Listening comprehentoin for 6 graders

Listening 6 grade

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

    Christmas season is the most festive time of the year in Britain and in the United States. Students at schools and colleges usually have a 2 week vacation, beginning before Christmas and ending soon after the New Year. There are a lot of parties to celebrate the birth of Christ and the arrival of the New Year.

    Although no one knows exactly when Jesus was born. Christians everywhere in the world celebrate his birthday on December 25th . This day was a festival long before Christianity because ancient people believed this was time when the son god started his journey back to the earth and it was a custom to give presents to each other.

    Now children are told that Santa Claus or Father Christmas in a red suit, red hat and with a long white beard puts presents for them into their stockings by the fireplace.

    The winter tradition of decorating homes with evergreens began in ancient times too.

Branches of fir were thought to bring good luck and guarantee the return of spring. The Germans were the first to use the Christmas tree in their celebrations.

    In the 19th century the decorated fir tree became popular in Europe and in the USA. Carol singers began to go from house to house in groups singing traditional Christmas songs asking for charity.

    The greeting cards are sent on Christmas too. The most popular wishes on these holiday cards are: “Merry Christmas”, “Peace on Earth”.

Task 1

1.         What is the significance of December 25th in Christmas celebrations?
   1. It is the start of spring
   2. It is the start of the New Year
   3. It is the start of winter
   4. It is believed to be the birth date of Jesus

2.         What is the significance of giving presents during Christmas?
   1. It is a way to celebrate the arrival of spring
   2. It is a way to celebrate the New Year
   3. It is a tradition started by Christians
   4. It is a custom from ancient times

3.         What is the most popular Christmas greeting on holiday cards?
   1. Merry Christmas
   2. Happy Holidays
   3. Season's Greetings
   4. Peace on Earth

4.         What is the origin of the tradition of decorating homes with evergreens during Christmas?
   1. The 19th century
   2. Ancient times
   3. The 21st century
   4. The 20th century

5.         What is the significance of carol singers during Christmas?
   1. They go from house to house
   2. They ask for charity
   3. They sing traditional Christmas songs
   4. All of the above

6. What is the most festive time of the year in Britain and in the United States?

                 A. Valentine's Day season

                 B. Halloween season

 C. Easter season

 D. Christmas season

7. How long is the vacation for students at schools and colleges during Christmas season?

A. 1 week

B. 4 weeks

C. 2 weeks

D. 3 weeks

8. What was the custom during ancient times related to December 25th?

A. Singing traditional Christmas songs

B. Decorating homes with evergreens

C. Giving presents to each other

D. Having parties to celebrate the New Year

9. Which country was the first to use the Christmas tree in their celebrations?

A. Ukraine

B. Germany

C. United States

D. Britain

10. When did the decorated fir tree become popular in Europe and in the USA?

A. In the 19th century

B. In the 17th century

C. In the 18th century

D. In the 16th century

11. What do carol singers do during Christmas season?

A. Go from house to house singing traditional Christmas songs

B. Decorate homes with evergreens

C. Give presents to each other

D. Have parties to celebrate the New Year

12. What are the most popular wishes on holiday cards sent on Christmas?

A. Happy New Year

B. Happy Birthday

C. Happy Thanksgiving

D. Merry Christmas

Answers:

1) a  2) d  3) d 4) b 5) d 6) d 7) c 8) c 9) b 10) a 11) a 12) d