Is leisure time important in our life? Why (not)?

Leisure time is important in our life because we need to devote some time to the activity we enjoy. Leisure time is a period of time spent out of work and domestic activity. It’s the time when you can forget about day-to-day stress and stressful activities and relax. These activities can be our hobby.

Having hobbies and spending time on recreational activities are positive ways to keep the mind active, body energetic and emotions under control. If you develop a keen interest in many things and do whatever brings you joy and relaxation, you will find life exciting and meaningful.

What questions can you ask your British friend about his/her free time?

1. Have you got a lot of free time?

2. Do you go in for sports?

3. Do you prefer to spend your free time with your friends or with your family?

4. What hobbies are popular with young people?

Give me some advice on how to avoid boredom

Boredom is a state of mind. You are bored because you don’t know that to do with your time, can’t find anything interesting to do, or because you don’t like what you are doing.

So the simplest solution to avoid boredom is to find something interesting to do. There must be several things that you enjoy doing or would like to try either alone or with a friend. Ask yourself what they are and list all of them. After you’ve done it, choose one from your list, and do it. Are you still bored?

Many parents think that children should spend less time playing computer games, that they should play outside or do some sport instead. What do you think about this?

I agree with these parents. Nowadays children can’t live without computers or mobile phones. They spend more their time playing computer games. They don’t read books, don’t do sports. They become couch potatoes and can’t communicate with each other.

In my view, playing outdoors is important for children - not only to help them stay active and healthy but also to socialize with friends. They should learn how to treat other people.

15. Belarusian customs and traditions

1. What can you tell me about your favourite holiday?

2. Do you know any unusual customs in our country? Can you tell some of them?

3. What questions can you ask a British teenager about his/her holiday celebration?

4. Which holiday celebration in Belarus will you recommend your British friend?

5. Do you think it’s important to follow our grandparents’ traditions? Why?

What can you tell me about your favourite holiday?

→ Билет 2, вопрос 5 ←

Do you know any unusual customs in our country? Can you tell some of them?

There is a tradition to break some glasses or plates on the wedding day. They say it will bring good luck and happiness to the newly married couple.

It's lucky to sit between two people who have the same name. You can make a wish.

It's unlucky if a black cat crosses the road in front of you.

What questions can you ask a British teenager about his/her holiday celebration?

1. Where do you have a birthday party?

2. Do you invite your friends and relatives to your birthday party?

3. What presents would you like to get on your birthday this year?

Which holiday celebration in Belarus will you recommend your British friend?

I’ll recommend Kupalle, the most loved and celebrated pagan holiday in Belarus. It’s celebrated in the night from 6 July to 7 July. During the day of 6 July young girls collect flowers, plants and herbs and make flower garlands. It was believed that the plants gathered at that time had special magic and could protect people and their homes from illnesses.

The central part in Kupalle celebration was a fire, which symbolized life. During the day young men prepare the place to start the fire. The oiled wooden wheel would be set on fire to symbolize sun. Boys and girls dance around the fire, sing songs, play games, jump over the fire. The girls put the garlands on the water. At night people go to the forest to look for a magic blossoming flower “paparats-kvetka”.