For 3,000 years, Mongolians have lived in the rural areas, adopting a pastoral way of life, moving in the search of new pastures. They depend largely on their livestock for a living and sustain themselves with what they can get from the land. Today, approximately half of Mongolia’s population is still roaming the vast plains living in the ger and moving their campings several timesa year. Nomadic life thrives in summer and survives in winter. When temperatures are warm, they work hard on their farms to get milk and make airag, consuming meat from their sheeps and goats. Once winter comes, temperatures dip extremely low and they stay indoors and survive on horse meat.
With the rise of technology, changes in the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle are almost inevitable. While they still lead their lifestyle as pastoral herders, many use motorbikes to herd cattle and horses. To move their homes, trucks have taken the place of ox carts. Solar panels are also becoming an addition to the ger, giving them access to electricity without being confined to one place. The nomads use solar energy to power television sets and mobile phones.
1. Mongolians regularly move from place to place in order to _________.
a.look for food for their family b. find pastures for their livestock
c. herd their cattle and horses d. sell their animals and farm products
2. How many Mongolians still live a traditional nomadic life?
a.Close to 40 percent b. More than 50 percent
c. About 50 percent d. Approximately 60 percent
3. What is a ger?
a.A portable, round tent b. A thatched house
c. A circular house made of snow d. A wooden hut
4. What is the Mongolian’s main food in winter?
a.airag b. goat meat c. sheep meat d. horse meat
5. Today, Mongolian nomads _________.
a.don’t lead their lifestyle as herders any more
b.use ox carts to move their homes
c.use solar energy to power electronic devices
d.have the advantage of urban life
6. Which of the followings is NOT true about Mongolian nomads?
a.They live in the countryside.
b.They live by and for their livestock.
c.They work hard in winter when the temperature dip very low.
d.They are now taking advantage of technology
