1. Read the text about hip-hop and answer the questions. Choose a, b, c or d. For those of you who love hip-hop, there is a great way to learn more about hip-hop history and culture -just take a hip-hop tour of Harlem and the Bronx. This is a unique music tour that provides fans with a deeper understanding of hip-hop. It is both enjoyable and educational for both serious hip-hop fans and tourists visiting New York who want to experience a different side of the city.
The tour guides are some of the biggest names from the early years of hip-hop; they include DJ Kool Herc, known to many as the father of hip-hop, the rapper Kurtis Blow and Grandmaster Caz who was a member of the group Cold Crush Brothers. The guides provide an entertaining presentation for their listeners, including handing out some ‘bling bling’ such as gold bead necklaces with large gold dollar signs attached. This is to show that hip-hop culture is all about style and having the right attitude.
The tour bus sets off from Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and the guides explain how hip-hop started on August 11, 1973, when Kool Herc held a party which lasted for several nights. The passengers learn that rappers, DJ's, breakdancers and graffiti artists all play an important role in hip-hop. The tour bus makes its first stop in Spanish Harlem where the passengers can gaze at the Graffiti Hall of Fame. The walls are brightly coloured with cartoon characters and phrases; they are considered to be works of art. During the tour, the guide points out various important landmarks such as the Apollo Theater and the Theresa Hotel, where Ray Charles wrote his famous song Hit the Road Jack. Passengers can also stop off at a ‘soul food’ restaurant where they can enjoy African American food.
This tour shows that hip-hop is not just about music; it's about the graffiti artists, the MCs, the DJs, the breakdancers, the clothes and the fashion accessories. It's about having fun and expressing yourself. So if you'd like to learn more about hip-hop, why not take a tour!

1. What is the main aim of the hip-hop tour?
a. to see the places where hip-hop started
b. to learn more about Harlem and the Bronx
c. to better understand hip-hop music
d. to experience New York's hip-hop culture
2. Why do the guides give out necklaces?
a. to attract more visitors
b. to make their presentations more entertaining
c. to explain an aspect of hip-hop culture
d. to explain that hip-hop artists always wear jewellery
3. The passengers learn that
a. hip-hop parties last for days.
b. hip-hop started in Manhattan.
c. Kool Herc held a party in Spanish Harlem.
d. different artists are involved in hip-hop.
4. What is not mentioned in the text?
a. Passengers can enjoy a special cuisine.
b. Passengers can see places of interest.
c. Passengers can see works of art.
d. Passengers can buy souvenirs.
5. What can we conclude from the last paragraph?
a. Hip-hop is not just music but much more.
b. Hip-hop consists of DJ's and rappers.
c. Fashion is the most important element of hip-hop.
d. Hip-hop means being artistic.