[World News ★★]
(P1) On April 21, throngs of people lined along the street of Windsor to get a glimpse of the world’s favorite monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, on her milestone 90th birthday. They were not disappointed.
(P2) Dressed in a bright lime-green coat dress and hat, the beaming birthday “girl” mingled with the crowds, accepting bouquets of carnations (her favorite flower) and cards. She even smiled gracefully as the fans cheekily sang, “Happy Birthday, dear Queenie.” This, of course, was one of the many celebrations the sprightly 90-year-old and her husband, the 94-year-old Duke of Edinburgh, participated in that day.
(P3) And there are more parties to come. That’s because of, thanks to a centuries-old tradition, British monarchs get to celebrate their birthdays twice – Once on the day when he or she is born and the other in June. Why? Simply because the weather is much nicer! So stay tuned for Queen Elizabeth II’s summer birthday celebration on June 11!
WORDS: 155
SOURCE: http://www.dogonews.com/2016/4/25/video-of-the-week-queen-elizabeth-ii-turns-90
VOCABULARY: throngs, glimpse, monarch, milestone, beaming, mingled, cheekily, sprightly
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
If you found the passage difficult to read or had problems understanding specific words or idiomatic expressions, please discuss them with your tutor. The following discussion questions should be answered in your own words and with your own arguments.
- Briefly, summarize the content of the article in your own words.
- How do people celebrate birthdays in your country?
- Do you like surprise birthday parties? Why or why not?
- Are there milestone birthdays in your country? If so, at what ages?
- What are some of the typical birthday gifts in your country?
EXPRESSIONS or PHRASES:
What do the following expressions or phrases mean?
- Lined along the street (P1)
- Centuries-old tradition (P3)
- Stay tuned (P3)
Image source: Photo Credit: gov.uk https://www.dogonews.com/2016/4/25/video-of-the-week-queen-elizabeth-ii-turns-90