EBOOK1-converted

CHAPTER 4

The
Culture

of Mexico

IN THIS CHAPTER:

READING SKILL 4: CONTEXT CLUES
STEPS TO FOLLOW ( MEXICAN FOOD HISTORY)
ACTIVITY 1: SENTENCE SEARCH ( DAY OF THE DEAD)
ACTIVITY 2: SILLY SENTENCES ( FRIDA KAHLO)

ACTIVITY 3: CHART IT! ( MARIACHI)
ACTIVITY 4: PARTNER PRACTICE ( HISTORY OFMEXICO)

CONTEXTCLUES

In this chapter we are
going to learn how to
guess the meaning of
unknown words using

the context.
There are 4 steps, according to Lexia
(2018), you can follow.

1. REREAD AND
READ AHEAD.

Stop and reread the words that
come before and after the
unfamiliar word.
Let’s try this out!

‘The early natives of ftexico
did not have ovens, instead
they heated food over an
open fire, using cast iron
'skillets' and ceramic ware.’
(Source: ftexican Food
History)

What could the word 'skillets' possibly
mean?

Hmm, let’s take a look at the next
step.

Think about the meaning of the words
in the text that surround the unfamiliar

word.

Let’s read the paragraph
again. Notice the word
'ovens'; the phrase 'heated
food over an open fire'. These
words bring the image of
cooking to mind. Can we infer
that 'skillets' are related to
cooking?

Still needs confirmation.
What’s next?

2.I D E N T I F Y

CONTEXT

CLUES

3. DECIDE ON A

MEANING

Use what you know from the context to make
an educated guess about the meaning of the
unfamiliar word.

The phrase 'ceramic ware' comes after the
word 'skillets'. They refer to tools usedfor
cooking! We can therefore assume that
skillets are tools used for cooking!

4. CHECK
THAT

MEANING IN
CONTEXT

The meaning you
decided on should
make sense in the
sentence and in relation to the
main idea of the text.
What are some tools we
know are used for cooking?
Let’s take a pan for example.
Does it fit in the sentence?

‘The early natives of ftexico did not have ovens,
instead they heated food over an open fire, using cast
iron 'pans' and ceramic ware.’ (Source: ftexican
Food History)

It seems to fit perfectly! But shall we consult the dictionary?
Answer: A small metal cooking pot with a long handle, typically having legs. (Oxford

Dictionary Online)
That was close! But it was good enough.

TRY IT YOURSELF!
(REMEMBER TO USE THE

STEPS ABOVE!)

‘They introduced new 'livestock', such as
sheep, pigs and cows.’ (Source: ftexicau Food

History)

What do you think the meaning of 'livestock'
is? (Answers can be found on the next page)

Let’s try one more!

‘Some of the wild game, such as turkey and
duck,hadnowbecome'domesticated'.’ (Source:

ftexican Food History)

What do you think the meaning of
'domesticated' is?

Tip: Think about opposites and antonyms
Tip: Think about opposites and antonyms

Answers for page 5:
livestock - Farm animals regarded as an asset. (Oxford Dictionary Online)
domesticated – (of an animal) tame and kept as a pet or on a farm. (Oxford
Dictionary Online)

ACTIVITY TIME! (TO ENHANCE YOUR
READING SKILLS IN CONTEXT)

Activity 1: Sentence Search!
Instructions: Suggest words to fill in the
blanks of each sentence.

Let’s try tfte first one togetfter! Tfte activity uses sentences about Día de los
Muertos, Day of tfte Dead wfticft is celebrated mainly in Mexico.

‘Sure, thetheme is death, but the pointisto demonstrate

love and respect for family members.’ (Source:

National Geographic)

Wftat word comes to mind wften you see tfte word deatft?
Wftat about family members? We would naturally assume tftat it was to

sftow love to family members tftat are no longer alive.

If you tftougftt about tfte word dead, wftat could be a better word to replace it?
Are tftere any otfter words you can tftink of? Try tftinking of some before you turn

to tfte next page for answers.

Suggestions for page 6: deceased, departed.

TRY IT YOURSELF! (ANSWERS AREON
THE NEXT PAGE)

‘In 2008, UNESCO the importance of Día de los Muertos

(Day of the Dead) by adding the holiday to its list of Intangible Cultural

Heritage of Humanity.’ (Source: National Geographic)

‘Today Mexicans from all religious and ethnic backgrounds
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), but at its core, the holiday

is a reaffirmation of indigenous life.’ (Source: National Geographic)

‘The centerpiece of the celebration is an altar, or ofrenda, built in

private homesand cemeteries…

Marigolds are the main flowers used to the altar.’

(Source: National Geographic)

‘People of all ages have their faces artfully painted to resemble skulls,
and, mimicking the calavera Catrina, they suits and fancy dresses.’

(Source: National Geographic)

‘Sugar skulls are part of a sugar art brought by 17TH-

century Italian missionaries.’ (Source: National Geographic)

Let’s try the first one together! The activity uses sentences about Frida Kahlo, a
famous Mexican artist

‘…ftexican painter best known for her uncompromising and
brilliantly coloured self-portraits that deal with such
'stufleas' as identity, the human body, and death.’ (Source:
Encyclopaedia Britannica)

The artist is well-known for her self-portraits that depict certain things.
What is the latter part of sentence trying to signify? What is the similarity
between these three items? 'Identity, the human body and death.'
They are 'themes', or even 'topics' that the artist portrays in her self-portraits.
'Subject' is also an acceptable answer.

TRY IT YOURSELF! (ANSWERS ARE ON THE
NEXT PAGE!

‘Kahlo was born to a German father of Hungarian 'fatisme' and a
Mexican mother of Spanish and Native American 'fatisme'.’ (Source:

Encyclopaedia Britannica)

‘In 1925 Kahlo was involved in a bus accident, which so seriously
injured her that she had to undergo more than 30 medical 'booboos'

in her lifetime.’ (Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica)

‘The towering Rivera stands to the left, holding a palette and brushes, the
objects of his 'qwerty'. He appears as an important artist…’ (Source:
Encyclopaedia Britannica)

‘The Louvre also acquired one of her works, The Frame (c. 1938), making
Kahlo the first 20th-century Mexican artist to be included in the
'placable’s' collection.' (Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica)

‘In 1943 she was appointed a professor of 'gipopo' at La Esmeralda, the
Education Ministry’s School of Fine Arts.’ (Source: Encyclopaedia
Britannica)

Suggestions for page 9:

- descent, ancestry, lineage, origin,parentage
- operations, surgeries, procedures
- profession, job, career,work
- museum, gallery
- painting, art

Activity 3: Chart It!

Instructions: Find an example of each category of
context clues from the passage provided.

MARIACHI

Mariachi, small Mexican musical ensemble composed of a variety of mostly
stringed instruments. In addition to referring to an ensemble, the

term mariachi is also used for the individual performer of mariachi music or for the
music itself. Mariachi has long been considered a uniquely Mexican sound,
representing a homegrown tradition that embraces both indigenous and foreign
elements.

2 The mariachi orchestra emerged in the late 1700s or early 1800s in west-
central Mexico. The word mariachi may have come from the now-extinct
language of the Coca Indians, but both the word’s etymology and the early
history of the form and its followers are unknown. The typical instruments of
contemporary mariachi include the vihuela, a five-string guitar related to
an instrument popular in the Spanish Renaissance; the guitarrón, a large,
fretless six-string bass guitar; a standard six-string acoustic guitar;

and violins and trumpets, which usually play the melody. Trumpets were not
added until the early 20th century, but they are now more or less an essential
element. Mariachi music initially consisted of local or

regional sones (instrumental music), but, early on, performances began to
include vocal elements.

Early mariachis dressed in peasant garb (usually white), though since the early 20th
century male mariachi bands typically have worn traje de charro, the attire of the
cowboys of Jalisco—matching uniforms with tight, ornamented trousers, boots, wide
bow ties, sombreros, and short jackets. The traditional ensemble was all-male, but
since the 1940s women have played an increasing role in mariachi performance, and by
the early 21st century there were a number of all-female mariachi groups. Most female
performers dressed either in a modified version of traje de charro or in china poblana, a
traditional costume consisting typically of an embroidered blouse, a long colourful skirt,
and a rebozo (shawl).’

(Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica)

Suggestions for page 11:

- Antonym: Mariachi has long been considered a
uniquely Mexican sound, representing a homegrown
tradition that embraces both indigenous and foreign
elements.
- Direct Definition: Mariachi, small Mexican musical
ensemble composed of a variety of mostly stringed
instruments.
- Synonym: Early mariachis dressed in peasant garb
(usually white), though since the early 20th century male
mariachi bands typically have worn traje de charro, the attire
of the cowboys of Jalisco…
- Example: …a traditional costume consisting typically of
an embroidered blouse, a long colourful skirt, and a rebozo
(shawl).
- Appositive: …early 20th century male mariachi
bands typically have worn
- traje de charro, the attire of the cowboys
of Jalisco…

ACTIVITY 4: PARTNER PRACTIC E

INSTRUCTIONS: F IND A PARTN

ER ANDUSE THE 4 STEPS MENT

I O N E D A B O V E A N D D I S C U S SH O

W YOU U SED T HE

CONTEXT CLUES TO GUESS THE

MEANING OF THE WORD.

SUGGESTED: TEACHER AS T HE

FACILITATOR IN CLASS FOR THIS
ACTIVITY.

READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE
ABOUT THE HISTORY OF MEXICO A ND

TRY TO GUESS THE MEANINGS OF
WORDS YOU DON’T K NO W USING THE

SURROUNDING CONTEXT. YOU C AN

A LSO POINT OUT W H Y THE M E A N I N G
O F S OM E WORDS C A N NO T BE

GUESSED, THERE IS O NLY ONE SHORT
SENTENCE ABOUT IT ETC. M AK E SURE

YOU H AVE AT LEAST 5 WORDS!

The History of Mexico

1 A country rich in history, tradition and culture,
Mexico is made up of 31 states and one federal district.
It is the third largest country in Latin America and
has one of the largest populations—more than 100
million—making it the home of more Spanish
speakers than any other nation in the world. Despite
the political and social changes that have occurred
over the centuries, evidence of past cultures and
events are apparent everywhere in Mexico. Many of
Mexico’s rural areas are still inhabited by indigenous
people whose lifestyles are quite similar to those of
their ancestors. In addition, many pre-Columbian
ruins still exist throughout Mexico, including the
ancient city of Teotihuacán and the Mayan pyramids
at Chichén Itzá and Tulum. Reminders of the colonial
past are evident in the architecture of towns like
Taxco and Querétaro.

2 Early History
The Olmecs, Mexico’s first known society, settled
on the Gulf Coast near what is now Veracruz.
Remembered for the giant head sculptures they carved
from native stone, the Olmecs had two main
population centers: San Lorenzo, which flourished
from about 1200 to 900 B.C., and La Venta in Tabasco,
which lasted until about 600 B.C.

3 By 300 B.C., villages based on agriculture and
hunting had sprung up throughout the southern half of
Mexico. Monte Albán, home to the Zapotec people,

had an estimated 10,000 inhabitants. Between 100
B.C. and 700 A.D., Teotihuacán, the largest pre-
Columbian city in the Americas, was constructed
near present-day Mexico City. The civilization that
built it is also called Teotihuacán, and the influence
of this culture can be seen throughout the Veracruz
and Mayan regions. At its zenith, with a population
estimated at 200,000, the civilization is thought to
have controlled a large portion of southern Mexico.
The empire of Teotihuacán was overthrown in the
7th century, but the spectacular city survives today.

4 The Mayans, widely considered to be pre-
Columbian America’s most brilliant civilization,
thrived between approximately 250 and 900 A.D.
They developed a calendar and writing system and
built cities that functioned as hubs for the
surrounding farming towns. The ceremonial center
of Mayan cities featured plazas surrounded by tall
temple pyramids and lower buildings called
“palaces.” Religion played a central role in Mayan
life, and altars were carved with significant dates,
histories and elaborate human and divine figures.
The Mayan civilization collapsed in the early 10TH
century, likely due to overpopulation and the resultant
damage to the ecological balance.

Middle History
5 Spaniard Hernán Cortés arrived at Veracruz in 1519.

Believing that Cortés might be the serpent god
Quetzalcoatl, Aztec King Moctezuma II invited the
conquistador to Tenochtitlán. This gesture proved
disastrous because Cortés formed many allies on his way to
the city. In May 1521, Cortez and his followers attacked and
conquered the Aztecs. Cortés then colonized the area and
named it Nueva España (New Spain). By 1574, Spain
controlled a large portion of the Aztec empire and had
enslaved most of the ndigenous population. Worse, the
diseases brought into the society by the Spaniards
devastated the indigenous population of Nueva España,
killing an estimated 24 million people between 1521 and
1605.

6 The Catholic Church’s influence was felt in the region
when missionaries began arriving in 1523. The
missionaries built many monasteries and converted
millions of people to

Catholicism.

7 Concerned about the Catholic Church’s ever-growing
power, King Carlos III of Spain expelled the Jesuits from
Nueva España in the late 1700S. Napoleón Bonaparte’s
occupation of Spain in 1808 compromised the country’s
political and economic structure, which in turn weakened

Spain’s grip on Nueva España.

6 Recent History
On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y
Costilla, a parish priest from the town of
Dolores, issued a call to rebellion. In
response, rebel leader Vicente Guerrero and
defected royalist general Agustín de Itúrbide
collaborated to gain Mexico’s independence
from Spain in 1821. Together they drafted a
Mexican constitution. Following Mexico’s
occupation by the French in the MID-1800S,
Porfírio Díaz served as president from 1876 to
1909.

7 Despite ushering in the industrial age
and greatly improving the country’s
infrastructure, Díaz was a dictator who
bestowed political favors on the very
wealthy citizenry, largely ignored the
poor and ruled ruthlessly by force.

8 The Mexican people, tired of the
unbalanced distribution of wealth and
power, initiated the Mexican Revolution in
1910. The 10-YEAR civil war resulted in at
least 2 million casualties. Finally, in 1934,
Lázaro Cárdenas became president and

reestablished the ancient ejido system, which
established communally shared tracts of
farmland. The system benefited both the
citizens and the economy. World War II
further stimulated the nation’s development
through the development of roads, the
building of factories and the establishment of
irrigation systems.

(Source: History Website)

Malaysia’s Tourist Destinations

1 Langkawi is a beautiful island in the north-western part of Peninsular
Malaysia; many people describe the island as one of the most beautiful
islands in the world. The island is not (yet) spoiled by tourists, which makes
it a perfect holiday destination for travellers. Accommodation is affordable
on the island. You can stay in a resort for a mere $30 a night, but also for
$3000 for a single night. The island is especially renowned for the many
great attractions. Besides that, you can shop at some of the shopping malls,
you can have splendid dinners at one of the many hawkers, or you can rent
a motorcycle (moped) to explore the island (RM40 for 24h). The island is
easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur or the neighbouring island of Penang.

2 The capital city of Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur - has much to offer for
tourists. Shopping in this great metropolis is very popular. Malaysians usually
go to the shopping malls during weekend as past time. Shopping in Malaysia is
an awesome experience for most tourists. Where else can you find ultra-
luxurious malls with affordable products? It is not that common to try to
bargain for lower prices in shopping malls. You could always try your luck, but
on regular clothing and other low-priced products, you will probably have
zero chance of getting lower prices. When you are planning to buy more
expensive products (like jewellery or electronic devices); always bargain for
a better price.

3 Penang is a beautiful island in the north-
western part of Peninsular Malaysia. While Langkawi is well
known for the pristine jungles and beaches, Penang is more
renowned for the authentic (Chinese influenced) Asian
atmosphere and the great food at the numerous hawkers.
Should you ask Penangites to describe the island, many
would probably tell you the great food is the main reason
why tourists should visit Penang.

4 Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in
Malaysia. With 4092 meters, it is not a contestant for being the
tallest mountain in the world. There is no snow at the summit,
but it is quite cold compared to temperatures on sea level. The
mountain lies in the northern part of the State of Sabah, in
Borneo Malaysia. If you are planning to climb the mountain,
you should head over to Kota Kinabalu; which is the closest city
near the mountain. The trip to the summit is really great. You
will probably get back very exhausted, but with many awesome
memories. I can say for myself this is one of the most
spectacular attractions I have done in Malaysia so far.

5 Sipadan is probably one of the best diving spots in the

world. Every diving enthusiast knows that the underwater world 'beneath'
the island is simply stunning. Sipadan Island used to be open to public, but
after the government concluded that the island and its surroundings were
quickly deteriorating the island became a protected marine park.
Fortunately, diving is still possible, but visitors stay overnight at the
neighboring islands of Mabul or Kapalai. Sipadan is a very exclusive
diving spot, so you'll pay pretty high prices for a diving trip to the island.
Diving conditions are usually excellent, though it is best to be an advanced
diver due to strong currents (and depth of diving).

(Source: Wonderful Malaysia)

Questions What is the opposite of the word metropolis (paragraph 2)?
1. State
A. Village
B. Town
C. Urban
D.

2. Which of the following words have the closest meaning to pristine
(paragraph 3)?
A. Pretty
B. Impure
C. Humongous
D. Unpolluted

3. Which of the following words can replace the word summit
(paragraph 4)?
A. Peak
B. Base
C. Halfway point
D. Plateau

4. Jimmy plans to rent a motorcycle during his trip on the island for 2
days, how much should he pay for?
A RM 30
B RM 40
C RM 80
D RM 100

5. If Megan wishes to go to Langkawi Island, she can easily access it
from
A Kuala Lumpur
B Perak
C Terengganu
D Kelantan

6. Tourists usually visit Penang for its
A Beautiful view
B Authentic Asian Atmosphere
C Great food
D Beaches and seaside

7. Langkawi island is easily accessible from..
A Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
B Neighbouring island of Penang only.
C Kuala Lumpur and neighbouring island of Penang.
D Kuala Lumpur only.

8. People would like to go to Sipidan because..
A It has beautiful scenery and sea
B It has famous neighbouring island which is Mabul and Kapalai
C It has an exclusive diving spot.
D It is famous for its food

9. If you are planning to climb the mountain, you should head over to..
A Kota Bahru
B Kota Kinabalu
C Kota Damansara
D Kota Kemuning

10. What is the height of Mount Kinabalu?
A 4029 meters
B 4028 meters
C 4082 meters
D 4092 meters

Exercise 2

Malaysian Festivities and Food

1 Malaysia has a rich cultural life, much of which revolves around the
traditional festivities of its diverse population. The major Muslim holidays are Hari
Raya Puasa (“Holiday of Fasting”), or Aidilfitri (ʿĪd al-Fiṭr), to celebrate the end of
the fasting month of Ramadan, and Hari Raya Haji (“Holiday of the Pilgrimage”), or
Aidiladha (ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā), to celebrate the culmination of the season of pilgrimage to
Mecca. Buddhists honour the life of the Buddha on
Hari Wesak (“Wesak Day”), and Chinese Malaysians celebrate Chinese New Year.
Deepavali (Diwali), a Hindu festival of lights spanning several days, is observed by
many Indian Malaysians, while Christmas is the principal holiday of the Christian
community. On most of these holidays, it is customary to host an “open house,”
where guests are treated to Malaysian delicacies and hospitality. A holiday that
spans all ethnic groups and religions is Hari Kebangsaan (National Day), a
celebration of Malaysia’s independence on August 31.
2 The states have their own holidays. Sarawak, for instance,
celebrates Gawai Dayak (“Dayak Festival”). Rooted in the harvest rituals and
festivities (gawai) of the Iban and Bidayuh peoples, this holiday broadly honours the
state’s non-Malay indigenous heritage.
3 Beyond the official holidays and other religious festivities, important life
events such as birth, circumcision (for young Muslim men), and marriage are
usually celebrated by a feast, known in Malay as kenduri. The wedding ceremony
is generally the most important and elaborate of such events among both Malay
and non-Malay peoples. In rural areas the kenduri is normally held at the house of
the host family, while in urban areas the feast often takes place in a large hall or
hotel.

Malaysian cuisines reflect the mixture of ethnic groups in the
country’s population. The three most prominent cuisines are
Chinese, Indian, and Malay. Popular Chinese foods include sweet-
and-sour Cantonese dishes and a milder favourite, Hainanese
chicken rice. Indian cuisine ranges from the hot vegetarian dishes
of southern Indian cooking to the more subtly spiced Muslim
Indian food to the yogurt-marinated meats of tandoori cookery from
northern India. All these foods, while recognizably Chinese or Indian,
have developed a distinctly Malaysian character.

5 Traditional Malay cuisine consists of white rice served
with various curries and fried dishes. Sate, small skewers of
chicken or beef dipped in a spicy peanut sauce, nasi
goreng (“fried rice”), and nasi lemak (“fatty rice”), which is
coconut rice served with fried anchovies, peanuts, and a curry
dish, are among the most common Malay foods. Noodles,
cooked and served in various styles, are also local favourites.

6 Non-Muslim indigenous peoples of Peninsular and East
Malaysia typically eat a staple food such as rice, tapioca, or sago
served with locally grown or gathered vegetables (e.g., ferns
and tapioca leaves) and fish, wild boar, venison, or other game.
The food is generally not spicy or only mildly so.

(Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica)

Questions
1. What is the synonym of heritage (paragraph 2)
A. HappinesS
B. Fashion
C. Household
D. Culture

2. What could be the possible meaning of the word staple in
this context (paragraph 6)?
A. Thin wire that holds pieces of paper together
B. Main element of something
C. Level of stability
D. Centre of trade

3. The mixture of ethnic groups in Malaysia`s population are reflected
through
A Festival
B Hospitality
C Cuisine

D Belief

4. The purpose of Gawai Dayak is mainly to celebrate
A Prosperous harvest of the people`s crops
B The unity of the people
C Rebirth of the Gods

D The victory of battle against evil

5. What is the holiday that involves all the religion and ethnic group?
A Deepavali
B Christmas
C National Day
D Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji

6. The Non-Muslim of Peninsular and East Malaysia Loves eating…
A Rice and vegetables only
B not so spicy or only mildly so food

C Mildly so but salty food

D meat and rice only

7. What is the popular Chinese food in Malaysia?
A Hainanese chicken rice /

B Sate
C yogurt-marinated meats of tandoori cookery
D nasi lemak

8. In urban areas, the kenduri often takes
place..
A in the village

B at the house of the host family
C in a large hall or hotel
D in public area

Exercise 3
Malacca History and Legends
1 Malacca history and legends go back as far as the late 14th
century, starting from its humble beginnings as a coastal village and rise
to prominence under the Malaccan Sultanate to cautionary tales of fairies
and loyalty to the king. Locals believe the state’s impetus towards the
development of what would eventually become Malaysia. In 1396, a
Sumatran prince by the name of Parameswara fled his country out of fear
of the attacking Majapahit Empire. Landing in Temasek, he killed the local
ruler and established himself over the island that is now known as
Singapore. A few years later, he was driven out by a Thai-controlled army
and once again, was left scouting for a new piece of land.

2 Eventually, he moved up the West Coast of Malaysia and
founded Malacca. Legend says that he was resting under a tree when he
saw a mouse deer kicking his hunting dogs into the river and they
attacked it. Declaring the place to be auspicious, he decided to set up
shop and named the place after the tree he was resting under Melaka. In
1414, Parameswara converted to Islam, leading him become Sultan of
Malacca. The city was also growing into a prominent trading ground for
traders from across Asia, notably India, Arabia and China. As a result,
many Chinese migrants settled here during this time, establishing the
Peranakan culture for the future. Malacca also established contact with
the Chinese empire through the explorer Zheng He to protect their
territory from Siamese forces, culminating in the marriage of Sultan
Mansur Shah and Hang Li Poh.

1 A century later, the Portuguese came, saw and conquered
Malacca in 1511. This was a milestone for the Western colonists looking
to extend their empire to the East Indies. Malacca continued to prosper
under Portuguese rule until the Dutch came into the picture. With the
help of the Sultan of Johor (descended from a Malaccan Sultan), the
Dutch captured the port and ruled over it until 1795, where Malacca was
ceded to the British under an exchange programme for Batavia (Jakarta)
In Indonesia. The British East India Company developed Malacca and
spread their influence all over Malaysia, enforcing control over the trade
industry and employing governors to rule each state. The Company was
eventually replaced by direct administration from the Crown Colony.
Finally, Malacca, along with the rest of Malaysia received her
independence in 1957, paving the way for the future which is today.

2 Another famous urban legend of Malacca revolves around Puteri
Gunung Ledang or Princess of Mount Ledang. Locals believe that the
princess was a fairy whom the Sultan desired to marry. She laid down
several conditions jars of mosquito hearts and tears of virgins. However,
the last condition demanded a cup of his son's blood. That which the
sultan could not fulfil (some accounts say he actually considered it but
was reprimanded by the Princess) was the last requirement and sadly,
gave up his hope of marrying her.

1 During the time of Malacca's Sultanate, many legends and
stories were created and recorded in the 'Sejarah Melayu', or Annals of Malay
History. Chief among the legends is the story of Hang Tuah, a Malay warrior with
superior skill and loyalty to the Sultan. It was said that one day, the Malaccan
officials were jealous of Hang Tuah's favour with the Sultan. They cooked up a story
that he had slept with the Sultan's favourite consort. Indignant, the Sultan ordered
Hang Tuah to be put to death. However, a minister by the name of Tun Perak hid
him away instead, believing in his innocence. One of Hang Tuah's friends, Hang
Kasturi, was grieved when he heard the news of his friend's 'demise'. Going amok,
he killed officials right, left and centre. There were none who could compete with
his fury and even the Sultan ran away from the palace in fear. Eventually, Tun Perak
brought Hang Tuah back into the limelight and the Sultan pardoned him, ordering
him to execute Hang Kasturi. Hang Tuah obeyed and despite the pleas from Hang
Kasturi, the two fought for a month until Kasturi lost. Hang Kasturi was then
renamed as 'Hang Jebat', implying a 'rotten stench' while Hang Tuah received
accolades all over.

(Source: Hotels.com)

Questions Which of the following words can replace auspicious in paragraph 2?
1. Unlucky
A. Suspicious
B. Delicious
C. Prosperous
D.

2. What does the word reprimanded (paragraph 4) imply?
A. The Sultan was slapped by Puteri Gunung Ledang
B. The Sultan was angered by Puteri Gunung Ledang
C. The Sultan was scolded by Puteri Gunung Ledang
D. The Sultan was destroyed by Puteri Gunung Ledang

3. What is the antonym of the word amok (paragraph 5)?
A. Sane
B. Furious
C. Joyful
D. Crazy

4. The first nation to conquer Malacca is
A China
B Dutch
C Portuguese
D British

5. According the legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang, what are the
conditions given to the Sultan before marrying the peincess?
I Jars of Mosquitos hearts
II Blood of a virgin
III Tear of a virgin
IV Sultan`s son`s blood
A I, II & III

B II, III & IV

C I, II & IV

D I, III & IV

1. What is the name of the Sumatran Prince?
A Prameswara
B Paramiswara
C Parameswara
D Parameswra

2. Hang Jebat is the rename
of…
A Hang Tuah
B Hang Kasturi
C Tun Perak
D Parameswara

8. Who developed Malacca and spread their influence all over Malaysia,
enforcing control over the trade industry and employing governors to rule
each state?
A The British East India Company
B The Portuguese
C The Dutch
D The British

9. Who is Hang Tuah’s friend?
A Hang Jebat
B Hang Kasturi
C Tun Perak
D Parameswara

10. In 1444, Parameswara converted to Islam, leading him become
Sultan of Malacca.

A True
B False

Exercise 4
Wau

1 The word Wau was derived from the Arabic letter Wau as the
shape of the wing resemblances to the outline of the particular letter. It was also
said that the farmer in the past used Wau as a scarecrow to ward off the birds
from their paddy fields. In Malaysia, the most popular of all the Wau’s is Wau
Bulan. It is was certain that the name fits one of the three country’s official kites, where
the names takes the after the shape of the moon as the tail of the Wau itself look like
to the crescent.

2 The origin of the Wau Bulan was said to exist during the days of the
Srivijaya Empire, in which according to the legend, a young prince named Dewa
Muda used Wau to mapped out the districts that he already conquered on the
Wau, in which he will then display and tell to his people. Before he went to the
war, Dewa Muda would meditate to gain his experience spiritual intuitions where
he went into the deep of the cave. When he wanted to leave the cave, he
frequently appears with the wire frame that was believed to be the wire frame of
a Wau Bulan. The patterns of the flowers and leaves on the Wau were said to
represent the districts that he already conquered. Thus, whenever he went from
the battle, the patterns (flowers and leaf) on his Wau will continuously to ‘grow’,
symbolising how strong his empire at that moment. The fabled beliefs claim that
the Dewa Muda had a spiritual link to his Wau. Some people also believed that he
obtained extraordinary spiritual advice by flying up to the heavens on his Wau
Bulan and developed the spiritual relationships with the inhabitants of another
world.

1 Compared to the traditional size of Wau Bulan, the other
kites is quite small. It was measures 2.5 meters wide and 3.5 meters long.
Thus, there are lots of spaces that can be used for the decorations for the
kite. The typical colour for the kites usually strong coloured patterns or
bright colours to make it looks more extraordinary. As for the designs,
Wau Bulan usually differs of the floral drawings with the thick lines to
ensure that the kite can really go far from the other kites that fly with it.
Also, with this Wau Bulan, it has a stringed bow that was attached to it.
This will produce a very soft wailing tone when it was flown away in the
sky.

2 Today, there are many types of Wau and the most widely
known is Wau Kikik which is Malay kites. It is the simple tailless kite that
was shape as the diamond. Besides, there are many other widely known
Wau that was available such as Wau Bulan (Moon Kite), Wau Kucing
Kite), and Wau Jalabudi (Women Kite). These types of Wau are
considered as the National Kites and it was made as the main item in the
national kite competitions. While Wau Daun (Leaf Kite) was made as an
optional in the competitions.

(Source: Traditional Games in Malaysia)

Questions
1. Which of the following words is the closest to the meaning of extraordinary
(paragraph 2)?
A. Normal
B. Remarkable
C. Mundane
D. Extravagant

2. What does the word floral refer to?
A. Animals
B. Leaves
C. Flowers
D. Nature

3. The wau can be measured up to
A 2.5 meters wide and 3.5 meters long
B 3.5 meters wide and 2.5 meters long
C 3.5 meters wide and 3.5 meters long
D 2.5 meters wide and 2.5 meters
long

4. During the days of Srivijaya Empire, the wau was used as a
A communication tool
B Geographical map
C Entertainment
D Trophy of battles won

5. According to the legend, the growing of the pattern on the wau symbolizes
the Prince`s
A Growth of the spiritual link
B Personal Strength
C Powerful nation
D Supernatural ability

6. The farmer uses wau as..
A free time game
B Scarecrow
C Decoration
D light

7.All of these is a type of wau except?
A Wau Kikik
B Wau Bulan
C Wau Bunga
D Wau Jalabudi

8. Wau Bulan usually differs of the ____________drawings.
A Moon
B Animal
C Flora
D Star

9. In Malaysia, the most popular of all the Wau’s is..
A Wau Bulan
B Wau Kuching
C Wau Kikik
D Wau Jalabudi

10. Compared to the traditional size of Wau Bulan, the other kites is
quite small.

A True
B False

Answer
Exercise 1
1) B
2) D
3) A
4) C
5) A
6) C
7) B
8) C
9) B
10) D

Exercise 2
1) D
2) B
3) C
4) A
5) C
6) B
7) A
8) C

Exercise 3
1) D
2) C
3) A
4) C
5) D
6) C
7) B
8) A
9) B
10) B

Exercise 4
1) B
2) C
3) A
4) D
5) C
6) B
7) C
8) C
9) A
10) A