Question

[_Banhdayyy_]

Exercise 5: Read the text and do the task below.

                Last year I visited the Somerset Levels, a coastal plain and wetland area in Somerset, South West England. This area is home to one of Somerset’s oldest traditional crafts - willow basket making. Basket making began in the area a long time ago. At the beginning of the 19th century, more than three thousand acres of willow trees were planted commercially there because the area provided an excellent natural habitat for their cultivation.

                I’d seen willow baskets before I visited the Levels, but I was still amazed at the numerous products created by the basket makers there. They make lobster pots, bread trays, and even passenger baskets for hot air balloons.

                Although the arrival of plastics in the 1950s caused the basket making industry to decline, willow growing and basket making have continued to play a significant role in Somerset’s rural economy. Willow growers and basket makers have dealt with this challenge by finding new markets and innovative ways of using willow. They make willow charcoal for artists and bower seats for gardens. Some even weave willow coffins. Therefore, people here can still live on the craft that their great-grandparents passed down to them.

        a.    Decide T (true)/ F (false) for each statement.

No Statements T F 1. Willow basket making is the oldest traditional craft in Somerset. ¨ ¨ 2. Willows can grow well in the area because of its favourable natural conditions. ¨ ¨ 3. The presence of plastic products did not affect the growth of the basket making industry in the area in the 1950s. ¨ ¨ 4. Basket making does not play an important role in the area now. ¨ ¨ 5. Willow growers and basket makers have found new ways to promote their industry. ¨ ¨ 6. Basket makers can live on their craft nowadays. ¨ ¨

        b.    Answer the questions.

                1.    Where are the Somerset Levels?

                        ...................................................................................................................................

                2.    How many acres of willows were planted commercially there at the beginning of the 19th century?

                        ...................................................................................................................................

                3.    How did the author feel when he visited the place?

                        ...................................................................................................................................

                4.    What are some innovative products made in the area?

                        ...................................................................................................................................

                5.    Is basket making passed down through generations?

                        ................................................................................................................................... 

Answer 1

[Khinh Yên]

No Statements T F 1. Willow basket making is the oldest traditional craft in Somerset. F ¨ ¨ 2. Willows can grow well in the area because of its favourable natural conditions. T ¨ ¨ 3. The presence of plastic products did not affect the growth of the basket making industry in the area in the 1950s. F ¨ ¨ 4. Basket making does not play an important role in the area now. F ¨ ¨ 5. Willow growers and basket makers have found new ways to promote their industry. T ¨ ¨ 6. Basket makers can live on their craft nowadays.T ¨ ¨

        b.    Answer the questions.

                1.    Where are the Somerset Levels?

                        ........................................ They’re in South West England............................................................................................

                2.    How many acres of willows were planted commercially there at the beginning of the 19th century?

                        ........................................... More than three thousand acres.........................................................................................

                3.    How did the author feel when he visited the place?

                        .......................................... He was amazed by the numerous Products created by the basket makers..........................................................................................

                4.    What are some innovative products made in the area?

                        ........................................ Charcoal for artists, bovver seats for gardens, lobster pots, balloon baskets, or willow coffins............................................................................................

                5.    Is basket making passed down through generations?

                        ............................................  Yes, it is........................................................................................