UNIT 2. A MULTICULTURAL WORLD

I. GETTING STARTED

1. Listen and read.

2. Read the conversation again and complete the table. Use no more than THREE words for each blank.

Answer:

3. Find words in 1 that have the same or similar meaning to the following words and phrases.

1. variety ______

2. a style of cooking ______

3. tasty ______

4. interesting places ______

Answer:

1. variety = diversity

2. a style of cooking = cuisine

3. tasty = delicious

4. interesting places = tourist attractions

4. Complete the sentences based on the conversation. Use the correct article (a, an, the) or ∅ (no article).

1. Nam took Mai and Linda to ______ International Cultural Festival in Ha Noi.

2. Tasting food from different countries is a way to learn about ____ cultural diversity.

3. Nam tells his friends that ______ famous K-pop group will be at the Korean booth.

4. The Vietnamese booth is booth, and is_______ open very big.

Answer:

1. Nam took Mai and Linda to the International Cultural Festival in Ha Noi.

2. Tasting food from different countries is a way to learn about ∅ cultural diversity.

3. Nam tells his friends that a famous K-pop group will be at the Korean booth.

4. The Vietnamese booth is an open booth, and is very big.

II. LANGUAGE

Pronunciation

1. Listen and repeat. Then practise saying the words.

2. Work in pairs. Underline the words that contain the /ɔɪ/, /aɪ/, and /aʊ/ sounds. Listen and check. Then practise saying the sentences.

1. Joyce feels so proud to be a top designer.

2. The country's identity as a separate nation was never destroyed.

3. Mike and Diana came to the fair to enjoy food from around the world.

4. A noisy crowd cheered as the band finally appeared on stage.

Answer:

- /ɔɪ/: joyce, destroyed, enjoy, noisy

- /aɪ/: designer, identity, Mike, Diana, finally

- /aʊ/: proud, around, crowd

Vocabulary

1. Match the words with their meanings.

Answer:

1 – c: origin (n): the moment or place where something starts to exist

2 – a: popularity (n): the state of being liked or supported by many people

3 – e: identity (n): the characteristics or beliefs that make people different from others

4 – b: festivities (n): the activities that are organised to celebrate a special event

5 – d: trend (n): a general direction in which a situation is changing

2. Complete the sentences using the correct forms of the words in 1.

1. Language is considered the most important feature of a nation's ______.

2. Most New Year's _________ begin on 31 December.

3. The __________ of that custom is still a mystery to local people.

4. This article discusses current _________ in fashion styles among young people.

5. The ________ of cycling among young people has increased.

Answer:

1. Language is considered the most important feature of a nation's identity.

2. Most New Year's festivities begin on 31 December.

3. The orgin of that custom is still a mystery to local people.

4. This article discusses current trends in fashion styles among young people.

5. The popularity of cycling among young people has increased.

Grammar

1. Circle the correct answer to complete each of the sentences.

1. One of the most common traditions during the Mid-Autumn Festival is admiring full moon/ the full moon.

2. Charles Lindbergh was the first person to fly solo across Atlantic/the Atlantic.

3. The Vietnamese women/Vietnamese women usually wear ao dai on special occasions.

4. Many students experience culture shock when they go to study in US/the US.

5. My parents have never been to Rome/the Rome.

Answer:

1. One of the most common traditions during the Mid-Autumn Festival is admiring the full moon.

2. Charles Lindbergh was the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic.

3. Vietnamese women usually wear ao dai on special occasions.

4. Many students experience culture shock when they go to study in the US.

5. My parents have never been to Rome.

2. Work in pairs. Ask and answer questions about the following topics using the correct articles.

Answer:

A: Are you learning to play the guitar?

B: Yes, I am leaning to play the guitar twice a week.

A: Have you been to the UK?

B: Yes, I have been to the UK since I was two years old.

A: Would you like to travel to Viet Nam?

B: Yes, I’d love to. I’m interested in eating the Vietnamese traditional foods.

A: Where are the Alps located?

B: The Alps are a large mountain range in the middle of Europe.

A: Do you want to swim in the Pacific Ocean?

B: Yes, I would love to swim in the Pacific Ocean! The beautiful blue waters and the gentle waves sound absolutely inviting.

III. READING

1. Work in pairs and choose the correct answers. Give examples to illustrate your choices.

1. What is globalisation?

A. The limited trade between nations.

B. The integration and interaction between people, businesses and governments from different nations.

2. How does globalisation impact cultural diversity in the world?

A. It has no impact on cultural diversity.

B. It can increase cultural diversity.

Answer:

1. What is globalisation?

A. The limited trade between nations.

B. The integration and interaction between people, businesses and governments from different nations.

- Globalisation refers to the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, economies, and cultures. It involves the exchange of goods, services, information, and ideas on a global scale.

2. How does globalisation impact cultural diversity in the world?

A. It has no impact on cultural diversity.

B. It can increase cultural diversity.

- Globalisation has a significant impact on cultural diversity in the world. On one hand, it can lead to the spread of different cultures and the exchange of ideas, which can enrich societies and promote understanding between people from different backgrounds. However, globalisation can also lead to the homogenization of cultures, as Western norms and values are often dominant in the global market. This can result in the loss of traditional practices and languages, as well as the erosion of local identities.

2. Read the article and match each section (A-C) with a heading (1-5). There are TWO extra headings.

1. Discovering K-pop music

2. Blending fashion styles

3. Fast food popularity

4. No borders for music

5. Variety of cuisines

Answer:

A - 3. Fast food popularity

B - 4. No borders for music

C - 2. Blending fashion styles

3. Read the article again and choose the correct answer A, B, or C.

1. How has globalisation affected people's eating habits?

A. It has decreased the popularity of traditional food.

B. It has limited people's food choices to local dishes.

C. Local people are trying new cuisines.

2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as something that local people can try in Viet Nam?

A. Dishes from other cultures using ingredients grown in Viet Nam.

B. Traditional dishes using international ingredients.

C. A Japanese dish of cooked rice and raw fish.

3. What can be inferred from the passage about music?

A. Music has connected people across cultures.

B. Teens around the world love listening to K-pop music.

C. It is easier to organise music festivals.

4. How has globalisation affected fashion?

A. It has introduced more traditional elements in fashion design.

B. It has promoted the exchange of fashion ideas and styles from around the world.

C. It has made it easier for people to create their own clothes.

5. What is the purpose of the article?

A. To discuss the positive impact of globalisation on cultures.

B. To introduce features of new cultures to readers.

C. To explain how globalisation can help people have the same experiences.

Answer:

1. How has globalisation affected people's eating habits?

A. It has decreased the popularity of traditional food.

B. It has limited people's food choices to local dishes.

C. Local people are trying new cuisines.

2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as something that local people can try in Viet Nam?

A. Dishes from other cultures using ingredients grown in Viet Nam.

B. Traditional dishes using international ingredients.

C. A Japanese dish of cooked rice and raw fish.

3. What can be inferred from the passage about music?

A. Music has connected people across cultures.

B. Teens around the world love listening to K-pop music.

C. It is easier to organise music festivals.

4. How has globalisation affected fashion?

A. It has introduced more traditional elements in fashion design.

B. It has promoted the exchange of fashion ideas and styles from around the world.

C. It has made it easier for people to create their own clothes.

5. What is the purpose of the article?

A. To discuss the positive impact of globalisation on cultures.

B. To introduce features of new cultures to readers.

C. To explain how globalisation can help people have the same experiences.

4. Work in groups. Discuss the following question.

What are some other effects of globalisation on cultural diversity? Give some examples in the context of Viet Nam.

Answer:

Globalisation has led to the spread of Western cultural values and consumerism in Viet Nam, impacting traditional cultural practices and beliefs. This can be seen in the growing popularity of fastfood chains and Western fashion trends, which can overshadow local traditions and customs. Additionally, the widespread use of the internet and social media has also influenced the younger generation in Viet Nam to adopt globalised cultural norms and values.

IV. SPEAKING

1. Work in pairs. Discuss the differences between Vietnamese culture and some other cultures you know about. Use the ideas in Getting Started and Reading, and the table and examples below to help you.

Answer:

A: You're right, the spicy cuisine of South Korea is quite distinct from the more mild flavors of traditional Vietnamese dishes like bún chả and phở. I find it fascinating how culinary traditions can vary so much between neighboring countries.

B: Absolutely, and the music scene is another interesting comparison. K-pop with its dynamic dance groups is quite different from the Vietnamese pop music scene, which tends to feature solo artists. It's amazing how the cultural influences and artistic preferences can lead to such diverse musical landscapes.

A: Definitely. And speaking of cultural traditions, the traditional clothing is another area where we see some fascinating differences. Vietnam has the beautiful áo dài, while Japan is known for the elegant kimono. It's always interesting to learn about the unique sartorial customs of different Asian countries.

B: That's a great point. The áo dài and kimono are both stunning examples of traditional dress, but with their own distinct styles and histories. It really speaks to the rich diversity of Asian cultures and the importance of preserving these unique cultural assets.

2. Work in groups. Your school is organising a Cultural Diversity Day. Discuss what the event should include. Use the ideas in 1 to create the event programme.

Answer:

A: We have decided to organize a Cultural Diversity Day at our school. Let's discuss what activities to include.

B: First, we should open some booths to try on traditional clothes of different cultures.

C: That sounds interesting! We can call them 'World Costumes'. We can also show visitors how to wear these outfits.

D: I like your idea, but we don't have the experience. We may need to involve professional experts.

3. Report your group's ideas to the whole class. Vote for the best Cultural Diversity Day programme.

V. LISTENING

1. Work in pairs. Label the following pictures. Do you often see them in Viet Nam?

1. tr____ or tr___

2. h_____ h_____

3. p______ lantern

Answer:

1. trick or treating

2. haunted house

3. pumpkin

2. Listen to an interview. What do Minh and Mai think about Halloween? Circle the correct words or phrase.

1. Minh likes/dislikes celebrating Halloween.

2. Minh thinks the history of Halloween is boring/interesting.

3. Mai thinks that people should/shouldn't celebrate Halloween in Viet Nam.

4. Mai believes that the popularity of international festivals in Viet Nam is cause for alarm/no cause for alarm.

Answer:

….. ……… ……..

3. Listen to the interview again and complete each sentence with no more than TWO words.

1. The students at the New Era Secondary School are preparing for a(n) ______.

2. Halloween is celebrated annually and it is quite _________ in Minh's school.

3. Halloween has its roots in a(n) ________ Celtic festival celebrated in Ireland.

4. Nowadays, Halloween is quite popular __________.

5. In Viet Nam, ______ are still of great importance.

Answer:

….. ……. ……..

4. Work in groups. Discuss the questions.

What are some other festivals from around the world celebrated in Viet Nam? Why are they popular?

Answer:

Oh, there are several festivals from around the world that are celebrated in Viet Nam! Some popular ones include the Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. These festivals are popular because they bring people together to celebrate with colorful decorations, delicious food, and lively performances. They also provide an opportunity for people to learn about different cultures and traditions, making them a fun and educational experience for everyone involved.

VI. WRITING

1. Work in pairs. Decide whether the following points are positive or negative impact of celebrating world festivals. Discuss the reasons.

Answer:

2. Write an opinion essay (180 words) on the following topic. Use the ideas in 1 and the outline and suggestions below to help you.

Nowadays, more and more young Vietnamese people celebrate festivals such as Christmas and Halloween. Some people think there is nothing wrong with this while others are worried about the influence of foreign cultures. What is your opinion?

Answer:

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of young Vietnamese people celebrating festivals such as Christmas and Halloween. In my opinion, this trend has both positive and negative impacts on the younger generation.

Firstly, embracing different cultural festivals can broaden the horizons of young people and promote cultural diversity. It allows them to learn about different customs and traditions from around the world, fostering a sense of global awareness and understanding. Secondly, participating in these festivals can also provide a sense of excitement and enjoyment for young people, allowing them to experience the fun and joy associated with these celebrations. However, it is important to consider the potential negative influence of foreign cultures on traditional Vietnamese customs and values. There is a risk that the excessive adoption of foreign festivals may dilute the significance of local traditions and erode the cultural identity of the Vietnamese youth.

In conclusion, while embracing foreign festivals can bring about positive experiences and cultural exchange, it is essential for young Vietnamese people to strike a balance between embracing new traditions and preserving their own cultural heritage.

VII. COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE/CLIL

Everyday English

1. Listen and complete the conversations with the expressions in the box. Then practise them in pairs.

A. It's nice to meet you all

B. I'd like you to meet

C. this is

D. Pleased to meet you

1. Ms Hoa: Good morning, class. (1) ________ Mr Paul Smith. He's a culture specialist. Today, he'll talk about cultural diversity in the UK.

Mr Smith: Hello, everyone. (2) ________.

Class: Good morning. Mr Smith. It's nice to meet you too!

2. Mai: Nam, (3) _______ Alan Samson, our new classmate from Australia... Alan, this is my friend, Nam.

Nam: (4) ________ Alan.

Alan: Pleased to meet you too.

Answer:

1. Ms Hoa: Good morning, class. (1) B. I'd like you to meet Mr Paul Smith. He's a culture specialist. Today, he'll talk about cultural diversity in the UK.

Mr Smith: Hello, everyone. (2) A. It's nice to meet you all.

Class: Good morning. Mr Smith. It's nice to meet you too!

2. Mai: Nam, (3) C. this is Alan Samson, our new classmate from Australia... Alan, this is my friend, Nam.

Nam: (4) D. Pleased to meet you Alan.

Alan: Pleased to meet you too.

2. Work in groups of three. Use the models in 1 to make similar conversations for these situations. One of you is A, the others are B and C. Use the expressions below to help you.

1. A is a teacher, B is an exchange student from the US, and C represents the class. A introduces B to the whole class. B and C respond to the introduction.

2. A is a member and B is the president of ASEAN culture club. C is a new member. B introduces C to A. A and C respond to the introduction.

Answer:

1.

Student A: Hello class. I would like to introduce Hoang – a new student of our class. He has just moved from Nguyen Trai High School. Please welcome him.

Student B: Hello, everyone. My name is Hoang. It’s nice to meet you.

Student C: Hi, Hoang. Nice to meet you, too. Welcome to our class.

2.

Student B: Hey, Hai. Have you met Petet? He has joined our football club this week.

Student A: Not yet. Hi, happy to meet you, Pit. I’m Hai.

Student C: Hi Hai, great to meet you, too.

Culture/CLIL

1. Read the text and put a tick (✔) or cross (X) in the box next to the pictures to show the appropriate behaviour in different cultures.

1. The US

2. Japan

3. The UK

4. Singapore

Answer:

1. The US (✔)

2. Japan (X)

3. The UK (✔)

4. Singapore (X)

2. Work in groups. Discuss the questions.

What kind of culture shock do you think foreigners may experience in Viet Nam? What will you do to help them overcome it?

Answer:

When foreigners come to Viet Nam, they may experience culture shock in terms of the language barrier, traffic congestion, and different social customs. To help them overcome it, I would offer language assistance, provide guidance on navigating the busy streets, and explain the local customs and traditions. Additionally, I would introduce them to the delicious Vietnamese cuisine and help them connect with the local community to make their transition smoother.

VIII. LOOKING BACK

Pronunciation

1. Read the following sentences and write the words containing the /01/, /ar/, and /au/ sounds in the correct column. Then listen and check. Practise saying the sentences in pairs.

Answer:

Vocabulary

1. Choose the correct word to complete each of the sentences.

1. Studying abroad is a growing trend/event in many Asian countries.

2. It is believed that Thailand's Songkran celebrations origin/originate from a Buddhist story.

3. It's important to preserve a country's national fame/identity through its culture.

4. Italian cuisine/culture is popular because it is delicious and healthy.

Answer:

1. Studying abroad is a growing trend in many Asian countries.

2. It is believed that Thailand's Songkran celebrations originate from a Buddhist story.

3. It's important to preserve a country's national identity through its culture.

4. Italian cuisine is popular because it is delicious and healthy.

Grammar

1. Choose the best answer A, B, C, or D.

Many secondary school students dream of studying abroad because they think it is a wonderful opportunity. However, while studying in (1) ______ foreign country such as (2) ______ US, students may experience culture shock. One of the best ways to deal with culture shock is to research (3) _______ local culture in advance. For example, if you're attending (4) _______ UK university, reading about British culture can be helpful. This will help you understand how to interact with local people. You'll also be prepared to deal with any differences between (5) ______ two cultures. Making friends with other students, joining clubs, or attending social events at the university is another way to overcome culture shock.

Answer:

PROJECT

Work in groups. Choose a country and do some research on its culture. Give a group presentation. It can include some of the following information:

• Name of the country
• Language(s) spoken
• Traditional festivals and customs
• Music, dance, and fashion
• Cuisine

Answer:

Hey there! I'm so excited to share with you the cultural highlights of the country my group chose for our presentation. We picked Japan and found some fascinating information about its culture.

Firstly, the official language spoken in Japan is Japanese, but there are also some regional dialects. Traditional festivals and customs are a big part of Japanese culture, with events like the cherry blossom festival and the Bon festival being widely celebrated. When it comes to music, dance, and fashion, Japan has a rich and diverse scene. From traditional music like the koto and shamisen to modern J-pop and fashion trends like Harajuku street style, there's something for everyone. And of course, we can't forget about Japanese cuisine! From sushi and ramen to tempura and wagashi (traditional sweets), Japanese food is known for its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.

I can't wait to share all of this with the class during our presentation. It's going to be so much fun diving into the culture of Japan!