Task 1 Read the words and their definitions. Try to guess what the text is going to be about.
➔ ice sheet
a thick layer of ice covering a large area of land for a long period of time
➔ glacier
very large, slow-moving mass of ice
➔ in balance
having different parts or elements arranged in the correct proportions
➔ tipping point
time at which a change or an effect cannot be stopped
➔ rate
speed at which something happens or changes
➔ throw your hands up
(idiom) show frustration and despair when a situation becomes so bad that you
give up
Have you guessed the topic?

There are plenty holidays in Russia, but my favorite one is New Year’s Day. The celebration of the holiday begins at 12 o’clock AM on 31st of December.

First of all, I like it because it is celebrated during winter vacations and when I think of this holiday, I always remember all the things that I've done during this time. I have a lot time to sleep and to walk with my friends. There are a lot of interesting and funny programs, famous comedies and concerts on TV on the New Year’s Eve.

We always begin to celebrate New Year’s Day in a very good mood. First of all, we light colored lamps on our decorated New Year’s Tree and have a late dinner that usially consists of very delicious courses like salats, fried fish or meed, cakes, and, of cause, champagne.

Sometimes we just watch TV till the clock strikes 12, and then we go out for a walk to visit our friends and relatives and to watch beatiful fireworks in the centre of our town.

On New Year everybody gives and gets presents, and like this tradition very much. People become very kind and friendly on this day, because it is a great holiday. Everything outside seems very nice, every home, every shop and building becomes beautiful because, people want to make their home and place of work more bright. At home we all stay up until midnight and much later.

Dear Mike,

Thanks for your letter. It was great to hear from you. You ask me about my plans for this summer. Well, I'm going on a trip to the USA in July. I'm going to stay with my distant relatives there. They live in New York. I'd like to see as many landmarks there as possible. First of all, I would like to stroll along  Broadway. Then I'm going to take photos of the famous Statue of Liberty. Later on, I would like to visit the Museum of Modern Art. I would also like to have a rest in Central Park and to go on an excursion to the Empire State Building.  And at last, I would like to see the Times Square and, of course, much more. I hope I'll have a good time in New York.

Now I'm closing. Keep in touch.

My regards to your parents!

Best wishes,

Denis