Ise II Reading Act1

Reading & Writing
Student Worksheet
Task 2 – Multi-text Reading:
National Customs
ISE II Reading practice

Part 1
Text A
Wedding Customs
(Insert image of wedding)
There are a great number of traditional wedding customs across the world
and they are all equally fascinating. Of course, not everyone follows them
nowadays but it is interesting to learn about them.
In England, brides traditionally wear a white or ivory-coloured dress. There is

a little saying that they should also wear ‘something borrowed, something
blue, something old and something new.’ In the Middle East and the Indian
sub-continent, the female relatives and friends from both the bride’s and
groom’s families decorate their hands and feet with beautiful intricate designs
using deep red henna paste. In India, the bride and groom exchange garlands
of flowers after the religious ceremony to cement their relationship. In
Germany, when a little girl is born, several trees are planted which are later
sold to pay for the wedding. One of the customs in Greece is to bring old
crockery and smash it to attract good luck. In China, auspicious dates are set
by expert astrologers to ensure the union remains secure. Brides do not see
the grooms before the actual wedding day as it is seen as bad luck.
Reading & Writing
Text B
Birthday Celebrations
(Insert image of birthday party)
Different countries around the world celebrate birthdays in a variety of ways.

Birthday cakes have increasingly become popular across the world with many
bakers producing brilliant works of art. There are many customs unique to
different cultures which are also fun. In China, long noodles signify longevity
and the person celebrating their birthday needs to slurp a super-long noodle
before biting into it.
In many countries in Europe, people often have two birthdays – one for the
name of the saint they are named after and their own. In Mexico, the piñata
is popular at birthdays. A piñata is a form made of papier-mâché filled with
sweets and chocolates, moved around to be chased and broken open by
guests using a stick. In Vietnam, everyone celebrates their birthday on the
New Year as it is considered unlucky to celebrate the actual birthday.
Reading & Writing
Text C
Customs about Money

(Insert image of money)
 In the Czech Republic, some people believe the custom of placing fish
scales under the dinner plates or table cloth at the Christmas dinner table
is said to bring wealth to the home. Some people apparently carry a fish
scale in the wallet to generate money.
 Some Turkish people believe that if the first customer throws silver coins
onto the floor of a business, it will attract more people.
 Some Indian shop-owners will not let the first window-shopper of the day
leave without buying something, even if it is only a button or a pin, as it
is considered unlucky for the rest of the day.
 Other people in India and Pakistan kiss money and press it against their
eyes for good luck.
Text D
Customs about Plants

(Insert image of plant)
 Finding a four-leaf clover is considered to be lucky by many people in the

UK and Republic of Ireland.
 In some Mediterranean families, a pot of the herb basil kept on the

window-sill or on the balcony is said to prevent bad luck and illness. Pine
needles are sometimes burnt with juniper and cedar to purify the
atmosphere.
 Garlic is used to keep away insects and evil spirits.
 Thyme is supposed to give courage
 A sprig of dried rosemary is used to protect the home.

Reading & Writing
Part 2 - Reading Multiple Texts
In this part there are four short texts for you to read and 15 questions for
you to answer.
Questions 1-5 (1 mark per question)

Read questions 1-5 first and then read Texts A, B, C, and D.
As you read each text, decide which text each question refers to. Choose
one letter – A, B, C or D – and write it in boxes 1-5. You can use any
letter more than once.
Which text refers to Text
A. customs in some businesses 1

B. beliefs about the health properties of vegetation 2
C. traditions about nuptial ceremonies 3
D. different attitudes to personal anniversaries 4
E. colours for a special occasion 5
Choose the 5 statements from A-H below that are TRUE according to the
information given in the texts above. Write the letters of the TRUE
statements in the boxes provided (in any order).
A. In some countries, people celebrate birthdays on one day.
True
B. Certain types of flora are believed to be dangerous.
Statements
C. Parts of a fish are considered to be good luck by some
people.
D. Some people celebrate two birthdays in the year. 6
E. In Greece, guests bring old plates and cups to smash at

7
weddings.
F. Flowers are not needed at Indian weddings. 8
F. Some British brides like to wear someone else’s jewellery on

9
their special day.
G. Indian shopkeepers are determined to sell to their last
10
customer.
Reading & Writing

The Summary Notes below contain information from the texts about
national customs. Find a suitable word or a phrase in the texts to
complete the missing information in gaps 11-15. Write your answers in
the spaces provided and you can use up to 5 words.
Summary Notes:
Wedding and birthday customs:
 In England, brides usually wear a white or (11) __________ dress.

 In the Middle East and Indian Sub-continent, brides and female
guests decorate their hands and feet with (12)_____________henna
tattoos.
 In Germany, trees are planted when baby girls are born and sold to
raise money for weddings
 In China , long noodles mean (13)__________________
Extension Activities:
Vocabulary development
Plants:
 Basil is said to prevent bad luck and illness.
 Four-leaf clovers are considered to be lucky
 Purify the atmosphere by burning (14) ___________________.
 Garlic is used to keep away (15) ______________ and evil spirits.
Reading & Writing
Answer Key (Further Support Activities)

Task A - Synonyms
Match the words with the correct meanings.
1. E
2. F
3. A
4. B
5. C
6. D
Task B – Antonyms
1. prevent
2. protect
3. brilliant
4. unfortunate
5. novice
Task C – Grammar
Choose the correct word in brackets to complete the sentence.

1. celebrates ; considered
2. let ; is
3. burnt ; purify

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Reading & Writing

ISE II Reading practice

In England, brides traditionally wear a white or ivory-coloured dress. There is

Different countries around the world celebrate birthdays in a variety of ways.

Customs about Money

Customs about Plants

 Finding a four-leaf clover is considered to be lucky by many people in the

 In some Mediterranean families, a pot of the herb basil kept on the

 Garlic is used to keep away insects and evil spirits.

 Thyme is supposed to give courage

 A sprig of dried rosemary is used to protect the home.

Part 2 - Reading Multiple Texts

Questions 1-5 (1 mark per question)

Which text refers to Text

A. customs in some businesses 1

Questions 6-10 (1 mark per question)

A. In some countries, people celebrate birthdays on one day.

D. Some people celebrate two birthdays in the year. 6

E. In Greece, guests bring old plates and cups to smash at

F. Flowers are not needed at Indian weddings. 8

F. Some British brides like to wear someone else’s jewellery on

Questions 11-15 (1 mark per question)

 In England, brides usually wear a white or (11) __________ dress.

Answer Key (Further Support Activities)

Match the words with the correct meanings.

Choose the correct word in brackets to complete the sentence.

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