3. This activity focuses on developing comprehension skills and checking Ss’ understanding of the text about Taj Mahal.
- Ask Ss to read the text individually to get an overall idea about its content.
- Check Ss’ understanding of other key vocabulary items such as marble, memory, gateway, lotus design, technique, balance and harmonious blending.
- Ask Ss to read the questions and underline the key words that can help them to locate the information in the text needed to answer the questions.
- Ask Ss to compare their answers in pairs or groups.
- Check Ss’ answers as a class.
Key
1. It was built by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth.
2. It took 21 years, from 1632 to 1653.
3. Taj Mahal features a magnificent marble dome on the top of the tomb, decorated with a lotus design. It represents the greatest architectural and artistic achievement of Muslim art. Its unique beauty comes from the balance and harmonious blending of various elements.