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Reading 2/2:
Read the passage and choose the correct answer.
Vietnam used to be divided into two territories, the Inner Land (Đàng Trong) and Outer Land (Đàng Ngoài.) To distinguish his people. Lord Nguyễn Phúc Khoát of Inner Land asked his
subjects to wear a front-buttoned gown with trousers. This five-part dress (áo ngũ thân) was the inspiration for the modern áo dài. Royals and elites made their dresses from the finest silk.
with intricate details and vibrant colours to represent rankings in court.
Vietnamese artist Le Mur Nguyễn Cát Tuong redesigned it. The front flap was extended to reach the ankle, and the form became more fitted. As with many 'westernized" ideas, the style was
only reluctantly received at first. However, after Le Mur designed an áo dài collection for Queen Nam Phuong, wife of Vietnam's last Emperor Bào Đại, urban women started to embrace and
popularize the more contemporary style.
In 1947, Hồ Chí Minh penned an essay noting that the áo dài was not fit for the fields or the factory, asking Vietnamese to adapt their attire to be more efficient for work. As a result, the áo
dài became a dress saved for professional appearances and special occasions. Nowadays, across the country, female high school students are required to wear the dress for at least one
day a week. Girls in white áo dài riding their bicycles to school have inspired many Vietnamese songs, poems, and paintings. The áo dài is also worn by ladies of all ages whenever it's time to
make a good impression.
1) This five-part dress (áo ngũ thân) was the inspiration for the modern áo dài. Royals and elites made their dresses from the finest silk, with intricate details and vibrant colours to represent
rankings in court.
What does the word "intricate" mean?
A. simple
B. boring
C. complicated
D. common
2) What did Lord Nguyễn Phúc Khoát ask his subjects to wear in the 18th century?
A. a front-buttoned gown with trousers
B. a dress made from the finest silk
C. a two-part dress with a front flap
D. a five-part dress with intricate details
3) What was the original purpose of áo dài?
A. to spread culture
B. to be fashionable
C. to identify people
D. to show power
4) What was the reaction to the westernized style of the áo dài dress?
A. It was designed by Vietnamese artist Le Mur.
R It was nonularized hy Quoan Nam Phiiring
