SECOND BACCALAUREATE July 8 -12 , 2024

Topic: The History of Piñatas

Objective: Ss will be able to understand the historical origins and cultural significance of piñatas, tracing
their journey from ancient Chinese traditions to their contemporary role in Latin American and global
celebrations. They also will practice of present perfect tense.
Read the text carefully, then answer the questions.

The History of Piñatas

A piñata is a container that is decorated and filled with
sweets, toys, or fruit. It is often in the shape of a star, animal,
or popular character. The piñata has become a symbol
of Mexico and many countries in Latin America. However,
it actually has Chinese origins: the explorer Marco Polo
brought the Chinese tradition to Europe and a bishop named
Diego Soria brought the tradition to America. Towards the
end of the 1500s, Diego Soria gave Christian masses during
the eight days before Christmas, with the intention of
spreading the religion to the natives of Mexico. The piñata
was a part of this religious mass, often filled with fruits.
People would try to break it with a wooden stick, because
they were considered free of sin if they were able to break
it open. The piñatas were in the shape of a star back then.
Piñatas became very popular shortly after that. In the UK,
piñatas often take the form of a donkey that is filled with
sweets. Some believe this represents a cruel image and that
piñatas should take other forms different from animals.
In modern times, piñatas are an important part of many Have you ever played with a
children’s parties in Latin America. piñata?
Source: British Council (2017). The history of piñatas. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2QnZFZ0
Freepik

✓ Write TRUE or FALSE based on the Reading.

Fix
1.The piñata tradition originated in Mexico. False: The piñata tradition actually has Chinese origins.
2.Marco Polo brought the piñata tradition from China to Europe. ……………
3.Piñatas were originally filled with toys and sweets during the Christian masses in the 1500s. …….
4.In the UK, piñatas often take the form of a donkey. ……….
5. Piñatas are no longer an important part of children's parties in Latin America. ……….

PRESENT PERFECT TENSE (Write in your notebook)

Usage: The present perfect tense is used to describe actions or states that began in the past and have
relevance or continue into the present.

Examples:

1. "The piñata has become a symbol of Mexico and many countries in Latin America."
o This indicates that at some point in the past, the piñata started to be seen as a symbol, and it
still is today.
2. "Diego Soria has given Christian masses during the eight days before Christmas."
o This suggests that Diego Soria started giving masses in the past, and the relevance of this
action is still recognized.
 I, we you, they He, she, it

Positive Sentence: Subject + have/has + past participle

o Example: "The piñata has become a symbol of Mexico."

They have played with a piñata

Negative Sentence: Subject + have/has + not + past participle

o Example: "The tradition has not originated in Mexico."

Question: Have/Has + subject + past participle?

o Example: "Has the piñata become popular in the UK?"

✓ Write 5 sentences using present perfect tense.

………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………