Page 12 - English 10 | Activity Book 6

Reading Activity

READING I

TOGETHER AS ONE

The origin of the word ‘festival’ can be traced to the Latin ‘Festa’, which means ‘a religious holiday’. However,
the term ‘festivalis’, which is used as an adjective form of ‘Festa’ in French, came into English. It was used for
the days that were celebrated as religious feasts. The adjective became a noun in time, as people stopped
talking about ‘festival days’ and shortened it to ‘festivals’. The festivals play an important role in acting
as stress relievers and help us balance our emotions from day to day, the exhausting routine of life, and
inspiring us to remember the important things and moments in life. Festivals were started to pass the
legends, knowledge and traditions to the next generation. National, religious and seasonal festivals all
provide an opportunity to celebrate traditions in history and make more people aware of them to carry on
the experience.
They all serve the purpose of bringing happiness to our lives and strengthening our sense of nation. In
simple terms, universally, all festivals are related to harmony, peace and happiness. Because we are made to
spread happiness, celebrations are the reasons that motivate us to be better people and share the joy with
the world. The excitement of the new dresses, gifts, the bright lights, flowers, foods, music is not just the
thing that brings happiness to our surroundings; it’s actually the sense of belonging, the connection that
we all feel with each other during festivals. In short, nothing brings people together as festivals do, so what
festival we are joining tomorrow?

1 A Answer the following questions according to Together As One.

1. Where did the word ‘festival’ come into English?
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2. Why do festivals play an important role in life?
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3. Why were the festivals started?
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4. What are the purposes of festivals? Write five of them.
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5. Which festival is coming soon? Discuss with your friends.
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1 B Find the words related to the festival from Together As One to complete The Mind Map.

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ORTAÖĞRETİM 12 ENGLISH-10
GENEL MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ