1.14.American holidays

The population of the United States is made up of people of very many nationalities. Their predecessors came to America from different countries, and they brought their native celebrations with them. They all became Americans, but they kept many traditions of those countries they had come from. That is why the number of holidays in different states of America is different. But the most important holidays are marked throughout the United States. One of the greatest holidays is Independence Day. It was on July 4, 1776, that the Declaration of Independence was signed, proclaiming independence of thirteen British colonies from Great Britain. July 4 has become the greatest holyday since. In the past this day was marked with big parades and fireworks, but now it is celebrated more quietly. Cities and towns are decorated with flags on that day, there are parades in some places, but most people just go on picnics to the countryside. Another great holiday is New Year's Day. People see the old year off and the New Year in. Most people stay up all night, even children. At midnight many people go outside and shout "Happy New Year!" Some people set off fireworks and blow automobile horns which are heard everywhere. Everybody exchanges presents and good wishes. Offices, factories, banks and stores do not work on this day. Christmas is a religious holiday which symbolized the birth of Jesus Christ. By this day people set fir trees in their houses and decorate them with toys and candies. Children wait for Santa Claus who comes to every house and brings them presents. Before going to bed, children leave their shoes to find in them what they want most of all the next morning. Some people, especially young people, like to celebrate in good companies, in restaurants and cafes, but most people prefer to stay at home with the whole family on this day. Thanksgiving Day is kind of religious holiday too. It falls on the fourth Thursday in November. On this day people thanks God for his goodness; besides, it marks the end of the harvest season on farms. It is a long-standing tradition to fry a large turkey for a fistive meal on this day. Thanksgiving has been celebrated since the first harvest festival in America in the autumn of 1621.

1.15.Animals and pets

There are a lot of animals on our planet. They can be wild and domestic. Wild animals are those animals that live in nature without people. Wolves, foxes, giraffes are wild animals. Domestic animals are animals that live with people, who are not really scary. People always call them “pets”. Cats, dogs, sheep are domestic animals.

People divide animals into four groups – reptiles, birds, insects and mammals. Reptiles are animals without wings that lay eggs. Some reptiles are very dangerous. Crocodiles and snakes are reptiles. Birds are animals with feathers, two wings and two legs. Parrots and eagles are birds. Insects are small creatures with six legs and usually two pairs of wings. Butterflies and ladybirds are insects. Mammals are animals who feed their babies on milk. Dogs, kangaroos, dolphins are mammals.

Cats are mammals too. Their short fur can be of different colors – clear white, black, red, grey and so on. Cats have no fins and wings, just legs, a body, a head with whiskers and a long tail. They have 4 long legs, so they run quite fast. Sometimes cats can be friendly and nice to people, sometimes – selfish. It depends on a cat’s temper. Cats are domestic animals, so they live with people – in people’s houses and apartments. They eat fish, meat, milk, sometimes – human food. Cats live for 10 - 15 years, but some of them can live longer.

As for me, I have a pet too – I have got a red fluffy cat. His name is Boris. My cat is four years old, he is very funny and sometimes he does crazy things. He likes to sleep with us and to look at the window where colorful birds fly. Boris is rather smart and he knows the time I feed him and he goes to the kitchen before me. I like him very much and I hope he will live a long and happy life.