Important dates are moments that hold special meaning in our personal lives, as well as in cultural or historical contexts. These dates could be birthdays, anniversaries, national holidays, or historical events. Knowing how to talk about important dates helps us engage in conversations about personal memories, celebrations, or significant events in history. In this topic, you will learn how to ask about and describe important dates, as well as practice vocabulary related to special occasions and events.
Grammar:
Talking about dates in English often involves using the present simple tense for habitual actions or facts, the past simple tense for events that have already occurred, and the future simple tense to refer to upcoming important dates.
Examples:
- Present Simple: "Christmas is on December 25th every year."
- Past Simple: "We celebrated our anniversary last month."
- Future Simple: "The meeting will be held on October 21st."
Additionally, it is important to use prepositions of time correctly:
- On: for specific dates or days of the week (e.g., "on March 4th," "on Monday").
- In: for months, years, or longer periods (e.g., "in July," "in 2022").
- At: for precise times (e.g., "at 6 p.m.").
Vocabulary:
- Birthday: the anniversary of the day someone was born.
- Anniversary: a date that marks a special event, such as a wedding or founding.
- Holiday: a special day of celebration or rest, often nationally recognized.
- Commemoration: a ceremony to remember a significant event.
- Milestone: an important point in time that marks progress or development.
- Public holiday: a national or local holiday that is recognized by law.
- Festival: a celebration or gathering to mark a particular event or season.
- Historical event: a significant moment from the past that is remembered or celebrated.
- Memorial: a day or event honoring the memory of a person or event.
Useful Expressions:
- "When is your birthday?"
- "What do you usually do on New Year’s Eve?"
- "How do you celebrate your anniversary?"
- "This day marks an important event in history."
- "I always take the day off on national holidays."
- "It’s a public holiday, so most businesses will be closed."
- "We commemorate this day every year."
- "What’s the most important date on your calendar?"
- "The festival takes place in the summer."
- "It’s a day I’ll never forget."
Sentences:
- "My birthday is on September 10th."
- "Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th in the United States."
- "We always spend our anniversary at our favorite restaurant."
- "Christmas is an important holiday that we celebrate with family."
- "The festival is held every year on the first weekend of October."
Questions and Answers:
Q: "When is your wedding anniversary?"
- A: "Our anniversary is on April 12th."
Q: "How do you usually celebrate your birthday?"
- A: "I usually have a small gathering with family and friends."
Q: "What’s the most important public holiday in your country?"
- A: "Independence Day is the most important holiday, celebrated on August 15th."
Q: "When is Thanksgiving in the United States?"
- A: "Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November."
Q: "What’s a special date you’ll never forget?"
- A: "I’ll never forget the day I graduated from university—June 3rd, 2010."
Conversation:
Emma: Hey, do you remember what day it is today?
Mark: Hmm, is it a special date?
Emma: Yes! It’s our two-year anniversary since we moved into this house.
Mark: Oh wow, I completely forgot! What should we do to celebrate?
Emma: I was thinking we could have dinner at that restaurant we love.
Mark: That sounds perfect! I can’t believe it’s been two years already.
Emma: Time flies! We’ve made some great memories here.
Mark: Definitely. Here’s to many more years together!
Reading:
New Year’s Eve Around the World
New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31st, is one of the most globally recognized important dates. As the last day of the year, it is a time to reflect on the past 12 months and look forward to the future. Around the world, people celebrate in various ways, but some traditions are universally enjoyed, such as fireworks, parties, and countdowns.
In New York City, the iconic Times Square ball drop attracts millions of viewers every year. As the clock strikes midnight, the ball slowly descends, marking the start of the new year with confetti and cheers. Meanwhile, in Sydney, Australia, a spectacular fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge welcomes the new year in style.
In some countries, New Year’s Eve traditions have deeper cultural significance. In Spain, for example, it’s customary to eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock, as a way to bring good luck in the year ahead. In Japan, people visit temples to pray for happiness and good fortune.
No matter where or how it is celebrated, New Year’s Eve is an important date, filled with hope, joy, and the promise of new beginnings.
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