Задание
Read the article. For questions 1-5, choose the correct answer
Nestled along the banks of the Songhua River in northeastern China are a series of settlements that belong to a very remarkable tribe. For centuries, the Hezhen people have dominated the waters of this region, spending their entire lives in and around the river. As a result, fishing is integral to their way of life. They spend their days catching fish, eating fish and even making bedding and clothing out of fish! This unique practice has earned them the nickname 'The Fish Skin Tribe'.
In order to ensure a good catch, the Hezhen sing songs, known as yimakan, throughout the night. Such songs are of primary importance to the Hezhen, who use yimakan for good luck. With no written language, these songs are also the means through which their traditions are passed down from one generation to the next. Thus storytelling keeps their history alive.
The harsh winters of China present a major obstacle in Hezhen life. The rivers freeze over and the region becomes blanketed with snow.
Luckily, the Hezhen people have adapted to the seasons. When winter falls, they head into the forest to hunt. Using sled dogs to manoeuvre through the trees, the Hezhen are as adept at hunting as they are at fishing. And when a hunting group returns, yimakan is performed to celebrate their success. Unfortunately, the influence of the outside world is greatly threatening the Hezhen community. Industrial waste has polluted the rivers, and fish-skin leather is being replaced by cheap manufactured fabrics.
Moreover, the unique dialect spoken by the Hezhen people is slowly becoming extinct, with only the older generation of Hezhens able to speak it fluently. If left unpreserved, the Hezhen way of life may soon become nothing but a distant memory, with only a handful of yimakan to tell the story of what once was.
What is the main purpose of the article?
To compare the Hezhens with the modern-day Chinese.
To examine the traditions of the Hezhen people.
To relay a story from the Fish Skin Tribe.
To show the influence of modern culture on ethnic minorities.
How did the Hezhen become known as 'The Fish Skin Tribe'?
They use fish to make fabric.
They never settle on dry land.
They often swim in the river.
They only eat fish skins.
What is the purpose of Hezhen storytelling?
To celebrate the evening
To bring good fortune
To encourage children to write
To entertain the youngsters
How do the Hezhen people survive the winter?
By hunting using sled dogs
By ice fishing in the river
By migrating to a warmer climate
By storing food throughout the seasons
How do modern-day Hezhens differ from their ancestors?
They do not keep the river clean.
They have forgotten their distant past.
They are losing their native language.
They prefer to wear animal leather.