Thanksgiving History
Food & Traditions
Symbols & Fun Facts
Vocabulary for ESL Students
Speaking Prompts (Open-Ended)
100

What year was the first Thanksgiving celebrated?

1621

100

What is the most traditional Thanksgiving main dish?

Turkey

100

What bird is often associated with Thanksgiving?

The turkey

100

What is a word that means “to be thankful”?

Grateful

100

Name one food you would bring to a Thanksgiving dinner and explain why.

Any reasonable answer.

200

Which Native American tribe celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims?

The Wampanoag

200

What sweet dessert is usually made from a large orange vegetable?

Pampkin Pie

200

What do U.S. presidents traditionally “pardon” every Thanksgiving?

A turkey

200

What word means “a big meal with many dishes”?

Feast

200

Describe a family tradition your family does for holidays.

Any reasonable answer.

300

What ship brought the Pilgrims to North America?

The Mayflower

300

What do many Americans watch on TV on Thanksgiving morning?

Thanksgiving Parade

300

What month is Thanksgiving celebrated in the United States?

November

300

What is the word for “a group of people in your family, like grandparents, cousins, etc.”?

Relatives

300

What are three things you are thankful for this year?

Any reasonable answer

400

Who was the Wampanoag leader who helped the Pilgrims survive?

Massasoit

400

What is the special name for the small bread pieces cooked inside the turkey?


Stuffing (or dressing)

400

What Canadian holiday is similar to Thanksgiving?

 Canadian Thanksgiving

400

What verb describes “helping someone survive or succeed”?

Support (or assist)

400

Compare Thanksgiving to a holiday in your country.

Any reasonable answer

500

Which U.S. president made Thanksgiving a national holiday?

Abraham Lincoln

500

What sport do many families play or watch on Thanksgiving Day?

American football

500

What is the name of the famous huge cartoon balloons in the Thanksgiving parade?

Macy’s parade balloons (or “giant character balloons”)

500

What word means “a tradition where people each say something they are thankful for”?

Giving thanks (or expressing gratitude)

500

If you could create a new holiday, what would it celebrate, and how would people celebrate it?

 Any reasonable answer.

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