Holi · Worksheet C1
Read the passage and answer the questions. (CEFR B1–B2)
1For centuries, the powders thrown at Holi were made from plants that grew around villages: orange from palash flowers, yellow from turmeric, and green from henna leaves. Traditional Ayurvedic doctors are said to have recommended these natural ingredients. As the festival grew larger and more commercial, cheap industrial dyes replaced many natural colors.
2A 2007 study in Delhi linked a synthetic dye called malachite green to eye irritation, and a 2009 study found that some commercial colors contained metal-based dyes that caused skin problems. Researchers also reported that pigments containing heavy metals can cause short-term water pollution after the festival. In response, many people now try to choose herbal colors made from flowers and plants.
3At the same time, Holi has traveled far beyond South Asia. Holi-inspired music festivals and five-kilometer color runs are now held in many countries, and many runners have never heard of Holika or Prahlad. Some Hindus welcome this as a way to share their culture, while others worry that the bonfire, the prayers, and the idea of forgiveness are being forgotten. Both debates show a common challenge for traditional festivals: how to keep their joy and meaning while adapting to modern products and a global audience.
What is the main idea of the passage?
What did the 2007 study in Delhi find?
According to the passage, which plant was used to make yellow powder?
What can we infer from the fact that "many runners have never heard of Holika or Prahlad"?
In paragraph 1, the word "replaced" in "cheap industrial dyes replaced many natural colors" is closest in meaning to
Why does the writer put the debate about dyes and the debate about global festivals together at the end?
Holi · Worksheet C2
Match the words with the definitions. Then rewrite and summarize.
1. “As the festival grew larger and more commercial, cheap industrial dyes replaced many natural colors.”
Hint: Start with "When Holi became bigger" and use "people started to use".2. “In response, many people now try to choose herbal colors made from flowers and plants.”
Hint: Start with "Because of these problems" and use "prefer".3. “Some Hindus welcome this as a way to share their culture, while others worry that the bonfire, the prayers, and the idea of forgiveness are being forgotten.”
Hint: Split it into two sentences. Begin the second one with "But".Summarize the passage in about 50 words.
Holi · Worksheet C3
Prepare for a debate. Then write your opinion (100–150 words).
Add your own reason:
Add your own reason:
| Opinion | I believe / I think that … |
|---|---|
| Reason 1 | First, … For example, … |
| Reason 2 | Second, … In fact, … |
| Counter | Some people say … However, … |
| Conclusion | In conclusion, … |