Reading

Reading Passage: Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also called the Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. The festival is a time for family reunions, expressing gratitude, and enjoying the beauty of the autumn moon.

The festival has a long history that dates back over 3,000 years. It began during the Zhou Dynasty in China as a harvest celebration. Farmers gave thanks for a good harvest and prayed for future prosperity. Over time, the festival became more popular and developed into the celebration we know today.

One of the most famous traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival is eating mooncakes. These round pastries symbolize wholeness and unity. Mooncakes come in many varieties, including sweet fillings like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and salted egg yolk, as well as savory fillings. Families often give mooncakes as gifts to relatives, friends, and business partners.

Another tradition is lantern lighting. Children carry lanterns in various shapes, such as animals, stars, or even famous cartoon characters. In some cities, large lantern displays are built in parks and public squares, creating a magical, glowing atmosphere at night. Lanterns represent hope, good fortune, and the brightness of the full moon.

The festival is also associated with legends and folklore. The most well-known story is about Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. According to the legend, Chang’e drank an elixir of immortality and floated to the moon, where she lives alone. Her husband, Hou Yi, a great archer, once saved the world by shooting down nine of the ten suns. People admire the moon and tell stories of love, sacrifice, and reunion.

In modern times, the Mid-Autumn Festival continues to be a cultural and social celebration. Families gather for dinners, children play with lanterns, and communities organize cultural performances, moon-gazing parties, and traditional games. In Vietnam, the festival is called Tết Trung Thu and is especially celebrated for children, who parade in the streets with colorful lanterns and enjoy lion dances.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a celebration of the harvest and the moon but also a symbol of family, harmony, and cultural heritage. It reminds people to appreciate their loved ones, reflect on traditions, and share joy and happiness with others.

Vocabulary Exercise

Match the words with their meanings:

1. Harvest

2. Unity

3. Lantern

4. Folklore

5. Symbol

6. Tradition
   
   

a. A practice or custom passed down through generations
b. A story or belief from the past, often involving magic or gods
c. A sign that represents something else, like a meaning or idea
d. A period of gathering crops from the fields
e. A light source, often made of paper, carried in festivals
f. The state of being together or connected as a group

Comprehension Questions

1. When is the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated, and why is the date important?

2. What are mooncakes, and why are they significant during the festival?

3. Describe the legend of Chang’e and Hou Yi.

4. Name at least three activities people do during the festival today.

5. How is the festival celebrated differently in Vietnam compared to China?

6. Why is the Mid-Autumn Festival considered a symbol of family and harmony?
   
   

Discussion / Writing Exercises

1. Personal Reflection: Write 8–10 sentences about your favorite festival and compare it with the Mid-Autumn Festival.

2. Creative Writing: Imagine you are Chang’e living on the moon. Write a diary entry about your life there and your feelings during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

3. Opinion Writing: Do you think traditional festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival are important in modern society? Explain why or why not, giving examples.

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The Legend of Cuội on the Moon

Once upon a time, there was a woodcutter named Cuội. One day, while he was in the forest, a young tiger suddenly jumped out at him. With no time to escape, Cuội had no choice but to fight for his life. He swung his axe with all his strength and struck the tiger. Since the tiger was still young, it was weaker than a human and fell to the ground after being hit.

Just then, the mother tiger came back. Cuội quickly threw away his axe and climbed up a tree. From above, he saw the mother tiger run to a nearby bush, bite off some leaves, and chew them before feeding them to her cub. After a short while, the young tiger began to move, wag its tail, and came back to life.

When the mother tiger had carried her cub away, Cuội came down from the tree, went to the bush, dug up the magical plant, and took it home.

Since the day he had that miraculous healing plant, Cuội was able to save many people’s lives. One day, he even saved the daughter of a rich man, who was so grateful that he gave his daughter’s hand in marriage to Cuội. The couple lived happily together.

But one day, Cuội’s wife fell and hit her head, losing consciousness. Cuội used the magical leaves to heal her, but she still didn’t wake up. Heartbroken, Cuội molded a clay brain and placed it inside her head, then applied the healing leaves again. Surprisingly, she came back to life, completely recovered.

However, from that time on, Cuội’s wife suffered from forgetfulness—she often forgot what her husband told her.

One day, Cuội’s wife forgot his warning and poured dirty water on the magical tree. As soon as she did, the tree suddenly began to float upward into the sky. Seeing this, Cuội rushed forward and grabbed its roots. But the tree kept rising, pulling Cuội higher and higher—until he was carried all the way to the moon.

To this day, when we look up at the moon, we can still see the figure of Cuội sitting under his magical tree.

October 28th – Independent Czechoslovak State Day

(Den vzniku samostatného československého státu)

🌍 Historical Background

Before 1918, the Czech lands — Bohemia, Moravia, and part of Silesia — were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The people living there spoke Czech and had their own culture, but they didn’t have their own country.
For many years, Czech politicians and intellectuals wanted greater independence and more rights within the empire.

During World War I (1914–1918), the Austro-Hungarian Empire began to weaken. Many Czechs and Slovaks who lived abroad started to plan how to create their own country after the war. Among them were Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Edvard Beneš, and Milan Rastislav Štefánik — three men who later became known as the founding fathers of Czechoslovakia.

📜 The Birth of a New Country

On October 28th, 1918, the long dream of independence came true.
A group of Czech politicians gathered in Prague and signed the declaration of independence.
At the same time, Slovak representatives met in the town of Martin, where they agreed to join the new state.

The new country was called Czechoslovakia (Československo) — combining the names of the two main nations: Czechs and Slovaks.
It became a democratic republic, inspired by Western European ideas of freedom and equality.

Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk was chosen as the first president, and Edvard Beneš became foreign minister.
Czechoslovakia was officially recognized by other countries in 1919.

🏛️ The First Republic (1918–1938)

The period between 1918 and 1938 is often called “The First Republic.”
It was a time of optimism, growth, and culture. Czechoslovakia was one of the most developed and democratic countries in Central Europe.
Prague became a lively European capital, famous for its architecture, music, and education.

The country’s population was diverse — Czechs, Slovaks, Germans, Hungarians, Jews, and others lived together.
Although there were political challenges, most citizens were proud of their independence and their new democratic values.

⚔️ What Happened Next

Unfortunately, independence did not last forever.
In 1938, Nazi Germany occupied parts of Czechoslovakia after the Munich Agreement.
Then, in 1939, the country was completely taken over and divided.
After World War II, Czechoslovakia became free again — but in 1948, the Communist Party took power, supported by the Soviet Union.

For the next 40 years, the country lived under a communist regime, and the ideals of democracy from 1918 were suppressed.
However, people never forgot October 28th — it remained a symbol of freedom and the original democratic spirit of the country.

🕊️ After 1989 – Velvet Revolution and Independence Today

In 1989, the Velvet Revolution peacefully ended communist rule.
Czechoslovakia returned to democracy, and October 28th was once again celebrated as a national holiday.

Later, in 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two countries — the Czech Republic and Slovakia — but both nations still celebrate their own independence days.

For the Czech Republic, October 28th remains a reminder of the birth of the first democratic state of Czechs and Slovaks, and of the values of freedom, equality, and unity.

🎉 How It’s Celebrated Today

Every year on October 28th:

• The Czech President lays wreaths and gives state awards at Prague Castle to people who have made great contributions to the country in science, art, sports, or public service.

• National flags are displayed on public buildings and homes.

• Many museums and monuments offer free entry.

• Schools, offices, and banks are closed.

• Ceremonies and concerts take place all over the country, especially in Prague, Brno, and Bratislava.

It’s a day to feel proud of Czech history and to remember how difficult — yet important — it was to gain independence.

✨ Summary

• Date: October 28th

• Holiday name: Independent Czechoslovak State Day

• Czech name: Den vzniku samostatného československého státu

• First celebrated: 1918

• Meaning: Marks the foundation of Czechoslovakia and the beginning of Czech democracy

• Key people: Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Edvard Beneš, Milan Rastislav Štefánik

🧠 Part 1 - Vocabulary Exercise

Match the words with their meanings.
Write the correct letter (a–j) next to each number.

1. Independence –

2. Declaration –

3. Democracy –

4. Republic –

5. Ceremony –

6. Wreath –

7. Occupy –

8. Regime –

9. Symbol –

10. Contribution –
    
    

a) the act of officially saying something
b) the system where people can vote and have rights
c) when a country governs itself and is not ruled by another
d) a country with a president, not a king or queen
e) a formal event to celebrate or remember something
f) a circle made of flowers or leaves used in remembrance
g) to take control of a place by force
h) a system of government, especially one that controls strictly
i) something that represents a bigger idea or feeling
j) something given or done to help a country or cause

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💬 Part 2 – Reading Comprehension

Read the passage (from the previous explanation) and answer the questions:

1. When was Czechoslovakia founded?

2. Who became the first president?

3. What were the main nations in Czechoslovakia?

4. What happened to the country during World War II?

5. What kind of government ruled after 1948?

6. What event ended communist rule in 1989?

7. When did the Czech Republic and Slovakia split?

8. How is October 28th celebrated today?

9. Why is this day important for Czech people?

10. What does the flag symbolize on this day?

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🗣️ Part 3 – Speaking Discussion

Use these questions in pairs or groups:

1. What does independence mean to you personally?

2. Why do you think it’s important for a country to remember its history?

3. How do people in your country celebrate national holidays?

4. What values do you think are most important for a democratic country?

5. Do you think the Czech Republic and Slovakia have a good relationship today? Why?

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🎃 Halloween: Between Fear and Fun

🌒 A Night of Mystery

Every year, on October 31st, people all around the world prepare for one of the most exciting and mysterious nights of the year — Halloween. Streets are filled with children dressed as ghosts, witches, or superheroes; pumpkins glow with scary faces; and people attend parties filled with laughter, music, and spooky decorations.

Although Halloween today is known for fun, candy, and costumes, its origins go back thousands of years, and the festival has changed many times before becoming what it is now. It’s a celebration that connects ancient traditions, religion, folklore, and modern pop culture.

🕯️ Ancient Origins: The Celtic Festival of Samhain

The story of Halloween begins more than 2,000 years ago with the Celts, who lived in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France.
For them, the year was divided into two main parts — the light half (summer) and the dark half (winter). The transition between them was celebrated at a festival called Samhain (pronounced sow-in), held on October 31st.

Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the cold, dark winter — a time when food was scarce and the days were short. The Celts believed that on this night, the border between the world of the living and the dead became very thin. Spirits could return to visit their families, and people could see fairies or other magical beings.

To protect themselves from evil spirits, people lit large bonfires, wore masks or animal skins, and offered food to wandering ghosts. They believed this would keep them safe until the morning. This idea — that October 31st is a night when the dead walk among us — is still a central theme of Halloween today.

⛪ From Samhain to All Hallows’ Eve

As Christianity spread through Europe, the Church wanted to replace pagan celebrations with Christian ones. In the 9th century, Pope Gregory IV made November 1st a holy day called All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’ Day) — a time to honor all Christian saints and martyrs. The night before it, October 31st, became known as All Hallows’ Eve, which over time was shortened to Halloween.

Even though the Church tried to give the holiday a religious meaning, many folk traditions from Samhain continued — lighting candles, dressing in costumes, and believing that spirits could still visit the living.

🧙‍♀️ Witches, Ghosts, and Superstitions

During the Middle Ages, Europeans believed strongly in witches, demons, and supernatural creatures. Halloween became associated with dark forces and witchcraft.
People told stories about black cats — believed to be witches’ companions — and about ghosts wandering the streets at night. Some believed that if you walked past a ghost on Halloween, it might follow you home!

Because of these fears, people began to carry lanterns made from turnips or carved vegetables to scare away evil spirits. In Ireland, a legend told of “Stingy Jack”, a man who tricked the devil and was condemned to walk the earth forever with only a carved turnip and a burning coal inside. This story later inspired the Jack-o’-lantern tradition.

🌍 Halloween Travels to America

In the 19th century, millions of Irish and Scottish immigrants moved to the United States, bringing their Halloween customs with them. There, the traditions mixed with others from European and Native American cultures.

Americans soon adopted new ways to celebrate — including parties, games, and public parades. By the early 20th century, Halloween had become a community event rather than a religious one. People decorated their homes with pumpkins, and children went door to door playing tricks or asking for sweets. This became known as “trick-or-treating.”

Interestingly, pumpkins replaced turnips because pumpkins were native to North America and much easier to carve. Today, carved pumpkins with candles inside — the Jack-o’-lanterns — are one of the most famous symbols of Halloween.

🍭 Trick-or-Treating and Modern Customs

Trick-or-treating is one of the most loved Halloween traditions. Children dress up as monsters, superheroes, or movie characters and knock on doors saying, “Trick or treat!”
If the house owners give them candy, everything is fine — but in the past, if they refused, children might play small jokes or tricks on them, like covering the door with soap or toilet paper.

Today, Halloween is more about creativity and fun than tricks. People decorate their houses with fake cobwebs, skeletons, bats, and ghosts, and even pets wear costumes!
Adults often join the fun too — many cities organize costume parties, concerts, and Halloween parades. Popular films and TV shows, such as Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Stranger Things, also add to the modern Halloween spirit.

🦇 The Meaning Behind the Symbols

Every object connected to Halloween has its own story:

• Pumpkin (Jack-o’-lantern): light that protects from evil spirits.

• Ghosts: the souls of the dead returning to visit.

• Black cats: symbols of mystery, magic, and sometimes bad luck.

• Witches: women who had knowledge of herbs and healing — later seen as dangerous.

• Bats and spiders: animals that live in the dark and are connected to haunted houses.

• Skeletons and skulls: reminders that life and death are part of the same cycle.
  
  

What’s interesting is that these scary symbols don’t only represent fear — they also express curiosity about death, imagination, and human creativity.

🎭 Halloween Around the World

While Halloween is most popular in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the UK, it has spread worldwide. In each country, people adapt it to their own traditions:

• Mexico: celebrates Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on November 1–2, honoring ancestors with flowers, candles, and colorful skulls.

• Czech Republic: people visit cemeteries during Dušičky (All Souls’ Day) to light candles for deceased relatives.

• Japan: Halloween is a time for costume parades and cosplay festivals, especially in Tokyo.

• France and Germany: Halloween is a newer celebration, but young people enjoy parties, horror films, and themed decorations.
  
  

Although the customs differ, the message is similar: to remember the dead, enjoy life, and express creativity.

🧠 The Psychology of Fear

Why do people love to be scared on Halloween? Psychologists say that fear, when it’s safe, can actually be exciting. Watching horror films, visiting haunted houses, or telling ghost stories allows people to experience danger in a controlled way.
It gives a rush of adrenaline — the same feeling you get from riding a rollercoaster.

This is why Halloween is so popular: it combines fear and fun, allowing people to face their fears through imagination.

🧵 The Influence of Media and Pop Culture

Modern Halloween has been strongly influenced by Hollywood. Movies like Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th, and The Addams Family shaped how people imagine ghosts, killers, and monsters. Television, advertisements, and social media continue to spread the festival globally.

Today, Halloween is also a huge business — people spend billions of dollars every year on costumes, decorations, and candy. But beyond the commercial side, it remains a chance for people to be creative, expressive, and playful.

🌕 A Celebration of Imagination

At its heart, Halloween is a celebration of storytelling, transformation, and fantasy. It lets people become someone else for one night — a vampire, a princess, or a zombie.
Children learn to use their imagination, and adults get a break from daily life.

Even though it’s full of ghosts and monsters, Halloween is really about community, joy, and human connection. Behind the masks and makeup, people come together — just as the Celts once did — to celebrate the mystery of life, death, and everything in between.

✨ Conclusion

Halloween has changed many times over the centuries — from an ancient Celtic ritual to a Christian tradition, and finally into a global festival of fun and imagination. It reminds us of our shared human fascination with light and darkness, fear and laughter, life and death.

Whether you light a candle, carve a pumpkin, or dance at a costume party, you are taking part in a celebration that began thousands of years ago — a night when the ordinary world meets the world of magic.

So, on October 31st, don’t be afraid of the shadows.
Instead, embrace the mystery, enjoy the laughter, and let your imagination shine as brightly as a Jack-o’-lantern in the dark. 🎃👻🕯️

Vocabulary – Match the Words to Their Meanings

Match each word to its correct meaning. Write the correct letter (A–T) next to each number.

Match each word with its meaning. Write the correct letter (A–O) next to each number.

1. Samhain –

2. bonfire –

3. disguise –

4. superstition –

5. transform –

6. symbol –

7. ancient –

8. mystery –

9. creativity –

10. adrenaline –

11. haunted –

12. legend –

13. ritual –

14. ancestor –

15. celebration –
    
    

Meanings:

A. A story from the past, often involving heroes or magical events
B. A strong feeling of excitement, often linked to danger
C. A formal action or ceremony performed in a particular order
D. Someone from your family who lived a long time ago
E. A very old festival or event from history
F. To change something completely into a different form or appearance
G. Something that represents an idea, belief, or object
H. Something that is mysterious, strange, or difficult to understand
I. A large outdoor fire, usually for a festival or celebration
J. A traditional festival held by the Celts marking the end of summer
K. A feeling of fear or belief in supernatural causes without scientific reason
L. The ability to imagine, invent, or create new things
M. To hide your appearance or identity, often with a costume or mask
N. A place or thing believed to be visited by ghosts
O. A joyful event to honor, remember, or celebrate something

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Reading Comprehension

Answer the questions in complete sentences.

1. Where did Halloween originally come from?

2. What did the Celts believe happened on the night of Samhain?

3. How did people protect themselves from evil spirits?

4. What is the connection between Samhain and All Hallows’ Eve?

5. Who was “Stingy Jack,” and why is he important to Halloween traditions?

6. Why did pumpkins replace turnips in America?

7. What is the meaning of “trick or treat”?

8. List three common symbols of Halloween and what they represent.

9. How do different countries celebrate similar holidays to Halloween?

10. Why do psychologists say people enjoy fear during Halloween?

_________________________

Grammar and Word Formation

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the word in brackets.

1. The Celts believed that the border between the living and the dead became very ___ (THIN).

2. Halloween has become a very ___ holiday in the United States. (COMMERCIAL)

3. Many children enjoy ___ their favorite movie characters. (DRESS)

4. It’s amazing how Halloween has ___ from a pagan ritual to a modern festival. (TRANSFORM)

5. Fear can sometimes be an ___ emotion when it’s safe. (EXCITE)

6. Pumpkins are ___ to carve than turnips. (EASY)

7. The night of October 31st is full of ___ and imagination. (MYSTERIOUS)

8. The Jack-o’-lantern is a ___ of protection and light. (SYMBOLIC)

__________________________________

Speaking Practice

Discuss with a partner or record yourself:

1. Do you like scary movies or haunted houses? Why or why not?

2. What would be your dream Halloween costume and why?

3. Do you think Halloween is too commercial today?

4. What are some differences between Halloween and the Day of the Dead in Mexico?

5. If you could create your own modern festival, what would it celebrate?