Sky Burials | Unit 6.1 | English

UNIT 6

Custom And Culture

Sky Burials

Reading 1

A. Choose the words from the box that match the given meanings.

profound – very great

frenzy- a state of great activity and strong emotion

gruesome- very unpleasant and filling with horror

forbidden- not allowed

omen- a sign of what is going to happen in the future

fascination- very strong attraction

engrossed- involved in something with whole attention

pulverise- – to make something into a fine powder

B. Write True for true statements and False for false ones.

a. Foreign visitors are welcome to see Sky Burial rituals. ⇒ False

b. The visitors are not allowed to take photos of the rituals. ⇒ True

c. The vultures took more than fifteen minutes to finish the entire corpse. ⇒ False

d. The Tibetans perceive the body as a vessel for the soul. ⇒ True

e. The youngest son of the writer was busy with his toys. ⇒ False

f. The author visited the burial sites with his wife and three children. ⇒ True

C. Answer the following questions.

a. Why did the author visit a traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery?

⇒ The author visited a traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery to experience the secret ritual of Sky Burials.

b. What did the author see on the hill?

⇒ The author saw about 100 vultures and a body bag on the hill.

c. Why did the author give the iPad to his youngest son?

⇒ The author gave the iPad to his youngest son because he was too young to see the ritual.

d. Describe the appearance of a Rogyapa, the body breaker.

⇒ The Rogyapa, body breaker, stormed up the side of the mountain. He was dressed in a thick, dark scarlet coloured coat with a black hood. With a butcher knife in hand, he wasted no time in carving up the body.

e. What did the body breaker do after collecting the bones?

⇒ After collecting the bones, the body breaker began to pulverise them with a mallet and mixed that with yak butter and barley flour. He then walked into the middle of the vultures and threw the mixture high in the air.

f. What is considered to be a bad sign?

⇒ It is considered a bad omen if vultures don’t eat the body or even if small bits are left.

g. Why did the author feel proud?

⇒ The author felt proud of his children’s maturity and intelligence.

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Grammar I

A. Match the questions in column A with the answers in column B.

a. Are you ready?- v. Yes, nearly.

b. Can I carry something for you?- iv. No, it’s OK. It’s not that heavy.

c. May I use your phone? – ii. Yes, of course.

d. Has anyone seen my bag?- i. Yes, it’s on the chair.

e. Would you like to come to a party?- iii. Yes, I’d love to.

B. How do you ask questions in these situations?

a. You want to know if it is raining.

Is it raining?

b. You want to know if Harish plays football.

Do you play football?

c. You want to know if the bus is on time.

Is the bus on time?

d. You want to know if your friend, Ramesh went to the market yesterday.

Did you go to the market yesterday?

e. You want to know if it is Tuesday today.

Is it Tuesday today?

f. You want to know if your teacher opened your letter.

Did you open my letter?

g. You want to know if your brother has gone to sleep.

Have you gone to sleep?

h. You want to know if there will be a food party.

Will there be a food party?

C. Circle the correct answer.

Are you busy today?

Yes, I am. ✔

Is it too hot in here for you?

No, I’m fine, thanks. ✔

Tell me, did you steal my money?

No, I didn’t steal your money. ✔

Can I carry your bags?

It’s all right, thanks.✔

C. Write yes/no questions for these statements.

a. The family has got three mobile phones.

Has the family got three mobile phones?

b. Januka works at the supermarket.

Does Januka work at the supermarket?

c. Anita is learning English.

Is Anita learning English?

d. The meeting will be held next Tuesday.

Will the meeting be held next Tuesday?

e. Tanka switched off the computer.

Did Tanka switch off the computer?

f. He went to the cinema yesterday.

Did he go to the cinema yesterday?

g. Everyone is ready.

Is anyone ready?

h. It is raining outside.

Is it raining outside?

i. Vicky lost her credit card.

Has Vicky lost her credit card?

j. She’d done the work on time.

Has she done the work on time?

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Writing I

Write a short essay about ‘Our Culture Our Pride’.

Our Culture, Our Pride

Introduction: Culture is the essence of who we are as individuals and as a society. It encompasses our beliefs, values, traditions, language, arts, and customs, shaping our identity and providing a sense of belonging. Our culture is not just a part of us; it is our pride. It reflects our history, heritage, and the wisdom passed down from our ancestors. Embracing and preserving our culture is crucial as it connects us to our roots and strengthens our collective identity. In this essay, we will explore why our culture is something to be cherished and celebrated, as it plays a vital role in shaping our present and future.

Preserving Traditions

One of the primary reasons why our culture is our pride is the rich tapestry of traditions it embodies. Each culture has its unique customs and practices that have been nurtured over generations. These traditions serve as a link between the past and the present, connecting us to our ancestors and providing a sense of continuity. Preserving and passing down these traditions to future generations is essential for maintaining our cultural heritage and ensuring that our identity remains intact. It is through these traditions that we can truly appreciate the wisdom, values, and knowledge of our ancestors.

Cultural Diversity

Another aspect that makes our culture our pride is its incredible diversity. The world is a mosaic of different cultures, each with its own beauty and significance. Our culture represents the diversity of human experiences, showcasing a myriad of perspectives, languages, cuisines, and art forms. This diversity enriches our lives, broadens our horizons, and fosters mutual respect and understanding among different communities. It is through embracing and appreciating this diversity that we can create a harmonious and inclusive society where everyone feels valued and respected.

Identity and Sense of Belonging

Our culture provides us with a strong sense of identity and belonging. It shapes our values, beliefs, and behaviors, giving us a framework to navigate the world around us. When we understand and embrace our culture, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in society. It gives us a sense of pride in our roots and allows us to celebrate our unique heritage. Cultural identity not only gives us a sense of belonging within our community but also helps us connect with people from similar cultural backgrounds, creating bonds and fostering a sense of unity.

Preserving Traditional Knowledge and Wisdom

Our culture carries within it a wealth of traditional knowledge and wisdom that has been accumulated over centuries. From traditional medicine and farming techniques to artistic expressions and storytelling, our culture holds valuable insights that can be relevant and beneficial even in the modern world. By preserving and promoting our cultural practices, we ensure that this knowledge is not lost or forgotten. It allows us to learn from our past, adapt it to the present, and contribute to the shaping of our future.

Conclusion

Our culture is our pride because it defines us, provides us with a sense of belonging, and connects us to our past, present, and future. It is through our cultural heritage that we find our unique voice, celebrate diversity, and cultivate a deep appreciation for the wisdom and traditions passed down to us. Preserving and cherishing our culture is not only a matter of personal pride but also a responsibility we owe to future generations. Let us embrace, protect, and promote our culture, recognizing its intrinsic value and the invaluable role it plays in shaping our collective identity and society as a whole.