2.1 Explain the usage of the ing-forms in the sentence in bold style, state their function and make up ten sentences of your own on the same pattern.

Part V SUPPLEMENTARY TEXTS

Holidays

Let us first look at the public holidays everyone in England has. They are called Bank Holidays, one of the days on which banks are closed by law, and usually known as general holidays, e.g. Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. In addition to these extra days-off everyone in Britain has at least three weeks’ holiday with pay. But whatever the duration, a holiday equals a change from the normal routine. It should be something different and not a busman’s holiday, for a change is as good as a rest, if not better.

Although many British families spend their holidays abroad nowadays, especially in Spain, very many people still go to one of the big seaside resorts such as Brighton and Blackpool. They are noted for their seafront of hotels and boarding houses, while over the road is the beach of pebbles or sand. Here elderly ladies in their fantastic hats sit on deckchairs protected by sunshades to prevent them from getting freckles but more often by windshields to keep off the chilly sea breeze. They have their hampers with elaborate picnic equipment for making the ever-desirable cup of tea. These old dears never dream of going into the water; nevertheless the youngsters paddle on the edge of the shore and a few courageous people swim in the rough waves, surf ride or go windsurfing.

For further entertainment there is a pier with its funfair including swings, dodgems and amusement machines. A band plays light music and you can have refreshments in the café here. Staying in hotels is, of course, rather expensive and so you will find that many people, especially large families hire a room in a bungalow, or possibly a whole bungalow, where cooking facilities and all other amenities are available.

Those who don’t want to idle away their holidays lazing around can always try their hand in camping: pitching tents, sleeping under canvas on inflatable mattresses (airbeds) and in cozy sleeping bags, as in Britain the weather is not ideal for playing at Robinson Crusoe.

The British have no idea of the joys of mushrooming, collecting bilberries, wild raspberries and the like. Untrodden, lonely places are not in much abundance in England. They hardly know what it is to ramble over hills and dales along footpaths where the trees are marked with colored signs to guide you to a beauty spot. And few know the sense of accomplishment people may have when they slave away at their weekend cottage throughout their holidays. It is, no doubt, a welcome change, and the one we all need.

Holidays in the usa

Each of the fifty states establishes its own legal holidays. But most of them accept the federal legal holidays. Holidays for all federal offices, most state and local government offices are:

New Year’s Day (January 1^st),

Washington’s Birthday, sometimes called “Presidents’ Day” (third Monday in February),

Memorial Day (last Monday in May),

Independence Day (July 4^th),

Columbus Day (second Monday in October)

Veterans’ Day (November 11^th),

Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)

Christmas Day (December 25^th).

Most states have holidays which are “observed”, but are not necessarily “legal”. The name of the holiday does not mean that banks or businesses are always closed or children let out of school. The President or Congress might proclaim a special day or week in order to bring attention to a certain concern, interest group, or problem, for example, National Employ the Handicapped Week – first week in October.

A lot of religious holidays such as Good Friday or Ramadan are observed, of course, by the religions, but they have no national, or official legal status.

There are many traditional holidays, observed by a large number of Americans, which are also neither legal nor official, e.g. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Halloween.

Perhaps the two “most American” of the holidays are – The Fourth of July –Independence Day – and Thanksgiving. The Fourth of July is like a big, nationwide birthday party, which takes place in neighbourhoods, on beaches or in parks, or on suburban lawns throughout the country. Some towns or cities have parades with bands and flags, and most politicians will try to give a patriotic speech or two, should anyone be willing to listen. But what makes the 4^th of July is the atmosphere and enjoyment of the family beach party, with hot dogs and hamburgers, volleyball, the fireworks and rockets at night.

Like Christmas, Thanksgiving is a day for families to come together. Traditional foods are prepared for the feast – turkey or ham, cranberry sauce and corn dishes, bread and rolls and pumpkin pie. At the same time, Thanksgiving is a solemn occasion, a day to remember the many who are less well off, in America and throughout the world.