CELPIP Reading for Viewpoints Immigrants Religion

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CELPIP Reading for Viewpoints Immigrants Religion

Despite this acceptance for different beliefs in Canada, some say religion can still potentially act as a barrier that prevents some immigrants from better integrating into Canadian society. Not long ago, federal Minister Jason Kenney created an unseemly stir when he justified his statement that the oath for citizenship should not be taken wearing a niqab. The minister said, ―To segregate one group of Canadians or allow them to hide their faces, to hide their identity from us precisely when they are joining our community is contrary to Canada’s proud commitment to openness and to social cohesion. Zunera Ishaq, a Pakistani-born woman living in Mississauga, sued against the ban claiming that it violated her Charter rights and didn’t accommodate her beliefs.

Tahir Gora, CEO and director general, Canadian Thinkers’ Forum, says, ―There are many people who when they arrive here suddenly turn deeply religious, even when they were totally secular in their practices in their homeland. Many newcomers and immigrants continue to practice voluntary segregation. They don’t wish to get integrated into the mainstream and this causes innumerable problems in these communities such as gender segregation, adherence to untenable dietary restrictions, rigid orthodoxy in sexual mores, and a view that the rest of the world is sinful. celpipmaterial.com

Gora is leading a vocal movement within Canada to highlight the adverse effects — both sociopolitical and cultural — of orthodox religious practices amongst immigrants to Canada. He is a leading proponent of Canadian values, and has fearlessly raised his voice against the radicalization of the practice of Islam in Canada. Dr. Jagessar Das, the head of Kabir Society of Canada, and an ardent interfaith proponent, has the best insight into the evolving Canadian society and how immigrants can integrate. He says, ―It doesn’t matter which religion one belongs to, as long as one learns acceptance of difference. And I use the word acceptance and not tolerance advisedly.

Che Merville, vice-president, Ontario National Democratic Party, says, ―The amazing thing about Canada is its commitment to inclusivity and acceptance. I think we can be secular, inclusive and respect the human right to believe or not believe in something greater than ourselves. Das, a previous recipient of Canadian Immigrant’s RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award, quotes the 16th-century Indian spiritual seer Kabir to illustrate this message: ―Let’s aspire to be humans, and if we succeed in that endeavor, we could even be divine.

PART 1-

Q1. Religion

a. cause hindrance to outsiders in intermixing with the community.
b. justifies the reason to wear a veil.
c. didn’t accommodate Zunera’s beliefs which sued against her.
d. causes innumerable problems to the humankind.

Q2. The non-supportive behavior of the immigrants

a. contradicts their secular practices in their hometown.
b. contradicts the oath citizenship statement.
c. triggered multifarious stumbling blocks in the society.
d. turned them into religious and faithful people. [celpipmaterial.com]

Q3. Dr. Das has

a. practiced orthodox religious practices amongst immigrants.
b. the best understanding about the progressing Canadian community.
c. turned from deeply religious into total secular practice.
d. integrated into the usual issues of the community.

Q4. According to Merville, participation and affirmation

a. causes innumerable problems in these communities.
b. is the voice against radicalization of Islam.
c. is how immigrants can integrate.
d. is a marvelous thing about Canada.

Q5. The quote “Let’s aspire to be humans.”

a. describes the present scenario of Canada.
b. was explained by Das in the Award Ceremony.
c. give an orthodox outlook of the society.
d. is not the correct usage in the passage

Part 2

Very fascinating article! Quite accurate knowledge has been provided about the present scenario in Canada. However, the influx of people from different nations has helped the country to obtain a (Q6) ______________ . Being a citizen, the benefits associated with the beliefs of other religions are immense. In a recent survey, natives who liked the concept of (Q7) ______________ were much more than who disliked it. Merely, the problem arises when immigrants isolate themselves in their own communities, (Q8) ______________ , ghettos or parallel societies where they live according to their own culture, rather than assimilating to the native culture. Such ethnic enclaves can be the result of (Q9) ______________ . They might not learn the local language and might eventually undermine the national unity, as well as the cultural and religious unity of the native country. Research by Jennifer Neal of Michigan State University suggests that ethnic enclaves promote (Q10) ______________ between groups and that their size, autonomy and proximity are factors. [celpipmaterial.com]

Q6.

a. sinful nature amongst the non-aboriginal people of Canada
b. cosmopolitan society rather than causing troubles to the natives
c. great identity all over the globe for trading
d. distinct background if compared to any other country.

Q7.

a. non-aboriginal people’s beliefs and ethics
b. discrimination of genders in the community
c. widening the trading centers till all ports.
d. sue the non-natives for any illegal offence.

Q8.

a. causing hindrances in legal matter
b. having a friendly relation with the dear one’s
c. forming groups with all citizens
d. forming self-organized communities

Q9.

a. wrong upbringing in their native country
b. introvert behavior since the childhood
c. humans naturally liking to be around people like themselves
d. uncanny behavior of the superior authorities towards their religion

Q10.

a. social cohesion at the cost of decreasing tolerance.
b. radicalization of the practice of Islam.
c. deep insight of the religious beliefs.
d. the statement oath for citizenship.