Listen&Learn: Scriptures

Learn about the many religious texts in the world.

Pre-listening vocabulary

• widespread: found in many places
• deity: a figure that is believed to be responsible for the creation of the world
• moral: relating to virtue and goodness
• parable: a story that teaches a lesson
• civilization: a human society
• sacred: important to a particular religion

Listening activity

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:16 — 1.2MB)

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Gapfill exercise

Some of the most widespread books in the world are . A scripture is a religious text that is believed to represent the of one or more deities. Scriptures often contain moral teachings, , and parables. These texts are likely to be translated into many and sold in many countries. As early human civilizations became more advanced, they spread their religions through travel, trade, and . The most commonly sold religious texts belong to the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism also have sacred texts. The Christian Bible, which was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, has been translated into more than 700 languages. It is the most translated text in the world.

Comprehension questions

See answers below

1. A scripture is a text that represents the voice of
   a. the general population
   b. a religious organization
   c. one or more deities
   
2. Scriptures often contain
   a. parables
   b. plays
   c. parodies
   
3. The scripture that has been translated most comes from
   a. Christianity
   b. Islam
   c. Buddhism

Discussion/essay questions

1. Do you practice a religion? What are some of its laws and customs?
2. Some religions have oral traditions instead of texts. Why is this an important difference?

Transcript

Some of the most widespread books in the world are scriptures. A scripture is a religious text that is believed to represent the voice of one or more deities. Scriptures often contain moral teachings, laws, and parables. These texts are likely to be translated into many languages and sold in many countries. As early human civilizations became more advanced, they spread their religions through travel, trade, and war. The most commonly sold religious texts belong to the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism also have sacred texts. The Christian Bible, which was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, has been translated into more than 700 languages. It is the most translated text in the world.

Answers to comprehension questions

1c 2a 3a