The passage describes the journey of the Pilgrims from England to America aboard the Mayflower in 1620. Many Pilgrims died during their first harsh winter in Massachusetts until the Native Americans, including Squanto and Samoset, taught them how to survive. In the autumn of 1621 after a good harvest, the Pilgrims and Native Americans had a feast to celebrate and give thanks, which is now known as the first Thanksgiving. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated with family, food like turkey, and activities like watching football or parades.

2. In 1620 a group of 102 people (Pilgrims)
left England to begin a new life in the
New World. They sailed in a ship called
the Mayflower across the Atlantic Ocean
to America. They arrived at what is now
known as Cape Cod, at the beginning of a
very hard, cold winter.

3. Many Pilgrims died the first winter in
Massachusetts because there was very
little food, there was lots of snow and ice
and it was very, very cold. Only half of the
original 102 Pilgrims survived the winter.
In the spring, the Pilgrims met some
of the Native Americans who lived
in the area, the Wampanoag Tribe.
They became friends.

4. Two Indians, named Squanto and Samoset,
spoke English. They taught the Pilgrims all
about living in Massachusetts. They taught
them how to plant corn and gourds and
where to fish and hunt. Because of the
Native Americans’ help, the Pilgrims
learned to survive in the New World and
built a village they named Plymouth.
This is Samoset with the Pilgrims.
This is Plymouth! Today it is a kind of museum

5. In autumn of 1621
the Pilgrims had
plenty of food for
winter. They were
very happy and
grateful for all the
help from their new
friends so they
decided to have a
feast to celebrate.
They invited the
Indians to join them
to celebrate the
year’s good harvest
and give thanks to
God for their new
home.

6. Today, Thanksgiving is a holiday that we celebrate with our
family and friends. We have a big feast, just like the Pilgrims
and the Wampanoag. Do you know what food we eat at our
feasts? Here are some typical Thanksgiving foods:

7. Thanksgiving dinner is a time
where families gather to be
together. Families typically
eat dinner in the early
afternoon.
Thanksgiving Today
Before eating, everyone says what he or
she is thankful for (for family, friends, etc.).
What are you thankful for?
What typical foods can you see in these
two pictures?

8. After dinner, the family likes to watch
football or the Macy’s Parade in New York
City. We also like to talk, play games and
relax.

9. Can you understand the jokes in these Thanksgiving cartoons?

10. Answer True or False. Can you give the correct information for the
false statements?
1.The Pilgrims came on three ships called the Niña the Pinta and the
Santa Maria.
2.The first Thanksgiving was in 1621.
3.The Pilgrims landed in New York Harbor.
4.Many Pilgrims died the first winter in Massachusetts because it was
very hot and dry.
5.The Native Americans in Massachusetts were hostile (unwelcoming)
to the Pilgrims.
6.The Pilgrims gave thanks for a good harvest at the First
Thanksgiving.
7.Turkey and paella are typical Thanksgiving foods.
8.For Thanksgiving people dress up in costumes and trick-or-treat.
9.After Thanksgiving dinner, families usually talk and relax.
10.Most people play American football after eating on Thanksgiving.