Alhambra Palace (Spain)
Alhambra Palace (Spain)
https://student.grablingo.com/materials_units/1888
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
fortress
Noun
ˈfɔːrtrɪs
a large building or building complex built for defensive purposes
This fortress was the only thing left standing after the war.
cascade
Noun
kæsˈkeɪd
a small waterfall
It's ridiculous to call the Niagara falls a cascade.
take a stroll
Phrase
teɪk ə stroʊl
take a walk, take a tour
I would like to take a stroll in the Dubai Miracle Garden.
intricate
Adjective
ˈɪntrɪkɪt
rich in minute details
The building has a very intricate design.
stunning
Adjective
ˈstʌn.ɪŋ
very beautiful, breathtaking
She looked stunning in that blue dress you bought for her.
renovate
Verb
ˈrɛnəˌveɪt
to restore something to a better condition; to improve by repairing, remodeling or cleaning (usually a building)
I had my apartment renovated last year.
Exercise 2
Dialogue Practice
Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.
Nina and Nicole are talking about the Alhambra Palace, located in Spain, well-known for its wonderful architectural style.
Nina
Oh, I forgot to tell you! I'm going on a trip to Spain with my family in two weeks. We're planning to visit the Alhambra Palace and fortress complex.
Nicole
Alhambra? I have never heard of that. What a strange name! I can barely pronounce it!
Nina
Yes, it means Red Castle in Arabic. It was probably named like that due to its reddish walls.
Nicole
Is it old? And why is it Arabic, if it’s in Spain?
Nina
Yes, it's very old, actually. It was renovated in the 11th century, but it is older than that. At that time, Spain was occupied by the Moors, Muslims from North Africa. So that's where the Arabic name comes from.
Nicole
Interesting. I guess I don't know that much about the history of Spain. But still, I wonder why I haven’t heard of that place. Is it famous?
Nina
Yeah, it's pretty famous, actually. It is a World Heritage site. The architecture of the place is very intricate. From what I've seen in the pictures, it looks stunning.
Nicole
Now you've made me really curious. I'll have to look it up!
Nina
I also spent a few hours last night looking at pictures and reading about the place. There seems to be a beautiful park around the palace with fountains and cascades. I can’t wait to take a stroll there!
Nicole
You're so lucky, I envy you now! Please send me some pictures as soon as you get there!
Nina
I will!
Exercise 3
Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks to complete the sentences.
The weather is so nice! Let’s in the park!
The was partially destroyed in the war.
I don’t like this color and I don’t think it looks good on me.
I really like the calming sound of the .
The view of Mount Fuji is simply !
My parents are having their house .
The carving on this vase is very .
Answer Pool (Questions 1-7)
cascade
intricate
renovated
take a stroll
fortress
stunning
reddish
Exercise 4
Discussion
Would you like to visit Alhambra? Why? Why not?
Can you describe some World Heritage Sites in your country?
Are fountains and/or cascades common in parks and gardens in your country? If not, what is common?
Do you like architecture? Why? Why not?
What is the most impressive architectural sight that you've ever seen?
