3A GRAMMAR
Used to: meaning and form
We use used to when we refer to things in the past which are no longer true. It can refer to repeated actions or to a state or situation:
He used to play football for the local team, but he’s too old now.
That white house over there used to belong to my family.
(It belonged to my family in the past, but not any more.)
Warning:
In statements, the form used to does not change. We do not use the verb be before it. It always refers to past time:
We used to go to the seaside every summer when I was a kid.
Not: We are used to go … or We use to go … or We were used to go …
Negative: didn’t use to
The negative of used to is most commonly didn’t use(d) to. Sometimes we write it with a final -d, sometimes not. Both forms are common, but many people consider the form with the final -d to be incorrect, and you should not use it in exams:
We used to go to the seaside every summer when I was a kid.
Not: We are used to go … or We use to go … or We were used to go …
Negative: didn’t use to
The negative of used to is most commonly didn’t use(d) to. Sometimes we write it with a final -d, sometimes not. Both forms are common, but many people consider the form with the final -d to be incorrect, and you should not use it in exams:
It didn’t use to be so crowded in the shops as it is nowadays.
I didn’t used to like broccoli when I was younger, but I love it now.
(Don’t use this form in exams.)
In very formal styles, we can use the negative form used not to:
She used not to live as poorly as she does now.
Questions
The most common form of question is auxiliary did + use(d) to. Many people consider the form with a final -d to be incorrect, and you should not use it in exams:
The most common form of question is auxiliary did + use(d) to. Many people consider the form with a final -d to be incorrect, and you should not use it in exams:
I think we met once, a couple of years ago. Did you use to work with Kevin Harris?
I think we met once, a couple of years ago. Did you use to work with Kevin Harris?
She used not to live as poorly as she does now.
(Don’t use this form in written exams.)
Emphatic did
We can use the emphatic auxiliary did with used to:
We can use the emphatic auxiliary did with used to:
We never used to mix very much with the neighbours, but we did used to say hello to them in the street.
(Don’t use this form in written exams.)
Tags
We normally make tags after used to with auxiliary did:
We normally make tags after used to with auxiliary did:
He used to be your boss, did he?
We used to love going to the museum, didn’t we?
Used to or would?
We can use used to or would to talk about people’s habits in the past. When we use them both together, used to most commonly comes first, as it sets the scene for the actions being reported:
We can use used to or would to talk about people’s habits in the past. When we use them both together, used to most commonly comes first, as it sets the scene for the actions being reported:
When we were kids, we used to invent amazing games. We would imagine we were the government and we would make crazy laws that everyone had to obey.
Used to, but not would, can describe a state or situation which is no longer true:
We used to live in Manchester.
Not: We would live in Manchester.
‘The Townhouse’ used to be a Greek restaurant. It’s Italian now.
Not: ‘The Townhouse’ would be a Greek restaurant …
Past simple and past continuous
Meaning and use
We use the past simple for something that happened and finished in the past. We use it when we say or know the time when something happened. It is often used in stories, when one thing happened after another.
We use the past simple for something that happened and finished in the past. We use it when we say or know the time when something happened. It is often used in stories, when one thing happened after another.
Last year, we travelled by jeep across the Sahara.
When the car stopped, we all got out.
We use the past continuous for something that happened in the past but was not finished at a particular time. This can be an exact time in the past (12 o’clock, etc.) or the time when another thing happened.
It was 12 o’clock and we were standing in the midday sun.
Mick was checking the engine when the rescue helicopter arrived.
We also use the past continuous to describe a scene or situation in the past or for an action that continued for some time.
The stars were beginning to come out.
The dog was barking loudly.
Form
Past simple: positive
For regular verbs, the past simple ends in -ed. Irregular verbs have different forms. The past simple form is the same for all persons (I, you, he, she, etc).
For regular verbs, the past simple ends in -ed. Irregular verbs have different forms. The past simple form is the same for all persons (I, you, he, she, etc).
Suddenly the jeep skidded and stopped.
Jake thought that we had a puncture.
Past continuous: positive
The past continuous is subject + was/were + -ing form. There are no short forms of was/were.
The past continuous is subject + was/were + -ing form. There are no short forms of was/were.
Fortunately, we were carrying a toolkit.
Past simple: negative
We make the negative past simple with didn’t + infinitive.
We make the negative past simple with didn’t + infinitive.
We didn’t stay inside the jeep because that was even hotter.
Past continuous: negative
We make the negative past continuous with wasn’t/weren’t + -ing form
We make the negative past continuous with wasn’t/weren’t + -ing form
Despite the heat, Jess and Debs weren’t wearing hats.
Past simple: question
The past simple question form is did + subject + infinitive for all persons. The short answers are Yes, I did. / No, I didn’t.
The past simple question form is did + subject + infinitive for all persons. The short answers are Yes, I did. / No, I didn’t.
Did the helicopter land in the desert? Yes it did.
Past continuous: question
The past continuous question form is was/were + subject + -ing form. The short answers are Yes, I was. / No, I wasn’t.
The past continuous question form is was/were + subject + -ing form. The short answers are Yes, I was. / No, I wasn’t.
How were you feeling when it arrived?
3A GRAMMAR
Take note: spelling changes
In the past continuous, all verbs end in -ing, but sometimes the spelling changes:
In the past continuous, all verbs end in -ing, but sometimes the spelling changes:
take – taking hit – hitting die – dying
Take note: verbs we don’t use in the past continuous
There are some verbs that we don’t usually use in the continuous form. They are often verbs related to the senses and thinking, for example: hear, see, smell, hate, know, understand, believe, notice, want, need, seem, wish.
There are some verbs that we don’t usually use in the continuous form. They are often verbs related to the senses and thinking, for example: hear, see, smell, hate, know, understand, believe, notice, want, need, seem, wish.
WRONG:
Were you knowing Jess when you were living in Madrid?
CORRECT:
Did you know Jess when you were living in Madrid?
Form
Past simple: positive
For regular verbs, the past simple ends in -ed. Irregular verbs have different forms. The past simple form is the same for all persons (I, you, he, she, etc).
For regular verbs, the past simple ends in -ed. Irregular verbs have different forms. The past simple form is the same for all persons (I, you, he, she, etc).
Suddenly the jeep skidded and stopped.
Jake thought that we had a puncture.
Past continuous: positive
The past continuous is subject + was/were + -ing form. There are no short forms of was/were.
The past continuous is subject + was/were + -ing form. There are no short forms of was/were.
Fortunately, we were carrying a toolkit.
Past simple: negative
We make the negative past simple with didn’t + infinitive.
We make the negative past simple with didn’t + infinitive.
We didn’t stay inside the jeep because that was even hotter.
Past continuous: negative
We make the negative past continuous with wasn’t/weren’t + -ing form
We make the negative past continuous with wasn’t/weren’t + -ing form
Despite the heat, Jess and Debs weren’t wearing hats.
Past simple: question
The past simple question form is did + subject + infinitive for all persons. The short answers are Yes, I did. / No, I didn’t.
The past simple question form is did + subject + infinitive for all persons. The short answers are Yes, I did. / No, I didn’t.
Did the helicopter land in the desert? Yes it did.
Past continuous: question
The past continuous question form is was/were + subject + -ing form. The short answers are Yes, I was. / No, I wasn’t.
The past continuous question form is was/were + subject + -ing form. The short answers are Yes, I was. / No, I wasn’t.
How were you feeling when it arrived?
Take note: spelling changes
In the past continuous, all verbs end in -ing, but sometimes the spelling changes:
In the past continuous, all verbs end in -ing, but sometimes the spelling changes:
take – taking hit – hitting die – dying
3A READING
Birthday Traditions from Around the World
Although birthday traditions are quite similar in some countries today, not everyone celebrates in the same way.
There are numerous traditions surrounding birthdays, some of which are described below. You may recognize some of the customs, while others will be very unfamiliar. There may also be special birthday traditions in your family or a friend’s family that do not appear below.
Family history, culture, language and economic status are all details that affect the way a person observes the anniversary of their birth. Two of the most significant factors throughout history, however, have been geographic location and spiritual beliefs. The following customs have been divided according to these two categories.
Here is a list of different continents, countries and cultures and their own unique birthday traditions:
Chinese Birthday Traditions – When a Chinese child turns one year old, it is a very important event. The parents might tell the baby’s fortune by placing the baby in the center of a group of objects (such as coins, a doll, a book, etc.) and they wait to see which object the baby picks up. If the baby picked up a coin, he/she may be rich, if the baby reached for a book he/she may become a teacher, if the baby reached for the doll he/she may have many children, etc. The sixth birthday is also a special birthday for the Chinese. For the party itself, friends and relatives are invited for lunch and extra-long noodles are served to wish the birthday child a long life.
In China, it is considered unlucky to give someone a clock for a birthday present (in Mandarin, the word for “clock” is similar to death). On the other hand people believe that tigers protect children and so family members might bring newborns special gifts decorated with tigers.
Indian Birthday Traditions – On a Hindu child’s first birthday, his or her head is shaved while being held by a special fire. Removal of the hair cleanses the child of any evil in past lives, symbolizing a renewal of the soul.
Usually on the day of the birthday, the child will wear very colorful clothing to school and will pass out chocolates to the entire class. The child will also kneel and touch their parents’ feet as a sign of respect. They then all visit a shrine, where they pray and the child is blessed.
In the afternoon there might be a meal that includes a spicy vegetable stew called curry and chutney which is a spicy fruit relish. The dessert is a treat known as “dudh pakh”, which is rice like pudding (they might also stir in pistachios, almonds, raisins, and a spice called cardamon).
Japanese Birthday Traditions – Certain birthdays in Japan are more important than others (the 3rd, 5th, and 7th). During these special birthdays, Japanese children participate in the upcoming Shichi-go-san Festival (meaning the “Seven-Five-Three” Festival), celebrated annually on November 15. During this festival, children and their families visit a shrine or other place of worship and will give thanks to God for their health and strength, and ask to be blessed with continued well-being in the future and a long life (this is due to the fact that a long time ago children died before their 3rd, 5th or 7th birthdays). For this occasion, girls and boys always dress in their finest clothes, which may be traditional kimonos or also western-style clothing.
Korean Birthday Traditions – In Korea, on the 100th day (which is called a “paegil”) after a child’s birth, a small feast is usually held to celebrate the child having survived this period. The family, relatives, and friends celebrate with rice cakes, wine, and other delicacies such as red and black bean cakes sweetened with sugar or honey. It is believed that if the rice cakes are shared with 100 people the child will have a long life and therefore rice cakes are usually sent to as many people as possible to help share the happiness of the occasion. Those receiving the rice cakes do not return the serving vessels empty, but with skeins of thread expressing the hope of longevity, and with rice and money symbolizing future wealth. The red and black bean cakes are believed to bring the child luck and happiness and are placed at the four compass points within the house.
Malaysian Birthday Traditions – Friends or relatives who visit, give presents to the person celebrating their birthday or they may give an “ang-bao” which is a small red packet filled with money. At about 16, when teenagers start to invite boys and girls to their parties, there is lots of dancing and games to help find a partner (the trick is to always have the same numbers of boys and girls!).
Australian Birthday Traditions – Many Australian Birthday parties are barbeques as the weather most of the time is not very cold. In Australia the children eat a dish called “Fairy Bread” which is a very popular snack (it is buttered bread covered with tiny sprinkles known as “hundreds and thousands”).
New Zealandian Birthday Traditions – After the birthday cake is lit, the happy birthday song is sung loudly (often out of tune) and then the birthday person receives a clap for each year they have been alive and one for good luck.
Danish Birthday Traditions – In Denmark, presents are placed around the child’s bed while they are sleeping so that they will see them immediately when waking up. Also, a flag is flown outside a window to designate that someone living in that house is having a birthday.
British Birthday Traditions – It is an old English tradition to mix symbolic objects into the birthday cake as it is being prepared (in medieval times, objects such as coins and thimbles were mixed into the batter). People believed that the person who got the coin would be wealthy, while the unlucky finder of the thimble would never marry. Today, small figures, fake coins and small candies are more common. Guests are warned ahead of time as well, so that no one injures their teeth or swallows a tiny treasure.
Also, when it’s your birthday, your friends give you the “bumps” which is when they lift you in the air by your hands and feet and raise you up and down to the floor, one for each year, then one for luck, two for luck and three for the old man’s coconut! They usually will also drink “squash” which is an orange or lemon flavored Kool-Aid-type drink made from syrup (rather than a powder).
German Birthday Traditions – On a child’s birthday the dining table or kitchen will have a special wooden birthday wreath placed on it. The wreath contains small holes for candles and a holder in the center for the life-candle (this is a taller candle and is beautifully decorated). This candle is lit each year of a child’s birthday until they reach the age of twelve. Usually on the day of the child’s birthday, a member of the birthday person’s family wakes up at sunrise and lights the candles on the birthday cake to be lit all day long.
In Germany, when men reach the age of 30 and they still don’t have a girlfriend, they have to sweep the stairs of the city hall. All their friends will throw rubble on the stairs and even when you’re finished they’ll throw some more rubble. This way every girl can see that this man reached the age of 30 and still doesn’t have a girlfriend (and that he can clean a house very well!).
Dutch Birthday Traditions – In Holland, special year birthdays such as 5, 10, 15, 20, and 21 are called “crown” years. The birthday child usually receives an especially large gift on a crown year birthday. The family also decorates the birthday child’s chair at the dining room table with seasonal flowers, paper streamers, paper flowers and balloons. Children will eat pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar and taarties (tarts made with different kinds of fillings) which is served with lemonade or hot chocolate.
To receive a birthday present wrapped in black and white is considered bad luck.
Irish Birthday Traditions – A tradition in Ireland is to lift the birthday child upside down and have them be gently “bumped” on the floor for good luck. The number of bumps given is the age of the child plus one for extra good luck.
Lithuanian Birthday Traditions – In Lithuania a garland is hung around the entire door of the home of the birthday person. The birthday person sits in a decorated chair and family members lift them (up to three times).
Norwegian Birthday Traditions – In Norway the birthday child stands out in front of their class and chooses a friend to share a little dance with while the rest of the class sings a happy birthday song. Most birthday parties consist of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and dishes of red gelatin covered with vanilla sauce.
At birthday parties guests may go fishing, but not for fish; they play a game known as “Fishing for Ice Cream”, where everyone pulls up a frozen treat attached to a piece of string.
Scottish Birthday Traditions – A pound note is given for every year old the child is plus an additional pound for good luck. A soft smack on the bottom is also given for each year.
Swedish Birthday Traditions – Like Danish and Norwegian people, Swedes like to use their national flag to decorate on birthdays and special occasions. Swedish children are often served breakfast in bed. Birthday cakes in Sweden are similar to pound cakes and are decorated with marzipan.
There are numerous traditions surrounding birthdays, some of which are described below. You may recognize some of the customs, while others will be very unfamiliar. There may also be special birthday traditions in your family or a friend’s family that do not appear below.
Family history, culture, language and economic status are all details that affect the way a person observes the anniversary of their birth. Two of the most significant factors throughout history, however, have been geographic location and spiritual beliefs. The following customs have been divided according to these two categories.
Here is a list of different continents, countries and cultures and their own unique birthday traditions:
Chinese Birthday Traditions – When a Chinese child turns one year old, it is a very important event. The parents might tell the baby’s fortune by placing the baby in the center of a group of objects (such as coins, a doll, a book, etc.) and they wait to see which object the baby picks up. If the baby picked up a coin, he/she may be rich, if the baby reached for a book he/she may become a teacher, if the baby reached for the doll he/she may have many children, etc. The sixth birthday is also a special birthday for the Chinese. For the party itself, friends and relatives are invited for lunch and extra-long noodles are served to wish the birthday child a long life.
In China, it is considered unlucky to give someone a clock for a birthday present (in Mandarin, the word for “clock” is similar to death). On the other hand people believe that tigers protect children and so family members might bring newborns special gifts decorated with tigers.
Indian Birthday Traditions – On a Hindu child’s first birthday, his or her head is shaved while being held by a special fire. Removal of the hair cleanses the child of any evil in past lives, symbolizing a renewal of the soul.
Usually on the day of the birthday, the child will wear very colorful clothing to school and will pass out chocolates to the entire class. The child will also kneel and touch their parents’ feet as a sign of respect. They then all visit a shrine, where they pray and the child is blessed.
In the afternoon there might be a meal that includes a spicy vegetable stew called curry and chutney which is a spicy fruit relish. The dessert is a treat known as “dudh pakh”, which is rice like pudding (they might also stir in pistachios, almonds, raisins, and a spice called cardamon).
Japanese Birthday Traditions – Certain birthdays in Japan are more important than others (the 3rd, 5th, and 7th). During these special birthdays, Japanese children participate in the upcoming Shichi-go-san Festival (meaning the “Seven-Five-Three” Festival), celebrated annually on November 15. During this festival, children and their families visit a shrine or other place of worship and will give thanks to God for their health and strength, and ask to be blessed with continued well-being in the future and a long life (this is due to the fact that a long time ago children died before their 3rd, 5th or 7th birthdays). For this occasion, girls and boys always dress in their finest clothes, which may be traditional kimonos or also western-style clothing.
Korean Birthday Traditions – In Korea, on the 100th day (which is called a “paegil”) after a child’s birth, a small feast is usually held to celebrate the child having survived this period. The family, relatives, and friends celebrate with rice cakes, wine, and other delicacies such as red and black bean cakes sweetened with sugar or honey. It is believed that if the rice cakes are shared with 100 people the child will have a long life and therefore rice cakes are usually sent to as many people as possible to help share the happiness of the occasion. Those receiving the rice cakes do not return the serving vessels empty, but with skeins of thread expressing the hope of longevity, and with rice and money symbolizing future wealth. The red and black bean cakes are believed to bring the child luck and happiness and are placed at the four compass points within the house.
Malaysian Birthday Traditions – Friends or relatives who visit, give presents to the person celebrating their birthday or they may give an “ang-bao” which is a small red packet filled with money. At about 16, when teenagers start to invite boys and girls to their parties, there is lots of dancing and games to help find a partner (the trick is to always have the same numbers of boys and girls!).
Australian Birthday Traditions – Many Australian Birthday parties are barbeques as the weather most of the time is not very cold. In Australia the children eat a dish called “Fairy Bread” which is a very popular snack (it is buttered bread covered with tiny sprinkles known as “hundreds and thousands”).
New Zealandian Birthday Traditions – After the birthday cake is lit, the happy birthday song is sung loudly (often out of tune) and then the birthday person receives a clap for each year they have been alive and one for good luck.
Danish Birthday Traditions – In Denmark, presents are placed around the child’s bed while they are sleeping so that they will see them immediately when waking up. Also, a flag is flown outside a window to designate that someone living in that house is having a birthday.
British Birthday Traditions – It is an old English tradition to mix symbolic objects into the birthday cake as it is being prepared (in medieval times, objects such as coins and thimbles were mixed into the batter). People believed that the person who got the coin would be wealthy, while the unlucky finder of the thimble would never marry. Today, small figures, fake coins and small candies are more common. Guests are warned ahead of time as well, so that no one injures their teeth or swallows a tiny treasure.
Also, when it’s your birthday, your friends give you the “bumps” which is when they lift you in the air by your hands and feet and raise you up and down to the floor, one for each year, then one for luck, two for luck and three for the old man’s coconut! They usually will also drink “squash” which is an orange or lemon flavored Kool-Aid-type drink made from syrup (rather than a powder).
German Birthday Traditions – On a child’s birthday the dining table or kitchen will have a special wooden birthday wreath placed on it. The wreath contains small holes for candles and a holder in the center for the life-candle (this is a taller candle and is beautifully decorated). This candle is lit each year of a child’s birthday until they reach the age of twelve. Usually on the day of the child’s birthday, a member of the birthday person’s family wakes up at sunrise and lights the candles on the birthday cake to be lit all day long.
In Germany, when men reach the age of 30 and they still don’t have a girlfriend, they have to sweep the stairs of the city hall. All their friends will throw rubble on the stairs and even when you’re finished they’ll throw some more rubble. This way every girl can see that this man reached the age of 30 and still doesn’t have a girlfriend (and that he can clean a house very well!).
Dutch Birthday Traditions – In Holland, special year birthdays such as 5, 10, 15, 20, and 21 are called “crown” years. The birthday child usually receives an especially large gift on a crown year birthday. The family also decorates the birthday child’s chair at the dining room table with seasonal flowers, paper streamers, paper flowers and balloons. Children will eat pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar and taarties (tarts made with different kinds of fillings) which is served with lemonade or hot chocolate.
To receive a birthday present wrapped in black and white is considered bad luck.
Irish Birthday Traditions – A tradition in Ireland is to lift the birthday child upside down and have them be gently “bumped” on the floor for good luck. The number of bumps given is the age of the child plus one for extra good luck.
Lithuanian Birthday Traditions – In Lithuania a garland is hung around the entire door of the home of the birthday person. The birthday person sits in a decorated chair and family members lift them (up to three times).
Norwegian Birthday Traditions – In Norway the birthday child stands out in front of their class and chooses a friend to share a little dance with while the rest of the class sings a happy birthday song. Most birthday parties consist of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and dishes of red gelatin covered with vanilla sauce.
At birthday parties guests may go fishing, but not for fish; they play a game known as “Fishing for Ice Cream”, where everyone pulls up a frozen treat attached to a piece of string.
Scottish Birthday Traditions – A pound note is given for every year old the child is plus an additional pound for good luck. A soft smack on the bottom is also given for each year.
Swedish Birthday Traditions – Like Danish and Norwegian people, Swedes like to use their national flag to decorate on birthdays and special occasions. Swedish children are often served breakfast in bed. Birthday cakes in Sweden are similar to pound cakes and are decorated with marzipan.
Middle East
Israeli Birthday Traditions – In Israel the child whose birthday it is usually wears a crown made from leaves or flowers and sits in a chair decorated in streamers. Guests dance around the chair singing and may also raise and lower it a number of times, corresponding to the child’s age (plus one for good luck).
Canadian Birthday Traditions – In Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland) the birthday child is ambushed and their nose is greased for good luck. The greased nose makes the child too slippery for bad luck to catch them (this tradition is reputed to be of Scottish decent). Regarding the cake, a wrapped coin might be found between the layers of the birthday cake (whoever finds it is the first to get a turn at all the party games).
Mexican Birthday Traditions – In Mexico, kids love to have pinata’s at their birthday. A pinata is usually made out of paper mache (usually in the form of an animal or object), is filled with goodies and hung from the ceiling or a tree branch. The birthday child is blindfolded and hits the pinata until it is cracked open and all the goodies fall out. All the children then get to share the goodies.
Also, when a daughter reaches her 15th birthday (which is called a “quinceanera”), the birthday is celebrated with a special mass in her honor. This celebration often includes a religious ceremony at church, in which the young lady recognizes her heritage and her spiritual journey. A party is then given to introduce her to everyone as a young woman, and the father may dance a waltz with her. In some Latin American countries, a young woman changes her shoes from flats to heels during the ceremony (this is symbolic—it shows that she has moved on to a higher level of responsibility).
In Mexico there are two celebrations you have for your birthday. The first one is for your name or saint’s day, which on this day you attend church and a priest blesses you. Then you go home to have a party that includes relatives and close family friends. The saint’s day party is much quieter and more formal.
American Birthday Traditions – At children’s parties, balloons and streamers are hung up and lots of friends are invited to the party. Sometimes the person having the birthday can choose what they want to do: bowling, swimming, arcades, amusement parks, camping trips, etc.
The majority of American children celebrate birthdays with a cake topped with lighted candles. Most families use the candles to represent how old a person is turning (and another one for good luck). For instance, a 2-year old will have 3 candles on the cake. When the cake is set before the birthday child, candles lit, he or she is supposed to make a wish (without telling anyone what it is) and after making a wish, he or she tries to blow out the candles. If all the candles go out with one breath, it is believed that the wish will come true!
Canadian Birthday Traditions – In Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland) the birthday child is ambushed and their nose is greased for good luck. The greased nose makes the child too slippery for bad luck to catch them (this tradition is reputed to be of Scottish decent). Regarding the cake, a wrapped coin might be found between the layers of the birthday cake (whoever finds it is the first to get a turn at all the party games).
Mexican Birthday Traditions – In Mexico, kids love to have pinata’s at their birthday. A pinata is usually made out of paper mache (usually in the form of an animal or object), is filled with goodies and hung from the ceiling or a tree branch. The birthday child is blindfolded and hits the pinata until it is cracked open and all the goodies fall out. All the children then get to share the goodies.
Also, when a daughter reaches her 15th birthday (which is called a “quinceanera”), the birthday is celebrated with a special mass in her honor. This celebration often includes a religious ceremony at church, in which the young lady recognizes her heritage and her spiritual journey. A party is then given to introduce her to everyone as a young woman, and the father may dance a waltz with her. In some Latin American countries, a young woman changes her shoes from flats to heels during the ceremony (this is symbolic—it shows that she has moved on to a higher level of responsibility).
In Mexico there are two celebrations you have for your birthday. The first one is for your name or saint’s day, which on this day you attend church and a priest blesses you. Then you go home to have a party that includes relatives and close family friends. The saint’s day party is much quieter and more formal.
American Birthday Traditions – At children’s parties, balloons and streamers are hung up and lots of friends are invited to the party. Sometimes the person having the birthday can choose what they want to do: bowling, swimming, arcades, amusement parks, camping trips, etc.
The majority of American children celebrate birthdays with a cake topped with lighted candles. Most families use the candles to represent how old a person is turning (and another one for good luck). For instance, a 2-year old will have 3 candles on the cake. When the cake is set before the birthday child, candles lit, he or she is supposed to make a wish (without telling anyone what it is) and after making a wish, he or she tries to blow out the candles. If all the candles go out with one breath, it is believed that the wish will come true!
3A Test 1
Put the correct form of verbs ( used to, Past Simple, Past Continuous)
Helen used to do (do) her weekly shopping on her own when she was studying (study) at the university.
Jim was waiting (wait) at one airport while Max was waiting (wait) at the other. What a disaster!
It was raining (rain) very hard, so the referee decided (decide) not to play the match.
Joan became (become) very angry this morning. She was speaking (speak) to an important client and someone entered (enter) the room without knocking.
Hank was cooking (cook) in the kitchen. His sister offered (offer) to help but Hank refused (refuse).
See that building there? I used to go (go) to school there, but now it's a factory.
His father used to smoke (smoke) twenty cigars a day - now he doesn't smoke at all!
Whenever all my friends went to discos, I never used to go (never go) with them, but now I enjoy it.
Being a teenager I used to cram(cram) all nights for my college exams, while my friends were enjoying (enjoy) at the never-ending parties.
When the police arrived (arrive) at the party, the music was playing (play) very loud and everybody was shouting (shout).
3A Test 2
Now add the correct words to complete the sentences
My toddler is so naughty at the moment, since she learnt to walk I can't control her!
My friend brought her newborn to my wedding. She was gorgeous, less than a week old!
I hate paying taxes and not getting any school holidays.
My teenager has just discovered girls. He is 16 and he never talks to us anymore!
Being a child -can be incredibly difficult. School is a whole new world and nowadays you are expected to learn so much so quickly. Mine started doing exams when he was just six years old.
Justin Bieber is definitely for the pre-teen market; 11 and 12 year old girls love him.
My baby girl is six months old and she has already started crawling.
I'm really worried about my elderly aunt. She is living alone and isn't getting the help she needs.
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