–Do you know the origins of April Fool’s Day? Can you describe them?

The history of April Fool's Day (or All Fool's Day) is not clear. For some people this holiday evolved from a few different festivals. One possible explanation is presented below.

Before 1582, the New Year was celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25th and culminating on April 1st. In 1582, the French king introduced the Gregorian calendar in his country. According to this calendar, New Year’s Day was celebrated on January 1st. However, many people did not receive this news for a few years and others refused to accept it. Those who celebrated New Year’s Day in March soon became known as ‘fools’. People often played practical jokes on them. In the 18th century, this tradition spread in England and then April Fool’s Day became an international festival. Still, this day is not a public holiday.

–These statements are either facts (=TRUE) or hoaxes (=FALSE). Put a (Ö) or a (x) next to each.

April 1st, 2004:

       The Toronto Star reports that joggers in the city are upset. The authorities have introduced a new speed limit of 10 km/h in city parks. The limit is to reduce noise during the sensitive mating season of the local squirrel population.

       CBBC's Newsround website claims the planets of the Solar system will be renamed after characters from The Lord of the Rings - Earth will become Gandalf.

       The National Archives (UK) reveals that during the Cold War, there were British plans to use chickens to regulate the temperature in a nuclear bomb.

       An advert by BMW claims new 'SHEF technology' will allow car drivers to cook their evening meals whilst driving home.

       The Sun reports that British Police are fitting hawks with speed cameras to catch lawbreaking motorists.

       The Associated Press reports that Google will start an e-mail service with 1 GB of storage for each user.

       Pro Wrestling Torch reports that Vince McMahon will form a women's ice hockey league.

       The owner of DeadJournal announces that LiveJournal will take over operation of his site.

NOTES

–Have you ever played a practical joke on somebody? Can you describe it? The questions below will help you.

·      When did you do it?

It was  last year / (two) years ago…

·      Who was your ‘victim’?

It was my older brother/my neighbour…

·      Did anybody help you?

I asked my father/friend to help me…

My father/friend helped me…

·      What did you do?

It was pretty easy.

First, I …; Then, …; Finally…

·      How did s/he feel?

(Well), s/he was angry/furious…

S/he started laughing when s/he realised it was a joke

·      Are you going to play the same joke on somebody else?

Yes, because the joke is great…

No, because all my friends know it…

Designed by Bartosz Michałowski for Pearson Longman              PHOTOCOPIABLE 2

Definitions from Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English