WINTER HOLIDAYS IN UKRAINE

Ukrainians have their own customs and traditions, holidays and festivals. And I want to tell you about winter  holidays in Ukraine.

The New Year holiday is widely observed in Ukraine. We usually get together, have a big dinner and make big plans for the future. The children decorate the New Year tree with toys and col­oured lights and wait for Father Frost and Snow Maiden. When the clock strikes twelve, everybody drinks champagne, gets presents and says to each other “Happy New Year”.

Another great holiday which comes after the New Year is Christmas. Ukrainian people start celebrating this holiday on the 6th of January. Actu­ally it starts in the evening with the Christmas Supper. It is a custom to cook twelve dishes for this supper: kutya, borshch, varenyky, holubtsy with buckwheat, salted fish and others. The main thing is that there should be no meat in any of these dishes. All the members of the family should be at home and it is for­bidden to quarrel during this day. No one at the table can eat till the first star appears in the sky. It symbolizes the beginning of Christmas holiday which will last for three days. A prayer is obligatory before Christmas Supper. This day is the beginning of Christmas time which will last almost the whole month and is known by the singing of praise songs and special per­formances about Christ's birth which are called “Vertep”. People also go in groups singing “Kolyadky” (special Christmas carols) every­where — in the parks, in the streets, they may come to any house and sing for those who live there and the hostess is supposed to invite them to the ta­ble or give some money. In Ukraine people do not exchange presents on this holiday as in Great Britain and many other countries.

Module 7 “Celebrities”

Perks (benefits), acquisition (property), to maintain, to take a peek (look at), indulgence, to jet (fly), secluded (quiet and private), to soak up (enjoy), devastation (destruction and damage), spree, relief, income, donation, salary, arise, infinite (great), to shatter (break into small pieces), flick through sth (turn the pages), come across, raise money, raise children, a liar, a cheat, loan, notorious, reward, to earn, to invest, to gain, to win,  to hesitate, particularly, special effects, stunt man, ridiculous, community, ratings for the show,  to zoom in (of a camera), a fashion shoot (professional photographs), fuss, expensive, firefighter, suggestion, jewellery, announcement, advertisement, commercial, publicity, stare, gaze (look steadily because you are interested or surprised), glance, start, watch, spectator, yell, audience, onlooker, intrusion on the privacy, unacceptable, to violate (disturb and not to respect sb’s privacy), gloomy,   curious, intelligent, to expose oneself to a danger, selfless, to satisfy the inner need, to risk one’s life, tough, noble, trend-setting, in the limelight (in the centre of public attention), ambitious, competition, fame, to justify, to expose to, fundamental, to be in the spotlight (get attention), to defy (refuse to obey), to wage (begin and continue a war), flaw (mistake, fault, weakness), public concern, emulate, elaborate, remarkable, encourage, contribute, petite (small and thin about women), swag bag (gift bag), coupon, confess, hire, moat (a deep wide channel that was dug around the castle), boast, relieve (help),  to spot (notice, see)

Ecotourism

Overpopulation, industrialization, urbanization and environmental pollution have disastrous effects on nature and wildlife. That is why nowadays many people try to damage the environment as little as possible. Ecotourism means travelling to natural destinations with rare flora and fauna. Its main goal is to conserve the environment and to improve the well-being of local people.

In my opinion, ecotourism gives us an opportunity to broaden our mind, to discover new ways of life, to meet interesting people and to improve our knowledge of history and geography. It provides funds for conservation and jobs to local people because tourists use local transportation, hotels and markets. Besides, ecotourism helps people understand the environment around them, makes them respect different cultures and be careful with nature.

However, ecotourism may have some negative aspects. The increasing number of tourists may damage the local environment. Some tourists don't understand the negative consequences of their visits. Many of them don't know how to behave and don't follow the main rule of ecotourism 'Leave nothing behind you except footprints and take nothing away except photographs'. They pollute drinking water, pick up rare flowers, disturb wild animals, purchase souvenirs made from the skin of endangered animals or leaves of rare plants. Searching for 'untouched places' tourists move off the beaten path and scare away animals.

First and foremost, ecotourism is education. That is why before visiting some remote area tourists should learn as much as they can about its flora, fauna, local people, history, culture and traditions. It is also useful to learn a few words of the local language. The more information you learn, the more you will get out of your trip. It is very important to be open-minded and respectful.

Don't forget about conservation and careful attitude to the environment in your everyday life. Follow the rule, 'Preserve and improve'. And remember that Nature is very fragile and we ought to take great care of it like a loving mother who takes great care of her only child.

Environmental Protection

The Earth is the only planet that people can live on, but nowadays they seem to be doing everything to make their home unfit for living. Industrialization has brought us into conflict with the natural environment. Our planet is in danger. Air, water and land pollution have disastrous consequences which threaten human life on Earth.

In my opinion, very much can be done by an average citizen. People have to be smart about such things as driving a car or using electricity. Whenever we drive a car, we add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. To make our planet cleaner and to use less energy we can try carpooling. That is when three people go together in one car instead of driving three cars to work. We can also use public transport, ride a bike, or walk. People can save electricity by turning off lights, TV-sets and computers. We can use less washing up liquids to keep the water clean. We can also plant trees, bushes, flowers. We can feed birds in winter. Besides, we can buy products grown locally that don't use much energy or don’t need to be transported.

I strongly believe that everybody can help recycle waste by collecting litter and by sorting rubbish into different categories. Paper, glass and plastic can be sold to recycling companies. Recycled waste can be made into new products and it can help save natural resources. Some waste can also be used to produce electricity. In my opinion, it would be great if recycling centres paid people for the rubbish they brought in because recycling is an interesting and profitable business.

But a lot of people still think that there is little they can do to help the environment. They are sure that it is the duty of the government and big companies to make our planet cleaner: to recycle waste materials, to protect rare animals and plants, to install antipollution equipment and so on. But they are wrong. Everybody must take part in reducing pollution.

To conclude, the Earth is the place where we live, it is our home and our task is to protect it and value all that it gives us. If we want to be healthy, to drink clean water and to breathe fresh air, we should take care of the environment and help to improve our life on Earth. We should give a chance to next generations to live in a peaceful and beautiful home.

Module 6 “Save our planet”

Environment: global warming, acid rain, air pollution, destruction of forests, extinction of animals, nuclear power, fossil fuels, solar energy;  ramp, fuel, to generate, solar power, dwelling, to boost (promote), available, artificial, slope, to relate to, to amount to, to supply with, to refer to, to invest in, to replace with, to succeed in, to contribute to, to concentrate on, to specialize in, environmental message, to reduce, to decrease, to lessen, to recount (tell), narrate, neatly, to revise (change), to revise for an exam, tense, flourishing, demand, emphasize (BrE also –ise), creature, impact, inspire, profit, donate, humanity, certification, maintenance cost, at the expense of others, for the sake of, eliminate (remove, get rid of), insomnia, blood pressure, rating system, blueberry, cranberry, dried, almond, peanut, a bar of chocolate, weave (wove, woven), artisan, to trade, purse, wrapper, to misprint, keep up with (keep pace with), keep up (maintain), to keep off (stay away from), to keep on doing (continue), to keep down (keep under control), to keep to (stick to), to keep back (not reveal), get rid of (dispose of), for good (for good and all, permanently),  for a change, for a while, for sure, without warning, without fail, without doubt, without delay, just in case, choir, dump, to dispose of, to economize (BrE also –ise) on, to install, compost (a mixture of decayed plants that can be added to soil), to compost, conventional (traditional), light bulb, in terms of, rubbish disposal (the act of getting rid of sth), raw, to implement (to carry out), ceiling fan, solar water heater, generate pollutants, non-recyclable packaging, accessible, slippery, misleading, sheet, pillowcase, linen, straw, renewable energy, mandatory (compulsory), car-pooling, mixed feelings, restrict freedom, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, temporary shelter, discreet, misleading, eye-opening (surprising), a driveway, to inherit, campaign, measure, to enforce, inconvenient, majority, underground, abnormally, flame, to startle, reluctant, shaft, to be unaware of, demanding, weight room.

Module 5 “Modern life”

Extent, to undergo, radical, residential, to cater, deadline, to commute, drawback, expectation, forecast, prediction, threat, to swap (change), shove (push in a rude way), neighbourhood, outskirts, suburb, zone, habitat, skyscraper, residence, high-rise, exception, increase, ferris wheel, breathe, trash, to go downtown, to grab (take), drugstore, to avoid, a cell phone, sidewalk, soccer, part-time job, interrupt, otherwise, deaf, accommodate, time-consuming, frequent, complicated, obligation, computerized, vending machine, diversity, obligation, confidence, considerably, expectation, exception, cult, to distract, assignment, necessity, annual, bazaar, to contribute, to take into consideration, to promote, to look forward to, presently.

Module 3 “Against the Law”

To make off (leave), to break into, to pick out (choose), to hold up (rob), inexplicable (incomprehensible), to go through with (do what is necessary to complete something), burglary, kidnapping, murder, blackmail, fraud, theft, forgery, hacking, hooliganism, to pay a fine, to commit the crime, to take time, to break the law, to plead guilty, to serve a verdict, to prevent, to arise, traffic, temporary, to enforce the law, manhunt, nonetheless (nevertheless, despite of the fact), motor home (camper van, recreational vehicle), hose, sewage, press charges (accuse), to witness, seize (grab), a till, getaway (escape), counter, withdraw money, jail (prison), to disguise, loot (money and other valuable things), to litter the streets, to mug (attack), cane (walking stick), hostage, to hijack,  to complain, blame for, accuse for, charge with, to sentence, convict of, blackmail, constantly, surrender, permission, blindfolded (with the eyes covered), barefooted, unlawful, roam the streets, to plough, deliberately, endless, incredible, unusual, illegal, harmful, unable, impossible, irresponsible, illogical, inefficient, inmate, violent, violate the law, prevention, good behavior, reform, wallet, safe, lock, burglar, concerned, resident, in response, confined, prevention, intention, revenge, punishment, tempting, vandal, facilities, property, take specific measures, police patrol, benefit, authorities, apart from this (besides), be aware, severely, consequence, arson, flammable, acquire, clash (fight), rival, response, attempt (try), vigilant (careful), vigilance.

Module 4 “Thrills and chills”

Terrain (an area of land), a mine, approach (offer, ask), quest (a long search), toss, to elude (escape), reluctantly, to come to a halt (stop), spear, barely, to proceed, in awe, to seek, dazzling, thud, trap, undertake (start), witch doctor (believed to have magic powers to heal people), tribe, blankly (showing no feeling or interest), ridiculous, disgusting, fascinating, awful, delicious, enormous, furious, manual, confidence, first-aid kit, campground, stunt show, participant, spectator, audience, to take sb/sth for granted (not to recognize true value), cockroach, crawl, to overlook (ignore), to oversleep, to overtake, first and foremost, end in a draw, to take part, to take apart (separate), to take time (not to hurry), to take place, pass away (die), single, alone, only, unique, vacuuming, dusting, boredom, endurance, patience, handy, chop, water purification tablets, axe, hearse, a scratch, uneventfully, initially (at first), to stare, glory, suddenly, particularly, obviously, certainly, cautiously, happily, completely, in the meantime, meanwhile, gradually,  to warn, to entertain, to nag, to approve, vague clues, altitude, steep, regret, ransom, encounter (meet), twist (action of turning), plot, inevitably, outcome (result, effect), circumstances, engage in, release, substances, inhospitable, achievement, stagecoach (a carriage pulled by horses in the past), frantic (unable to control emotions), experienced, investigation, dangerous, civilization, unexpected, countless, chewing gum, cargo ship, warehouse, a car showroom, rear ( the back part of sth), wrapper, warrant, proceed (continue), pretend, the boot of the vehicle, distraction, indication, convinced, descent, blurred (not clear) vision, token, tangle, fluid, anticipate, leniency.

New Destinations B2: words (11th form)

Module 1“Holidays”

Mandatory, wrecking, purchase, complimentary, to cater to, beverages, stunts, getaway, to conquer, to increase, to improve, to schedule (to plan), breathtaking, bungee jumping, paragliding, astronaut training, scuba diving, appealing, incentive program, valid, travel, trip, journey, tour, voyage, cruise, flight, excursion, expedition, caravan, suite, hotel hostel, resort, cabin, spectacular view, consume fuel, canoeing, spa, feature, hike, overnight, coral reef, rainforest, islet, fjord, volcano, pond, waterfall, lounge, temple, cathedral, mosque, monument, bellboy, challenging, all-inclusive, adrenaline-filled, explore, luxurious, natural wilderness, cheap, expensive, confined, open space, immersed in the language, to be exposed to, chat to an acquaintance, to be obliged, enroll, benefit, broaden the mind, bloom, temporary, require, investigate, pressure, tips (advice), nightmare, spoil, gorgeous landscape.

Module 2“Going places”

To stand out, to make up, to turn out, to indulge in, spout, evil, obstacle, coastal, harness, postpone, policy, schedule, absence, lack, shortage, loss, succeed, achieve, accomplish, manage, beach, shore, coast, humid, storm, spring, glacier, mist, downpour, blizzard, make a fuss, do a favour, make a request, dungeon, plague, spread, cause, scream, suitable, jittery (nervous), regret, a fast-paced city, settle, convince, resignation, add and subtract numbers, entrance fee, disappointing, although, to pay off, surrounding, adapt, definitely, splendid, homesick, glorious, remote, grateful, brilliant, overwhelming, picturesque, personal space, privacy, to split the bills, to get along with, arguments, nightlife, fresh air, unique, mountain chain, dormant, sparkling, elegant, therapeutic, browse, satisfying, delicious, to reject, sparsely, thrilling, to sympathise, helpful, to overhear, to discourage, to apologize, to announce, make up for the time (compensate), molten, spectacle, obstacle, capture, diversity, supplement, perch (settle), slope, steeply, drab (dull), sleet, embark  (get on a ship), embarkation, vessel, quaint (attractive), utterly (completely), appalling (terrible), unbeatable (perfect).

Dear students, parents, collegues!

 Let me cordially congratulate you on Knowledge Day!

Apparently, no one should argue that the September 1 is a truly national holiday of humanity, hope and faith. This is an exhilarating rush to new discoveries, beginning of radiant and challenging way to knowledge, scientific understanding and vision of the world. A person has to think in a creative way, try to know the unknown, make a goal and certainly achieve it. I wish you great inspiration towards conquering new heights of knowledge, persistence and patience, wisdom and discernment!

Wishing you superb summer holidays!

Have lots of fun, memorable events

and come refreshed

for the further studies!