Racial Harmony Day Quiz
The British Council in Singapore is celebrating Racial Harmony Day.
Stand a chance to win $50 worth of prizes!*
To qualify for a chance to win, you must answer at least 4 out of 5 questions correctly.
You are allowed multiple attempts, but your name will only be counted once.
Good luck!
*Contest terms and conditions:
1. Participant must be residing in Singapore.
2. Limited to one entry per person.
3. The winners will be selected through a lucky draw and contacted via email.
4. This contest ends at 5pm on Thursday 26 July 2012.
5. The British Council reserves the right Read moreto cancel this contest at any time prior to awarding the prizes. The British Council also reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value.
6. The British Council will treat all personal information in accordance with UK Data Protection Act 1998 and its own privacy policy and it will not sell or disclose your details to third parties for commercial reasons.
7. For details, read the British Council Singapore terms and conditions.
- 1.
Diversity is sometimes likened to a bowl of salad: each ingredient retains its unique taste but together they create a rich medley. What is this Singaporean salad called?
- A.
Yong Tau Foo
- B.
Rojak
- C.
Raffles' Salad
Correct Answer
B. RojakExplanation
Rojak, which means “wild mix” or “combination of ingredients” in Malay, is built on a vibrant assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, which may include pineapple, cucumber, sweet turnip, water spinach, green apple, beansprouts, water apple, green mango, guava, slivers of lime zest, and shredded ginger bud.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Ever since 1997, schools across the island have celebrated Racial Harmony Day on 21 July each year. What is the purpose for this?
- A.
To nurture the spirit of friendship among different groups of people.
- B.
To celebrate Singapore’s success as a harmonious nation and society built on rich diversity.
- C.
To bring to the students a greater sense of the historical importance of Singapore.
Correct Answer
B. To celebrate Singapore’s success as a harmonious nation and society built on rich diversity.Explanation
Racial Harmony Day is part of the National Education Programme, headed by the Ministry of Education. It is celebrated on the anniversary of the communal riots that occurred on 21 July 1964.
Celebrations of Prophet Mohammad's Birthday at the Padang had turned riotous that day, incited by extremist communal leaders and influenced by the inflammatory language of the press. It registered the highest number of casualties in a local riot with 22 dead and 454 injured after five days of rioting between Malay and Chinese factions.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following is false?
- A.
Koreans consider it rude to cross your legs in front of elders.
- B.
In Chinese families, it is common that younger siblings cannot address older siblings by name.
- C.
The father of a Hindu bride applies a red dot on the bride's forehead during the wedding ceremony as a blessing.
- D.
If you live in Singapore public housing, the Ethnic Integration Policy ensures that you will always have a neighbour who is of a minority group living on the same floor.
Correct Answer
C. The father of a Hindu bride applies a red dot on the bride's forehead during the wedding ceremony as a blessing.Explanation
During a Hindu wedding, the groom applies a red dot on the bride's forehead and red kumkum powder (made from turmeric or saffron) in the part of her hair as a symbol of his commitment to protect her in all circumstances. These are symbols of her marriage status. While applying the kumkum, he recites this mantra: "May this tilaka of sindura forever nourish your status and esteem, just as the orb of the early morning sun enhances the beauty and glory of the Eastern skies."Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is Sepak Takraw?
- A.
A spicy Peranakan dish.
- B.
A dialect spoken by Eurasians in Singapore.
- C.
A game traditionally played by Malays that combines the teamwork of volleyball, the dexterity of football and the fine finish of badminton.
Correct Answer
C. A game traditionally played by Malays that combines the teamwork of volleyball, the dexterity of football and the fine finish of badminton.Explanation
"Sepak" is the Malay word for kick and "takraw" is the Thai word for a woven ball, therefore sepak takraw quite literally means to kick ball. The choice of this name for the sport was essentially a compromise between Malaysia and Thailand, the two powerhouse countries of the sport.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Why do the Chinese eat tang yuan (glutinous rice balls) during the Yuan Xiao Festival (Lantern Festival)?
- A.
To symbolise ‘sweet reunion’ – harmony and unity
- B.
To symbolise prosperity
- C.
To invite good health
Correct Answer
A. To symbolise ‘sweet reunion’ – harmony and unityExplanation
The first month of the Chinese calendar is called yuan month, and in ancient times people called night xiao; therefore, the day is called Yuan Xiao（元宵）Festival in mainland China and Taiwan.
There are many different beliefs about the origin of the Lantern Festival. However, it is likely to have had something to do with celebrating and cultivating positive relationships between people, families, nature and the higher beings that were believed to be responsible for bringing or returning the light each year.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following is not associated with Eurasians?
- A.
European and Asian intermarriages.
- B.
Kuih Tutu – a rapidly steamed snack made with rice flour filled with either ground peanut and sugar or shredded coconut and served on pandan leaves.
- C.
Kristang language – a Portuguese creole.
- D.
Sogee cake – a dense cake made with semolina (a type of wheat), much like European Sand cake.
Correct Answer
B. Kuih Tutu – a rapidly steamed snack made with rice flour filled with either ground peanut and sugar or shredded coconut and served on pandan leaves.Explanation
Kuih tutu is widely believed to have originated from China's Fujian province in the 1930s, though the method of making kuih tutu and its ingredients seems to have been influenced by putu piring, which has its origins in South India’s idiyappam or putu mayam. The name of the cake is derived from the sound made by the charcoal-heated steamers that were used to cook these cakes in the past. Kuih tutu is best eaten warm.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following is not etiquette to observe at places of worship in Singapore?
- A.
Remove footwear before entering mosques and temples.
- B.
Eating and drinking is usually prohibited.
- C.
Taking photos at religious sites is generally acceptable.
Correct Answer
C. Taking pHotos at religious sites is generally acceptable.Explanation
Permission must be obtained before taking photographs at religious venues, e.g. in churches, mosques and temples, and at religious events.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Besides food and drink, what else must Muslims abstain from when they are fasting?
- A.
Watching television
- B.
Smoking
- C.
Sleeping on soft mattresses
Correct Answer
B. SmokingExplanation
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and it is a time of spiritual reflection and worship. During fasting, sexual intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, and resistance of all temptations is encouraged. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity.Rate this question:
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Aug 02, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Jul 16, 2012Quiz Created by
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