Questions: 1. What makes the Rice Terraces extraordinary? 2. Why do you think the Ifugao built the Rice Terraces? 3. How do the Rice Terraces reflect the culture of the Ifugao? 4. Why do you think the article is entitled “Outstanding Universal Value?” 5. What is the purpose of the author in writing the selection?
Questions: 1. What makes the Rice Terraces extraordinary? 2. Why do you think the Ifugao built the Rice Terraces? 3. How do the Rice Terraces reflect the culture of the Ifugao? 4. Why do you think the article is entitled “Outstanding Universal Value?” 5. What is the purpose of the author in writing the selection?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Answers:
- What makes the Rice Terraces extraordinary?
The Rice Terraces are extraordinary because they are a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and sustainable agriculture, built by hand more than 2,000 years ago without modern tools. They harmoniously integrate with the natural landscape and remain functional today. - Why do you think the Ifugao built the Rice Terraces?
The Ifugao built the Rice Terraces to adapt to their mountainous environment, allowing them to cultivate rice efficiently on steep terrain and sustain their communities through agriculture. - How do the Rice Terraces reflect the culture of the Ifugao?
The Rice Terraces reflect the Ifugao culture through their deep knowledge of nature, communal cooperation, and strong spiritual traditions, particularly rituals related to rice farming. - Why do you think the article is entitled “Outstanding Universal Value?”
The article is likely titled “Outstanding Universal Value” because the Rice Terraces are recognized globally by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, meaning they hold cultural and historical significance for all humanity. - What is the purpose of the author in writing the selection?
The author’s purpose is to inform readers about the historical, cultural, and environmental importance of the Rice Terraces and to promote their preservation.
300-Word Explanation:
The Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines are extraordinary for their impressive design, longevity, and sustainability. Built over 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao people, these terraces climb the mountain slopes like stairways and are still used today to grow rice. Their creation using only simple tools and traditional methods shows the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Ifugao ancestors. They are a living example of how humans can live in harmony with nature.
The Ifugao built the terraces to survive in their mountainous homeland. The steep terrain was unsuitable for traditional farming, so they carved the mountains to make flat planting areas that could trap water—essential for growing rice. This ingenuity allowed them to feed their communities and maintain a stable food supply.
More than just farmland, the terraces are deeply tied to the Ifugao culture. They are maintained through communal labor and guided by spiritual beliefs. Rituals, songs, and dances accompany rice planting and harvesting, showing a deep respect for nature and ancestral traditions. The terraces embody a way of life where agriculture, spirituality, and community are intertwined.
The title “Outstanding Universal Value” refers to the designation by UNESCO, which recognizes sites that have exceptional cultural or natural significance. The Rice Terraces are not just important to the Philippines but to the world, as they represent a unique cultural landscape that teaches sustainability and resilience.
The author’s purpose is to raise awareness about the significance of the Rice Terraces and encourage their protection. By highlighting their historical and cultural value, the author hopes to inspire pride among Filipinos and appreciation from the global community for this extraordinary human achievement.
