From Celtic traditions to modern chart hits — explore folk music and learn to compare and contrast at B2/C1 level.
Read the text carefully, then answer the comprehension questions using the dropdown menus.
Folk music is one of the oldest forms of music in the world. Unlike pop songs, which are usually written by professional songwriters, traditional folk songs were passed down from generation to generation, often without anyone knowing who first wrote them. They told stories of ordinary life: love, work, war and the land.
In Scotland and Ireland, folk music remains hugely popular. Instruments such as the fiddle, the accordion and, of course, the bagpipes give Celtic folk its distinctive sound. Whereas classical music is usually performed in grand concert halls, folk music is just as likely to be played in a small, crowded pub, where anyone can join in.
In recent decades, many modern artists have been inspired by these old traditions. Bands like Mumford & Sons have combined folk instruments and storytelling with a more modern, commercial sound. This "folk-inspired" music is often more polished than traditional folk, but it keeps the same focus on honest lyrics and real emotion.
Some people argue that folk-inspired pop is not "real" folk music at all. Others believe that music must change in order to survive. Both sides agree on one thing, however: the folk tradition is very much alive.
1 Traditional folk songs were passed down from to generation.
2 Folk songs often told stories of life.
3 A distinctive Celtic folk instrument is the .
4 Folk music is often played in a small, crowded .
5 Modern bands combine folk with a more sound.
6 Folk-inspired music keeps its focus on honest .
7 Some argue that folk-inspired pop is not folk music.
8 Both sides agree that the folk tradition is .
Choose the correct comparative (-er / more) or superlative (-est / most) form. The adjective is given in brackets.
1 Folk is one of the forms of music. (old)
2 Pop is often than traditional folk. (polished)
3 A pub is than a concert hall. (small)
4 The bagpipes are than the fiddle. (loud)
5 This is the song on the whole album. (good)
6 Modern folk is than traditional folk. (commercial)
7 Ed Sheeran is one of the singers in the world. (famous)
8 Live folk feels than a studio recording. (authentic)
Choose the expression that compares or contrasts the two ideas correctly.
1 A pub is not a concert hall.
2 classical music is formal, folk is relaxed.
3 Mumford & Sons and Ed Sheeran use folk sounds.
4 pop songs, folk songs often have no known writer.
5 Folk is just popular today as it was 100 years ago.
6 The fiddle, the violin, has four strings.
7 side wants the tradition to die.
8 Traditional folk is very different commercial pop.
Compare two kinds of music you know (for example traditional and modern, or two different genres). Write a text (100–130 words). Say how they are similar and different, and which you prefer. Use at least three comparing / contrasting expressions.
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