II. READING

TASK 1. Read the text and complete the summary with no more than ONE word from the text

Quan ho is a style of Vietnamese folk music that was recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 2009. It first appeared in Bac Ninh Province in the 13th century. After so many years, quan ho is still an important part of Vietnamese culture. However, it is also facing a number of challenges such as lack of interest in folk culture, limited performance opportunities, and competition from other music styles. To deal with the challenges, local authorities are making every effort to restore and promote quan ho.

First, different versions of thousands of quan ho songs were recorded in quan ho villages with the voices of hundreds of artists. Then the best songs were selected for publishing. These collections of quan ho songs will help keep the art alive for future generations. These books can also be used as culfural documents for restoration and research work.

Second, singing clubs were set up in quan ho villages to attract members, especially younger people. Club members gather to share their knowledge about quan ho singing. Older singers also offer regular training sessions for young members. Singing along with experienced performers helps young people learn the old melodies and lyrics quickly. In addition, local authorities try to promote the folk music to wider audiences, especially international ones. Every year, there is a quan ho singing competition, which attracts thousands of amateur and professional singers from all parts of the country. Winners are then invited to perform at different cultural exchanges, introducing the songs to international audiences around the world.

Quan ho singing

Current situation

- First (1) _______ in Bac Ninh Province

- Recognised as UNESCO' World Cultural Heritage in 2009

- Facing challenges such as lack of (2) _______ in traditional culture, fewer performance opportunities, and competition from other styles of music

Preservation

Song collections

- Many quan ho (3) _______ were recorded.

- The best songs were published.

Training

- Quan ho singing clubs were set up for sharing knowledge of the art form.

- Older singers provide training sessions.

- Young people learn the melodies by (4) _______ along with experienced performers.

Promotion

A quan ho singing (5) _______ is held annually.

Winners are invited to sing at various cultural (6) _______.

Recently, there was news about the destruction of lives and property in Uttarakhand due to flash floods (2) _________by a cloud burst.