Find the words in the text according to the explanation.
1. extremely large in size or in amount;
2. something that you give someone on a special occasion or to thank them;
3. a place in a port where ships are loaded and unloaded;
4. to go with someone to protect or guard them;
5. a round roof on a base like a circle;
6. to cover or decorate something with folds of cloth;
7. to look at something or someone for a long time without moving your eyes;
TEXT 3. THE CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME
Pantomimes, also called pantos, are traditionally put on in theatres throughout Britain for several weeks before and after Christmas. Most are intended for children. They are a British tradition which has developed over several centuries. A pantomime combines a fairy tale with comedy, music and singing, acrobatics and verse. Among the most popular stories are Aladdin, Babes in the Wood, Cinderella, Dick Whittington and, Jack and the Beanstalk.
The audience usually takes an active part in a performance: characters on stage speak to the audience directly and they shout back their answer. Sometimes they have noisy arguments, exchanging shouts of ‘Oh yes, it is’ and ‘Oh no, it isn’t’. Audiences are often encouraged to join in the singing, and to boo loudly whenever a bad character appears. Other pantomime traditions include that of a hero, called the principal boy, being played by a young woman, and a comic old woman, called a dame, being played by a male comedian. Pantomimes often also include several animal characters played by actors in animal costumes.
Many of the most successful pantomimes performed in professional theatres have well-known television or sports personalities playing leading roles. Hundreds of amateur pantomimes are also put on each year.
Pantomimes of this kind do not exist in the United States where the word pantomime means a play or entertainment performed without words.
Give antonyms to the following words.
amateur; directly; noisy; successful; popular; comic; male; usually; active; principal;
Translate or explain in English.
pantomime; to intend; audience; character; argument; encourage; to boo;
3. How will you translate the word pantomime into Russian in the first sentence of the text?
TEXT 4. BOXING DAY
In Britain the traditional day for giving presents until recently was December 26, not as it is today – Christmas Day. December 26, feast of St Stephen, is now known as Boxing Day, for it was then that the priests of the Middle Ages opened their armed boxes to give to the poor. Later it was the day when people gave Christmas boxes (small gifts of money) to their employees or servants. Now it’s a bank holiday. This is the day when one visits friends, goes for a drive or a long walk or just sits round recovering from too much food. In the country there are usually Boxing Day meets, hunts, fox hunting. In Britain on that day, many sports events take place and in the US large shops begin their sales.
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Translate the following words:
until recently; priests; employees; to recover; meets; sale;
TEXT 5. NEW YEAR TRADITIONS
New year in Great Britain is often launched with a party - either at home with family and friends or a gathering in the local pubs and clubs. Merrymaking begins on New Year's Eve and builds up to midnight. The stroke of midnight is the cue for much cheering, hooting, whistling, kissing and the drinking of toasts.
Tradition has it that the first person over the threshold on New Year's Day will dictate the luck brought to the household in the coming year. This is known as First Footing. At midnight on 31 December, particularly in Scotland and northern England, 'first footers' (traditionally a tall, dark, good-looking man) step over the threshold bringing the New Year's Luck. The first footer usually brings a piece of coal, a loaf and a bottle of whisky. On entering he must place the fuel on the fire, put the loaf on the table and pour a glass for the head of the house, all normally without speaking or being spoken to until he wishes everyone 'A Happy New Year'. He must, of course, enter by the front door and leave by the back.
In Wales the back door is opened to release the Old Year at the first stroke of midnight. It is then locked up to 'keep the luck in' and at the last stroke the New Year is let in at the front door.
In Scotland the New Year remains the greatest of all annual festivals. Called 'Hogmanay' (a word whose meaning has never been satisfactorily established), it's marked by an evening of drinking and merrymaking, culminating at the stroke of midnight when huge gatherings of people at Edinburgh's Tron Kirk and Glasgow's George Square greet the New Year by linking arms and singing 'Auld Lang Syne'.
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The New Year is celebrated all over the world and different countries have different traditions.
In Cuba they store water beforehand and pour it into the street at midnight on New Year’s Eve. This symbolizes their wish for the New Year to be as clear, fresh and sparkling as the water they pour.
In India they put on their national costumes and go into the streets carrying flowers, toys and jars full of water – they pour water over each other. On a hot night it can even be a pleasure to walk about in soaking clothes. And they traditionally fly bright kites on New Year’s Eve.
So do the Japanese. Young and old enjoy it alike. In Japan 108 strokes of the bell announce the beginning of the New Year over the radio. Then everyone goes to bed to get up again at dawn so as not to miss the sunrise. They believe that if you miss the sunrise you’ll have bad luck in the new year.
In Italy they follow a very old tradition – in the last minutes of the old year they throw all the old things they don’t need – old furniture, pots and pans, old shoes, etc. – out of the window. So many countries, so many customs.
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