Unit 9
Lesson 1
Student’s Book pages 70-71
Tourist attractions
Before you begin
Look at the picture
1 Can you think of an example of Islamic architecture in Jordan? Tell your partner what you think of it.
Answers
Students’ own answers
2 Read the words in the box. Which of these words do you think are related to architectural features? Check the meaning of any words you don’t know in the Activity Book Glossary or in a dictionary
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overlook spectacular courtyard marble fountain arch dome plasterwork calligraphy arcade |
Answers
courtyard, marble, fountain, arch, dome, plasterwork, arcade
3 Read and listen to the article. How objective is the speaker? Explain.
Answers
He gives his opinion about Alhambra Palace (….part of the impressive heritage of the long-lasting Islamic empire in Spain…… It has become an important tourist attraction in Spain because of its rich Islamic history…….it has beautiful views… it includes the spectacular Court of the Lions…… the beautiful dome…. It seems to be paradise on earth…)
Alhambra Palace
Alhambra Palace in Granada is part of the impressive heritage of the long-lasting Islamic empire in Spain. Its name in Arabic (Qasr al Hamra) means ‘The Red Castle’. This refers to the red colouring of the bricks that the original palace was built from. It has become an important tourist attraction in Spain because of its rich Islamic history. It has also had a lot of influence on worldwide art and architecture since it was built.
This palace, which was built on a hill overlooking Granada, has beautiful views. The first king arrived in the thirteenth century and constructed a royal palace. After that, other kings added more parts to the palace. This is why it has so many different styles.
Many tourists come to visit Alhambra Palace today to see the Islamic architecture. This includes the spectacular Court of the Lions, which is probably the most famous part of the building. It is a square open-air courtyard with an impressive marble fountain in the centre. The fountain’s name comes from the twelve lions that support the fountain. The lion was a symbol of power in Islamic history and art. From this courtyard you can walk under arches into the Hall of the Two Sisters, whose wooden doors are over eight hundred years old. This room attracts tourists because of the beautiful dome, shaped like a flower, and the detailed plasterwork on the walls. Islamic Spain was famous for its artwork and calligraphy, and there are many well-preserved examples in this room.
There is a great difference between the plain outside walls and the paintings and sculpture that cover the inside walls. It seems to be paradise on earth with the column arcades, fountains and pools that are preserved there.
Comprehension
4 Read and listen to the text again
1 Give another suitable title to the text.
2 What are the most important elements of Islamic style of Alhambra Palace?
3 The lion was a symbol of power in Islamic history and art. Name other symbols of Islam. What do they represent?
4 How do you think Alhambra Palace should be preserved?
Answers
1 Suggested answers: The Red Castle, Islamic Architecture of Alhambra Palace
2 the courtyard, the marble, the fountains, the arch, the dome, plasterwork on the wall, the column arcades, arches, the pools all are important elements of Islamic style of Alhambra Palace.
3 Students’ own answers
4 Students’ own answers
SPEAKING
5 Are there any buildings in Jordan with similar architectural features? Discuss with a partner.
Students’ own answers
Unit 9
Lesson 1
Activity Book page 49
Vocabulary
1 Look at the following words related to architecture.
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spectacular courtyard marble fountain arch dome plasterwork calligraphy |
1 a type of beautiful writing?
2 an adjective meaning ‘incredible’?
3 a curved structure supporting the weight of a roof or wall?
4 a structure from which jets of water are pumped out?
5 an open area of ground surrounded by walls or buildings?
6 a rounded roof of a building?
7 ornamental work done with a paste that dries very hard and solid?
Answers
1 calligraphy
2 spectacular
3 arch
4 fountain
5 courtyard
6 dome
7 plasterwork
2 Complete the text with words from exercise 1.
King Abdullah I Mosque in Amman was built by the late King Hussein as a memorial to his grandfather. This (1) –e—ac---- place of worship for Muslims is covered by a huge blue (2)-- m- that is beautifully made of mosaic. Up to 7,000 worshippers inside, and another 3,000 outside, gather for Friday prayers. The outside (3) –o---- a-- is extremely peaceful. It contains wide gardens and great (4)---- t--- s.
1 spectacular
2 dome
3 courtyard
4 fountains
