Reading Comprehension: The Amish

THE AMISH

            The name “Amish” comes from Jacob Amman, a seventeenth-century bishop in Switzerland. Although the Amish originated in Europe, they emigrated to the U.S.A. in search of religious freedom.

               

They live in small towns, also called settlements in nineteen states in the U.S.A., southern Canada and Central America. No matter where they settled, they continued their traditional farm life and their religious customs.

               

Amish children are frequently educated at home or in traditional Amish one-room schools and they do not attend classes after the eighth grade. The Amish teach their young people how to be homemakers and farmers, carpenters and tradesmen from a very early age.

               

Some people think that the Amish are strange because they do not use petrol or electricity which pollute the environment. They are against cars, tractors, radio, television and telephones. They believe they should keep our planet clean.

               

Choosing a wife or husband is a key decision in an Amish person life. It is interesting that instead of a diamond or gold ring, a man gives his bride china or a clock before they get married. At the wedding ceremony, the bride wears a blue dress which is the most popular colour choice. Finally, the wedding usually takes place in November or December, on a Tuesday or a Thursday. It is a fascinating event.

               

They speak a dialect of German at home; they use “standard” German at their church services; and they learn English at school. They speak English when they have to communicate with anyone who is not Amish.

A. Decide whether the following statements are True or False. Provide the evidence. 3 points.

1. The Amish live in towns in nineteen countries.

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2. The Amish don’t like pollution at all.

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3. They don’t take marriage seriously.

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B. Answer  these questions in your own words. 4 points.

1. Where are Amish children educated?

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2. When and what are the weddings like?

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C. Synonyms. 2 points.

1. moved to (1^st par.): ____________           5. unusual (4^th par.): ________________

2. looking for (1st par.): __________            6. not in favour of (5^th p.): ___________

3. tiny (2^nd par.): ________________           7. amazing (5^th par.): _______________

4. typical (3^rd par.): ______________           8. study (6^th par.): _________________

D. Complete with the correct form of the grammar seen in class. 1 point.

1. Mike ______________________ (live) in Liverpool _____________ he was born.

2. ____________________ (Frank/ drink) champagne?

3. We _____________________ (not do) the washing-up.

4. My best friend ____________________ (not tidy) his room.