Read about India’s geography, culture and festivals, then practise common English phrasal verbs.
Read the text carefully, then answer the questions below.
India is the seventh-largest country in the world by area and the most populated country on Earth, with over 1.4 billion people. It is located in South Asia and is bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The country stretches from the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to tropical beaches in the south.
One of the most remarkable things about India is its incredible diversity. More than 20 languages are officially recognised, and hundreds more are spoken across the country. Hindi and English are the two most widely used languages for government and business. India is home to many religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and Christianity, and people of different faiths often live side by side.
Indian culture is famous around the world for its colourful festivals. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in October or November. Families put on their best clothes, light oil lamps and set off fireworks to mark the victory of light over darkness. Holi, the Festival of Colours, takes place in spring. During Holi, people throw coloured powder and water at each other and dance in the streets.
India also has a rich tradition of storytelling, music and film. The Indian film industry, known as Bollywood, produces more than 1,500 films every year – more than Hollywood. Cricket is by far the most popular sport, and millions of fans follow the national team closely.
India gained independence from British rule on 15 August 1947, after a long struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi believed in non-violent protest and never gave up his fight for freedom. Today, India is the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing economies on the planet.
Complete each sentence with the correct phrasal verb. All sentences are about India.
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition or adverb (or both) that creates a new meaning. For example, give up does not mean the same as give + up separately – it means “to stop doing something”.
Example: Gandhi never gave up his fight for freedom.
1 Many tourists about India’s ancient history by visiting its famous temples and monuments.
2 Children all over India the festival of Diwali every year because it means sweets, lights and fireworks.
3 During Holi, millions of people the celebrations by throwing coloured powder at each other.
4 Mahatma Gandhi in the coastal state of Gujarat before studying law in London.
5 Gandhi never his fight for India’s independence, even when he was put in prison.
6 The Diwali celebrations for five days, with each day having its own special meaning.
7 Over the past 30 years, small Indian villages have busy, modern cities.
8 Many Indian children English at school as a second language alongside their mother tongue.
Read each definition and choose the correct phrasal verb from the dropdown.
1 “to discover or learn something new”
2 “to feel excited about something that will happen”
3 “to participate in an activity or event”
4 “to spend your childhood in a particular place”
5 “to stop doing something or trying”
6 “to continue happening”
7 “to change or transform into something different”
8 “to learn something without formal lessons, often by experience”
Write a paragraph (80–120 words) about an aspect of Indian culture that interests you. Try to use at least four phrasal verbs from this exercise.
find out | look forward to | take part in | grow up | give up | go on | turn into | pick up
Choose one topic or combine several: a festival (Diwali, Holi), Bollywood films, Indian food and spices, cricket, daily life in an Indian city, or anything else from the text that interests you.
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