Ex.2. Reread the stories attentively again.

No doubt, you’ve noticed some mistakes in the 2^nd story.

Try to correct them.

Ex.3. Consult the key to make sure that you’ve done it perfectly.

Ex.4. Read the texts again.

Point out the key words and word combinations in them.

Ex.5. Read some more information about George Washington.

Make up [2, 3 …] key questions for your classmates to discuss.

George Washington’s Birthday (February 22)1

George Washington, born February 22, 1732 in Virginia, was a natural leader and instrumental in creating a united nation out of a conglomeration of struggling colonies and territories. The first president of the United States of America is affectionately honored as "the father of his country". Washington led and encouraged his inexperienced troops against the British forces when the colonies went to war against King George III and England. The Boston Tea Party of 1773 was a colonial rebellion against taxes and it helped to spark the American Revolution. Eight years later the colonies won their independence. Laws for the new country were written into the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The laws called for a president, and George Washington was considered the natural choice.

Washington was a reluctant leader. As he inspired his soldiers through two wars, he saw himself serving his country, not leading it. When he accepted two terms as president, he saw himself serving God and his country in peacetime.

Americans celebrated Washington's Birthday while he was still alive. They were grateful for a strong leader who had proved that democracy was a feasible way to govern the growing country. While he was alive, legends grew up about him. The most famous one says that he was so strong; he threw a silver dollar across the Potomac River. George Washington's faith in God was so great that he believed he would not be shot or hurt before it was his time to die. This belief in God's sovereignty gave Washington courage to speed his horse across open fields in front of enemy fire. Washington died on December 14, 1799 of pneumonia and unwise medical procedures by attending doctors.

Glossary

Instrumental: adj. influential; very important

Conglomeration: n. mixture

Troops: n. soldiers, the military

Rebellion: n. opposition to authority; revolution

Spark: v. to cause suddenly

Bill of Right: n. the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which protect individual rights

Reluctant: adj. not willing; hesitant

Feasible: adj. possible; workable; practical

Ex.6. Naturally you know much more information about George Washington, don’t you? Share it with your classmates.

LINCOLN

Ex.1. Read the stories [5] attentively to find out as much information as you can about Lincoln as:

President;

Personality.

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