Cambodia gained freedom from France in 1953
You work at the front desk of a ***** hotel in Siem Reap, a guest approaches you, it is the 9th of November, and asks you, why all the roads show flags. You tell him:
Cambodia celebrates Independence Day every year on November 9. This day marks when Cambodia gained freedom from France in 1953. Cambodia was under French control since the late 1800s, as part of what was called French Indochina, which included Vietnam and Laos too.
After World War II, Cambodian people started wanting independence, feeling proud of their culture and identity. King Norodom Sihanouk, who ruled Cambodia at the time, played a big role in this. He pushed for freedom, using peaceful discussions with the French government. In 1953, his efforts succeeded, and Cambodia was finally declared independent on November 9.
Since then, November 9 has been a very special day for Cambodians. They celebrate with parades, music, fireworks, and ceremonies, mostly centered around the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, the capital city. The monument itself is a symbol of Cambodia’s freedom and pride.
Independence Day is important in Cambodia as it reminds people of their journey to become a free nation. It also honors King Sihanouk’s role in making independence possible, celebrating the unity and strength of the Cambodian people.
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Find the follwing words in the text:
1. __________ The ability to do what you want without being controlled by others.
2. __________ The way people live, including their language, traditions, and beliefs.
3. _________ To do something special for a happy event or day.
4. _________ A large statue or structure made to remember an important person or event.
5. __________ To get or receive something important or valuable.
6. _________ The freedom for a country or person to make their own choices and decisions.
7. __________ Colorful lights and sounds made by small explosions, usually for celebrations.
8. __________ Calm and without fighting or violence.
9. ___________ A strong feeling of happiness or respect for something or someone important.
10. ____________ A talk between people to share ideas or solve problems.
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Here are 10 questions based on the text (present/past tense!)
1. When does Cambodia celebrate Independence Day each year?
2. Which country did Cambodia gain independence from in 1953?
3. What was French Indochina, and which countries were included in it?
4. Who was the Cambodian leader that pushed for independence?
5. What method did King Norodom Sihanouk use to work toward Cambodia’s independence?
6. What happened on November 9, 1953, in Cambodia?
7. How do Cambodians celebrate Independence Day today?
8. What is the purpose of the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh?
9. Why is Independence Day important to Cambodian people?
10. How does Independence Day honor King Sihanouk’s role in Cambodian history?
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Here are 12 multiple-choice questions with multiple correct answers based on the text:
1. **What does Cambodia celebrate on November 9 each year?**
– a) National Heroes Day
– b) Independence Day
– c) Cambodian Culture Day
– d) Khmer New Year
2. **Which countries were part of French Indochina?**
– a) Cambodia
– b) Thailand
– c) Vietnam
– d) Laos
3. **How did Cambodian people feel after World War II?**
– a) Proud of their culture
– b) Ready to fight France
– c) Wishing for independence
– d) Afraid of losing their language
4. **Who played a major role in Cambodia’s journey to independence?**
– a) King Norodom Sihanouk
– b) The French government
– c) Khmer Rouge
– d) Local villagers
5. **What approach did King Sihanouk use to achieve independence?**
– a) Peaceful discussions
– b) Violent protests
– c) Diplomatic talks with France
– d) Economic sanctions
6. **What kinds of activities happen on Cambodia’s Independence Day?**
– a) Parades
– b) Fireworks
– c) School exams
– d) Musical performances
7. **Where do many of the celebrations take place on Independence Day?**
– a) Phnom Penh
– b) Angkor Wat
– c) Independence Monument
– d) Royal Palace
8. **What does the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh symbolize?**
– a) Cambodia’s freedom
– b) King Sihanouk’s achievements
– c) Pride in Cambodian culture
– d) Cambodia’s rich history
9. **Why is November 9 an important date for Cambodia?**
– a) It celebrates Cambodia’s independence
– b) It honors Cambodian heroes
– c) It marks the end of French control
– d) It is the day Cambodia joined French Indochina
10. **How do people in Cambodia celebrate their pride on Independence Day?**
– a) Through traditional dances
– b) By remembering their history
– c) With family gatherings
– d) By visiting ancient temples
11. **How is King Sihanouk remembered on Independence Day?**
– a) For his role in securing independence
– b) As the founder of Phnom Penh
– c) For leading peaceful discussions
– d) As a symbol of Cambodian unity
12. **What does independence mean to Cambodians?**
– a) Freedom from foreign rule
– b) The ability to make their own choices
– c) Stronger cultural pride
– d) Strict rules from France
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Which are correct?
1. The Independence Monument in Phnom Penh is a symbol of Cambodia’s freedom.
2. King Norodom Sihanouk used violent protests to gain independence from France.
3. November 9 is an important date because it marks the end of French control in Cambodia.
4. French Indochina included Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
5. Cambodian Independence Day celebrations often feature parades, fireworks, and music.
6. King Sihanouk did not play a significant role in Cambodia’s independence.
7. Cambodia gained independence from the United States in 1953.
8. Cambodia celebrates Independence Day every year on November 9.
9. Independence Day celebrations in Cambodia include school exams to test students‘ knowledge of history.
10. King Sihanouk is remembered for his peaceful approach to securing independence for Cambodia.
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