Communication

A. Match the holidays to the photos. When are these holidays? Say which one you like best and why.

(Ghép các ngày lễ với các bức ảnh. Khi nào là những ngày lễ? Nói cái nào bạn thích nhất và tại sao)

Tet (Lunar New Year) Christmas Day

Viet Nam's Reunification Day Valentine’s Day

Answer:

1. Christmas Day

• Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th every year and is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for families and friends to come together and exchange gifts, enjoy festive meals, and attend religious services. People like Christmas because it is a time of joy, love, and giving, and it brings people closer together.

2. Tet (Lunar New Year)

• Tet, also known as Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam and is celebrated in late January or early February. It is a time for families to reunite, clean their homes, decorate with flowers, and offer traditional foods to their ancestors. People like Tet because it symbolizes a fresh start, good luck, and the chance to spend time with loved ones.

3. Viet Nam's Reunification

• Vietnam's Reunification Day, also known as Liberation Day or the Day of Southern Liberation for National Reunification, is celebrated on April 30th every year. It marks the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of North and South Vietnam. People like this holiday because it represents a significant moment in the country's history and brings feelings of unity and patriotism.

4. Day Valentine’s Day

• Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th every year and is a holiday dedicated to love and romance. It is a time for couples to express their love through gifts, cards, and romantic gestures. People like Valentine's Day because it allows them to show their affection and appreciation for their significant other.

B. What holidays do you celebrate? What do you and your family do for these celebrations? Discuss in pairs.

(Bạn kỷ niệm những ngày lễ nào? Bạn và gia đình của bạn làm gì cho những lễ kỷ niệm này? Thảo luận theo cặp)

Answer:

We celebrate Tet holiday.

My family and I do for these celebrations:

• Cleaning the house: We believe that cleaning the house before Tet will help to sweep away bad luck and make room for good luck in the coming year.

• Decorating the house: My family will decorate our homes with flowers, particularly the yellow apricot blossom, which is a symbol of spring and prosperity. Red banners with lucky phrases are also hung up around the house.

• Cooking traditional foods: During Tet, we prepare and eat a variety of traditional Vietnamese foods, such as Banh Chung (sticky rice cake), Mut (candied fruits), and Xoi Gac (red sticky rice).

• Giving lucky money: Children receive lucky money in red envelopes from their elders as a symbol of good luck and prosperity in the new year.

• Visiting relatives and friends: During Tet, my family visit our relatives and friends to exchange New Year's greetings and wishes for good health and happiness.

• Watching fireworks: Fireworks displays are a popular part of Tet celebrations, particularly on New Year's Eve.

C. Write your opinion about these sentences in your notebook. Use the expressions in the box.

(Viết ý kiến ​​​​của bạn về những câu này trong sổ ghi chép của bạn. Sử dụng các biểu thức trong hộp)

I agree I'm not sure I disagree

1. A new holiday isn’t a real holiday.

2. Some old holidays are not very important now.

3. Our country should start a new holiday.

4. People spend too much money on holidays.

5. It's very important to keep all of the old holiday customs.

Answer:

1. I disagree.

A new holiday can be just as real and meaningful as an old holiday, as long as it is celebrated with sincerity and has cultural or historical significance.

2. I agree.

As times change and cultures evolve, some old holidays may lose their relevance or significance. It is natural for people to focus more on holidays that are meaningful to them in the present day.

3. I'm not sure.

Starting a new holiday should be done thoughtfully and with a clear purpose in mind. It should be based on the needs and values of the community, and not just added for the sake of having another holiday.

4. I agree to some extent.

While holidays can be a time for celebration and enjoyment, excessive spending can lead to financial stress and hardship. It's important to find a balance and not let commercialization overshadow the true meaning of the holiday.

5. I'm not sure.

While it's important to preserve and honor cultural traditions, some old holiday customs may no longer be relevant or appropriate in modern times. It's up to each individual and community to decide which customs to keep and which to let go of.

D. In small groups, explain your opinions about the sentences in C. Do you agree or disagree with each other's opinions?

(Trong các nhóm nhỏ, giải thích ý kiến ​​​​của bạn về các câu trong C. Bạn đồng ý hay không đồng ý với ý kiến ​​của nhau?)

Answer:

1. Disagree.

A new holiday can be just as meaningful and significant as an old holiday. As society and culture change, it's natural for new holidays to emerge.

2. Agree.

Some old holidays may no longer have the same cultural or social significance they once did. However, it's important to recognize that some people may still find value in these holidays.

3. It depends.

If there is a need for a new holiday to celebrate a specific event or group, then it could be a good idea. However, it's important to consider the potential impact on society and culture, as well as the resources needed to implement a new holiday.

4. Agree.

While holidays can be a time of celebration and gift-giving, it's important to avoid excessive spending that can lead to financial stress and hardship.

5. It depends.

It's important to honor and respect cultural traditions, but some old holiday customs may not be relevant or appropriate in modern times. It's up to individuals and communities to decide which customs to preserve and which to let go of.

Writing

F. Read the passage about holiday customs. What is the author's opinion?

(Đọc đoạn văn về phong tục ngày lễ. Ý kiến ​​​​của tác giả là gì?)

Old holiday customs are an important connection to our present and past culture, so we should not forget them. A culture is built upon a lot of values, beliefs, and practices. The customs, especially those shown in holidays and celebrations, are often the easiest parts to see in a culture. They form parts of our identities and help to distinguish one community from another. Therefore, practicing these customs is an easy way to let others know who we are. Moreover, the old customs also provide a connection between different generations. In today’s busy world, members of a family may only gather during a holiday or a celebration. Then, during the preparation and practice of the old customs, we may see the older members explaining to the younger ones the meaning of the customs and the steps involved. In so doing, they not only pass on the traditional knowledge and beliefs within the customs but also strengthen the connections between the old and the young. That is why it is important to remember and practice old customs.

Answer:

The author's opinion is that old holiday customs are important and should not be forgotten because they are a connection to our present and past culture. The author believes that customs are an easy way to show our identities and distinguish one community from another. Additionally, the author believes that practicing these customs helps to strengthen connections between different generations by passing on traditional knowledge and beliefs. Therefore, the author believes it is important to remember and practice old customs.

G. Look at the Writing Skills box again. Identify the parts of the opinion passage in F.

(Nhìn vào hộp Kỹ năng viết một lần nữa. Xác định các phần của đoạn văn ý kiến ​​trong F)

1. Circle the topic sentence.

2. Underline the supporting reasons. How many reasons does the author give to support her opinion?

3. Circle the conclusion.

Answer:

1. The topic sentence is "Old holiday customs are an important connection to our present and past culture, so we should not forget them."

2. The author gives two supporting reasons:

(1) customs help to distinguish one community from another and form parts of our identities.

(2) customs provide a connection between different generations and pass on traditional knowledge and beliefs.

3. The conclusion is "That is why it is important to remember and practice old customs."

H. Choose one of the statements from C. What is your opinion about it? Brainstorm ideas and complete the visual map with ideas for each part of the passage.

(Chọn một trong những câu từ C. Ý kiến ​​​​của bạn về nó là gì? Động não các ý tưởng và hoàn thành bản đồ trực quan với các ý tưởng cho từng phần của đoạn văn)

Topic sentence

Supporting reasons

Conclusion

Answer:

I choose statement 5: "It's very important to keep all of the old holiday customs."

Opinion: I agree with the statement that it is very important to keep all of the old holiday customs. These customs provide a connection to our past and help us to remember our cultural roots.

Visual Map:

Topic sentence: It's very important to keep all of the old holiday customs.

Supporting reasons:

• Old holiday customs connect us to our past.

• They help us to remember our cultural roots.

• Customs provide a sense of identity and belonging.

• They allow us to pass on traditions to future generations.

Conclusion: Therefore, it is important to preserve and continue old holiday customs.

I choose statement 3: "Our country should start a new holiday."

Opinion: I think that starting a new holiday can be a great way to celebrate something that is important to our country or culture. However, it is important to carefully consider the purpose and significance of the new holiday.

Visual Map:

Topic sentence: Our country should start a new holiday.

Supporting reasons:

• A new holiday can be a way to celebrate something important to our country or culture.

• It can provide a way to bring people together and build community.

• A new holiday can have economic benefits for businesses and tourism.

• It is important to carefully consider the purpose and significance of the new holiday.

Conclusion: Therefore, if a new holiday is carefully thought out and serves a meaningful purpose, it can be a positive addition to our country's celebrations.

I choose statement 4: "People spend too much money on holidays."

Opinion: I believe that people should be mindful of their spending during holidays, but at the same time, holidays are an important time to celebrate with loved ones and create memories.

Visual Map:

Topic sentence: People spend too much money on holidays.

Supporting reasons:

• Holidays can be expensive due to travel, gifts, decorations, and food.

• People should be mindful of their spending during holidays and set budgets.

• However, holidays are an important time to celebrate with loved ones and create memories.

• The value of experiences and time spent with family and friends should be prioritized over material possessions.

Conclusion: While it is important to be mindful of spending during holidays, it is also important to prioritize experiences and time spent with loved ones over material possessions.

Goal check

1. Write a passage (150-180 words) about your opinion in H. Make sure the passage contains all the three elements from the Writing Skills.

(Viết đoạn văn (150-180 từ) nói về quan điểm của bạn ở H. Đảm bảo đoạn văn có đủ ba yếu tố trong phần Kỹ năng viết)

2. In small groups, share your passages. Do you agree or disagree with each other's opinions? Tell the class.

(Trong các nhóm nhỏ, chia sẻ đoạn văn của bạn. Bạn có đồng ý hay không đồng ý với ý kiến ​​​​của nhau? Nói với lớp)

Answer:

"It's very important to keep all of the old holiday customs."

In my opinion, old holiday customs are an important part of our cultural heritage, and it is crucial that we continue to observe them. These customs connect us to our past and help us to remember our cultural roots. They provide a sense of identity and belonging, reminding us of who we are and where we come from. Moreover, by continuing these traditions, we can pass them on to future generations, ensuring that they will not be forgotten.

Old holiday customs are often linked to our religious or spiritual beliefs, and they help us to celebrate and honor these beliefs in a meaningful way. They also provide an opportunity for us to come together with family and friends, to share in the joy and the spirit of the occasion.

Therefore, it is important that we make an effort to preserve these customs, even as the world around us changes. By keeping them alive, we can ensure that our cultural heritage will continue to be passed down through the generations, enriching the lives of all who come after us.

"Our country should start a new holiday."

I believe that starting a new holiday can be a great way to celebrate something that is important to our country or culture. Holidays are a way to bring people together and build community, and a new holiday can provide an opportunity to do so. Additionally, a new holiday can have economic benefits for businesses and tourism.

However, it is important to carefully consider the purpose and significance of the new holiday. It should not be created just for the sake of having another holiday or as a marketing gimmick. The new holiday should have a clear purpose and meaning that is significant to our culture or history.

Moreover, the addition of a new holiday should not diminish the importance of existing holidays. It is crucial to preserve and continue old holiday customs and traditions, as they provide a connection to our past and help us remember our cultural roots.

In conclusion, starting a new holiday can be a positive addition to our country's celebrations, as long as it is thoughtfully planned and serves a meaningful purpose.

"People spend too much money on holidays."

As for my opinion, I think that it is important for people to be mindful of their spending during holidays, but at the same time, it is also important to celebrate and create memories with loved ones. Holidays can become quite expensive with travel, gifts, decorations, and food. Therefore, people should set budgets and prioritize the value of experiences and time spent with family and friends over material possessions.

On the other hand, holidays provide an important opportunity to come together and celebrate special occasions. These memories and experiences are priceless and will be cherished for years to come. It is important to strike a balance between being financially responsible and enjoying the holiday season. One way to do this is to prioritize experiences and memories over material possessions.

In conclusion, people should be mindful of their spending during holidays and set budgets, but should also prioritize experiences and time spent with loved ones over material possessions. By striking a balance between financial responsibility and celebration, we can create meaningful memories and traditions that will last a lifetime.