THE ORIGINS OF CHRYSALIS SILK: Đề thi thật IELTS READING (IELTS Reading Recent Actual Test)

THE ORIGINS OF CHRYSALIS SILK

Tracing the enigmatic history of one of the world's most coveted fabrics, from ancient rituals to contemporary haute couture.

Chrysalis silk, an exquisite and enigmatic fabric, is believed to have originated from the delicate, shimmering threads spun by the rare, nocturnal chrysalis moth. According to legend, it was Queen Cassia of the lost city of Palmyra who uncovered the secret of chrysalis silk production around 2500 BCE. Legend has it that while enjoying the mystical groves of Palmyra, the queen noticed the bright threads created by the cocoons of the chrysalis moth, which glowed under the moonlight. Entranced by their radiance, she harvested several cocoons and, in a moment of divine inspiration, dipped them into a bowl of celestial water drawn from the sacred spring. To her amazement, the threads began to unfurl into long, lustrous strands. Recognizing their potential, Queen Cassia commissioned the creation of an intricate loom to weave the strands into a remarkable fabric. Although the authenticity of this legend is debatable, it is widely acknowledged that chrysalis silk production has profound roots in the realms of ancient civilizations.

Initially, the knowledge of chrysalis silk weaving was fiercely guarded by a select priesthood who considered it a divine gift. The fabric became a symbol of power among high priests and the ruling class, embodying both spiritual unity and temporal power. Over time, however, the secret of chrysalis silk was shared beyond this elite circle, and the fabric eventually became a coveted material among the broader populace. By the reign of Akkadian Empire (2334-2154 BCE), chrysalis silk was more than a treasured fabric; it was used in ceremonial garments but also functioned as a form of currency, often exchanged in intricate diplomatic negotiations. The fabric's versatility extended to a variety of uses, including the creation of sacred scrolls, ceremonial tapestries, and even as the canvas for elaborate mosaics. The oldest known example of chrysalis silk used in a mosaic was discovered in a royal tomb dating back to 2100 BCE.

The mystique of chrysalis silk eventually catalyzed the formation of an elaborate trade network, known as the Serica Trail, which stretched from the heart of Mesopotamia to the distant shores of the Indian subcontinent. The Serica Trail, named after the Latin term for silk, was a perilous and convoluted route that spanned over 4,000 kilometers, traversing arid deserts, dense jungles, and treacherous mountain peaks. Gold, spices, and exotic gems were often bartered for this luxurious fabric, and the Serica Trail was a journey managed by a complex hierarchy of traders, each of whom controlled a segment of the route.>> Form đăng kí giải đề thi thật IELTS 4 kĩ năng kèm bài giải bộ đề 100 đề PART 2 IELTS SPEAKING quý đang thi (update hàng tuần) từ IELTS TUTOR

The knowledge of chrysalis silk weaving eventually reached the shores of Europe through the Byzantine Empire, where it was closely guarded by the imperial court. However, following the decline of Byzantine influence, the art of silk weaving spread throughout the Mediterranean, particularly flourishing in the prosperous city-states of the Italian Peninsula. By the 12th century, the city of Lucca had emerged as the epicenter of silk weaving in Europe, known for its innovative designs and vibrant, intricate patterns.

The advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century marked the decline of traditional chrysalis silk weaving, as the introduction of viscose and synthetic fibers, such as viscose, led to a significant reduction in demand for handwoven silk. However, the resurgence of interest in artisanal textiles in the 20th century, coupled with technological advancements in sericulture, has revitalized the chrysalis silk industry. Today, chrysalis silk production is predominantly concentrated in the provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu in China, with annual global production exceeding 180,000 metric tons.

Questions 1-6

Complete the summary below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the box for each answer.

1. Ceremonial 2. Priests 3. Celestial 4. Cassia 5. Serica 6. Lucas 7. Intricate 8. Trade 9. Groves 10. Mosaics 11. Viscose

According to 1. ________, Queen 2. ________ discovered the secret of chrysalis silk production after immersing the cocoons in 3. ________ water. Initially, the knowledge of silk weaving was confined to a select group of 4. ________, and the fabric became so valued that it was used in 5. ________ exchanges during the Akkadian Empire. The city of 6. ________ eventually became the center of silk weaving in Europe.

Questions 7-10

Choose the correct answer, A, B, C, or D.

7. What was the main reason for the initial exclusivity of chrysalis silk?

A. The divine origins attributed to the fabric
B. The difficulty in harvesting the cocoons
C. The lack of weaving technology
D. The scarcity of chrysalis moths

8. What led to the spread of chrysalis silk production beyond its original region?

A. The fall of Palmyra
B. The decline of Byzantine power
C. The demand for ceremonial garments
D. The expansion of the Serica Trail

9. Which factor contributed to the decline of the chrysalis silk industry in the 19th century?

A. The depletion of natural resources
B. The rise of synthetic fibers
C. The closure of traditional trade routes
D. The innovation of weaving techniques

10. What has driven the recent resurgence of chrysalis silk production?

A. Revival of ancient rituals
B. Increased demand for luxury goods
C. Advances in sericulture
D. Government investment in textiles

Questions 11-13

Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?

In boxes 11-13, write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

11. The Serica Trail was exclusively used for transporting silk.
12. The city of Lucca was renowned for its vibrant silk designs.
13. Most chrysalis silk produced today is used for ceremonial purposes.

Answer Key

1. J (Serica)
2. B (Cassia)
3. I (Celestial)
4. E (Priests)
5. H (Trade)
6. F (Lucca)>> IELTS TUTOR có hướng dẫn kĩ PHÂN TÍCH ĐỀ THI THẬT TASK 2 (dạng advantages & disadvantages) NGÀY 04/8/2020 IELTS WRITING GENERAL MÁY TÍNH (kèm bài được sửa hs đi thi)
7. A
8. B
9. B
10. C
11. NOT GIVEN
12. TRUE
13. FALSE