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EXTRA READING AND WRITING PRACTICE 7
Read the text and answer the questions that follow.
Europe’s Dying Traditions
I As you travel around Europe, you discover an incredible range of traditions in the different countries and
regions – a reminder of the continent’s many distinct cultures. But the experienced traveller will quickly
discover that many countries’ most charming – or sometimes strange – traditions are slowly dying due to
changes in lifestyles and attitudes.
II In Sweden, the everyday coffee break is an important social event. The Swedes even have a special word
for it: fika, a word from the 19th-century slang word for coffee – kaffi – but inverted. The custom is so
important to some Swedes that even large multinational companies like Volvo and IKEA include it in their
workday, interrupting production. Fika is a pause in the day to get together, chat and enjoy some coffee.
But because of changes in people’s lifestyles and the demands of the modern workplace, Swedes now
have less time for fika.
III Similarly, the British were once famous around the world for having afternoon tea – a light meal between
lunch and dinner consisting of sandwiches, cakes and pastries. But like Sweden’s fika, the tradition is also
gradually vanishing. According to a recent survey, afternoon tea was fourth on the list of dying traditions.
But the dying tradition that Britons miss the most is riding a donkey at the beach. At 42%, it topped the list.
Riding donkeys became popular on beaches at the end of the 19th century. But new attitudes towards
safety and, in particular, regarding animal welfare have brought about a decline in the use of donkeys, and
many local councils are being encouraged to ban the activity.
IV As for the Spanish siesta, a survey carried out in 2016 showed that the traditional daily siesta is only
relevant for 1% of the population. This is in spite of the fact that it remains a cliché associated with
Spanish culture.
1 Choose the correct answer.
1 What does the writer suggest in the first paragraph?
a All tourists will notice that certain traditions are dying.
b The evidence for dying traditions might not be immediately obvious.
c Many traditions are actually quite similar to each other.
2 According to the writer, what is the main aim of fika?
a to escape from the distractions of the modern world
b to spend time with people close to us
c to celebrate a special occasion
3 What did the survey find out about afternoon tea in Britain?
a It is the fourth most popular tradition.
b It was never as popular as donkey rides.
c It is something that British people miss.
2 Decide if the following sentences are T (true) or F (false). Find evidence in the text to support
your answers.
...... 1 The variety of traditions in Europe reflects its different cultures.
......................................................................................................................................................
...... 2 Donkey rides have become less popular because fewer Britons are going to the beach.
......................................................................................................................................................
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3 Answer the questions.
1 Why do traditions disappear?
.............................................................................................................................................................
2 What was the aim of the survey about British traditions?
.............................................................................................................................................................
4 Rewrite the sentences without changing the original meaning.
Because of changes in people’s lifestyles and the demands of the modern workplace, Swedes now have less
time for fika.
New changes and demands ................................................................................................................... .
5 Find words or expressions in the text that mean:
1 something that helps you remember (paragraph I) .............................
2 informal language (paragraph II) .............................
3 a short break (paragraph II) .............................
4 physical health and happiness (paragraph III) .............................
5 decrease (paragraph III) .............................
6 Write a composition of about 100-150 words. Choose ONE option.
1 Some traditions in your country must change. Do you agree or disagree? Give examples.
2 Describe a custom or tradition in your country that you think you would miss if it died.
