Bonfire night. Guy Fawkes Night vocabulary
The words you need to describe Bonfire Night: bonfire, fireworks, sparkler, effigy and the phrases that go with them. A short vocabulary video for beginners, useful before any lesson or writing task about 5 November.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vocabulary do I need to talk about Bonfire Night?
The essentials are bonfire, fireworks, sparkler, rocket, effigy or "guy", and the verbs that go with them: light a bonfire, set off fireworks, wave a sparkler. Add toffee apples, parkin and jacket potatoes for the food and you can describe the whole evening.
What is a "guy" on Bonfire Night?
A life-size figure made of old clothes stuffed with newspaper, representing Guy Fawkes, which is placed on the bonfire and burned. Children once made one and asked passers-by for "a penny for the guy", which is where the English word guy meaning "man" comes from.
How do I use a vocabulary video in a lesson?
Play it once with no task so students get the topic, then again with a list of words to tick off as they hear them. Finish by asking students to describe a fireworks night in their own country using five of the new words.