Interactive Reading — Culture

Languages die when their last fluent speakers pass away without teaching the language to younger generations. Linguists estimate that nearly half of the world's seven thousand languages could disappear by the end of this century, taking with them unique cultural knowledge and ways of understanding the world. Languages disappear when ___. A) too many people learn them B) governments ban them C) they are not passed to younger generations D) they are replaced by sign language

Street art has evolved from being considered vandalism to being recognised as a legitimate form of artistic expression. Cities such as Berlin, Melbourne, and Bogotá now have dedicated areas where street artists can create murals legally, attracting tourists and contributing to the local economy. Street art is now considered ___. A) illegal in all cities worldwide B) a legitimate form of artistic expression by many C) less popular than it was twenty years ago D) harmful to local economies

Traditional medicine systems, such as Chinese herbal medicine and Indian Ayurveda, have been practised for thousands of years. While some traditional remedies have been validated by modern scientific research, others lack sufficient evidence of effectiveness and may even be harmful if used incorrectly. The passage suggests that traditional medicine ___. A) has been completely replaced by modern medicine B) is always effective and safe C) includes both validated and unvalidated remedies D) should never be used by anyone

Food is one of the most important expressions of cultural identity. The ingredients people use, the ways they prepare meals, and the customs surrounding eating all reflect the history, geography, and values of a community. When people migrate, they bring their food traditions with them, enriching the culinary landscape of their new home. When people migrate, they ___. A) abandon their food traditions entirely B) bring their food traditions to their new home C) only eat the food of their new country D) stop cooking and buy all their food

The concept of cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of elements from one culture by members of another, particularly when the adopting group holds more social power. Critics argue this can reduce meaningful traditions to fashion trends, while supporters say cultural exchange is natural and enriching. Critics of cultural appropriation argue that it ___. A) promotes understanding between cultures B) reduces meaningful traditions to trends C) is always intentional and harmful D) only occurs in Western countries

Oral storytelling traditions have existed in every human society throughout history. Before writing was invented, stories were the primary means of preserving history, teaching moral lessons, and transmitting cultural knowledge from one generation to the next. Before writing, stories were used to ___. A) replace all forms of communication B) preserve history and transmit cultural knowledge C) entertain only children D) record financial transactions