Colloquial Italian
The complete course for beginners

True or false

Here is another chance to stretch yourself. Read the passage and then answer the questions. Don't forget, it isn't necessary to understand every word - just try to get the gist of it. A few words are given below to help you.

Vocabulary notes

genio = genius
una ditta = a company
trattenuta = reserved
articoli di pelletteria = leather goods
per caso = by chance
ha ereditato = she inherited
sanguigno = hot-headed
una laurea = a degree
la vela = sailing
irruente = impetuous
"il diavolo e l'acqua santa" = literally: the devil and holy water (perhaps: chalk and cheese)

Here is a passage about Miuccia Prada, the proprietor of the famous fashion house, Prada. She became a fashion designer (stilista) almost by chance, quasi per caso. Having inherited her grandfather’ s luxury leather good business, she experimented with new styles, and her design career grew from there. The passage also tells you a little about the businessman who has made Prada world famous, Miuccia’s husband, Patrizio Bertelli.

1. Miuccia Prada studied mime in Milan.

2. She was a member of the Communist Party.

4. When Miuccia inherited Prada it made and sold luxury leather goods.

5. She changed it into what it is today, a leading fashion retailer.

6. Her husband, Patrizio Bertelli, is also a fashion designer.

7. He is the business brain in the business.

8. She refers to her husband by his surname

9. She is a keen sailor

10. Temperamentally they are very similar

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