Аракин 4 курс полностью

start, I was invited here to speak about American holidays.
Chairperson: I am sorry, there appears to have been a slight misunderstanding 
here. Am I mistaken in thinking you have been a head teacher for some 25 years in a 
deprived inner city area?
Mr Brown: I am afraid you've got it all wrong, I'm not a teacher. Actually, I've not 
even been in a school since I was 16.
Chairperson: Oh, dear, this is most embarrassing.
Mr Brown: Forgive me for mentioning it, but these talks have been very badly 
organised, I was even given the wrong room number.
Chairperson: Sorry about that, I really can't understand what's been happening. 
Anyway, would you like to tell us about American holidays as you are here, may be 
starting with Halloween as it's October already. OK, students, please excuse the delay 
and listen carefully now.
Mr Brown: Originally, Halloween was a religious holiday. Today it is a day of fun and 
excitement. Children make faces in pumpkins (turnips are used in Britain) by removing 
the pulp and seeds and cutting holes in the shell for the eyes, nose and mouth. These 
pumpkins are called jack-o'-lanterns. A lighted candle is put inside to shine through the 
holes. Children dress up in costumes; sometimes, according to tradition, as ghosts, 
goblins, witches, vampires and werewolves; sometimes as pirates, sailors, ballerinas, folk 
heroes, etc. After dark, children walk around their neighbourhood, knocking on their 
neighbours' doors. They say "trick or treat", and their neighbours give them fruit or 
candy. Do you have any questions?
Question: Why do they say "trick or treat"?
Mr Brown: As far as I know, in the old days "trick or treat" had to perform songs and 
shifts for their neighbours. If the neighbours liked the performance, the children received 
a "treat" — again, fruit or candy. If not, the neighbours played a trick on the children — 
like throwing water on them.
Question: That doesn't sound like very much fun.
Mr Brown: Well, as a matter of fact, they don't do that any more.

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Практический курс английского языка. 4 курс под ред. В.Д. Аракина
226 
Question: But if a child says ―trick or treat", he still has to perform for his neighbours, 
right?
Mr Brown: Sorry, haven't I already mentioned that they don't perfgrm any more.
Question: Why do trick-or-treaters dress up as goblins and witches? Do they want to 
frighten people?
Mr Brown: I don't think so. Remember, the trick-or-treaters are only children. In fact, 
their costumes are related to ancient traditions, according to which ghosts and witches 
walked the streets on the last day of October.
Question: What do adults do on Halloween? Do they dress up?
Mr Brown: Actually, most adults stay at home, waiting for children to knock on their 
door. I think I should point out, however, that teenagers and young adults often go to 
costume parties as ghosts, goblins and witches, too.
Question: And Halloween falls on the last Thursday in November, doesn't it?
Mr Brown: If I may say so, I believe you've confused Halloween with Thanksgiving. 
Halloween fails on the thirty-first of October.
Chairperson: Any other questions? (pause) No? Thank you very much, Mr Brown.