Alhambra Palace (Spain)

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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 tutor.

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)

renovated
take a stroll
reddish
stunning
fortress
cascade
intricate

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?