Reading
1. Read about the Vu Lan Festival in Viet Nam and decide whether the statements are true (T) or false (F).
Some people call it ‘Vu Lan Bao Hieu' (Parents' Appreciation Day). This festival takes place on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. It is one of the largest festivals of Viet Nam after the Tet festival, and it is celebrated throughout the country, especially in the south.
During the festival, people participate in many goodwill activities and perform various religious rituals. They visit pagodas and temples to worship, release animals like birds or fish, and burn incense. They also buy presents and flowers as their offerings to show their deep love and gratitude towards their parents and ancestors.
Many people go to pagodas on this occasion, wearing either a red rose if their mothers are alive or a white rose if their mothers have passed away. The rose is a symbol of love and gratitude shown by every family towards their ancestors.
| Statements | T | F |
| 1. Vu Lan takes place on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. 2. Vu Lan is celebrated only in the south. 3. Vu Lan is the largest annual traditional festival of Viet Nam. 4. People buy presents and flowers as their offerings to show their deep love and gratitude towards their parents. 5. Many people visit pagodas during the festival, wearing a red rose if their mothers are alive. |
Speaking
2a. Imagine a foreign tourist is coming to your country. Make notes of six tips about the social customs in your country. Use the following ideas or your own.
| - dress code - table manners - things that might cause offence | - talking loudly in public - subjects you shouldn't talk about - queuing |
b. Work in pairs. Take turns to tell each other your tips. Do you agree with your partner's tips?
Listening
3. Listen to a man talking about social customs in France and Britain. Choose the most appropriate answer A, B, or C to each question.
1.According to the man, the French ___________.
A. don't like to be so polite all the time
B. like to be polite all the time
C. want their friends to behave politely
2.The French think that the British ___________.
A. don't know how to apologise
B. spend their whole time apologising
C. don't like to make small talk
3.The French like to talk about ___________ when they are at a party.
A. big issues
B. their everyday life
C. unimportant things
4.The British may be surprised if their guests talk about ___________.
A. house prices
B. education
C. politics
Writing
4. Peter, your British penfriend, is coming to stay with your family for two weeks next month. He has never been to Viet Nam before. Write a letter to tell him about the social customs in Viet Nam. You may use the ideas in the speaking section.
Dear Peter,
Thanks a lot for your letter – it was great to hear from you again and we're delighted you can come and stay with us.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
That's all for now, then. We'll see you at the airport on April 10th.
Best wishes,
Van
