https://www.umimeanglicky.cz/doplnovacka-past-simple-vs-present-perfect-2-uroven
https://wordwall.net/cs/resource/9047869/present-perfect-past-simple
https://test-english.com/grammar-points/b1/past-simple-present-perfect/
https://wordwall.net/play/86741/333/2159
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In the United States, graduating from high school is considered one of the most important milestones in a young person’s life. Students usually finish high school at the age of 17 or 18, after completing 12th grade.
Most American high schools organise a formal graduation ceremony. The event often takes place in a large hall, a sports gym, or even outdoors on a football field. Students wear traditional caps and gowns in the school colours. During the ceremony, students walk across the stage when their names are called, shake hands with the principal, and receive their diplomas. The moment is usually photographed and sometimes even recorded on video.
Speeches are an important part of the ceremony. The principal, teachers, and selected students speak about memories, achievements, and future plans. In many schools, the best student (called the valedictorian) gives a special speech. Music is also common — the school band may play, or students may sing the national anthem.
Graduation day is often very emotional. Families bring flowers and balloons, and they cheer loudly when their child’s name is announced. After the ceremony, many families organise a graduation party at home or in a restaurant. Some students also attend a special school event called “prom,” which usually happens shortly before graduation and is connected with the end of high school.
For many American teenagers, graduation symbolises independence, adulthood, and the beginning of a new chapter — college, work, or other plans.
In the United Kingdom, the experience of finishing secondary school is different. Students usually complete compulsory education at 16, after taking their GCSE exams. Many students then continue for two more years and finish school at 18 after A-level exams.
Unlike in the United States, British secondary schools do not usually organise large formal graduation ceremonies with caps and gowns. Wearing academic dress is more typical for university graduation, not for secondary school.
However, this does not mean the end of school is unimportant. Many schools organise a “leavers’ assembly” or a final celebration. Students may receive certificates or awards for academic success, sports achievements, or contributions to school life. Teachers and students often give short speeches, sometimes funny and sometimes emotional.
A popular tradition in some British schools is signing each other’s shirts on the last day of school. Students write messages, jokes, or good wishes on white shirts. They also take many photos together to remember their time at school.
Instead of one big formal ceremony, the end of secondary school in the UK is often more informal and focused on friendship and memories. The biggest and most formal graduation ceremony usually happens later, at university.
