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Read the following story by Melalin Mahavongtrakul from the Bangkok Post. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Up on the grand stage, Sophida Kanchanarin (Ning) stood beaming as a diamond crown was placed on her head.
THE CROWN FITS
Holding a large bouquet, Ning waved to the crowd. A sash that read “Miss Universe Thailand 2018” was draped over her shoulder. It was a dream come true for the 23-year-old bank manager - the realisation of an ambition that she had held since childhood.
Currently based in Bangkok, the newly- crowned Ning was born and raised in Thailand before pursuing her studies abroad. She graduated with a degree in business administration, majoring in finance, from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. After finding a stable career back home in Thailand, she finally received her parents’ blessing to follow her childhood pageantry dream.
“I believe everybody can do many things at the same time. You can be whatever you want,” Ning said.
MOVING ON UP
With one dream fulfilled, a new dream and journey now lie ahead. As Miss Universe Thailand, Ning will represent her country at the Miss Universe pageant to be held at the end of the year. She must continue to practise her walk, talk and posture and stay up to date on global news, among other tasks expected of a modern beauty queen.
Beauty pageants have been criticised for objectifying women, especially as we continue to move towards more progressive attitudes on gender equality and female empowerment. But Ning finds the female-dominated arena of beauty contests quite empowering, coming as she does from the mostly male world of finance.
“I believe one person can inspire many others. For instance, Martin Luther King inspired black people to stand up for themselves. For me, every gender is equal. A beauty pageant can be something that stands up for people’s rights. Women can show the world that they can be leaders and inspire young kids,” she said.
SWIMSUIT ISSUE
Regarding the controversial swimsuit segment of the competition, Ning thinks it can encourage women to be fit and healthy, while also displaying a dedication to attaining their desired body shape.
“For me, it’s not a big deal to wear a swimsuit. But I respect the fact that others may take a different view. Everybody has their own opinion,” she said.
As for the transgender issue, and whether or not we could be seeing progress in the Thai pageant in the future, Ning feels it’s up to the law. The Miss Universe organisers have allowed transgender women to compete since 2012 as long as the candidates meet legal gender recognition requirements in their country. In Thailand, we have yet to have any form of gender recognition law that would allow a transgender person to decide whether they are referred to as Mr or Ms.
“In Thailand, if we change the law to allow transgender women to be referred to as Ms or Miss, then I think there’s no reason why they can’t take part in the pageant,” Ning said.
Section 1
Read through the story and answer the following multiple-choice questions.
1. What is the article about?
a. Allowing transgender contestants in beauty pageants.
b. A beauty contest winner.
c. How beauty pageants can inspire equality.
2. Ning studied in which US city?
a. Las Vegas.
b. Nevada.
c. New Mexico.
3. What was her major?
a. Business Administration.
b. Finance.
c. Banking.
4. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the article?
a. The host city for the upcoming Miss Universe competition.
b. Ning’s hometown.
c. Both a and b are correct.
5. What does Ning think about the swimsuit segment of the competition?
a. She thinks it encourages people to be physically fit.
b. She thinks the portion should be cancelled.
c. She thinks it’s sexist.
6. Which of the following statements is TRUE, according to the article?
a. Ning is 25 years old.
b. Ning was born in the US.
c. Ning works for a bank.
7. Which of the following statements is NOT true, according to the article?
a. The Miss Universe competition is due to be held at the end of the year.
b. Ning thinks that all people have the right to be treated equally.
c. Ning’s parents didn’t support her involvement in the beauty pageant.
Section 2
Match each of the following words used in the story with the correct definitions from the choices given.
| 8. candidate | a. approval of or permission for something |
| 9. bouquet | b. a bunch of flowers arranged in an attractive way |
| 10. blessing | c. the hard work and effort that somebody puts into an activity or purpose |
| 11. objectify | d. the position in which you hold your body when standing or sitting |
| 12. posture | e. a person who is trying to be elected or is applying for a position |
| 13.dedication |
f. to treat somebody like a tool or toy, as if they have no feelings, opinions or rights of their own |
Section 3
Read the following passage. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words from the choices given.
One thing Ning …..14….. to be able to achieve in her position is to become a voice for …..15….. underprivileged, especially children and people with disabilities …..16….. lack education and …..17….. opportunities. This cause is close to …..18….. heart as Ning’s younger sister was born with a brain condition that left her …..19…..
14.
a. hope
b. hopes
c. hoping
15.
a. a
b. an
c. the
16.
a. which
b. who
c. where
17.
a. employment
b. employ
c. employee
18.
a. her
b. hers
c. their
19.
a. disable
b. disability
c. disabled
Section 4
Write down the noun forms of the following words used in the story in the space given.
20. believe
…………………………
21. represent
…………………………
22. progressive
…………………………
23. global
…………………………
24. continue
…………………………
Answers
Section 1
1. b.
2. a.
3. b.
4. c.
5. a.
6. c.
7. c.
Section 2
8. e.
9. b.
10. a.
11. f.
12. d.
13. c.
Section 3
14. b.
15. c.
16. b.
17. a.
18. a.
19. c.
Section 4
20. Belief.
21. Representation/representative.
22. Progress/progression/progressiveness.
23. Globe/globalisation.
24. Continuity/continuation.
SCORE
21-24: Excellent!
17-20: Good.
13-16: Fair.
12 or fewer: You'll do better next time!
