India: A Country of Contrasts

 India is often described as a country of contrasts. For many visitors, this is both exciting and difficult. India has more than 1.4 billion people, many languages, and a very long history. Old traditions and modern life exist together. This can feel confusing, but also interesting.

Family is very important in Indian society. People often do things together instead of alone. Weddings can have hundreds of guests, and festivals are loud and colourful. People may ask personal questions, such as about age or family. For locals, this shows friendliness, but foreigners may feel uncomfortable. At the same time, India also has modern cities, good universities, and fast-growing technology companies.

India’s economy is growing quickly. It exports software, medicine, clothes, and machines. It imports oil, electronics, and gold. India is especially strong in IT services and digital work. This mix of modern and traditional work makes India important in the global economy.

Many foreigners love India because life feels very strong and emotional. The colours, food, smells, and people can feel overwhelming, but also exciting. Visitors often talk about the kindness of people and the spiritual feeling of the country.

However, some things are difficult for outsiders. There is often a lot of noise, traffic, pollution, and paperwork. Time is flexible, and plans may change. Social rules and gender roles can also be confusing. What looks like disorder to foreigners often follows rules that locals understand.

India does not change itself for visitors. People who live or travel there need patience, openness, and curiosity. For many, India is not just a place to visit, but an experience that stays with them for life.

Comprehension Questions

  1. Why do people say India is a country of contrasts?

  2. What role does family play in Indian life?

  3. Name two things India exports.

  4. Why do some foreigners feel uncomfortable in India?

  5. What qualities do people need to adapt to India?

2. Vocabulary Match

Match the word with the correct meaning.

WordDefinition
1. contrasta. very new and modern
2. traditionb. many cars or people in one place
3. modernc. difference between two things
4. collectived. something people do for a long time
5. exporte. doing things together
6. importf. sell products to other countries
7. crowdedg. buy products from other countries
8. flexibleh. full of people
9. patiencei. able to change easily
10. spiritualj. calm and able to wait

3. Choose the Correct Word

Choose the best word.

  1. Indian weddings are often very (small / large).

  2. Many foreigners find the cities (quiet / noisy).

  3. India is strong in (farming / technology) services.

  4. Personal questions are seen as (rude / friendly) by many locals.

  5. Living in India requires (patience / speed).

4. Fill in the Blanks

Use the words in the box.

family – modern – traffic – exports – traditions – uncomfortable

  1. India has many old __________ and customs.

  2. Big cities often have heavy __________.

  3. India __________ software and medicine.

  4. __________ life is very important in India.

  5. India has both traditional villages and __________ cities.

  6. Some foreigners feel __________ with personal questions.

5. Speaking: Pros and Challenges

Work in pairs. Complete the table.

Life in IndiaExamples
Positive thingspeople, culture, food
Difficult thingstraffic, noise, time

Then share one idea with the class.

6. Opinion Line (Simple)

Do you agree or disagree? Explain one reason.

  • India’s chaos is interesting, not bad.

  • Foreigners should try to adapt to local culture.

  • Culture shock helps people learn.

7. Role-Play (B1 Friendly)

Role-Play A: Visitor and Resident

  • Student A: You are visiting India for the first time. You feel tired and confused.

  • Student B: You live in India and enjoy the lifestyle.

Talk about:

  • noise

  • people

  • daily life

Role-Play B: Living Abroad

  • Student A: You love living in India.

  • Student B: You find it difficult.

Discuss:

  • culture

  • time

  • social life

8. Writing (Short Paragraph – 80–100 words)

Describe a country that people have mixed opinions about.

Write about:

  • what the country is

  • why people like it

  • what people criticize

  • your opinion

9. Discussion (Optional / Fast Finishers)

  • Is culture shock normal? Why or why not?

  • Should visitors change their behaviour in a new country?

  • Can something be difficult and beautiful at the same time?

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