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U.S. INDEPENDENCE DAY VOCABULARY (ESL)

level: Beginner/Intermediate (A2/B1)

The Fourth of July — U.S. Independence Day — celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This exercise covers the key vocabulary for this important American holiday.

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1. Independence Day is an American holiday which celebrates the independence of the United States from Great Britain, a result of the (adoption/adaptation) of the Declaration of Independence which was (signed/signature) on July 4, 1776.

2. On this day, there are (numeral/numerous) events all across the United States which celebrate the country's history and traditions.

3. The Fourth of July (which is how Independence Day is commonly referred to) is often (assassinated/associated) with fireworks, and there are some fantastic fireworks (displays/portrayals) all across the USA.

4. Many families spend the Fourth having a (picnic/food) or a barbecue.

5. People often (decorate/color) their houses or businesses in red, white, and blue - the colors of the American flag.

6. The most common decorations used are streamers, (balloons/balls), and banners, as well as cutouts of Uncle Sam and other patriotic figures.

7. This is the most (patriotic/patriarchal) or all American holidays.

8. Another common way to spend the Fourth of July is by (attending/tending) a concert, or watching one of the many Independence Day parades.

9. Because this holiday is in July, many of the celebrations happen (outdoors/outwards).

Independence Day Conversation Questions 1. How does your country celebrate its national holiday or independence day?
2. What does independence or national pride mean to you personally?
3. Do you think national holidays are important for building a shared identity? Why?
4. What do you know about American history? What aspects interest you most?
5. Have you ever attended a fireworks display? What was the experience like?
6. How do you think the idea of "independence" has changed over the past century?

Did you know? The Declaration of Independence was primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson over about 17 days in June 1776. It was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4th, but most delegates actually signed it on August 2nd. The famous opening words — "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal" — drew heavily on Enlightenment philosophy, particularly the ideas of John Locke.

The tradition of celebrating Independence Day with fireworks goes back to the very first anniversary in 1777. John Adams had actually envisioned exactly this — he wrote to his wife Abigail that the occasion ought to be celebrated with "bonfires and illuminations" from one end of the continent to the other.