Conversation Two

M: Ann, where is this?

W: These photos are from the Taj Mahal in India. We went there about ten years ago for our honeymoon.

M: Was it romantic?

W: Yeah, the Taj Mahal was a very romantic place. The guide told us there is a very famous love story behind this building that all Indians learn in school. I think it was during the 1600s. And the princess at the time died while giving birth to her fourteenth 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.

W: 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 and 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.

W: Yes, it's a very famous tourist destination so there are thousands of visitors every day.

M: Was the rest of India crowded?

W: 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 are friendly, the culture is amazing and we had a great time.

M: What about the food?

W: Indian food is great. There are lots of different dishes to try and every region has its own special food.

Question 12-15 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

Q12: For what purpose did the woman go to India?

Q13: Why was the Taj Mahal built?

Q14: What does the woman say about the Taj Mahal?

Q15: What is the woman's impression of Indian cities?