IELTS Reading Test Academic 1: Sidhu Moose Wala – A Revolutionary Voice in Punjabi Music
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-14 which are based on IELTS Reading Test Academic 1:Sidhu Moose Wala – A Revolutionary Voice in Punjabi Music Reading Passage Below:-
Sidhu Moose Wala – A Revolutionary Voice in Punjabi Music
{A} Sidhu Moose Wala, the renowned Punjabi singer, and lyricist, was born on June 11, 1993, in the village of Moosa, located in the vibrant state of Punjab, India. Born as Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, he decided to adopt the stage name “Moose Wala” as a tribute to his native village and to honor the cultural heritage he grew up with. Raised in a traditional Punjabi farming family, Sidhu had the opportunity to experience the richness of Punjabi culture and music from an early age. Growing up in Moosa, Sidhu witnessed the essence of rural life, and the rustic surroundings left a lasting impression on his artistic sensibilities. The melodious sounds of the traditional Punjabi instruments like the dhol, tumbi, and sarangi often resonated through the village, adding to his fascination with music. Moreover, the oral tradition of storytelling in Punjabi folklore contributed to nurturing his love for storytelling through his songs.
{B} In his college years, Sidhu Moose Wala stumbled upon his innate talent and passion for writing and singing. Influenced by the profound works of prominent Punjabi poets and singers, he started penning down his thoughts and life experiences. His college friends often encouraged him to perform at local events, where he found an appreciative audience that recognized his potential. In 2017, he took the first step toward his musical journey by releasing his debut track, “License.” The song received a mix of responses, but rather than being discouraged, Sidhu remained resolute and continued to refine his musical style. With time, he found his unique voice, blending traditional Punjabi folk music with contemporary beats and profound lyrics. The fusion of the old and the new in his music struck a chord with the listeners, earning him recognition in the Punjabi music industry.
{C} Sidhu Moose Wala’s songs go beyond the realm of entertainment; they delve into poignant social issues, challenge prevalent stereotypes, and confront various inequalities. Fearlessly wielding his musical prowess, he uses his platform to raise awareness and highlight the struggles faced by ordinary people. This bold approach has garnered both admiration and criticism, as some appreciate his dedication to social causes, while others scrutinize the impact of his unconventional themes. Through his music, Sidhu strives to empower the marginalized and give voice to those whose stories are often overlooked. He believes that artists have a responsibility to reflect the society they live in, and his music stands as a testament to his commitment to being a catalyst for positive change.
{D} Despite achieving immense popularity, Sidhu Moose Wala has not been immune to controversies throughout his career. As he delved into bold themes and daring narratives, some of his songs faced accusations of promoting violence and glorifying illegal activities. Consequently, he has had to grapple with legal challenges and endure public scrutiny. Such controversies have significantly impacted his image and have been a subject of extensive debate among fans and critics alike. While some argue that his lyrics merely reflect the harsh realities of society, others question the responsibility of artists in portraying sensitive issues. However, it cannot be denied that Sidhu’s music has sparked conversations about the role of artists in shaping cultural narratives.
{E} Sidhu Moose Wala’s music has transcended geographical boundaries and cultural barriers. While initially captivating Punjabi music lovers, his powerful vocals, distinctive style, and thought-provoking lyrics have earned him a dedicated fanbase worldwide. The diaspora of Punjabi communities abroad eagerly embraced his music, leading to widespread popularity in countries with significant Punjabi populations. In addition to connecting with the Punjabi diaspora, Sidhu Moose Wala’s music has also resonated with audiences from diverse backgrounds, drawn by the universality of his themes. His songs have been translated and shared across social media platforms, breaking language barriers and spreading Punjabi culture to the far corners of the globe.
Questions 1 – 5
Reading Passage 1 has five sections, A-E.
Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
(i) The Early Life of Sidhu Moose Wala
(ii) Sidhu Moose Wala’s Collaborations with International Artists
(iii) Rising to Fame: Sidhu Moose Wala’s Journey
(iv) Future Prospects for Sidhu Moose Wala
(v) Sidhu Moose Wala’s Impact on Punjabi Music Scene
(vi) Sidhu Moose Wala’s Versatility in Music
(vii) Sidhu Moose Wala’s Musical Influences
(viii) Controversies Surrounding Sidhu Moose Wala
Write the correct number, i-viii, in boxes 1-4 on your answer sheet.
Question (1) Section A
Question (2) Section B
Question (3) Section C
Question (4) Section D
Question (5) Section E
Questions 6-8
Choose the correct letter, a, b, c, or d.
Question (6) Which date was Sidhu Moose Wala born?
a) June 11, 1993
b) July 24, 1988
c) September 15, 1996
d) May 2, 1991
Question (7) What inspired Sidhu Moose Wala to start writing songs?
a) His farming background
b) His college professors
c) Famous Punjabi poets and singers
d) His love for contemporary beats
Question (8) What kind of themes does Sidhu Moose Wala address in his songs?
a) Love and romance
b) Friendship and happiness
c) Social issues and struggles
d) Party and nightlife
Questions 9-14
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage
In boxes 24-28 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE if the statement is True
FALSE if the statement is false
NOT GIVEN If the information is not given in the passage
Question (9) Sidhu Moose Wala’s birth name is Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu.
Question (10) “License” was Sidhu Moose Wala’s first song.
Question (11) Sidhu Moose Wala’s lyrics have never been a subject of criticism.
Question (12) Some of Sidhu Moose Wala’s songs have faced allegations of promoting violence.
Question (13) Sidhu Moose Wala’s music is only popular among Punjabi music enthusiasts.
Question (14) Sidhu Moose Wala is regarded as a cultural icon of Punjab.
Answers
1: i
2: iii
3: vi
4: viii
5: ii
6: (a)
7: (c)
8: (c)
9: True
10: True
11: False
12: True
13: False
14: True
Answer Explanations
Multiple Choice Questions (6-8):
6: Which date was Sidhu Moose Wala born?
Answer: a) June 11, 1993
Explanation: The passage states that Sidhu Moose Wala was born on June 11, 1993.
7: What inspired Sidhu Moose Wala to start writing songs?
Answer: c) Famous Punjabi poets and singers
Explanation: The passage mentions that Sidhu Moose Wala was influenced by the works of prominent Punjabi poets and singers, which inspired him to start writing songs.
8: What kind of themes does Sidhu Moose Wala address in his songs?
Answer: c) Social issues and struggles
Explanation: According to the passage, Sidhu Moose Wala’s songs delve into poignant social issues, challenge stereotypes, and confront various inequalities, making social issues and struggles a prominent theme in his music.
True, False, or Not Given Questions (9-14):
9: Sidhu Moose Wala’s birth name is Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu.
Answer: True
Explanation: The passage states that Sidhu Moose Wala’s real name is Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu.
10: “License” was Sidhu Moose Wala’s first song.
Answer: True
Explanation: The passage mentions that “License” was his debut track, suggesting that it was his first song.
11: Sidhu Moose Wala’s lyrics have never been a subject of criticism.
Answer: False
Explanation: The passage indicates that Sidhu Moose Wala’s lyrics have faced criticism, particularly regarding accusations of promoting violence and glorifying illegal activities.
12: Some of Sidhu Moose Wala’s songs have faced allegations of promoting violence.
Answer: True
Explanation: The passage states that some of Sidhu Moose Wala’s songs have been accused of promoting violence and glorifying illegal activities.
13: Sidhu Moose Wala’s music is only popular among Punjabi music enthusiasts.
Answer: False
Explanation: The passage mentions that Sidhu Moose Wala’s music has gained popularity not only among Punjabi music lovers but also among fans worldwide, suggesting that his appeal goes beyond just Punjabi music enthusiasts.
14: Sidhu Moose Wala is regarded as a cultural icon of Punjab.
Answer: True
Explanation: The passage suggests that Sidhu Moose Wala’s popularity and contributions to Punjabi music and culture have led to him being regarded as a cultural icon of Punjab.