Descriptive Text

Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world. It was built by a Muslim Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his dear wife at Agra.

Taj Mahal is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal. The mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it.

The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements.

Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include many walls and panels of Islamic decoration.

Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.

What does Taj Mahal refer to ?

• Love
• Romance
• Shah Jahan
• Mumtaz Mahal

Why does Taj Mahal become so famous ?

• Because Taj Mahal is one of Seven Wonders of the World.
• Because Taj Mahal is the symbol of love from a husband to his wife
• Because Taj Mahal stands on the banks of River Yamuna
• Because Taj Mahal was built in the memory of the beautiful Mumtaz Mahal
• Because Taj Mahal is the place to show a man’s love

Which statement is NOT true based on the text ?

• when the sky is bright and clear, Taj Mahal looks milky white
• Taj Mahal is one of the the Seven Wonders of the World
• Taj Mahal is located on the banks of River Yamuna.
• Mumtaz Mahal was the husband of Shah Jahan.
• The dome is surrounded by four smaller domes.

Taj Mahal, an epitome of love, is actually a mausoleum. The word "mausoleum" has the similar meaning to …. .

• Grave
• Chamber
• House
• Marble
• Symbol

What is the purpose of the text above ?

• To entertain people about Taj Mahal
• To persuade people about the beauty of Taj Mahal
• To describe Taj Mahal
• To inform the readers about Taj Mahal
• To retell the story on the building of Taj Mahal

What does Taj Mahal mean ?

• love
• beloved wife
• castle
• crown of palaces
• milky white

Who was the king according to the text ?

• Emperor
• Mumtaz Mahal
• Shah Jahan
• Yamuna

What was Taj Mahal made of ?

• Romantic love
• Carvings
• Good marble
• Pure white marble

Who built the building ?

• Mumtaz Mahal
• Taj Mahal
• Kind king
• Shah Jahan

How is Taj Mahal ?

• Lovely
• Great
• Amazing
• Pretty