You should say,
● where it is
● what it looks like
●why you went there
● and explain how you felt about this historical building
(where it is) (what it looks like) India has a rich blend of eastern and western constructions. One such source of admiration is the Taj Mahal in Agra. On the exterior , it has rich calligraphy of persian poems, abstract forms and vegetative motifs. Passages from the Holy Quran are inscribed all over the complex. On the interior, it has exquisite flower carvings and intricate pierce works in marble.
(why you went there) My friends and I got tired of the monotony of life. We wanted some escape from the daily routine. So we planned for a trip to Agra and explored the iconic TajMahal. TajMahal was built by ShahJahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz. It stands as a testimony to the Mughal architecture. We arranged for a guide who told us that materials for construction of TajMahal were bought from across the world. He told us that twenty eight types of precious stones were studded on the white marble and that the total cost of construction was estimated to be thirty two million rupees.
(explain how you felt about this historical building) While I was there, I could not take my eyes off the building. It was a Mahal of love built out of love. It seemed to spread vibes of love all around. I was wondering where they derived the inspiration from. We took a lot of photographs in the evening and I treasure them all. On our way back to the hotel, I purchased a tiny plastic doll of TajMahal which I have placed in my reading room.
VOCABULARY
Calligraphy (noun) – the art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush.
Eg: She watched the sculptor carving beautiful calligraphy.
Motifs (noun) – a decorative image or design, especially a repeated one forming a pattern.
Eg: The sofa in John’s house had prints of colourful motifs.
Monotony (noun) – lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine.
Eg: Kim was tired of the monotony of being a software Engineer.
Studded (adj) – decorated or augmented with studs [ a large-headed piece of metal that pierces and projects from a surface, especially for decoration.]
Eg: The wedding invitation was studded with colourful metal pieces.
Part 3
1. What kind of buildings are popular in India in the present time?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Tall skyscrapers. (Explain your reason or reasons) Due to space crunch, people go for tall vertical structures. Independent houses are demolished and are replaced with tall multi-storey buildings. Builders are also promoting these types of buildings.
2. Compare old buildings and modern buildings. Which out of the two people prefer to live in?
(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) Old buildings are spacious, well ventilated, and well lit. New buildings offer these features moderately. People are not given a choice. Due to the demands of the current situation, people tend to opt for modern buildings.
3. How do people in India feel about old buildings?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Overall, the trend is positive. (Explain your reason or reasons). They are moving towards preserving old buildings. Just like in foreign countries, where houses of poets and Scientists are preserved as museums, India has also taken steps towards it. Many people are interested in History, and hence they want to preserve the old buildings and view them as symbols of national pride.
4. Do older people and young people in India have the same attitudes towards old buildings?
(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) There is a mixed opinion among the youth. Some of them who have been taught by their ancestors on the importance of old buildings or are interested in History want to preserve their heritage. Others don’t value it so much. Older people are reminiscent of old buildings.
5. Is it important to design a plan for a building?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Undoubtedly, yes. (Explain your reason or reasons) It is very important to make a plan because it lays the foundation for constructing buildings. A plan can be circulated for approval and, if rejected, can be modified. All major constructions have a plan.
VOCABULARY
Skyscrapers (noun) – a very tall building of many storeys.
Eg: Skyscrapers are very common in New York city.
Ventilated (verb) – cause air to enter and circulate freely in (a room, building, etc.).
Eg: Paul’s new house was well-ventilated.
Moderately (adv) – to a certain extent; quite; fairly.
Eg: He was moderately successful as an actor.
Mixed opinions (noun) – some people say they like it or agree with it, but others dislike it or disagree with it.
Eg: People had mixed opinions about the government’s military agreement with ABC country.
Reminiscent (adj) – tending to remind one of something.
Eg: On seeing his old school, Tim’s grandfather grew reminiscent.
