Vocabulary

Complete the definition. Circle the letter of the correct answer.

1. The general opinion that people have about somebody or something is usually called _____________.

a. reputation

b. idea

c. behavior

2. The particular way food or drink can be recognized by its taste or smell is _______.

a. flavor

b. odor

violence

3. ___________means to encourage to develop or to become active.

a. fascinate

b. excite

c. stimulate

4. Condition of a person in which his body is harmed because an organ or a part of its unable to work normally is called __________.

a. depression

b. disease

c. state of being

5. _____________is the place where people usually live

a. castle

b. dwelling

c. stadium

Comprehension

A) Looking for Main Ideas

Write complete answers to these questions

1. According to the text what domestic animal was of great importance for nomads? Explain why?

2. What does the phrase “…as tea ceremony for the Japanese” imply?

3. Why is kumis so popular among people?

B) Looking for Details

Circle T if the sentence is true. Circle F is the sentence is false.

Discussion

Discuss these issues with your classmates or your teacher

1. Why do people drink dairy drinks? Do you think they are good for you?

2. Describe soft drink you like most of all.

3., What do you like in kumis?

Writing

Write some sentences or a short compositions about this topic

Different nations have their specific drinks. What do you know about them? Have you ever taste any?

Nauryz

Nauryz of the “birth of spring” festival is the most long-awaited and joyful holiday for the Kazakh people. Nauryz appeared among the peoples of the East long before they became Moslems. Therefore it has no religious rituals and rites. According to the Oriental calendar Nauryz is the first day of the new year. This day coincides with the day of the spring equinox when day and night become equal. In other words it is an ancient holiday of the New Year.

For the Kazakhs this holiday is a symbol of spring renewal, purification, celebration of love, fertility and beauty. In old times before the Nauryz coming people cleaned their houses and put everything in order. In honor of this holiday trees and flowers were planted. It is thought if Nauryz enters a tidy and clean house of a good master, all illness, failures and adversities will bypass it. Generous celebrating of this holiday will bring abundance and success in the house for the whole year. These beliefs explain the richness of holiday rituals and customs. When the holiday comes the Kazakhs put on smart clothes, visit each other, exchange congratulations and wishes of well-being for the coming year. The program for the carnival includes different games, sport competitions, horse races and of course singing and dancing. There are special ritual songs. The old people give their blessings to the young. To get it on Naurys is always thought to be a good omen.

The main dish of this festival is nauryz kozhe. It must consist of seven components symbolizing seven chief element of life. They symbolize love, pleasure, good luck, wisdom, health, well-being and divine protection. According to this custom seven bowls with nauryz kozhe must be put on the table before the most respectable old man. On this holiday everyone should visit seven houses and invite seven guests.

The words “Кө ктем туды” is the greeting of the Kazakhs on the holiday of Nauryz. Thousands of people watch national singers’ contests competitions of national sports and of course horse racing.

Various theatrical performances representing national traditions and rituals are held. They attract a lot of people and teach them to respect the culture and native land, to keep peace and to develop mutual understanding between various nationalities. During the Soviet time Nauryz was considered as a vestige of the past and its celebrating was forbidden. But people’s memory and ancient traditions, however, were stronger than bans. In 2001 independent Kazakhstan declared Nauryz as a national holiday.