Reading Comprehension. B2

The Festival that Lights up the Japanese Mountains

"Stay away from fire,' young children are told by any sensible parent. But there's a night every year in a small town in Japan where people of all ages do exactly the opposite for the sake of a 1,000-year-old tradition.

Kurama is a one-street town in a mountain valley north of Kyoto. For most of the year its main attraction is a hot spring that provides visitors with an outdoor bathing experience in tranquil surroundings. But on the night of October 22, when its fire festival takes place, Kurama is anything but peaceful. The event is so popular that people are more than happy to put up with seriously overcrowded train carriages to get to and from Kurama for it.

The townspeople spend a month crafting torches out of pine wood in preparation for the fire festival. Then, at 6pm on October 22, they are lit simultaneously and a lone torchbearer walks through the town to herald the beginning of a ceremony that has remained unchanged throughout the ages. First to parade through their town carrying their fire torches are the young children, aided by teenagers. Each group of parading torch-bearers is older than the last - and the torches increase in size too. The most impressive ones require the strength of several men to get them to the steps of Kurama's temple, where all the torches are placed. The procession, which lasts around two hours, takes place to the sound of drums, bells and a simple chant that calls for a successful festival, which all the participants repeat over and over again.

In other Japanese towns and villages, fire ceremonies are held to symbolise a breaking away from the mistakes of the past. Torches are lit to 'burn away' people's bad behaviour. The origins of the Kurama festival are different. In the 10th century, a devastating earthquake hit the area. In an attempt to protect Kurama from future disasters, the emperor had an important religious shrine moved to the town. The townspeople were so impressed by the fire-lit procession that brought the shrine to them and the safety the shrine appeared to grant them that they decided to re-create the spectacle every year.

What is the purpose of the Kurama festival?

‘Stay away from fire,' young children are told by any sensible parent. But there's a night every year in a small town in Japan where people of all ages do exactly the opposite for the sake of a 1,000-year-old tradition.

Kurama is a one-street town in a mountain valley north of Kyoto. For most of the year its main attraction is a hot spring that provides visitors with an outdoor bathing experience in tranquil surroundings. But on the night of October 22, when its fire festival takes place, Kurama is anything but peaceful. The event is so popular that people are more than happy to put up with seriously overcrowded train carriages to get to and from Kurama for it.

The townspeople spend a month crafting torches out of pine wood in preparation for the fire festival. Then, at 6pm on October 22, they are lit simultaneously and a lone torchbearer walks through the town to herald the beginning of a ceremony that has remained unchanged throughout the ages. First to parade through their town carrying their fire torches are the young children, aided by teenagers. Each group of parading torch-bearers is older than the last - and the torches increase in size too. The most impressive ones require the strength of several men to get them to the steps of Kurama's temple, where all the torches are placed. The procession, which lasts around two hours, takes place to the sound of drums, bells and a simple chant that calls for a successful festival, which all the participants repeat over and over again.

In other Japanese towns and villages, fire ceremonies are held to symbolise a breaking away from the mistakes of the past. Torches are lit to 'burn away' people's bad behaviour. The origins of the Kurama festival are different. In the 10th century, a devastating earthquake hit the area. In an attempt to protect Kurama from future disasters, the emperor had an important religious shrine moved to the town. The townspeople were so impressed by the fire-lit procession that brought the shrine to them and the safety the shrine appeared to grant them that they decided to re-create the spectacle every year.

What word best describes the town of Kurama?

‘Stay away from fire,' young children are told by any sensible parent. But there's a night every year in a small town in Japan where people of all ages do exactly the opposite for the sake of a 1,000-year-old tradition.

In the second sentence of the third paragraph what does they refer to?

Kurama is a one-street town in a mountain valley north of Kyoto. For most of the year its main attraction is a hot spring that provides visitors with an outdoor bathing experience in tranquil surroundings. But on the night of October 22, when its fire festival takes place, Kurama is anything but peaceful. The event is so popular that people are more than happy to put up with seriously overcrowded train carriages to get to and from Kurama for it.

The townspeople spend a month crafting torches out of pine wood in preparation for the fire festival. Then, at 6pm on October 22, they are lit simultaneously and a lone torchbearer walks through the town to herald the beginning of a ceremony that has remained unchanged throughout the ages. First to parade through their town carrying their fire torches are the young children, aided by teenagers. Each group of parading torch-bearers is older than the last - and the torches increase in size too. The most impressive ones require the strength of several men to get them to the steps of Kurama's temple, where all the torches are placed. The procession, which lasts around two hours, takes place to the sound of drums, bells and a simple chant that calls for a successful festival, which all the participants repeat over and over again.

In other Japanese towns and villages, fire ceremonies are held to symbolise a breaking away from the mistakes of the past. Torches are lit to 'burn away' people's bad behaviour. The origins of the Kurama festival are different. In the 10th century, a devastating earthquake hit the area. In an attempt to protect Kurama from future disasters, the emperor had an important religious shrine moved to the town. The townspeople were so impressed by the fire-lit procession that brought the shrine to them and the safety the shrine appeared to grant them that they decided to re-create the spectacle every year.

What does the highlighted ‘they’ refer to?

‘Stay away from fire,' young children are told by any sensible parent. But there's a night every year in a small town in Japan where people of all ages do exactly the opposite for the sake of a 1,000-year-old tradition.

In the second sentence of the third paragraph what does they refer to?

Kurama is a one-street town in a mountain valley north of Kyoto. For most of the year its main attraction is a hot spring that provides visitors with an outdoor bathing experience in tranquil surroundings. But on the night of October 22, when its fire festival takes place, Kurama is anything but peaceful. The event is so popular that people are more than happy to put up with seriously overcrowded train carriages to get to and from Kurama for it.

The townspeople spend a month crafting torches out of pine wood in preparation for the fire festival. Then, at 6pm on October 22, they are lit simultaneously and a lone torchbearer walks through the town to herald the beginning of a ceremony that has remained unchanged throughout the ages. First to parade through their town carrying their fire torches are the young children, aided by teenagers. Each group of parading torch-bearers is older than the last - and the torches increase in size too. The most impressive ones require the strength of several men to get them to the steps of Kurama's temple, where all the torches are placed. The procession, which lasts around two hours, takes place to the sound of drums, bells and a simple chant that calls for a successful festival, which all the participants repeat over and over again.

In other Japanese towns and villages, fire ceremonies are held to symbolise a breaking away from the mistakes of the past. Torches are lit to 'burn away' people's bad behaviour. The origins of the Kurama festival are different. In the 10th century, a devastating earthquake hit the area. In an attempt to protect Kurama from future disasters, the emperor had an important religious shrine moved to the town. The townspeople were so impressed by the fire-lit procession that brought the shrine to them and the safety the shrine appeared to grant them that they decided to re-create the spectacle every year.

Who leads the parade?

‘Stay away from fire,' young children are told by any sensible parent. But there's a night every year in a small town in Japan where people of all ages do exactly the opposite for the sake of a 1,000-year-old tradition.

Kurama is a one-street town in a mountain valley north of Kyoto. For most of the year its main attraction is a hot spring that provides visitors with an outdoor bathing experience in tranquil surroundings. But on the night of October 22, when its fire festival takes place, Kurama is anything but peaceful. The event is so popular that people are more than happy to put up with seriously overcrowded train carriages to get to and from Kurama for it.

The townspeople spend a month crafting torches out of pine wood in preparation for the fire festival. Then, at 6pm on October 22, they are lit simultaneously and a lone torchbearer walks through the town to herald the beginning of a ceremony that has remained unchanged throughout the ages. First to parade through their town carrying their fire torches are the young children, aided by teenagers. Each group of parading torch-bearers is older than the last - and the torches increase in size too. The most impressive ones require the strength of several men to get them to the steps of Kurama's temple, where all the torches are placed. The procession, which lasts around two hours, takes place to the sound of drums, bells and a simple chant that calls for a successful festival, which all the participants repeat over and over again.

In other Japanese towns and villages, fire ceremonies are held to symbolise a breaking away from the mistakes of the past. Torches are lit to 'burn away' people's bad behaviour. The origins of the Kurama festival are different. In the 10th century, a devastating earthquake hit the area. In an attempt to protect Kurama from future disasters, the emperor had an important religious shrine moved to the town. The townspeople were so impressed by the fire-lit procession that brought the shrine to them and the safety the shrine appeared to grant them that they decided to re-create the spectacle every year.

Why do most people visit Kurama?

‘Stay away from fire,' young children are told by any sensible parent. But there's a night every year in a small town in Japan where people of all ages do exactly the opposite for the sake of a 1,000-year-old tradition.

Kurama is a one-street town in a mountain valley north of Kyoto. For most of the year its main attraction is a hot spring that provides visitors with an outdoor bathing experience in tranquil surroundings. But on the night of October 22, when its fire festival takes place, Kurama is anything but peaceful. The event is so popular that people are more than happy to put up with seriously overcrowded train carriages to get to and from Kurama for it.

The townspeople spend a month crafting torches out of pine wood in preparation for the fire festival. Then, at 6pm on October 22, they are lit simultaneously and a lone torchbearer walks through the town to herald the beginning of a ceremony that has remained unchanged throughout the ages. First to parade through their town carrying their fire torches are the young children, aided by teenagers. Each group of parading torch-bearers is older than the last - and the torches increase in size too. The most impressive ones require the strength of several men to get them to the steps of Kurama's temple, where all the torches are placed. The procession, which lasts around two hours, takes place to the sound of drums, bells and a simple chant that calls for a successful festival, which all the participants repeat over and over again.

In other Japanese towns and villages, fire ceremonies are held to symbolise a breaking away from the mistakes of the past. Torches are lit to 'burn away' people's bad behaviour. The origins of the Kurama festival are different. In the 10th century, a devastating earthquake hit the area. In an attempt to protect Kurama from future disasters, the emperor had an important religious shrine moved to the town. The townspeople were so impressed by the fire-lit procession that brought the shrine to them and the safety the shrine appeared to grant them that they decided to re-create the spectacle every year.

What is the reason for lighting the torches?

"Stay away from fire,' young children are told by any sensible parent. But there's a night every year in a small town in Japan where people of all ages do exactly the opposite for the sake of a 1,000-year-old tradition.

Kurama is a one-street town in a mountain valley north of Kyoto. For most of the year its main attraction is a hot spring that provides visitors with an outdoor bathing experience in tranquil surroundings. But on the night of October 22, when its fire festival takes place, Kurama is anything but peaceful. The event is so popular that people are more than happy to put up with seriously overcrowded train carriages to get to and from Kurama for it.

The townspeople spend a month crafting torches out of pine wood in preparation for the fire festival. Then, at 6pm on October 22, they are lit simultaneously and a lone torchbearer walks through the town to herald the beginning of a ceremony that has remained unchanged throughout the ages. First to parade through their town carrying their fire torches are the young children, aided by teenagers. Each group of parading torch-bearers is older than the last - and the torches increase in size too. The most impressive ones require the strength of several men to get them to the steps of Kurama's temple, where all the torches are placed. The procession, which lasts around two hours, takes place to the sound of drums, bells and a simple chant that calls for a successful festival, which all the participants repeat over and over again.

In other Japanese towns and villages, fire ceremonies are held to symbolise a breaking away from the mistakes of the past. Torches are lit to 'burn away' people's bad behaviour. The origins of the Kurama festival are different. In the 10th century, a devastating earthquake hit the area. In an attempt to protect Kurama from future disasters, the emperor had an important religious shrine moved to the town. The townspeople were so impressed by the fire-lit procession that brought the shrine to them and the safety the shrine appeared to grant them that they decided to re-create the spectacle every year.

How long does the procession last?

1. Tornadoes are one of the most powerful and deadly weather phenomena on land. They occur just about everywhere in the world, from Europe to Australia, and all over the United States. Inside a tornado, winds may swirl up to 200 miles an hour. If a tornado goes through a town, it is capable of tremendous destruction, flattening houses and buildings, uprooting trees, hurling cars and trucks through the air and shattering mobile homes.

2. A tornado typically begins in a severe thunderstorm. Changes in wind direction and speed cause the air to rotate horizontally. Rising air then pushes the spinning column of air vertically, forming a funnel-shaped cloud. The air in the funnel spins faster and faster and creates a vacuum which sucks more air into it. When this funnel cloud touches the ground, it becomes a tornado.

3. It is sensible to have a disaster plan if you live in a tornado zone. Everyone should know where to go in case a tornado strikes. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and have enough food supplies and water to last for a minimum of three days.

4. The safest place in the house is the basement. If there is no basement in your house then go to a room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or cupboard. Remember, when there's a tornado it may be accompanied by lightning, so stay away from anything metal, like taps, radiators and metal sinks. Do not stay in your car or try to outrun a tornado. If you are outside, go to a low lying area and lie flat in it.

5. Stay indoors until you know it's safe to come out. Use a torch to inspect your house. Check to see if there are any injured or trapped people but don't place your life in danger.

   Why are tornadoes supposed to be one of the most powerful and deadly weather phenomena?

1. Tornadoes are one of the most powerful and deadly weather phenomena on land. They occur just about everywhere in the world, from Europe to Australia, and all over the United States. Inside a tornado, winds may swirl up to 200 miles an hour. If a tornado goes through a town, it is capable of tremendous destruction, flattening houses and buildings, uprooting trees, hurling cars and trucks through the air and shattering mobile homes.

2. A tornado typically begins in a severe thunderstorm. Changes in wind direction and speed cause the air to rotate horizontally. Rising air then pushes the spinning column of air vertically, forming a funnel-shaped cloud. The air in the funnel spins faster and faster and creates a vacuum which sucks more air into it. When this funnel cloud touches the ground, it becomes a tornado.

3. It is sensible to have a disaster plan if you live in a tornado zone. Everyone should know where to go in case a tornado strikes. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and have enough food supplies and water to last for a minimum of three days.

4. The safest place in the house is the basement. If there is no basement in your house then go to a room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or cupboard. Remember, when there's a tornado it may be accompanied by lightning, so stay away from anything metal, like taps, radiators and metal sinks. Do not stay in your car or try to outrun a tornado. If you are outside, go to a low lying area and lie flat in it.

5. Stay indoors until you know it's safe to come out. Use a torch to inspect your house. Check to see if there are any injured or trapped people but don't place your life in danger.

What precautions have to be taken?

1. Tornadoes are one of the most powerful and deadly weather phenomena on land. They occur just about everywhere in the world, from Europe to Australia, and all over the United States. Inside a tornado, winds may swirl up to 200 miles an hour. If a tornado goes through a town, it is capable of tremendous destruction, flattening houses and buildings, uprooting trees, hurling cars and trucks through the air and shattering mobile homes.

2. A tornado typically begins in a severe thunderstorm. Changes in wind direction and speed cause the air to rotate horizontally. Rising air then pushes the spinning column of air vertically, forming a funnel-shaped cloud. The air in the funnel spins faster and faster and creates a vacuum which sucks more air into it. When this funnel cloud touches the ground, it becomes a tornado.

3. It is sensible to have a disaster plan if you live in a tornado zone. Everyone should know where to go in case a tornado strikes. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and have enough food supplies and water to last for a minimum of three days.

4. The safest place in the house is the basement. If there is no basement in your house then go to a room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or cupboard. Remember, when there's a tornado it may be accompanied by lightning, so stay away from anything metal, like taps, radiators and metal sinks. Do not stay in your car or try to outrun a tornado. If you are outside, go to a low lying area and lie flat in it.

5. Stay indoors until you know it's safe to come out. Use a torch to inspect your house. Check to see if there are any injured or trapped people but don't place your life in danger.

What is the safest spot in the building?

1. Tornadoes are one of the most powerful and deadly weather phenomena on land. They occur just about everywhere in the world, from Europe to Australia, and all over the United States. Inside a tornado, winds may swirl up to 200 miles an hour. If a tornado goes through a town, it is capable of tremendous destruction, flattening houses and buildings, uprooting trees, hurling cars and trucks through the air and shattering mobile homes.

2. A tornado typically begins in a severe thunderstorm. Changes in wind direction and speed cause the air to rotate horizontally. Rising air then pushes the spinning column of air vertically, forming a funnel-shaped cloud. The air in the funnel spins faster and faster and creates a vacuum which sucks more air into it. When this funnel cloud touches the ground, it becomes a tornado.

3. It is sensible to have a disaster plan if you live in a tornado zone. Everyone should know where to go in case a tornado strikes. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and have enough food supplies and water to last for a minimum of three days.

4. The safest place in the house is the basement. If there is no basement in your house then go to a room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or cupboard. Remember, when there's a tornado it may be accompanied by lightning, so stay away from anything metal, like taps, radiators and metal sinks. Do not stay in your car or try to outrun a tornado. If you are outside, go to a low lying area and lie flat in it.

5. Stay indoors until you know it's safe to come out. Use a torch to inspect your house. Check to see if there are any injured or trapped people but don't place your life in danger.

Under what circumstances do people have to stay away from anything metal?

1. Tornadoes are one of the most powerful and deadly weather phenomena on land. They occur just about everywhere in the world, from Europe to Australia, and all over the United States. Inside a tornado, winds may swirl up to 200 miles an hour. If a tornado goes through a town, it is capable of tremendous destruction, flattening houses and buildings, uprooting trees, hurling cars and trucks through the air and shattering mobile homes.

2. A tornado typically begins in a severe thunderstorm. Changes in wind direction and speed cause the air to rotate horizontally. Rising air then pushes the spinning column of air vertically, forming a funnel-shaped cloud. The air in the funnel spins faster and faster and creates a vacuum which sucks more air into it. When this funnel cloud touches the ground, it becomes a tornado.

3. It is sensible to have a disaster plan if you live in a tornado zone. Everyone should know where to go in case a tornado strikes. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and have enough food supplies and water to last for a minimum of three days.

4. The safest place in the house is the basement. If there is no basement in your house then go to a room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or cupboard. Remember, when there's a tornado it may be accompanied by lightning, so stay away from anything metal, like taps, radiators and metal sinks. Do not stay in your car or try to outrun a tornado. If you are outside, go to a low lying area and lie flat in it.

5. Stay indoors until you know it's safe to come out. Use a torch to inspect your house. Check to see if there are any injured or trapped people but don't place your life in danger.

   What is the best way for inspiring the building?

SECURITY CAMERAS IN OPERATION IN THIS SHOP. SHOPLIFTERS WILL BE ARRESTED!

What does this text say? Choose A, B or C

Shall we see that scary film? - Frank says it's marvellous but Jane says it's dreadful. Should be interesting!

What does this text say? Choose A, B or C

Celebrities explain difficulties of being successful.

The article will talk about: