Culture

1. SPEAKING Look at the photos. Do you know what this art form is? Did you use to have any toy of this kind?

(Nhìn vào những bức ảnh. Bạn có biết loại hình nghệ thuật này là gì không? Bạn đã từng sở hữu món đồ chơi nào như thế này chưa?)

Answer:

Yes, I recognize this art form as "to he," which is a traditional Vietnamese craftwork made from glutinous rice powder. It's typically used to create small figurines of animals, flowers, and characters from traditional Vietnamese folklore. I haven't had any toys of this kind.

2. Read the text. Match the headings with the paragraphs A-C.

(Đọc văn bản. Nối các tiêu đề với các đoạn A-C)

— The artist Paragraph _______________

— The process Paragraph _______________

— The tradition Paragraph _______________

Many of children’s toys are perfect craftwork. To he, Vietnamese folk art, is a typical example.

[ A ] To he is made from | into different little things or animals which Vietnamese children love to keep as toys. Interesting shapes can be created to the wish of the children. It could be an animal like a chicken, a monkey or some fruits like a hand of bananas. The dough can be made from flour taken from ground rice or sticky rice, but the amount of sticky rice should be restricted to just 10 percent of the dough. Besides making nice dough, the artist prepares natural colours, which are usually made from leaves, vegetables or fruits. Sometimes paint is used, but traditionally natural items are preferred because they will make safe edible toys. The artist may creatively use leaves or small twigs to make further decorations. [ 1 ]

[ B ] To he can be made by anyone who is creative and skillful enough, so parents can become favourite fo he artists of their children. However, great artists of fo he can be found in many Vietnamese villages. They can make extraordinary artworks with beautiful shapes, harmonious combination of colours, and I features. The artists usually travel through villages or come to local fairs and festivals selling toys to children and their artworks play an important role in folk decorations. [ 2 ]

[ C ] Nobody knows exactly when fo he came into being, but it is believed to come from the north of Viet Nam. Xuan La village in Ha Noi is famous for this traditional art. Devoted artists have brought this beautiful art to everywhere in Viet Nam. Outside a school gate or on the pavement of a crowded street, a fo he artist can be found creating little colourful toys for some young children. [ 3 ] To he remains an interesting feature of Vietnamese culture.

Answer:

• The artist: Paragraph A

• The process: Paragraph B

• The tradition: Paragraph C

3. Read the text again and write True or False to the statements 1-5.

(Đọc văn bản một lần nữa và viết Đúng hoặc Sai cho các câu 1-5)

1. To he is creatively produced from a combination of flour and colour.

2. Sticky rice can make better dough for to he than rice.

3. To he products are mainly sold at village fairs.

4. Villagers can use to he as decorators.

5. To he is created as toys but it is edible.

Answer:

1. To he is creatively produced from a combination of flour and colour. FALSE

2. Sticky rice can make better dough for to he than rice. TRUE

3. To he products are mainly sold at village fairs. TRUE

4. Villagers can use to he as decorators. TRUE

5. To he is created as toys but it is edible. TRUE

4. Put the following sentences A-C into the correct gaps 1-3. Then listen and check.

(Đặt các câu A-C sau vào chỗ trống đúng 1-3. Sau đó nghe và kiểm tra)

A. lt is for passion, not for money that the artists work.

B. The eyes of a monkey, for example, can be made by adding two black peas.

C. Despite the popularity of some modern forms of entertainment, children are still attracted to to he.

Answer:

1. C Despite the popularity of some modern forms of entertainment, children are still attracted to to he.

2. B The eyes of a monkey, for example, can be made by adding two black peas.

3. A It is for passion, not for money that the artists work.

5. Match the highlighted words in the text with the following words or phrases.

(Nối các từ được đánh dấu trong văn bản với các từ hoặc cụm từ sau)

dough; restricted; extraordinary; lifelike; passionately

— limited to an amount

— exactly like a real thing

— a mixture of flour and water

— showing strong feeling of love

— unbelievable

Answer:

dough: a mixture of flour and water

restricted: limited to an amount

extraordinary: unbelievable

lifelike: exactly like a real thing

passionately: showing strong feeling of love

6. SPEAKING Work in groups. Discuss the question.

(Làm việc nhóm. Thảo luận câu hỏi)

What are the benefits which chidren’s traditional games like to he can bring about?

Answer:

• Creativity and Imagination: Playing with to he can stimulate children's imagination and help them to develop their creativity. They can create different shapes and animals by using the dough and natural colors.

• Fine Motor Skills: Making and playing with to he requires children to use their fine motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity.

• Cultural Awareness: Playing with traditional toys like to he can help children to learn about their culture and heritage. They can also appreciate the art and skills of the artists who create these toys.

• Social Skills: Playing with to he can encourage children to interact with each other and develop their social skills. They can share their creations and play together, which can help them to build friendships and teamwork.

• Relaxation and Fun: Playing with to he can be a relaxing and fun activity for children. It can help them to relieve stress and anxiety, and enjoy some downtime away from technology and screens.