49. Describe a free-time activity Flashcards
Describe an historic building that you have visited./Describe a long walk that you went on.
You should say
+ what it was
+ where it was
And explain what features of the building you found interesting.
Today, I am going to share with you one of my favorite historic buildings that I have visited, that is The Temple of Literature or “Văn Miếu” in Vietnamese.
Van Mieu - located to the south of the Imperial [im’piəriəl] Citadel [‘sitədl] of Thang Long that now is a part of Hanoi City. It was the first university in Vietnam, which was built in 1070. The Temple was dedicated to Confucius [kənfjuʃəs] and it was built to educate Vietnam‟s bureaucrats [‘bjurəkræt], nobles, royalty and other members of the elite.
Like many other temples, The Temple of Literature was built in a vast area with many pavilions [pə’viliən], halls, statues [‘stætju:], yards…. However, one of the best features that I liked most is the Turtle Steles with the names of those successful at the royal exams. I remembered when I was a senior in high school, I would come here to pray for luck for my university entrance exam. This tradition is very popular among vietnamese students and pupils. In addition, during the lunar new year, we can come here to ask for a pair of “Hán” wishes from calligraphists [kəˈligrəfis] to bring home as a lucky charm or gift.
