III. Post-reading

3.1. Christmas quiz.

Some of the things people have or do at Christmas have become uite familiar. Check if you understand what these things are like. о the quiz below.

1. A Christmas card is ...

A. a card sent to relatives and friends with your good wishes in it.

B. a card sent to relatives, and friends inviting them to holiday dinner.

2. A Christmas carol is ...

A. a religious hymn sung on the occasion.

B. funny couplets sung for entertainment.

3. A Christmas cracker is ...

A. a dry biscuit with Christmas symbols on it.

B. a brightly coloured tube of paper containing a toy people pull at parties.

4. A Christmas box is ...

A. money given to those who deliver post, groceries, etc. for their services.

B. festively-wrapped gifts placed under a Christmas tree.

5. A Christmas pudding is ...

A. any dessert eaten at Christmas dinner.

B. a special pudding containing dried fruit eaten at Christ­ mas dinner.

3.2. Discussion.

Think of different interpretations of the story. Argue if the story focuses on family relationships, traditional values, religious educa­tion, or something else.

3.3. Poetry corner.

Read the poem written by Eleanor Farjeon and discuss the com­parisons the author uses. Do you think they make the carol more beautiful? Prove it.

THE CHILDREN'S CAROL

Here we come again, again, and here we come again!

Christmas is a single pearl hanging on a chain,

Christmas is a single flower in a barren wood,

Christmas is a single sail on a salty flood,

Christmas is a single star in the empty sky,

Christmas is a single song sung for charity;

Here we come again, again, and here we sing to you again,

Give a single penny that we may not sing in vain.

DISCUSSION (STORIES 6—10)

POERTY RECITAL

Choose one poem found in POETRY CORNERS and recite it in class describing its message and the beauty of the language.

DESIGN-A-CARD SESSION

Design self-made cards dedicated to the red letter days of the na­tive calendar: February 23, March 8, May 9, September 1, and many others. Make an exhibition of those for English-speaking guests to see and admire. To the best of your ability, explain the meaning of these holidays in Belarus.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

Remember any other story that involves a trickster whose trick didn't work. Choose a story based on a true event or borrowed from literature. As a last resort, tell a good joke. There is nothing like a good laugh, is there?

MEET THE CHARACTER

Select a character that not only appears in this section but also appeals to you. Describe his/her personal achievements thoroughly like a good mentor should. Presentation in the first person singular is not unwelcome.

THE TWO SIDES OF EVERYTHING

The King from The Princess Who Kicked Butt has a very positive feature of character: he can see the two sides of every issue easily. Positive or not very, this ability is always welcome. Practice this particular skill now by holding a debate on Anything You Wish To Talk About trying to see ... yes, right, the two sides of Anything!

TRADITIONS OLD AND NEW

Discuss some of the old traditions and rituals that exist in Belarus today. What is your attitude towards them? Do you observe these rituals obediently, or do they find little response in your cosmopolitan heart? Anyway, do we need these traditions — in this day and age? Should we live by tradition or — well, you decide for yourselves.

THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE OF MR STONEY'S LUNCH