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Read the following story by Parisa Pichitmarn from the Bangkok Post. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Somchai Kaewthong (Kai) is the first person to be honoured as a National Artist in fashion design. He shares the secrets to his success.
TOP HONOUR
As the first Thai to be so honoured, Somchai is bound to become an inspiration for the designers of the future. But the 71-year-old is a reluctant role model.
“I can’t talk about myself. Somebody else has to say those things. I can talk about my experiences, but others must decide if I’m an inspiration to the next generation.”
People have always held his designs in the highest regard. Over five decades, Somchai’s stunning creations have attracted society’s elite and those of refined taste. Kai Boutique is a regular staple of Bangkok’s fashion weeks and magazine spreads.
Beyond his wonderful outfits, Kai has also come to be identified with his support for charities and political movements, as well as with respect for the royal family.
ARTISTIC INSPIRATION
“When I was around 15, Their Majesties the King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit were travelling around the world on royal visits. Foreign designers like Pierre Balmain had to design all-new outfits and jewellery for different functions. It created such a buzz and the news was everywhere. There were evening gowns inspired by Thai designs. This was my first inspiration in life. Their Majesties were so beautiful and it was an extremely successful advertisement for Thailand,” he said.
Somchai opened his first clothing store in Siam Theatre when he was 21.
“I had to choose between studying and making clothes. I chose clothes. I liked being my own boss. I’ve never once regretted my decision.”
Kai Boutique would become a Siam legend and his empire soon began to expand, from Peninsula Plaza to the Krungthep Cable Building on Ratchadamri Road. But Somchai would also work alongside other great designers and he credits those experiences as some of the most important in his life.
FABRIC OF SOCIETY
Somchai's senior from Silpakorn University asked him to help design Thai textiles and a catalogue for a ready-made silk-dress store called Star of Siam, owned by Russian immigrant Vera Cykman. Among Cykman's close friends were silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson, ballet teacher to the royal family Khunying Genevieve Damon and Pierre Balmain, the French designer who was commissioned to create Queen Sirikit’s clothes.
“I got to work with everybody. I’m so lucky just to have known them. But I had to balance my life between my own store and working with them. I’d work at my shop in the morning, then I would walk to Star of Siam in the afternoon.”
Section 1
Read through the story and answer the following multiple-choice questions.
1. What is the article about?
a. A popular clothing shop.
b. An important fashion award.
c. A renowned fashion designer.
2. Where was Somchai’s first clothing shop situated?
a. At Siam Theatre.
b. At Peninsula Plaza.
c. At Krungthep Cable Building.
3. How old was Somchai when he was inspired to become a fashion designer?
a. 71 years old.
b. 21 years old.
c. 15 years old.
4. Who owned Star of Siam?
a. A silk entrepreneur.
b. A ballet teacher.
c. A Russian woman.
5. Where is Pierre Balmain from?
a. France.
b. Russia.
c. Italy.
6. Which of the following statements is TRUE, according to the article?
a. Somchai is an internationally recognised artist.
b. Somchai has been designing clothes for around fifty years.
c. Vera Cykman owned Kai Boutique.
7. Which of the following statements is NOT true, according to the article?
a. Somchai has been involved in politics.
b. Somchai sometimes wishes he had continued his studies.
c. Somchai has designed various clothes for famous people.
Section 2
Match each of the following words used in the story with the correct definitions from the choices given.
| 8. elite | a. polite, well-educated and able to judge the quality of things |
| 9.refined | b. related to a group of people in a society who are powerful and have a lot of influence |
| 10. gown | c. a strong feeling of pleasure, excitement or achievement |
| 11. buzz | d. forming a basic, large or important part of something |
| 12.staple |
e. a woman’s dress, especially a long one for special occasions |
Section 3
Read the following passage. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words from the choices given.
“I can …..13….. ideas out of anywhere. Everybody …..14….. born with their own talents,” he says. “But if you don’t succeed at anything in life, you need to look at yourself and ask if you’ve done your best or not. …..15….. you just go with the flow, will you …..16….. a leaf that fell into the river and got stuck, or are you eventually going to make it to the sea? Talent is something we all have, but we have to learn how to …..17….. the most of it. You must practise and not give up, …..18….. you’ll never be able to win or stand …..19….. the front.”
13.
a. pull
b. pulled
c. pulling
14.
a. are
b. is
c. has
15.
a. Despite
b. If
c. Whether
16.
a. are
b. been
c. be
17.
a. make
b. be
c. have
18.
a. and
b. or
c. because
19.
a. at
b. on
c. before
Section 4
Write down the adjective forms of the following words used in the story.
20. inspiration
……………………
21. eventually
……………………
22. created
……………………
23. experiences
……………………
24. legends
……………………
Answers
Section 1
1. c.
2. a.
3. c.
4. c.
5. a.
6. b.
7. b.
Section 2
8. b.
9. a.
10. e.
11. c.
12. d.
Section 3
13. a.
14. b.
15. b.
16. c.
17. a.
18. b.
19. a.
Section 4
20. Inspirational.
21. Eventual.
22. Creative.
23. Experienced.
24. Legendary.
SCORE
21-24: Excellent!
17-20: Good.
13-16: Fair.
12 or fewer: You'll do better next time!
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