families with school-age children are out shopping for ” back-to-school supplies” in preparation for their first day of school.

Other National Holidays and Traditions

Martin Luther King Day  Other national holidays that top the list are Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas and the New Year celebration. National holidays and traditions are  also celebrated among the various ethnic groups.  To name a few, the Irish celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the Italians honor various patron saints, the Jewish have Passover, Rash Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Hannukkah and the Germans recognize Octoberfest as a day of feast.

Other holidays which are more a day of remembrance include Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday (January), Presidents Day (February), Memorial Day (May), to honor those who have died in wars, Columbus Day (October), and Veterans Day (November), formerly called Armistice Day which honors ALL veterans both living and deceased. Many federal and state offices, schools and varied businesses are closed. Local newspapers notify of public closings for the day.

 Halloween and St. Valentine’s Day

You may be asking yourself, what about Halloween and St. Valentine’s Day? These are not national holidays, but events celebrated in various ways by young and old. They stem from old traditions that began back in time and have evolved into millions of dollars of revenue for store owners. From scary and funny costumes, to roses, chocolates and cards, the traditions keep growing and spreading. To the dismay of some, even countries like Norway have jumped aboard.

Tasks and Activities

Comprehension

1. How do most Americans celebrate the fourth of July?

2. What is Labor Day and how is the celebration different than other European countries?

3. Name four other national holidays?

4. Name two days of remembrance and which month they occur?

Research work

Research National and State holidays in English – speaking countries

1. Find out its origin/history.

2. How did this tradition develop over time.

3.How is it celebrated today?

4.How much revenue does the tradition produce for businesses?

REPORTED SPEECH EXERCISES

Change the following sentences into reported speech.

1. The spokesman said: “I can’t understand why billiards has been prohibited.”

2. Gihan exclaimed: “We have had too many prohibitions.”

3. The young lady said: “I did not make such a mistake.”

4. She said: “We’ll go and get some food.”

5. Winston Churchill said: “I wake up at six every day”

6. A company representative said: “This probably won’t happen.”

7. A farmer said: “If the situation goes on like this, we will lose the consumers’ confidence for ever”.

8. He added: “We need someone who will realise that celibacy has to be a personal choice”.

9. She said: “I think the amount of immigrants right now is OK, but I don’t think we need any more”.

10. He said: “In Japan paper-folding was valued for its decorative function”.

11. “If I don’t win this game, I will retire,” Kasparov said.

12. The police said: “Youssef planned the World Trade Centre bombing”.

13. She said: “As a woman, my life will change with the new millennium”.

14. “I watched a documentary about dolphins on TV yesterday,” said John.

15. “I’m living the adventure of my life,” Banderas said.

16. Al Gore said: “As a teenager, one of the books that I read was Silent Spring.”

17. “I was taught information technology in this course,” she said.

18. My aunt said: “Single men should drive slowly if they want to live longer”

19. He said: “We are here today to reach consensus”

20. Last week Julia said: “We will meet our new instructor tomorrow”

21. He said to one of them: “Let me see the streets once more before I die. I’ll be back in five minutes.”

22. “Please, don’t say anything to him”, he said.

23. “Don’t talk to me like that,” said his mother.

24. She said: “Don’t smoke if you want to save money.”

25. “Buy me the paper if you’re going out”, Alice asked her brother.

26. He asked: “Do you often play rugby?”

27. The doctor asked: “Do you ever feel this pain in your stomach before meals?”

28. Michael asked her: “Where did you find these trainers?

29. Michael wondered: “Why do I do this every day?”

30. “What time did the film start?” she asked.

31. Her parents asked her: “Why do you want to become a bullfighter?”

32. They asked her mother: “Does he often come home late from school?”

33. The judge asked Karl: “How long have you known the accused?