Lesson: Speaking - Customs and Traditions
Real World: talking about customs and traditions of English Speaking Countries
Grammar: Present Simple vs Present Continuous
Review: Conditionals
Objective: to develop students’ speaking skills on the topic; to develop attention and linguistic guessing
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF ENGLISH
SPEAKING COUNTRIES
Customs may not be as wise as laws,
but they are always more popular
Benjamin Disraeli
Warming-up
1. What association does come across to your mind when you hear the words “English Speaking Countries”? Put the words into columns according to Part of speech.
The Republic of Ireland The UK
Canada ESC The USA
New Zealand Australia
e.g. I associate ESC with the USA.
I associate ESC with UK.
Essential vocabulary
Nouns Adjectives
world official
language second
nationality important
country several
city international
town famous
village appropriate
Note: Custom means a way of behaving or a belief that has been established for a long time (a local / ancient custom). Tradition means a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in
a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time. Habit means something that you do often and regularly, sometimes without knowing that you are doing it.
Vocabulary Practice
2. Match the nouns to the phrases.
Words Meaning
1 world a a group of people of the same race, religion, traditions, etc.;
2 language b a large town;
3 nationality c the earth and all the people, places, and things on it;
4 country d a group of houses and other buildings that is smaller than a town, usually in the countryside;
5 city e a system of communication consisting of sounds, words, and grammar,;
6 town f a place where people live and work, and usually larger than a village but smaller than a city;
7 village g an area of land that has its own government, army, etc.
3. Match the qualities to the phrases. Use them to speak about English Speaking Countries.
Words Meaning
1 official a is highly valued, or is necessary;
2 second b is used to refer to an imprecise number of people or things that is not large but is greater than two;
3 important c means between or involving different countries;
4 several d well known;
5 international e approved by the government or by someone in authority;
6 famous f suitable or acceptable for a particular situation;
7 appropriate g coming directly after the first in numbering or counting order
Speaking
4. Think about your answers to these questions. Use ideas from tasks 1 – 3 and your own ideas.
1) How many countries are there in the world?
A: There are ____ countries in the world.
2) In how many countries is English official language?
A: English is an official language in ____ countries.
3) What do you know about English Speaking Countries (capital city, famous sights, famous shops, famous museum)?
A: The capital city of _____ is _____. The most famous sights of _____ are ______. The most famous shops are _____. The most famous museum is _________.
4) What famous people of English Speaking Countries do you know?
A: The most famous person in _____ is ____. He / She is well known for ______.
5) What currencies do English Speaking Countries use?
A: The official currency of ________ is ____________.
5. Describe English Speaking Country (city) you have never been to and you would like to visit it. You should say:
→ where the country is;
→ when you will go there;
→ why you would like to go there;
→ and explain why this is a good country to visit.
(Model answer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Nfd9Zmab_o).
6. Write a report: What are the differences between British and American English?
(Model answer: http://learnersdictionary.com/qa/what-are-the-differences-between-British-and-American-English).
Writing
7. Write an essay answering the question to what extent do you agree or disagree with statements:
a) Studying the English language in ESC is the best option. (Model answer: https://www.ielts-mentor.com/writing-sample/writing-task-2/2105-ielts-writing-task-2-sample-956-studying-the-english-language-in-an-english-speaking-country-is-the-best-option).
b) Studying the English language in ESC is the best but not only way to learn a language. (Model answer: https://www.testbig.com/ielts-essays/studying-english-language-english-speaking-country-best-not-only-way-learn-language-do).
Grammar
8. Look at four things people say about the US and Americans. Do you think they are true or not true? Then read the text and check your answers.
Americans – is it true?
Four foreigners, who live in the US talk about
the things people say about Americans ...
Americans eat fast food every day. Pei from China
Itʼs true that Americans eat a lot of fast food, but they donʼt eat fast food every day. I share an apartment with an American woman, and she cooks all the time. She only eats fast food on some days – with me!
The sun shines a lot in Southern California. Alberto from Mexico
The weather changes quickly in many places in the US, but not in Southern California. The sun shines a lot there. It doesnʼt shine every day, but be careful when it shines. It gets very hot! I always wear sunglasses when I go out.
Americans like animals. Naomi from Japan
I have a lot of friends here and many of them have a dog, a cat or a bird. One American family that I know has a dog, a cat and two birds. American people love animals!
Americans are always loud. Gianni from Italy
Some Americans are very loud, but I work with an American man at
a coffee shop, and heʼs really quiet and polite. He doesnʼt talk very much. But heʼs a very nice guy!
9 Look at four things people say about Britain and the British. Do you think they are true or not true? Then read the text and check your answers.
The British – is it true?
Four foreigners who live in Britain talk
about the things people say about the British...
British people drink tea at 5.00. Kati from Hungary
Itʼs true that British people drink a lot of tea (and coffee) but they donʼt drink tea at a special time. I work for a British company here and my boss drinks tea all the time.
It rains a lot. Marina from Ukraine
It rains a lot, but it doesnʼt rain every day. Be careful because the weather changes quickly. I always take an umbrella when I go out.
British people like animals. Norma from Mexico
I have a lot of friends here and they all have a dog or a cat. One family that I know has two dogs and five cats. British people love animals!
The food in Britain isnʼt very good. Hasan from Turkey
The restaurants are quite expensive but they are great, and the food is good in a lot of pubs, too. I share a flat with a Scottish boy, and he cooks every night. He watches all the cooking programmes on TV and he makes great curries!
10. Answer the questions with a partner about texts 8 and 9.
1) Look at the highlighted verbs. Why do some verbs end in -s?
2) Write the he / she / it form of these verbs.
change have talk go cook eat make watch
3) Find negative verbs. How are they different from affirmative verbs:
a) for he/ she/ it;
b) for all other persons?
Reading
11. Read the article. Do you know any more words that are British English, not American English?
British and American English – the same, but different
British and American people speak the same language –
English, but with some small differences
VOCABULARY. Some words are different in British English, for example, British people say postcode, not zip code, holiday, not vacation, and mobile phone, not cell phone. Some words have different meanings, for example in American English, a purse is a womanʼs bag. In British English, a purse is a small thing (like a wallet) where women have their money and credit cards.
SPELLING. Color, favor, and other words that end in -or in American English end with -our in British English, e.g., colour, favour. Center, theater, and other words that end in -ter in American English end with -tre in British English, e.g., centre, theatre.
GRAMMAR. British grammar is very similar to American grammar, but with some small differences, especially prepositions. For example, British people say See you on Friday, but Americans say See you Friday.
PRONUNCIATION. The most important difference between American and British English is pronunciation. American accents and British accents are very different, and when a British person starts speaking, American people know he or she is British, and vice verca.
12. Look at the highlighted words in the text and guess their meaning.
13. Read the article again. Mark the sentences T (true) or F (false).
1) American English and British English are very different.
2) Holiday and postcode are the same in British and American English.
3) Purse has different meanings in American and British English.
4) Neighbour is British spelling.
5) British and American grammar are not very different.
6) Itʼs difficult to know from their accent if a person is British or American.
Home Project
14. Make ppt presentation about customs and traditions in English speaking countries
CANADA The UK NEW ZEALAND
AUSTRALIA THE USA
Useful Resources
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2WQBD6nNY4&feature=plcp.
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0r0VTos_wU.
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y48Jqdglal0.
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT_-viaUegI.
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhFsvaYrEc0.
Additional Reading Section
15. Look at the photos in the text. In which one can you see ... ?
a drive-through a ride
a car lane a redwood forest
a cup of coffee a driver
a theme park a hamburger
16. Read the article. Mark the sentence T (true) or F (false). Say why the F ones are false.
1) A large cup of coffee in Australia is the same as a small cup of coffee in the US.
2) California doesnʼt have a lot of state parks.
3) Jenny doesnʼt like the salespeople in shopping malls.
4) The fall is very cold in California.
5) Itʼs easy to drive in the US.
6) Jenny doesnʼt like the long lines for rides at theme parks.
7) Jenny eats hamburgers and French fries at Red Robin.
State Parks, Freeways, and Other Things
I love about the US
Jenny Clark, an Australian mom and college student
who lives in California, says the US isnʼt just OK – itʼs paradise
a) b)
c) d)
e) f)
These are some of her reasons ...
Coffee. American cups of coffee are very big! A small cup of coffee in the US is like a large cup of coffee in Australia. If youʼre in a hurry, you go to a drive-through and buy coffee from your car. Itʼs so easy!
State Parks. California has 278 state parks, and they are beautiful. At the weekends, I bring my family to a state park in my area. We explore the forest, find small animals, and enjoy the tall redwood trees.
Malls. I love shopping, and in the US, the malls are very big. People walk around and shop for hours. US malls have many different stores, and the salespeople are friendly and help you find things.
Fall. I love the fall weather in the US. A good fall day in California is cool, but not too cold. I also love the trees. They change from green to yellow, red, and brown.
Freeways. I prefer the roads in the US. The freeways are very fast, and in California they have a lot of car lanes. Itʼs really easy to drive from one place to another.
Theme Parks. Theme parks are very popular in the US, and we live near the Great America Theme Park. My children like the rides and water slides. Sometimes the lines for the rides are long, but thatʼs OK. We need rest!
Red Robin. Red Robin is a restaurant that has great hamburgers. I donʼt eat meat, but I like the French fries and lemonade at Red Robin. I think the fried cheese sticks are fantastic, but sometimes they arenʼt on the menu. Maybe thatʼs because they arenʼt very healthy!
17. Underline these verbs in the text. What do they mean? Compare your ideas with a partner.
buy bring explore find enjoy walk
help prefer drive need think
18. Look at the photos in the text. In which one can you see ... ?
a chemist a waiter
a zebra crossing cash machine (ATM in American English)
a cup of coffee a cyclist
a pedestrian a driver
19. Read the article. Mark the sentence T (true) or F (false). Say why the F ones are false.
1) Britain is a good country for cyclists and pedestrians.
2) Itʼs expensive to use ATMs in Britain.
3) British drivers are nice to other drivers.
4) In Britain people donʼt have ID cards.
5) Summers in Britain are very hot.
6) In Starbucks in Britain waiters donʼt use your first name.
Starbucks, summer, and other things I love about Britain
Mark Vanhoenacker, an American journalist
who lives in London, says the UK isnʼt just OK – itʼs Magic
a) b)
c) d)
e) f)
These are some of his reasons ...
Walking. Britain isnʼt a good place for cyclist. But for pedestrians it is wonderful. When you walk on a zebra crossing, all the drivers stop.
Banks. British banks are great – you do everything online, and you donʼt pay when you take money out of an ATM. And if you want to change banks, the banks do all the work.
Drivers. The British are very polite when they drive. They donʼt hoot, and they are patient with other drivers. They always say thank you when you let them pass.
Boots the Chemist. Chemists in the UK are wonderful, friendly shops and completely different from US pharmacies. Boots sells everything you want, not just medicine, and the shop assistants give you good advice.
No ID Cards. Britain is one of the only places in the world, where people donʼt have ID cards. In the US you need ID when you buy a drink, go to a club, use a credit card, or take an intercity train.
Summers. I love British summers! A good summer day in Britain is dry and warm, but not very hot.
Starbucks. Starbucks isnʼt British, of course, but I prefer the Starbucks in Britain. They are nice, friendly places where people read the newspaper and drink good coffee. And the waiters donʼt write your name on the cups. I feel stupid in America when the waiter calls “Mark, your tall cappuccino with extra chocolate!”
20. Underline these verbs in the text. What do they mean? Compare your ideas with a partner.
walk pay drive sell give need buy use prefer feel call
21. Read the guidebook extract about things to do in New York City, and find the answers to the “Where can you ... ?" questions. Answer with BP (Bryant Park), CL (The Cloisters), or HL (the High Line).
WHAT TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY …
1. WHEN ITʼS VERY COLD
Go ice skating at Bryant Park. Bryant Park is a beautiful park in midtown Manhattan, behind the New York Public Library in Sixth Avenue. In winter, the area behind the library is made into an ice-skating rink. There is a skating school where you can take lessons, and there is a cafe where you can enjoy lunch or dinner after you skate. From October to January, Bryant Parkʼs walking paths become an outdoor shopping center called the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.
2. WHEN ITʼS RAINING
Go to Fort Tryon Park and visit The Cloisters. You can take a subway or a bus from midtown Manhattan and visit The Cloisters (part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art) in Fort Tryon Park in the north of Manhattan. The Cloisters is very popular with adults and children. Adults like this museum because it is full of interesting old art and architecture. Children like this museum because the building looks like a castle! If the sun comes out, walk outside and look at the amazing views of the George Washington Bridge or the New Jersey Palisades across the Hudson River.
3. WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING
Go to the High Line, New York Cityʼs newest park. On the west side of Manhattan between Gansevoort Street and West 34th Street, the High Line is a 1 – mile public park on old train tracks. The High Line has flower gardens with chairs so you can sit and enjoy the sun. It has beautiful views of the Hudson River and interesting art. Itʼs a perfect place for a picnic in the afternoon or a walk in the evening. Itʼs a beautiful place and you canʼt believe that you are in the middle of a busy city.
WHERE CAN YOU ... ?
1 learn to do something new
2 take a walk in the evening
3 have a very good view
4 see art
5 exercise
6 do some shopping
7 see a bridge
8 see a very interesting building
22. Talk to a partner and ask following questions:
a) Which of the three places would you prefer to go to? Why?
b) Where is a good place to go in your town ... ?
→ when itʼs very cold;
→ when itʼs raining;
→ when the sun is shining.
3) What can you do in these places?
23. Read the guidebook extract about things to do in London, and find the answers to the “Where can you ... ?" questions. Answer with SH (Somerset House), SK (South Kensington), or HH (Hampstead Heath).
WHAT TO DO IN LONDON …
1. WHEN ITʼS VERY COLD
Go ice skating at Somerset House. Somerset House is a beautiful 18 th century building on the river Thames. In winter, the area in front of the house is made into an ice-skating rink. There is a skating school, where you can have lessons, and there are also late-night sessions and DJ nights. In November and December there is an enormous Christmas tree, and the café serves special Christmas food.
2. WHEN ITʼS RAINING
Go to South Kensington, and visit three wonderful museums. You can walk from one to the other because they are all very near. The Science Museum is very popular with adults and children, and also the Natural History Museum, which has life-size robotic dinosaurs and other fascinating exhibits. The third museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, is full of art and design from all over the world. It has an amazing collection of fashion from the 17 th century to the present day. And if the sun comes out, I cross the road into Kensington Gardens, one of Londonʼs many parks, and visit the famous statue of Peter Pan.
3. WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING
Go to Hampstead Heath, Londonʼs biggest park. From the top of Parliament Hill, in the south part of the Heath, you can see many of Londonʼs famous monuments, including St Paulʼs Cathedral and the London Eye. Have a picnic, and then, if itʼs hot, walk to the open-air swimming pool, where you can swim with plants and trees all round you. It is a magical place, and you canʼt believe that you are in the middle of a capital city.
WHERE CAN YOU ... ?
1 learn to do something new
2 eat outside
3 have a fantastic view
4 see beautiful old clothes
5 do some exercise
6 have fun after 9 p.m.
7 see some animals that donʼt exist today
8 see a famous character from a book
24. Talk to a partner and discuss the question “Which of the three places would you prefer to go to? Why?”
Real World: talking about customs and traditions of English Speaking Countries
Grammar: Present Simple vs Present Continuous
Review: Conditionals
Objective: to develop students’ speaking skills on the topic; to develop attention and linguistic guessing
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF ENGLISH
SPEAKING COUNTRIES
Customs may not be as wise as laws,
but they are always more popular
Benjamin Disraeli
Warming-up
1. What association does come across to your mind when you hear the words “English Speaking Countries”? Put the words into columns according to Part of speech.
The Republic of Ireland The UK
Canada ESC The USA
New Zealand Australia
e.g. I associate ESC with the USA.
I associate ESC with UK.
Essential vocabulary
Nouns Adjectives
world official
language second
nationality important
country several
city international
town famous
village appropriate
Note: Custom means a way of behaving or a belief that has been established for a long time (a local / ancient custom). Tradition means a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in
a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time. Habit means something that you do often and regularly, sometimes without knowing that you are doing it.
Vocabulary Practice
2. Match the nouns to the phrases.
Words Meaning
1 world a a group of people of the same race, religion, traditions, etc.;
2 language b a large town;
3 nationality c the earth and all the people, places, and things on it;
4 country d a group of houses and other buildings that is smaller than a town, usually in the countryside;
5 city e a system of communication consisting of sounds, words, and grammar,;
6 town f a place where people live and work, and usually larger than a village but smaller than a city;
7 village g an area of land that has its own government, army, etc.
3. Match the qualities to the phrases. Use them to speak about English Speaking Countries.
Words Meaning
1 official a is highly valued, or is necessary;
2 second b is used to refer to an imprecise number of people or things that is not large but is greater than two;
3 important c means between or involving different countries;
4 several d well known;
5 international e approved by the government or by someone in authority;
6 famous f suitable or acceptable for a particular situation;
7 appropriate g coming directly after the first in numbering or counting order
Speaking
4. Think about your answers to these questions. Use ideas from tasks 1 – 3 and your own ideas.
1) How many countries are there in the world?
A: There are ____ countries in the world.
2) In how many countries is English official language?
A: English is an official language in ____ countries.
3) What do you know about English Speaking Countries (capital city, famous sights, famous shops, famous museum)?
A: The capital city of _____ is _____. The most famous sights of _____ are ______. The most famous shops are _____. The most famous museum is _________.
4) What famous people of English Speaking Countries do you know?
A: The most famous person in _____ is ____. He / She is well known for ______.
5) What currencies do English Speaking Countries use?
A: The official currency of ________ is ____________.
5. Describe English Speaking Country (city) you have never been to and you would like to visit it. You should say:
→ where the country is;
→ when you will go there;
→ why you would like to go there;
→ and explain why this is a good country to visit.
(Model answer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Nfd9Zmab_o).
6. Write a report: What are the differences between British and American English?
(Model answer: http://learnersdictionary.com/qa/what-are-the-differences-between-British-and-American-English).
Writing
7. Write an essay answering the question to what extent do you agree or disagree with statements:
a) Studying the English language in ESC is the best option. (Model answer: https://www.ielts-mentor.com/writing-sample/writing-task-2/2105-ielts-writing-task-2-sample-956-studying-the-english-language-in-an-english-speaking-country-is-the-best-option).
b) Studying the English language in ESC is the best but not only way to learn a language. (Model answer: https://www.testbig.com/ielts-essays/studying-english-language-english-speaking-country-best-not-only-way-learn-language-do).
Grammar
8. Look at four things people say about the US and Americans. Do you think they are true or not true? Then read the text and check your answers.
Americans – is it true?
Four foreigners, who live in the US talk about
the things people say about Americans ...
Americans eat fast food every day. Pei from China
Itʼs true that Americans eat a lot of fast food, but they donʼt eat fast food every day. I share an apartment with an American woman, and she cooks all the time. She only eats fast food on some days – with me!
The sun shines a lot in Southern California. Alberto from Mexico
The weather changes quickly in many places in the US, but not in Southern California. The sun shines a lot there. It doesnʼt shine every day, but be careful when it shines. It gets very hot! I always wear sunglasses when I go out.
Americans like animals. Naomi from Japan
I have a lot of friends here and many of them have a dog, a cat or a bird. One American family that I know has a dog, a cat and two birds. American people love animals!
Americans are always loud. Gianni from Italy
Some Americans are very loud, but I work with an American man at
a coffee shop, and heʼs really quiet and polite. He doesnʼt talk very much. But heʼs a very nice guy!
9 Look at four things people say about Britain and the British. Do you think they are true or not true? Then read the text and check your answers.
The British – is it true?
Four foreigners who live in Britain talk
about the things people say about the British...
British people drink tea at 5.00. Kati from Hungary
Itʼs true that British people drink a lot of tea (and coffee) but they donʼt drink tea at a special time. I work for a British company here and my boss drinks tea all the time.
It rains a lot. Marina from Ukraine
It rains a lot, but it doesnʼt rain every day. Be careful because the weather changes quickly. I always take an umbrella when I go out.
British people like animals. Norma from Mexico
I have a lot of friends here and they all have a dog or a cat. One family that I know has two dogs and five cats. British people love animals!
The food in Britain isnʼt very good. Hasan from Turkey
The restaurants are quite expensive but they are great, and the food is good in a lot of pubs, too. I share a flat with a Scottish boy, and he cooks every night. He watches all the cooking programmes on TV and he makes great curries!
10. Answer the questions with a partner about texts 8 and 9.
1) Look at the highlighted verbs. Why do some verbs end in -s?
2) Write the he / she / it form of these verbs.
change have talk go cook eat make watch
3) Find negative verbs. How are they different from affirmative verbs:
a) for he/ she/ it;
b) for all other persons?
Reading
11. Read the article. Do you know any more words that are British English, not American English?
British and American English – the same, but different
British and American people speak the same language –
English, but with some small differences
VOCABULARY. Some words are different in British English, for example, British people say postcode, not zip code, holiday, not vacation, and mobile phone, not cell phone. Some words have different meanings, for example in American English, a purse is a womanʼs bag. In British English, a purse is a small thing (like a wallet) where women have their money and credit cards.
SPELLING. Color, favor, and other words that end in -or in American English end with -our in British English, e.g., colour, favour. Center, theater, and other words that end in -ter in American English end with -tre in British English, e.g., centre, theatre.
GRAMMAR. British grammar is very similar to American grammar, but with some small differences, especially prepositions. For example, British people say See you on Friday, but Americans say See you Friday.
PRONUNCIATION. The most important difference between American and British English is pronunciation. American accents and British accents are very different, and when a British person starts speaking, American people know he or she is British, and vice verca.
12. Look at the highlighted words in the text and guess their meaning.
13. Read the article again. Mark the sentences T (true) or F (false).
1) American English and British English are very different.
2) Holiday and postcode are the same in British and American English.
3) Purse has different meanings in American and British English.
4) Neighbour is British spelling.
5) British and American grammar are not very different.
6) Itʼs difficult to know from their accent if a person is British or American.
Home Project
14. Make ppt presentation about customs and traditions in English speaking countries
CANADA The UK NEW ZEALAND
AUSTRALIA THE USA
Useful Resources
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2WQBD6nNY4&feature=plcp.
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0r0VTos_wU.
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y48Jqdglal0.
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT_-viaUegI.
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhFsvaYrEc0.
Additional Reading Section
15. Look at the photos in the text. In which one can you see ... ?
a drive-through a ride
a car lane a redwood forest
a cup of coffee a driver
a theme park a hamburger
16. Read the article. Mark the sentence T (true) or F (false). Say why the F ones are false.
1) A large cup of coffee in Australia is the same as a small cup of coffee in the US.
2) California doesnʼt have a lot of state parks.
3) Jenny doesnʼt like the salespeople in shopping malls.
4) The fall is very cold in California.
5) Itʼs easy to drive in the US.
6) Jenny doesnʼt like the long lines for rides at theme parks.
7) Jenny eats hamburgers and French fries at Red Robin.
State Parks, Freeways, and Other Things
I love about the US
Jenny Clark, an Australian mom and college student
who lives in California, says the US isnʼt just OK – itʼs paradise
a) b)
c) d)
e) f)
These are some of her reasons ...
Coffee. American cups of coffee are very big! A small cup of coffee in the US is like a large cup of coffee in Australia. If youʼre in a hurry, you go to a drive-through and buy coffee from your car. Itʼs so easy!
State Parks. California has 278 state parks, and they are beautiful. At the weekends, I bring my family to a state park in my area. We explore the forest, find small animals, and enjoy the tall redwood trees.
Malls. I love shopping, and in the US, the malls are very big. People walk around and shop for hours. US malls have many different stores, and the salespeople are friendly and help you find things.
Fall. I love the fall weather in the US. A good fall day in California is cool, but not too cold. I also love the trees. They change from green to yellow, red, and brown.
Freeways. I prefer the roads in the US. The freeways are very fast, and in California they have a lot of car lanes. Itʼs really easy to drive from one place to another.
Theme Parks. Theme parks are very popular in the US, and we live near the Great America Theme Park. My children like the rides and water slides. Sometimes the lines for the rides are long, but thatʼs OK. We need rest!
Red Robin. Red Robin is a restaurant that has great hamburgers. I donʼt eat meat, but I like the French fries and lemonade at Red Robin. I think the fried cheese sticks are fantastic, but sometimes they arenʼt on the menu. Maybe thatʼs because they arenʼt very healthy!
17. Underline these verbs in the text. What do they mean? Compare your ideas with a partner.
buy bring explore find enjoy walk
help prefer drive need think
18. Look at the photos in the text. In which one can you see ... ?
a chemist a waiter
a zebra crossing cash machine (ATM in American English)
a cup of coffee a cyclist
a pedestrian a driver
19. Read the article. Mark the sentence T (true) or F (false). Say why the F ones are false.
1) Britain is a good country for cyclists and pedestrians.
2) Itʼs expensive to use ATMs in Britain.
3) British drivers are nice to other drivers.
4) In Britain people donʼt have ID cards.
5) Summers in Britain are very hot.
6) In Starbucks in Britain waiters donʼt use your first name.
Starbucks, summer, and other things I love about Britain
Mark Vanhoenacker, an American journalist
who lives in London, says the UK isnʼt just OK – itʼs Magic
a) b)
c) d)
e) f)
These are some of his reasons ...
Walking. Britain isnʼt a good place for cyclist. But for pedestrians it is wonderful. When you walk on a zebra crossing, all the drivers stop.
Banks. British banks are great – you do everything online, and you donʼt pay when you take money out of an ATM. And if you want to change banks, the banks do all the work.
Drivers. The British are very polite when they drive. They donʼt hoot, and they are patient with other drivers. They always say thank you when you let them pass.
Boots the Chemist. Chemists in the UK are wonderful, friendly shops and completely different from US pharmacies. Boots sells everything you want, not just medicine, and the shop assistants give you good advice.
No ID Cards. Britain is one of the only places in the world, where people donʼt have ID cards. In the US you need ID when you buy a drink, go to a club, use a credit card, or take an intercity train.
Summers. I love British summers! A good summer day in Britain is dry and warm, but not very hot.
Starbucks. Starbucks isnʼt British, of course, but I prefer the Starbucks in Britain. They are nice, friendly places where people read the newspaper and drink good coffee. And the waiters donʼt write your name on the cups. I feel stupid in America when the waiter calls “Mark, your tall cappuccino with extra chocolate!”
20. Underline these verbs in the text. What do they mean? Compare your ideas with a partner.
walk pay drive sell give need buy use prefer feel call
21. Read the guidebook extract about things to do in New York City, and find the answers to the “Where can you ... ?" questions. Answer with BP (Bryant Park), CL (The Cloisters), or HL (the High Line).
WHAT TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY …
1. WHEN ITʼS VERY COLD
Go ice skating at Bryant Park. Bryant Park is a beautiful park in midtown Manhattan, behind the New York Public Library in Sixth Avenue. In winter, the area behind the library is made into an ice-skating rink. There is a skating school where you can take lessons, and there is a cafe where you can enjoy lunch or dinner after you skate. From October to January, Bryant Parkʼs walking paths become an outdoor shopping center called the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.
2. WHEN ITʼS RAINING
Go to Fort Tryon Park and visit The Cloisters. You can take a subway or a bus from midtown Manhattan and visit The Cloisters (part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art) in Fort Tryon Park in the north of Manhattan. The Cloisters is very popular with adults and children. Adults like this museum because it is full of interesting old art and architecture. Children like this museum because the building looks like a castle! If the sun comes out, walk outside and look at the amazing views of the George Washington Bridge or the New Jersey Palisades across the Hudson River.
3. WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING
Go to the High Line, New York Cityʼs newest park. On the west side of Manhattan between Gansevoort Street and West 34th Street, the High Line is a 1 – mile public park on old train tracks. The High Line has flower gardens with chairs so you can sit and enjoy the sun. It has beautiful views of the Hudson River and interesting art. Itʼs a perfect place for a picnic in the afternoon or a walk in the evening. Itʼs a beautiful place and you canʼt believe that you are in the middle of a busy city.
WHERE CAN YOU ... ?
1 learn to do something new
2 take a walk in the evening
3 have a very good view
4 see art
5 exercise
6 do some shopping
7 see a bridge
8 see a very interesting building
22. Talk to a partner and ask following questions:
a) Which of the three places would you prefer to go to? Why?
b) Where is a good place to go in your town ... ?
→ when itʼs very cold;
→ when itʼs raining;
→ when the sun is shining.
3) What can you do in these places?
23. Read the guidebook extract about things to do in London, and find the answers to the “Where can you ... ?" questions. Answer with SH (Somerset House), SK (South Kensington), or HH (Hampstead Heath).
WHAT TO DO IN LONDON …
1. WHEN ITʼS VERY COLD
Go ice skating at Somerset House. Somerset House is a beautiful 18 th century building on the river Thames. In winter, the area in front of the house is made into an ice-skating rink. There is a skating school, where you can have lessons, and there are also late-night sessions and DJ nights. In November and December there is an enormous Christmas tree, and the café serves special Christmas food.
2. WHEN ITʼS RAINING
Go to South Kensington, and visit three wonderful museums. You can walk from one to the other because they are all very near. The Science Museum is very popular with adults and children, and also the Natural History Museum, which has life-size robotic dinosaurs and other fascinating exhibits. The third museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, is full of art and design from all over the world. It has an amazing collection of fashion from the 17 th century to the present day. And if the sun comes out, I cross the road into Kensington Gardens, one of Londonʼs many parks, and visit the famous statue of Peter Pan.
3. WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING
Go to Hampstead Heath, Londonʼs biggest park. From the top of Parliament Hill, in the south part of the Heath, you can see many of Londonʼs famous monuments, including St Paulʼs Cathedral and the London Eye. Have a picnic, and then, if itʼs hot, walk to the open-air swimming pool, where you can swim with plants and trees all round you. It is a magical place, and you canʼt believe that you are in the middle of a capital city.
WHERE CAN YOU ... ?
1 learn to do something new
2 eat outside
3 have a fantastic view
4 see beautiful old clothes
5 do some exercise
6 have fun after 9 p.m.
7 see some animals that donʼt exist today
8 see a famous character from a book
24. Talk to a partner and discuss the question “Which of the three places would you prefer to go to? Why?”
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