shvok

19.11.2022 17:40 •  Английский язык

I. Reading Task 1. Read the text and circle True (T) or False (F) for the statements 1-6.

Hallowe’en

Hallowe'en is a popular festival in many countries all over the world, and every year it
seems to get bigger. Find out some more about the traditional festival of Hallowe'en.

The origins of the name

The festival of Hallowe'en has its (0) roots in Celtic and Roman traditions. Over 2,000
years ago the Celts in Britain, Ireland and parts of France celebrated Samhain to (1) mark
the beginning of winter. When the Romans invaded, they merged this with Feralia, their
celebration of the passing of the dead. As Christianity spread, the Church tried to replace
these pagan feasts with official Church holy days. One of these was November 1. It was
called All Saints Day, or "All Hallows", and October 31 was known as "All Hallows' Eve",
and then Hallowe'en.

Hallowe'en traditions

In the past there was a tradition called "souling". Poor people went around houses
asking for food. In exchange, they promised to say prayers for the dead. People no longer go
souling, but the habit has been transformed into a modern Hallowe'en game for children in
America, who dress up as ghosts, witches and monsters and go around people's houses,
asking for sweets. This game is called ‘Trick or Treat’.
Witches

Hallowe'en wouldn't be fun without witches. Witches have always been part of
popular folklore. Shakespeare's (2) play "Macbeth" opens with three witches. A witch
was someone -usually a woman - who had special powers and had dealings with the devil.
The American town,Salem, in the state of Massachusetts, is famous for the "witchcraft
trials", which took place there in 1692.

Pumpkins

The pumpkin is a symbol of Hallowe'en. People empty a pumpkin, cut a face into the
side, and put a candle inside. It's known as a Jack O' Lantern, from an Irish legend about a
man called Jack, who made a deal with the devil.
1. Lots of people like Hallowe'en. T
F
2. The Celts celebrated Samhain at the end of autumn. T
F
3. The Christian Church took over the older pagan festivals. T
F
4. Only poor people play 'Trick or Treat'. T
F
5. Witches are modern characters. T
F
6. Jack O'Lantern was another name for the devil. T
F

II. Writing:
Task :
Answer the following questions in the form of conversation.
1. Describe one of the main characters of the book that you`ve

read.
2. What changes does a main character go through?
3. Describe one significant part of the book.
4. How did reading it change you, or your views?
Total: 8