UNIT 8: HAVE YO EVER BEEN TO A FESTIVAL?

PREVIEW

A. Listen. Where do the speakers celebrate these events? Complete the sentences using the countries in the box below.

Answer:

…………………………………………………………………………………..

B. Listen again. What gift did each person receive? Match the gifts to the events.

Answer:

…………………………………………………………………………………..

C. Talk with a partner. Ask and answer questions about giving and receiving the gifts in A.

Answer:

1. Have you ever given flowers as a gift? - Yes, I have. Have you?

2. Have you ever received perfum as a gift? - Yes, I have. Have you?

3. Have you ever given mooncakes as a gift? - No, I haven't. Have you?

4. Have you ever received cookies as a gift? - Yes, I have. Have you?

5. Have you ever given a necklace as a gift? - No, I haven't. Have you?

LANGUAGE FOCUS

A. Listen and read. Then repeat the conversation and replace the words in blue.

Answer:

…………………………………………………………………………………..

B. Practice with a partner. Replace any words to make your own conversation.

Answer:

1. Hey, Nadine, have you ever gotten a pet as a gift?

Yes, I have. My parents gave me a “kitten” for my birthday two years ago.

2. What about a watch? Has anyone ever given you one?

Yeah. My “father” gave me one last year.

3. Hmm. Has anyone ever “given” you flowers or chocolates?

Let me see … Yes, my parents have, for Valentine’s Day.

4. What’s going on, Maya?

Well, your birthday is “next Friday”, and I don’t know what to get you!

C. Match the phrases. Then ask and answer questions with a partner.

Ex: Have you ever played table tennis?

Answer:

1. Have you ever played table tennis?

2. Have you ever eaten Spanish food?

3. Have you ever gotten an A+?

4. Have you ever seen fireworkds

5. Have you ever done volunteer work?

6. Have you ever drunk carrot juice?

7. Have you ever been to a parade?

8. Have you ever ridden a horse?

9. Have you ever forgotten a password?

D. Complete the conversations with the correct form of the verbs. Then listen and check your answers.

1. Marcus: (1) _________ you ever __________ (get) flowers for Valentine’s Day?

Erin: No, but I gave them to my mom last year. Why do you ask?

Marcus: Well, I want to take Amy to the school dance, and I want to get her something.

Erin: (2) ___________ you ___________ (ask) her to dance yet?

Marcus: Yes! I asked yesterday. She answered right away. She said yes!

2. Jing: (3) __________ you ever __________ (be) to a Halloween party?

Jenny: No, but my older sister (4) ___________ (be) to several? Why?

Jing: A friend invited me to one next week. I don’t know what to wear.

Jenny: Wear a costume! (5) __________ you ever ___________ (wear) one?

Jing: Yes, I wore a costume last year. It was for the Lunar New Year. I danced in the parade!

Answer:

1. have – gotten

2. have – asked

3. have – been

4. been

5. have – worn

E. Work in a group. Take turns to write three true and three false sentences about thỉngs you always / usually / often / sometimes / rarely / never do. The others quess which ones are false. Then see who remembers the most details.

Answer:

A: I always finish my homework before the deadline.

B: That's impressive! I think that's true.

A: I usually have breakfast at home before heading to school.

B: That sounds reasonable. I think that's true.

A: I often go for a run in the park to stay active.

B: That's great! I think that's true.

A: Sometimes I forget to bring my umbrella when it's raining.

B: Oh, I can relate to that. I think that's true.

A: I rarely eat fast food because I prefer home-cooked meals.

B: That's a healthy choice. I think that's true.

A: I never watch horror movies because they scare me too much.

B: I understand, they can be quite intense. I think that's true.

THE REAL WORLD

A. Work with a partner. What do you know about the Mid-Autumn Festival? Check (V) the statements you think are true.

Some popular activities for the Mid-Autumn Festival are __________.

[ ] watching the full moon

[ ] receiving lucky money

[ ] gathering with family members

[ ] eating mooncakes

[ ] sending greeting cards

[ ] decorating the house

Answer:

Some popular activities for the Mid-Autumn Festival are __________.

[ v ] watching the full moon

[ ] receiving lucky money

[ v ] gathering with family members

[ v ] eating mooncakes

[ ] sending greeting cards

[ v ] decorating the house

B. Listen. Check your answers to A. Then circle T for True or F for False.

1. In Viet Nam, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also called the Children’s Festival.

2. Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of August.

3. Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family gatherings.

4. Mooncakes represent the return of life.

5. Children parade with lanterns on the Mid-Autumn Festival night.

Answer:

…………………………………………………………………………………..

PRONUNCIATION

DO YOU KNOW?

The H’mông New Year festival takes place in _____.

a. the 12th lunar month of the old year

b. the 1st lunar month of the new year

c. the 2nd lunar month of the new year

Answer:

a. the 12th lunar month of the old year

A. Listen and repeat.

1. taken 2. seen 3. been 4. given

Answer:

…………………………………………………………………………………..

B. Listen. Complete the sentences with the words you hear.

1. Have you ever ___________ a selfie?

2. Has your teacher ever ____________ you a pop quiz?

3. Have you ever ___________ to a tennis match?

4. Have you ever ___________ Korean food?

5. Have you ever ___________ a blog post?

6. Have you ever ____________ an elephant?

Answer:

…………………………………………………………………………………..

C. Work with a partner. Take turns to ask and answer the questions in B.

Answer:

(Học sinh tự thực hiện)

COMMUNICATION

Find someone who has done these things. Add two questions. Ask questions and note the names. Then add additional information. Share your survey with your class.

Answer:

1. Have you ever eating Mexican food? - Yes, I have. I ate tacos last month. They were delicious.

2. Have you ever lost something expensive? - Yes, I have. I lost my necklace yesterday.

3. Have you ever gone rock climbing? - No, I haven't gone rock climbing.

4. Have you ever forgotten someone's birthday? - Yes I have. I have forgotten my best friend birthday.

5. Have you ever stayed up all night? - No I haven't stayed up all night.

6. Have you ever seen a famous band in concert? - Yes, I have seen Blackpink in their World Tour concert.

7. Have you ever taken a selfie with a famous person? - No, I haven't taken a selfie with a famous person.

8. Have you ever seen a tennis match? - No, I haven't seen a tennis match.

READING

A. Predict. Look at the title. What do you think the text is about?

Living like locals in Southern Viet Nam

Have you ever thought of traveling around the southern part of Viet Nam and experiencing the life of the locals? If so, living in a countryside homestay with a local family might be better than staying in a hotel.

A homestay is a form of accommodation where travelers stay overnight in locals’ houses. There are many different activities that homestays can offer, such as going on river cruises, fishing, picking fruit, and visiting local workshops. Moreover, the hosts can help with lending bicycles and hiring motorbikes so you can explore the area on your own.

If this is not something for you, you can simply participate in the owner's family activities, from preparing foods to cooking and serving. You will have many chances to talk to the host family and see how things are done the Vietnamese way. You can also enjoy their secret talents, like playing musical instruments and singing don ca tai tu—traditional music of the locals.

Countryside homestays help you connect with the local culture in a home, with a family, and in a real-life setting, which can be a highly valuable experience.

Answer:

The text is about travel around the southern part of Vietnam and experiencing the life of the locals.

B. Read the text. Underline everything that guests can do when they are at a homestay.

Answer:

Have you ever thought of traveling around the southern part of Viet Nam and experiencing the life of the locals? If so, living in a countryside homestay with a local family might be better than staying in a hotel.

A homestay is a form of accommodation where travelers stay overnight in locals’ houses. There are many different activities that homestays can offer, such as going on river cruises, fishing, picking fruit, and visiting local workshops. Moreover, the hosts can help with lending bicycles and hiring

motorbikes so you can explore the area on your own.

If this is not something for you, you can simply participate in the owner's family activities, from preparing foods to cooking and serving. You will have many chances to talk to the host family and see how things are done the Vietnamese way. You can also enjoy their secret talents, like playing

musical instruments and singing don ca tai tu—traditional music of the locals.

Countryside homestays help you connect with the local culture in a home, with a family, and in a real-life setting, which can be a highly valuable experience.

C. Discuss with a partner. When you travel, where do you prefer staying, a hotel or a homestay?

Answer:

A: When you travel, where do you prefer staying, a hotel or a homestay?

B: Hmm, that's a tough question! Personally, I like staying in homestays more than hotels. What about you?

A: I can't decide! I can see the good things about both. Why do you like homestays better?

B: Well, when I stay in a homestay, I feel like I really get to experience the local culture. I can talk to the people who live there, learn about their way of life, and even join in their daily activities. It feels more genuine and real.

A: That sounds really cool! I understand that homestays offer a deeper cultural experience. But sometimes I just want the convenience and nice things that hotels have, like comfy beds, room service, and facilities like a gym or pool.

B: Yep, you're right. Hotels are great for those things, especially if you want a more relaxed and pampered trip. It's all about what you're looking for and what kind of experience you want.

A: True. I guess it also depends on where you're going. If it's a big city with lots of stuff to do, a hotel might be the better choice. But if you're in a small town or countryside, a homestay could be more interesting and unique.

B: Exactly! It's important to think about the place and what kind of adventure you want. Both options have their good points, and it's nice that we can choose based on what we like and what fits our trip.

A: Yeah, totally. Whether it's a hotel or a homestay, the most important thing is to have fun and make great memories while we're traveling.

B: Absolutely! As long as we're open to new experiences and embrace the local culture, we can have an amazing time no matter where we stay.

COMPREHENSION

IDIOM

If you “let your hair down” you ___.

a. relax and have a good time

b. don’t show any emotion

Answer:

a. relax and have a good time

A. Answer the questions about Living like locals in Southern Viet Nam.

1. According to the text, most travelers choose to stay in homestays so that they can _________.

a. save a lot of money

b. learn about local culture

c. escape from city life

2. In line 5, what can we replace “accommodation” with?

a. travel programs

b. living place

c. working environment

3. What is the purpose of paragraph 3?

a. to show the organization of countryside homestays

b. to explain the cultural meaning of some activities

c. to suggest cultural activities to guests at homestays

4. In line 15, “their" refers to something of ____.

a. the host

b. the locals

c. musical instruments

5. According to the text, what is NOT mentioned as an advantage of choosing countryside homestays?

a. authentic experience with locals

b. numerous cultural activities

c. cost savings

Answer:

1. b

2. b

3. c

4. a

5. c

B. Complete the notes. Use words from the reading.

Answer:

1. countryside

2. local family

3. in local’s houses in the southern part of Viet Nam

4. river

5. workshops

6. lending bicycle

7. hiring motorbikes

8. music of the locals

C. CRITICAL THINKING. Talk with a partner. What can be the problems for foreign travelers when they live with a host family in a homestay?

Answer:

A: Have you ever thought about the problems that foreign travelers might face when living with a host family in a homestay?

B: Yeah, definitely! While it can be great, there can also be some challenges. One problem could be the language barrier. If the host family doesn't speak the same language as the traveler, it can be hard to understand each other and might lead to misunderstandings.

A: Yeah, communication is really important. Another challenge could be getting used to different customs and traditions. The host family might have different expectations or ways of doing things that the foreign traveler might not be familiar with, which could make things a bit uncomfortable or confusing.

B: Exactly. Different cultures can be tricky to navigate. Also, food could be a problem. The host family might cook meals that don't match the traveler's dietary needs or preferences, which could make it hard to find suitable food.

A: That's true. It's important to let the host family know about any dietary restrictions or preferences beforehand to avoid any issues. Another problem could be privacy. The idea of personal space and privacy might be different for the host family, so the traveler might need to adjust their expectations.

B: Yeah, privacy is an important thing to consider. And homesickness could also be a challenge. Being away from home and loved ones can sometimes make the traveler feel homesick, especially if they're staying for a long time.

A: Definitely. Homesickness can be tough, but it's important to stay positive and find ways to connect with the host family and the local community to feel more at home. Lastly, safety is important. While most homestays are safe, it's still important for foreign travelers to be careful and choose trustworthy hosts to avoid any risks.

B: Yeah, safety should always come first. Checking reviews and recommendations can help find a safe homestay. Despite these challenges, living with a host family in a homestay can still be an amazing and rewarding experience.

A: Absolutely! It gives a chance to experience the local culture and make lifelong connections. By being aware of these potential problems and taking precautions, foreign travelers can have a memorable and meaningful homestay experience.

PROJECT

Work with a partner. Make a poster presentation about a festival.

Instructions:

• You should work with at least two other classmates on this project.
• Brainstorm some festivals (the place, time, participants, special features).
• Discuss your ideas with your group members and decide on a festival for the poster.
• Make a poster about the festival. There should be at least 10 lines of information in the poster.
• In the next class, present your poster to the whole class.

Answer:

(Học sinh tự thực hiện)

WRITING

1. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in parentheses.

a. Have you ever (be) ___________ to the flower festival in Da Lat?

b. I haven't (receive) ____________ any invitation from Minh.

c. My brother (give) ____________ me a book for my birthday last year.

d. Hoa has never (play) ___________ table tennis before.

e. I (see) __________ your cousin at the movie theater last night.

Answer:

a. been

b. received

c. given

d. played

e. have seen

2. Circle the correct words to complete the paragraph below.

At this time of the year, we (1) (prepare / are preparing) for the Tet holiday. It is one of our most important national holidays. The whole family will (2) (gather / are gathering) together during the holiday. We will cook special food and give each other lucky money. We will also visit our grandparents in the countryside. My mom and I (3) (buy / have bought) some ao dai to wear during Tet. My father (4) (just bring / has just brought) home some beautiful flowers. My brother (5) (bought / has bought) a camera yesterday to take photos of the family.

Answer:

1. are preparing

2. gather

3. have bought

4. has just brought

5. bought

3. Write a short paragraph about your preparations for a holiday. Write 80-100 words on a separate sheet of paper. Use the sample in 2 to help you.

Answer:

At this time of the year, our family is busy making preparations for the Mid-autumn holiday. It is a cherished occasion for us. We are eagerly looking forward to gathering together and celebrating this special festival. Traditional mooncakes and delicious treats are being prepared for the festive feast. We have also bought colorful lanterns and decorated our home to create a joyful atmosphere. As a tradition, we will visit our relatives and enjoy moonlit walks in the evening. I have chosen a beautiful traditional outfit, and my parents have arranged for a stunning centerpiece of flowers to adorn our dining table. Additionally, my sibling has bought a new camera to capture the precious moments of togetherness during this memorable holiday. We are excited to share laughter, delicious food, and create lasting memories during the Mid-autumn festivities.