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GRUPO LINGUÍSTICO
It is interesting to see how different countries celebrate Christmas. We asked some of our
friends to explain what happens in their countries.
This is what they told us:
Finland
Finnish people believe that Father Christmas (Santa Claus) lives in the north part of Finland
called Korvatunturi, north of the Arctic Circle. Everybody sends letters to Santa Claus. There is a huge
tourist theme park called “Christmas Land” in the north of Finland, near to where they say that Father
Christmas lives.
Everyone in Finland cleans their houses ready for the three days of Christmas and has a big
meal that will include “casseroles” with macaroni, rutabaga, carrot and potato, with cooked ham or
turkey. Many families visit cemeteries to place a candle onto the graves of family members. Cemeteries
are very beautiful at Christmas-time.
Russia
In the days of the Soviet Union, Christmas was not celebrated very much. New Year was the
important time - when “Father Frost” brought presents to children. With the fall of Communism,
Christmas can be openly celebrated, either on December 25th; or more often on January 7th. This
unusual date is because the Russian Orthodox Church uses the old “Julian” calendar for religious
celebration days. Special Christmas food includes cakes, pies and “meat dumplings”.
France
In France, Christmas is called “Noël”. Everyone has a Christmas tree, sometimes decorated in
the old way with red ribbons and real white shine candles. Fir trees in the garden are often decorated
too, with lights on all night. Father Christmas is called Père Noël. The Christmas meal is an important
family gathering with good meat and the best wine.
Latvia
Latvians believe that Father Christmas brings presents on each of the 12 days of Christmas
starting on Christmas Eve. Usually the presents are put under the family Christmas tree. (What a good
idea to spread Christmas out longer!)
The special Latvian Christmas Day meal is cooked brown peas with bacon (pork), sauce, small
pies, cabbage and sausages.
Portugal
People pretend that Father Christmas brings presents to children on Christmas Eve. The
presents are left under the Christmas tree or in shoes by the fireplace. A special Christmas meal of
salted dry cod with boiled potatoes is eaten at midnight on Christmas Eve.
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PRUEBA PARA LA OBTENCIÓN DEL TÍTULO DE GRADUADO EN EDUCACIÓN SECUNDARIA PARA PERSONAS
MAYORES DE DIECIOCHO AÑOS. CONVOCATORIA DE JUNIO, 2007
1. - Question 1: Which of the following topics is not mentioned in the text? Mark the right answer with
a cross :.
Christmas food.
Christmas decorations.
Christmas presents.
Christmas songs.
3.- Question 3: Which of the following activities is not mentioned in the description of Finland? Mark
the right answer with a cross :
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PRUEBA PARA LA OBTENCIÓN DEL TÍTULO DE GRADUADO EN EDUCACIÓN SECUNDARIA PARA PERSONAS
MAYORES DE DIECIOCHO AÑOS. CONVOCATORIA DE JUNIO, 2007
4.- Question 1: Complete the spaces with the Superlative form of the adjectives in brackets.
Leeds is one of the ......................... (exciting) cities in the north of England. The Medical Museum is
one of Leeds’ ..................... (late) attractions while the Royal Armouries has the
................................. (extensive) collection of arms and armour in the country. The university is one
of the .............................. (large) in England with over 33,000 students. And if you enjoy the
countryside, just half an hour from the city centre you will find the Yorkshire Dales, one of the
............................. (beautiful) parts of the UK.
5.- Question 2: Which one of these sentences is an incorrect use of the Present Continuous? Mark
with a cross : the right answer.
himself yourself
7.- Question 1. Complete the fax below using the words in the box:
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PRUEBA PARA LA OBTENCIÓN DEL TÍTULO DE GRADUADO EN EDUCACIÓN SECUNDARIA PARA PERSONAS
MAYORES DE DIECIOCHO AÑOS. CONVOCATORIA DE JUNIO, 2007
___________________________________________________
FAX
I’m planning to visit London next summer and I .................like to reserve a room with a double
bed and a .................... for six nights, from Monday 1st August to Saturday 6th August,
........................inclusive.
I’d like to know if the hotel is walking distance from the town centre and if not, if there is
....................public transport ......................?
Also, I am a ...................... so I do not eat meat or fish. Do you have special menus for
vegetarians? I sometimes cook for myself when I travel. Is.................... possible?
I would be grateful if you could answer .................... questions and confirm the reservation above
by e-mail?
Yours faithfully,
Ana Mª Sánchez
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