[originaltext] The British celebrate many religious, historical, social and

The British celebrate many religious, historical, social and cultural holidays throughout the year. Some holidays marked on the calendar are celebrated throughout the country. Others are based on local customs and traditions which reflect the variety of experience in different regions.
    Britain remains mainly a Christian nation, but most Britons do not go to church regularly or engage in Christian worship. Christmas is the biggest and best-loved British holiday. People usually celebrate Christmas by decorating homes and workplaces with colored lights and Christmas trees and ornaments and exchanging gifts.
    There are three traditional Christmas activities in Britain. One is the Christmas Pantomime—a comical musical play. Another British Christmas tradition is to hear the Queen’s Christmas speech over the television and radio. The British Queen is also the Queen of other nations, such as Canada and Australia, and so her speech is broadcast to her millions of subjects throughout the world. The third British Christmas tradition is Boxing Day. People used to give Christmas gifts or money to their staff on Boxing Day. However, a new Boxing Day custom has emerged, which is shopping. But for most people, it is a day for visiting, eating and relaxing.
    For church-goers the biggest holiday is Easter. It is the most important Christian festival in Britain. Easter is in spring when universities and schools are closed for breaks. During the Easter period Christians attend many church services and charity activities. Easter eggs are the main symbol of Easter. As time goes on, nowadays, people give each other chocolate or candy for Easter.
    Questions 12 to 15 are based on the passage you have just heard.
    12.What does the speaker say about British holidays?
    13.How do British people celebrate Christians?
    14.What is the new custom on Boxing Day in Britain?
    15.Which is the most important Christian festival in Britain?