Conversation 2
M: And where is this?
F: These photos are from the Taj Mahal in India. We went there about ten years ago for our honeymoon.
M: Was it romantic.
F: Yeah. The Taj Mahal was a very romantic place. The guide told us there is a famous love story behind this building that all Indians learn in school. I think it was during the 1600 and the princess at that time died while giving birth to her 14th child. The Emperor loved the princess so much and was so sad when she died that he ordered the palace to be built in her honor.
M: Wow! That sounds very romantic. It looks amazing.
F: Yes it’s gorgeous. It’s also larger in real life than it looks in the photos. The building is very tall and there are gardens in a wall around it all. It’s all built in this white stone and some walls of the building are decorated with jewels.
M: It must have been very crowded when you were there.
F: Yes it’s a very famous tourist destination. So there are thousands of visitors every day.
M: Was the rest of India crowded?
F: Yes, very crowded in many cities. It was sometimes so crowded that it was difficult to walk along the streets especially through busy markets. And there are so many cars. Traffic was terrible but the people were friendly. The culture is amazing and we had a great time.
M: What about the food?
F: the Indian food is great. There are lots of different dishes to try and every region has its own special food.
Question 12: For what purpose did the woman go to India?
Question 13: Why was the Taj Mahal built?
Question 14: What does the woman say about the Taj Mahal?
Question 15: What is the woman‘s impression of Indian cities?
Passage 1
A Pew Research Center survey of more than 1000 Americans conducted in April 2022 finds that Americans continue to express largely positive views about the current state of their local public libraries. For instance around three quarters say that public libraries provide them with the resources they need and 66 percent say the closing of their local public library would have a major impact on their community. Although notably just 33 percent say this would have a major impact on them personally or on their family. A majority of Americans feel libraries are doing a good job of providing a safe place for people to hang out or spend time as well as opening up educational opportunities for people of all ages and roughly half think their libraries contribute a lot to their communities in terms of helping spark creativity among young people and providing a trusted place for people to learn about new technologies. As in past Pew Research Center surveys of library use the April 2022 survey also measured Americans usage of and engagement with libraries. Overall, 53 percent of Americans ages 16 and older have had some interaction with the puppet library in the past year either through an in person visit or using a library Web site some 48 percent of adults specifically visited a library in the past 12 months. A modest increase from the 44 percent who said that in late 2022.
Question 16: What do most Americans say about local public libraries?
Question 17: How can local public libraries benefit young people?
Question 18：What does the 2022 survey show about adult library users?
Passage 2
A Savannah cat is a crossbreed between a domestic cat and a medium-sized wild African cat called the Serval. The unusual cross became popular among breeders at the end of the 1990s. And in 2001, the International Cat Association accepted it as a new registered breed. The savannahs are tall and slim and can weigh up to nine point one kilograms, making them one of the largest breeds of cats that people can own. They have a spotted code similar to that of many types of wild cats and their ears are very large. They are also commonly compared to dogs in their loyalty and can be trained to walk on a lead and to fetch, and often noted characteristic of the Savannah is its jumping ability. They are known to jump on top of doors and high cabinets. Some can leap about 2.5 metres high from a standing position. Cats are typically known for being very inquisitive and so are the Savannahs. They often learn how to open doors and cupboards. Many Savannah cats do not fear water and will play with or even dive into water. Some owners even shower with their Savannah Cats, presenting a water bowl to Savannah may also prove a challenge, as some will promptly begin to bat all the water out of the bowl until it is empty using their front paws.
Question 19: What do we learn about the savannah cat?
Question 20: What is characteristic of Savannah cats?
Question 21: What do some people do with their Savannah cats?
Passage 3
When children start school for the very 1st time parents often feel a sense of excitement coupled with a touch of sadness at the end of an era. This is the start of a new adventure for children playing and interacting with new friends sharing, taking turns and settling into a new routine.
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