Lesson A

Communication and Cultural Awareness

Art

What do people do to celebrate Christmas where you live?

Christmas
1. Read this article about Christmas.

Talking about Christmas worldwide is fun, but it would take

a long time. However, there is a clear difference between celebrations
in Latin America and Europe and the United States. In Ecuador,
families make a family dinner, as well as in the USA. The traditional
meal is turkey or another traditional food from the region.
It’s common for American people to make a reservation in a fancy
restaurant, and at night they do some reading. In Ecuador, families
pray “la novena.” In Latin America, people usually do the shopping a
few weeks before Christmas, but in the USA, parents buy gifts one or
two months before. It does not matter where people are; many people
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celebrate the birth of Jesus, in the Catholic religion.

2. Write similarities and differences about Christmas celebrations in Ecuador

and in the USA.

Christmas is probably the

most popular celebration
in the world. On this day,
December 25th, people
celebrate the birth of Jesus.

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In general, families make
time to be together, talk, and
exchange gifts. A delicious
dinner is also part of this
celebration. However, every
country celebrates this day in
different ways.

3. What are some of the things that you enjoy about Christmas?

Vocabulary
4. Write a list of traditions your family does at Christmas time.
tradition. something that is
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always done on a holiday

or at an event, the adjective
form is traditional

fancy. elegant

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 Oral Communication
Are there any special events for Christmas in your city?

Christmas Celebration
1. Listen to the conversation between Ben and Karin.
Audio
Listen to the dialogue.

Value: Empathy

Empathy has to do with

understanding how other
people feel. Even people that
are not with their families like
to share time with friends and
other families for traditional
celebrations. You can show
empathy by inviting people
2. Say if the sentences are True(T) or False(F). to your celebration, even if
a. Ben’s dad is making a cake for Christmas. they are not part of your family.

b. Ben is sending messages to invite people.

c. Ben’s mom is going shopping on Monday.

d. Ben’s sister needs new headphones.

3. Listen again. Complete the sentences with the expressions you hear. • Use this expression:
“I mean”, to make
a. I , I can text them.
something clear.
b. I she’d love new headphones. • Use this expression:
“I think”, to express
c. No , let’s go shopping on Tuesday.
your opinion.

4. Create a similar conversation between two people. Use the expressions • Use this expression:
above. “No wait”, to change
your opinion.
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Vocabulary

headphones. small speakers

placed over the ears
for listening to music

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Reading
Social Studies

What are some places that do not celebrate Christmas? Why don´t they?

Christmas or a Different Holiday?

1. Read this article about Christmas around the world.

Christmas is the time of the year to be with family, but not

everybody celebrates this. There are nine countries in the world which
do not celebrate this date. They are China, South Korea, Thailand, Saudi
Arabia, Algeria, Iran, Tayikistán, Brunei, and Somalia.
For example, in China, there are not Catholic people because they are
Buddhist. However, on Christmas Eve, they decorate their houses with
different ornaments because they welcome the New Year in the rest
of the world.
In South Korea, they set up Christmas trees in shopping centers,
restaurants or tourist places, but not in houses.
Thailand is a country with many tourists. For this reason, they offer
visitors some Christmas activities such as decorating streets and hotels.
In the other countries, this celebration is not allowed because
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of political or religious beliefs.

2. Complete the chart with Christmas traditions in each country.

Country Tradition

China

South Korea

Thailand

3. Why don’t those countries celebrate Christmas? Give two reasons:

Pixabay / wiroj

4. Come up with three questions based on the reading and let one of your
partners answer them without letting them see the reading again:

2
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Vocabulary
3
ornaments. decorations

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 Writing
What do you need to do to organize a Christmas party?

An Informal Invitation
1. Imagine you are organizing a Christmas dinner for your class, and you are
going to write an invitation.

a. Decide the place, the date and the time.

b. Decide the activities. In your notebook, write a list of activities

that will be done at the party to include in your invitation

2. Write an informal invitation using the grammar tip on the right.

Hi,

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Remember the format
for an informal invitation:
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Best,
• Hi (your friend’s name),
• I hope you’re great.
3. Ask and answer these questions about invitations: I’m writing to invite to
(event). It is (place + date).
a. Do you usually send written invitations? Who do you send (Extra details)
invitations to?
• I hope you can come.
Best, (your name)
Idea: If possible, read your
invitation aloud in front
b. Do you send online invitations for your events? Why?
of the whole class and let
your classmates and teacher
provide feedback. Make sure
to help each other because
4. Read the parts of an invitation and put a check next to if it is formal you will listen to your
or informal language. partners’ invitations as well!
Once everyone has read their
Formal Informal invitations, improve your
Dear Mr. Ayala, written English by taking into
account all the suggestions
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Hi friend, provided by your classmates

Sincerely and teacher.
yours,
Love,

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Language Through the Arts
Art

What do you know about Christmas traditions and celebrations in the USA?

Magic Christmas in Orlando

1. Read this article about how people celebrate Christmas in Orlando.

Every year there is a unique and magic event at Orlando, Florida at

Magic Kingdom Park. The famous character, Mickey Mouse, celebrates
Christmas with a parade full of lights, music, and fantasy during a month,
Pixabay / hhyunma

not only on December 24th or 25th.

At night, there are plenty of activities for the whole family;
for example, Club Tinsel makes a party for children and adults where
everybody can make new friends. Restaurants at Downtown Disney
make a great Christmas dinner, and visitors can enjoy tasty desserts
and fabulous dishes. On Christmas day, people can see fireworks at the
castle in Magic Kingdom. Finally, the main event is Mickey’s Very Merry
Christmas Party place at Magic Kingdom. It is a parade with all Disney
characters and Santa Claus. This event lasts two months, November and
December. Also, visitors can buy a nice photo at Disney Photo Pass only
on these days.
Although the tickets for this event are really expensive, it is a magical
experience to celebrate Christmas with family or friends.

2. Choose the correct answer.

• What’s the main event in Disneyland?

a. fireworks b. dinner c. parade

a. one day b. two months c. the whole year

• How long does the Christmas celebration take place in Orlando?

• What activities can visitors enjoy during the celebration? Write in

complete sentences. Start with:
Visitors can

Visitors can

Visitors can
Pixabay / RogerMayhem

3. In your city, is there a parade or other organized activity on in Christmas’

Eve? Explain.
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 Oral Communication
Art

What does your family usually eat for a Christmas dinner?

A Family Christmas Dinner

1. Listen to the conversation between Ben and Fanny.
Audio
2. Match the people and the activities. Write the letter of the activity Listen to the dialogue.
next to the person that does it.

• Ben a. has another party.

• Ben’s dad b. does the shopping.

• Ben’s mom c. does the housework.

• Ben’s sister d. makes a cake.

3. Match the pictures and the sentences in the previous activity. Write

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the numbers 1-4 under the pictures in the order they were talked about.

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4. Listen to the conversation again. Complete the sentences with the words
you hear.

a. Thank you. I’m I’m here with you.

b. Wow! That’s a .

c. In the morning, we were in a .

d. She’ll be here in a .
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5. Pair work. Write a continuation of the conversation between Samantha–

Ben’s sister and aunt Fanny.

Samantha:
Fanny:
Samantha:
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Fanny: Vocabulary

Samantha: in a rush. to hurry because

you are late or there is not
Fanny:
much time

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 Lesson B

Communication and Cultural Awareness

Where do you usually spend your holidays? Who do you spend them with?

Holy Holidays

1. Read this article about holidays in Spain and in Ecuador.

Holidays are a nice opportunity
to get together with family and How do you usually spend your holidays? Where do you
friends. People take advantage spend them? Who do you spend them with? The answers to those
these days off to relax at home, questions depend on where you are from, that is, your nationality.
to do some sports or travel to For example, Ecuadorian people often spend their holidays with
other cities. The most important their families, whereas people from Spain frequently prefer
thing is to do something fun. to spend their holidays with their friends. The holidays in Ecuador,
of course, are different from other countries. Even in Ecuador
there are local holidays which other cities don’t celebrate. These
days off are because of some specific celebrations in a region.
For instance, on December 6th Quito celebrates its foundation and on
July 25th Guayaquil celebrates its founding date.

Other national holidays are in January 1st, May 1st, November 2nd,
among others. On these days, people look forward visiting other places
for fun or relatives.
In Spain, there some similar holidays, but they celebrate different
festivities also. On December 6th, they celebrate the day of the Spanish
Pixabay / SanFermin

Constitution. The Day of Death is in November 1st.

Regardless of what the festivity is, the important thing is to have
fun and relax.

2. According to the reading, answer the questions below in complete

sentences using your own words.

a. Does every person in the world spend their holidays in the same
way? Explain why or why not.

b. What does a typical Ecuadorian family usually do on a holiday?

Pixabay / charteweb

3. Pair work. Ask your partner the question below and write down their
answer.

What do you like to do on a holiday?

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Vocabulary

regardless of. without

relevance, something that
doesn´t matter

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 Oral Communication
Are there a lot of holiday activities in December where you live?

Party Time in Quito

1. Listen to Steve and Tommy talk about Quito in December and decide
whether the following statements are True(T) or False(F). Audio
Listen to the dialogue.
a. David loves December.

b. Ford can’t wait for December.

c. People from Quito never drink canelazo.

d. Quito´s foundation is celebrated in April.

2. Listen again and answer the following questions in complete sentences.

a. Why does David love December?

Pixabay / hbieser
b. Do you enjoy celebrating your city´s traditional festivities? Yes/No?
Why? Share your answer with a classmate next to you and talk
about it.

You can use “so” before

summarizing what your
partner said in order to keep
the conversation going.
It is a common conversation
3. Vocabulary. Match the pictures and the sentences from the listening.
Write the letters of the descriptions next to the correct picture.
strategy!

a. There is music and dancing in the streets.

b. Quiteños frequently organize Handmade Wooden Cart Races.

c. They ride insane party buses at night called Chivas.

d. People play 40 which is a traditional card game.

Freepik / Pixabay
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Vocabulary

insane. crazy

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Language Through the Arts
Have you ever heard of Juan Pueblo? Do you know who he is?

Juan Pueblo
1. Read this biography about Juan Pueblo.

Juan Pueblo is an icon of Guayaquil. It represents all the humble

and hardworking people who succeed in life. It was created in 1918
by Virgilio Jaime Salinas who was a cartoonist. Usually, tourists
go and visit the Juan Pueblo sculpture made out of bronze. People
can take pictures with this statue at Plaza Rodolfo Baquerizo Moreno.
Moreover, Juan Pueblo is so popular that it even appears on TV
commercials sometimes. Additionally, this icon is frequently posted
everywhere during Guayaquil´s festivities.
This lovely character is around ninety years old, and it is
characterized by its cap and its welcoming smile. The physical
appearance of this character changed. At the beginning, he looked
like a poor and skinny man. Later, the municipality made him
look like a hardworking and good-looking Guayaquileño man.
Pixabay / williamslay

The objective was to raise Guayaquileños self-esteem and self-love.

Nowadays, Juan Pueblo is the icon of Guayaquil.

2. Circle the correct answers based on the reading.

• Juan Pueblo is:

a. a boy
You can start or end a sentence
b. an adult
with “usually” or “sometimes”.
For example: c. an icon
• “I usually go to the beach on
vacation” or “Usually I go • Juan Pueblo represents:
to the beach on vacation”. a. rich people
• “Sometimes I spend holidays at b. poor people
home” or “I sometimes spend
holidays at home” c. hardworking people

• Tourists usually:

a. avoid Juan Pueblo

b. visit Guayaquil
Vocabulary
c. take a photo of Juan Pueblo
humble. modest, don´t talk
about themselves in a good 3. Get into groups and talk about an icon from your cities. Does it have
way something in common with Juan Pueblo? If so, what are the similar
features? If not, what makes them different from each other? Brainstorm
hardworking. good at working as many ideas as you can. Then, share your ideas with the whole class.
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productive

icon. person or thing that

represents something
important

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 Oral Communication
Have you ever heard of Kasama? Can you describe it or imagine what it is?

Let’s Go to Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas

1. Listen to the conversation between two people.
Audio
Listen to the dialogue.
2. Before listening to the conversation, answer the following questions.
Make sure to answer these questions using the present continuous,
then share your answers with your partners.

a. What is the name of the party where Fran and David are?

b. Where is the party being held?

c. It is a traditional party for what group of Ecuadorians?

3. Now, listen to the conversation and answer these questions in your own Listen and look for words in
words. native Ecuadorian languages.
Find their meanings in English.
a. What does Kasama mean?

b. Who celebrates this traditional festivity?

c. Is Spanish the only language spoken in Ecuador? What other

languages are spoken in Ecuador?

4. Imagine a similar situation with you and a friend. Write a short dialogue
of 10 lines related to an unknown cultural aspect of Ecuador. Practice
and perform it in front of the class.

Value: Interculturality

English is fun and useful, but

in Ecuador people speak more
languages than just Spanish
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and Kichwa. Those languages

are part of our history and
identity.

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Reading
What do you know about the All Souls Day celebrated in Ecuador.

Ecuador’s All Souls Day

1. Read this article about Ecuador’s All Souls Day.

All Souls Day is a day to

Ecuador’s All Souls Day is a traditional holiday that is celebrated
remember our loved ones.
on November 2nd. Families get together at cemeteries to spend time
There are many traditions
with their beloved ones who passed away. How? Basically, what they do
around the world. People
is bring two culinary traditions: guaguas de pan and colada morada.
organize festivals, prepare
Guaguas de pan is bread baked in the shape of sort of dough babies
special food, and tell tales.
decorated with colorful toppings. Colada morada is a traditional hot
This is an important holiday beverage cooked with strawberries and some other spices. The point
in Latin America. is to share the food with the beloved ones who are gone by leaving
the food next to their graves. The tradition says that dead people eat
the food at night, when no one is at the cemetery.

2. Answer the following questions in your own words based on the reading.

a. What do Ecuadorians usually do for All Souls Day?

b. What kind of food is prepared for All Souls Day?

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3. Do you celebrate the All Souls Day? If so, what do you usually do on that
day? If not, what do you do instead? Write down and then share your
answers with your partners.

Vocabulary

cemetery. place for dead

DiegoAldaz

people
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toppings. small food items

to add color and flavor
on top of another food
such as cakes and pizzas

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 Writing
What is your favorite holiday? Explain what you like about it.

We All Like Holidays!

1. Imagine you are writing a paragraph about your favorite holiday or day
of the year. The questions to be answered are:

a. What is your favorite holiday or day of the year?

b. What activities do you usually do on that day?

c. Who do you spend your time with?

Take the following paragraph as an example. Make sure to focus

on the adverbs of frequency that are underlined.

My favorite holiday is Carnival because I always play fun games

with my family. I am never alone during Carnival. We usually visit
Guaranda during this holiday. My family and I often play Carnival

Pixabay / D_Fenix249
by throwing carioca, which is a colorful foam, at each other.
We never use or waste water. However, the carioca cans are bad
for the environment so we don´t use a lot.

2. Now, it is your turn! Use your own information, be sure to use adverbs
of frequency:

a. What is your holiday or day of the year?

b. What activities do you usually on that day?

c. Who do you spend your time with?

Adverbs of frequency.
They are placed before
the verb. The only exception
is the verb “to be”, so adverbs
of frequency are placed after
“TO BE”.
For instance:
• I always pay attention in class.
• I am never late.
3. Investigate other holidays in Ecuador and complete the chart.
100% always
Date Holiday Activity 90-80% usually
People usually make 70-60% often
January 1st New Year
promises.
50% sometimes
40-30% seldom
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20-10% rarely

0% never

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Assessment
Speaking

1 Interview a classmate about different festivities. Ask

them the following questions and create two of your
own. Take notes.

a. What do you usually do for Christmas?

b. How can you make new friends in parties?

Pixabay / dassel
c. Which holidays do you celebrate with your
family?

d. What’s your favorite holiday? Why?

Listening
Share with the class. 3 Answer if the sentences are True(T) or False(F).

a. Henry doesn’t celebrate Halloween

2 Describe the pictures of events. Write about who in his country.
is in the picture, where they are and what they are b. Jack-o-lanterns are a dessert.
doing.
c. Students are organizing the party
at the school.
d. Children ask for candies.

4 Match the pictures with the activities people do in

Halloween. Write the letters next to the correct
pictures.
Pixabay / dimitrisvetsikas

a. make different kind of cakes.

b. decorate pumpkins.

c. use costumes in parties.

d. buy candies.
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 Assessment What holidays do you celebrate?
Reading Writing
1 Read this email: 2 Write Paul an email answering his questions
Say:
• how many languages are there in Ecuador.
• how many languages of them you can speak.

Write between 30-35 words.

From: Paul
[Link]@[Link]
To: (your name)
[Link]@[Link]

Subject: Languages in Ecuador From:

To:
Hi there,

Subject: Languages in Ecuador

How are you doing? I hope all is well. My
teacher asked me to write an essay about the
number of languages Ecuador has, so I have
a couple of questions for you. How many
languages are there in Ecuador? How many of
them can you speak?

I just can’t wait to visit you in Ecuador next

winter.

See you soon,

Paul.
Pixabay / Kurious

I’m completing this self-evaluation based on what I learned in the module.

Self-evaluation I check the box that most applies to me

I do it very I do it I can I can’t do it
Topics well somewhat well improve without help
I can talk about Christmas traditions.
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I can use adverbs of frequency when describing activities.

I can write an invitation.
I can talk about national and international holidays.

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 Let's Review

Vocabulary
1 Complete these sentences. Write do or make. Use
simple past.
a. My uncle a great plan for
our Christmas party last year.
b. My classmates English
homework at library yesterday.
c. I exercise with my cousins last
week.
d. My mom and I a delicious
dinner last night.

Reading
2 Read about a birthday celebration.

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My birthday is on December
29th, and my family always
organises a great celebration.
Last year was the best. Grammar
My mom made ceviche,
4 Complete the sentences with the correct adverb
but she didn’t prepare
of frequency.
a cake. She knows I love
seafood and I hate sweets.
My best friend, Micaela, always never sometimes
called my friends from high
school and they organized a. I really love birthdays, so I
a surprise party. It wasn’t big, celebrate mine with a big party.
but we enjoyed ourselves.
b. I don’t believe in ghost and things like that,
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My cousin, Roberto,
downloaded some good so I celebrate Halloween.
music, and we danced all
night. It was a night c. I enjoy holidays, but I don’t travel a lot.
to remember. I go to the beach.
-Leo

3 Write if the sentences are True(T) or False(F):

a. There was cake at the party.

b. They ate seafood.

c. It was a huge party.

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d. They had a good time.

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 Lesson C

Communication and Cultural Awareness

What are your favorite places to visit on vacation?

Favorite Destinations

1. Read this article about vacation.

Vacation is a great time

to explore new cities and have The truth is many Ecuadorian people go to the beach on vacation.
new experiences. People travel Is that true for you too? If so, there are some must-have travel items
to a lot of places. Each city has you need to bring every time no matter where you go. In light of the
its must-do to visit, eat or see. fact that the UV (ultraviolet) radiation is so high, you must bring
Most Ecuadorian people prefer sunscreen protection cream in order to protect your skin. Make sure it
going to the beach. is waterproof! Another essential is a pair of sunglasses. Furthermore,
and probably the most important essential is to bring a bottle of water
in your backpack. Last but not least, you must have your personal
hygiene kit that has to include a small roll-on deodorant, hairbrush,
small tube of toothpaste, mini shampoo bottle and a small first aid kit.

2. According to the reading, answer the questions below in complete

sentences using your own words.

a. Where do Ecuadorian people usually go on vacation?

b. What is something you should never forget when going to the beach?

3. Work in pairs. Ask your partner the question below. Make sure to write
down their ideas.

Where do you usually go on vacation? What do you think people must

bring when traveling?
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4. Look at the pictures. Write one of the words below the picture it matches.

scissors band – aid pocket mirror fire extinguisher

Vocabulary

destination. the place

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you go yo when you travel

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first aid kit. emergency

medical supplies

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 Oral Communication
Do you have any plans for your next vacation? Is it important to plan or not?

A German in Ecuador!
1. Listen to Daniel and Norma talk, then decide whether the following
statements are True(T) or False(F). Audio
Listen to the dialogue.
a. Daniel is from Germany.

b. Norma is from Ecuador.

c. Germans prepare their vacation ahead of time.

d. Ecuadorians leave plans for the last minute.

2. Listen again and answer the following questions in complete sentences.

a. How do Germans plan for their vacation?

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b. Do you think it is important to plan before going on vacation?
Yes/No? Why? Share your answer with your classmate next to you
and talk about it.

Do you have any plans for

your vacation? Is it important
to plan or not?

Value: Environmental care

You can use expressions like “We must protect our environment”
or “We have to keep our environment clean and protected when going
to the beach and everywhere else”. Remember to protect the planet, it’s
the only one we have.
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Vocabulary

long time no see. means

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I haven’t seen you for a long

time
Both modal verbs: “have to” and “must” express necessity. budget. plan for use of money

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 Oral Communication
In which part of the world is Germany?

Hallo from Germany

1. Listen to the conversation between Daniel and Norma.

Audio
2. Now, listen to the conversation and answer these questions in your own Listen to the dialogue.
words.
a. What does “hallo” mean in English?

b. What is a Eurail pass?

Pixabay / Karlheinz Pape

c. Describe the way you get on a train in Germany. Is it the same
as traveling in Ecuador?

3. What do you think about the Ecuadorian transportation system? Come

up with some suggestions to improve the transportation system in your
city. Share your opinions with your partners.

Create a similar conversation.

3 Use the expression “anything
else” to ask for more
information.

4. Match the sentences with the pictures. Write the letters.

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a. Using trains is the best way to travel.

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b. You need to buy a Eurail pass.

c. You have to wait until the passengers get off.

d. Buses are not popular in Europe.

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 Lesson D

Communication and Cultural Awareness

What are some of your feelings on New Year’s Eve?

New Year’s Eve

1. Read this article about New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Eve is a great
time because, in the whole
world, people have parties Welcoming the New Year is an important event. However,
and different celebrations in Ecuador, people used to do many things which make this celebration
to welcome the year. The unique. Some traditions used to be different, but the general idea is the
party starts on December 31st, same. A well-known Ecuadorian tradition is to burn dolls (monigotes)
and the first day of the year at midnight. They represent all the bad moments of the old year, and it is
is January 1st. Different a good luck symbol for the New Year.
traditions worldwide make Also, men dress like women, and they are “widows” of the old year.
this day special. They dance in the streets and ask for pennies. People have parties with
friends and family. Many years ago, families met together, and they
listened to the New Year’s count down on a radio station called “Radio
Tarqui”. After that, they made promises and, of course, they danced
and talked in houses or streets. New Year is a huge celebration,
Correct these sentences from and people make dinner and have a toast.
the reading. Many years ago:
In the rest of the world, people organize huge celebrations in the
a. people watched TV. streets, and the count down is on main streets. For example, in New
York, people can count down until midnight at Times Square.
•

•
2. Read the article. Answer the questions.
b. people didn’t make
promises. a. What is an important tradition in Ecuador on New Year’s Eve?

c. people didn’t dance

in the streets.
b. How do some men celebrate New Year? Use your own words to explain.
•

d. people only ate snacks.

•
c. What did families use to do years ago on New Year?
•

Vocabulary

count down. from 10 down

d. What happens in New York on New Year´s eve?
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to 0,10-9-8-7-etc.

toast. when everyone

drinks together in honor
of something or someone

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 Oral Communication
Language and Literature

Who in your family tells the best stories?

Family Anecdotes
Audio
1. Listen to the conversation between Bob and his grandma. Complete Listen to the dialogue.
the sentences with one word.

a. Granny is talking about stories.

b. Bob’s dad and aunt used to climb .

c. Granny’s sister bought for New Year.

d. Bob’s family used to listen to the on the radio.

2. Listen to the conversation again. Complete the phrases Bob uses

to express surprise.

a. Bob: ? That’s a surprise.

b. Bob: ? He’s always telling

me to share.

3. Complete the questions. Use one verb from the box. Ask them to your
friend. Use “did” in the questions since they are in the past.

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get eat do celebrate

a. you turkey when you were a kid?

b. Where you your last birthday? Value: Empathy

An excellent way of being

c. your family together in holidays? empathetic is to listen to your
family. Your relatives or your
close friends will always be
d. What your family for New Year’s there for you to help you.
You can learn a lot when
dinner last year? you listen to other people’s
anecdotes or experiences.

Simple past
Auxiliar:
• Negative sentences: didn’t (verb doesn’t change)
Example: I didn’t celebrate my birthday yesterday.
• Questions: did (verb doesn’t change)
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Example: Did you celebrate your birthday? Vocabulary

• Short answers: did, didn’t
anecdote. a short story told
• Example: Yes, I did. / No, I didn’t.
to a group

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Reading
Language and Literature

Do you know any of your relative’s childhood memories?

Are You Kidding Dad?

Read the anecdote. Write
numbers 1-4 to put the events 1. Read the blog about Bob’s father´s childhood memory.
in the order they happened
in the story. Yes! That’s what my son, Bob, said when I told him one of my best
a. Erick’s cousin was childhood memories. I was a mischievous boy. I loved to play with
afraid. my sister Lucy; she is two years younger than me.

b. Erick and his My favorite childhood memory was many years ago, when
cousins ate grapes. I was eight years old, and my sister was six. It was the New Year’s
celebration and all my family got together to celebrate. One of my
c. Erick didn’t drink
family’s traditions is eating twelve grapes at night. I wanted to compete
water.
with my cousins and my sister, so I told them – “If you eat twelve grapes
d. Erick’s family met in a minute, I will give you one of my toys.” They accepted, and we started
to celebrate the New Year. to eat. Suddenly, a grape got stuck in my throat, and my cousin got scared.
They didn’t know what to do. Then, my sister gave me a glass of water,
but it wasn’t water. It was champagne! -Luckily I didn’t get drunk. Finally,
I learned to share my toys.
Erick

2. Match the pictures and the sentences. Write the letters next to the correct
pictures.

a. Last Friday, the party started at midnight.

b. I used to love grapes when I was a child.
c. My best friend enjoyed the celebrations and parties.
d. Everybody drank champagne at the party.

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3. Complete the questions with one word from the box. Use simple past.
Interview a friend about his/her last New Year’s Eve.

make travel burn eat meet

a. you to another city?

b. Who you at the party?

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c. What you ?
Vocabulary

get drunk. drink too much d. you a doll?

alcohol
e. you a toast?

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Language Through the Arts
Did you know that China celebrates New Year on January 25th? Why is that?

Chinese New Year

1. Read this article about Chinese New Year.

People also know Chinese New Year as Spring Festival.

It sets the beginning of New Moon Festivals in Asia. This is a huge
celebration where everybody wears red clothes and accessories. Also,
families get together to have a big dinner. There are parades all over
the main cities, and the symbol is the dragon. There are also some
warriors.
The festival was originally a day to honor Chinese ancestors.
The legend says that a giant beast called Nian entered the houses at
midnight to eat people. But an ethnic group whose name was Yan
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Huang, used to be with people to defeat Nian. Eventually, they

discovered that the beast came once a year, and it was afraid of red
colors, lights, fire, and noise. They started to celebrate this festival
as a way of self-defense from the beast. This is a legend, but nowadays
Interview your partner. it is a common story to tell on that day; especially for children.

a. How much you know

about the legend behind
this celebration? 2. Choose the correct answer.

• • What’s the name of the Chinese festival?

• a. Lunar New Year Festival

• b. Asian Festival
• c. Spring
•
• What’s the main symbol of this celebration?
b. What parts of the Chinese
New Year celebration
would you enjoy? a. dragon

• b. deities

• c. soldiers

•
3. Read the article again. Say if the sentences are True (T) or False (F).
•
a. People use red things like T-shirt, dresses, hats.
•
b. This celebration was to honor a monster.

Vocabulary c. Nian was a beast which ate families.

huge: big
d. The beast appeared all year.
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warrior. soldier
e. Parents tell their children this legend.
beast. large, dangerous
animal

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 Oral Communication
Art

What traditions did your grandparents used to do on New Years?

Old Traditions
1. Listen to the dialogue. Complete the chart with the things Granny’s
family used to do in New Year. Audio
Listen to the dialogue.

Activity
Granny’s mom

Granny’s dad

Granny’s grandma

Granny’s aunt
Talk to your partner about
the New Year superstitions
you know and their meanings.

1.

2.

3.

4.
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2. Listen to the dialogue again. Match the New Year superstitions with
their meaning. There’s one extra meaning.

a. love
Midnight mass:
b. avoid sadness
Coins:
c. luck Vocabulary
Throw water
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purse. a small case for coins

d. health
Eat lentils: mass. religious celebration

e. wealth avoid. eliminate

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Assessment
Speaking Listening
1 Interview a classmate about different festivities. Ask 3 Listen to the conversation between two people
them the following questions and create two of your talking about Carnival holiday. What did Peter do
own. Take notes. on Carnival?

a. What is your favorite holiday activity? 4 Number the pictures from 1 to 5 in the order they
happened.

b. When did you last celebrate

an international holiday?

c. What did you used to do for Christmas when

you were a child?

d. What are popular destinations to visit in your

city during a holiday?

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e.

f.

2 These pictures are about the Thompson family

celebrating Christmas in 2012 and 2019. Describe 5 Listen again. Complete the sentences from the
and compare the pictures. How are they the same dialogue.
and different?
a. I with some friends from
high school and my parents.

2012 b. Yeah, but my dad with me.

c. We to Manta.

d. The weather warm.

e. We there one day.

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201
Pixabay / alejomiranda

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