Pre-reading questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?
- What do you do on long holidays?
Vocabulary
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- intend /in-TEND/
- target /TAHR-git/
- expect /ik-SPEKT/
- community /kuh-MYOO-ni-tee/
- entrepreneur /ahn-truh-pruh-NUR/
[verb] – to have as a plan or purpose
I intend to study abroad after graduating from high school.
[noun] – a level or situation that you intend to achieve
Their new target is to increase sales by 10%.
[verb] – to think or believe something will happen, or someone will arrive
They arrived at their destination earlier than expected.
[noun] – a group of people who have the same interests, religion, etc.
The community is doing its best to save water.
[noun] – someone who starts their own business, especially when this involves seeing a new opportunity
Tom is already a successful entrepreneur.
Article reading
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The new government in Denmark intends to remove a bank holiday to raise defense spending. The first collaboration between center-left and center-right parties since the 1970s has already taken the first step. The center-right Liberal Party, the center-left Social Democratic Party, and the moderate party make up the new government. One of the government’s main goals is to reach NATO’s target of 2% of GDP for defense spending three years earlier than expected. The “Great Prayer Day,” or Store Bededag, is likely set to be eliminated. It was declared a public holiday in 1686 and always happens on the Friday before the fourth Sunday after Easter.
The religious community in Denmark has already expressed its disapproval of the plan. According to a Danish newspaper, Pernille Vigso Bagge, the head of the clergy group, was “saddened” by the possibility of losing the day. Entrepreneurs are likewise worried. The holiday, according to baker Iver Hansen, was a significant source of income for his company, and its elimination would cost him between 20,000 and 30,000 Danish kroner (£2,300 and £3,460) in lost sales.
The religious community in Denmark has already expressed its disapproval of the plan. According to a Danish newspaper, Pernille Vigso Bagge, the head of the clergy group, was “saddened” by the possibility of losing the day. Entrepreneurs are likewise worried. The holiday, according to baker Iver Hansen, was a significant source of income for his company, and its elimination would cost him between 20,000 and 30,000 Danish kroner (£2,300 and £3,460) in lost sales.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What does Denmark’s new government intend to remove?
- What is one of the government’s main goals?
- What is the “Great Prayer Day”?
- What did Pernille Vigso Bagge say about the government’s decision?
- According to Iver Hansen, how much would he lose if the holiday was eliminated?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Which is the most important holiday for you? Please tell me more about it.
- Do you think there are enough holidays in your country? Please share your opinion.
- If you were a Danish citizen, how would you feel about the scrapping of the holiday?
- Should the “Great Prayer Day” be abolished?
- In your opinion, will productivity and economic activity be improved if we eliminate the holidays?