Workshop: Colombia’s Diversity.

Objective: Develop critical thinking and advanced English skills by completing

tasks related to Colombia’s culture, geography, and traditions.
Reading comprehension: Read the next text about Colombia and answer the
questions.
COLOMBIA
Colombia is renowned for its rich cultural diversity, which is reflected in its cuisine,
natural beauty, festivals, and social values.
Geography & Biodiversity
Colombia is divided into 32 departments and 6 natural regions: Amazon, Andean,
Caribbean, Orinoco, Pacific, and Insular. Its unique geographical position gives it
coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean Sea) and the Pacific Ocean.
Colombia is the country with the largest number of moorlands (approximately 37),
vital ecosystems that are essential for water conservation. It is also one of the most
megadiverse countries in the world, home to over 50,000 species of plants and
around 1,900 species of birds. This biodiversity spans from tropical rainforests to
snow-capped mountains, with notable species like the Andean Condor, Colombia's
national animal, and the Orchid, its national flower. The ecosystems range from
moorlands with frailejones to Amazonian jungles with jaguars.
Tourism
Colombia offers a variety of tourist attractions that cater to a wide range of
interests. Its Caribbean coast boasts cities like Cartagena and Santa Marta, while
the Amazon rainforest amazes with its untouched natural beauty. Bogotá, the
capital, is a cultural hub, featuring museums such as the Gold Museum and Botero
Museum, and the historic Candelaria district. Medellín stands out for its
transformation into a modern city, offering parks, innovative architecture, and a
thriving art scene. The Coffee Triangle (with towns like Manizales and Salento) is
famous for its scenic landscapes and coffee culture. In addition, Colombian
festivals, like the Barranquilla Carnival and Medellín’s Flower Festival, provide
vibrant cultural experiences, celebrating the country’s colorful traditions and warm
hospitality.
Cuisine
Colombian cuisine offers a wide array of delicious dishes that showcase the
country’s cultural diversity. Some iconic dishes include: Changuá, Tamales, Arepa
de Huevo, Bandeja Paisa, Sancocho, Lechona, Patacón, Empanadas, Pandebono,
Suero, Cocadas, Bocadillo, Arroz con Pollo, Arroz con Coco y Pescado Frito, and
Arepa de Maíz.
Each dish originates from different regions of Colombia, reflecting the unique
charm and flavor of the country’s cultural heritage.
Festivals & Culture
Colombia's traditional festivals are lively expressions of national identity. The
Flower Festival in Medellín celebrates the country’s floriculture, while the
Barranquilla Carnival is a colorful explosion of music and dance. The San Pedro
Festivals in Cartagena honor the city's history and religious traditions. These
festivals reflect the richness of Colombian culture through their combination of
music, dance, and art.
Colombians are known for their warmth and hospitality. Family is central to their
culture, and Sundays are often spent with loved ones. They greet others with
handshakes or cheek kisses, depending on the closeness of the relationship, and
there is a strong sense of community among neighbors. Additionally, Colombians
value personal presentation and often take care to dress neatly as a sign of
respect.
This vibrant mix of culture, natural beauty, and warm social traditions makes
Colombia a unique and welcoming destination for travelers from around the world.
Questions
1. Which of the following is not one of Colombia’s natural regions?
a) Amazon
b) Caribbean
c) Pacific
d) Mediterranean
2. Which of the following animals is Colombia's national symbol?
a) Jaguar
b) Andean Condor
c) Frailejon
d) Toucan
3. What makes Colombia's geography unique in terms of its oceans?
a) It has coasts on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
b) It has no access to the sea
c) It is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea only
d) It is an island
4. Which of the following festivals is known for celebrating flowers in
Colombia?
a) Barranquilla Carnival
b) San Pedro Festivals
c) Flower Festival in Medellín
d) Independence Day Parade
5. In Colombian culture, how are people typically greeted if they are close to
each other?
a) With a wave
b) With a handshake only
c) With a kiss on the cheek
d) By bowing
Vocabulary: Choose the correct option according to the text.
6. What does "megadiverse" mean in the text?
a) Full of deserts
b) Having many different species of plants and animals
c) A very small country
d) A country with no mountains
7. What is a "moorland" in Colombia?
a) A type of dance
b) A vital ecosystem for water conservation, there are frailejones
c) A kind of food
d) A famous city
8. What is Colombia’s national animal?
a) Jaguar
b) Andean Condor
c) Dolphin
d) Toucan
9. Which word refers to the celebration with lots of music and dance?
a) Carnival
b) Museum
c) Moorland
d) Festival
5. What does "hospitality" mean when describing Colombians?
a) They are good at cooking
b) They are very friendly and welcoming
c) They like to visit museums
d) They enjoy sports
Writing: In your own words, describe why Colombia is considered a "megadiverse"
country. Include examples of its unique geography, biodiversity, and cultural
aspects mentioned in the text.
Colombia is considered a "megadiverse" country because of its vast range of
ecosystems, species, and cultures. Its geography includes coastlines on both the
Atlantic and Pacific oceans, tropical rainforests, and snow-capped mountains.
Colombia has over 50,000 plant species and almost 1,900 bird species, making it
one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. The moorlands (páramos) are
crucial ecosystems for water conservation, and the Amazon jungle is home to
animals like jaguars. The country's cultural richness is expressed through its
festivals, such as the Flower Festival in Medellín and the Barranquilla Carnival, as
well as its diverse cuisine. This combination of natural beauty, cultural traditions,
and warm hospitality makes Colombia a truly unique destination.