English Reading Skills Passage 7
___ is a notable literary work by ___. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of ___.
Answer
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The Temple of Apollo at Delphi was one of the most famous ancient sites in Greece, attracting pilgrims and visitors from all over the ancient world.
Delphi was regarded as the center of the world by the ancient Greeks. According to mythology, Zeus sent two eagles to fly across the earth, and their meeting point marked the world’s center, known as the “navel of the earth.” At this site, the Temple of Apollo was built, dedicated to the god of prophecy, music, and light. Pilgrims visited Delphi to seek guidance from the oracle, a priestess of Apollo called the Pythia. She was believed to communicate directly with the god and provide cryptic answers to questions about the future.
The temple stood majestically on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking a valley surrounded by mountains. Its location was as enchanting as its history. The temple had columns and sculptures that represented the grandeur of Greek architecture. However, much of its beauty is lost due to centuries of decay.
The oracle’s answers were often mysterious and open to interpretation. Many believed that the cryptic nature of her prophecies gave them deeper meaning. Delphi was not just a religious center but also a hub of politics and culture. Leaders from city-states visited Delphi to seek divine approval before making important decisions.
Although the temple now lies in ruins, its history continues to fascinate visitors. It remains a symbol of ancient wisdom and human curiosity.
1. Answer any ten of the following questions: (1×10=10)
(a) What was the Temple of Apollo known for?
(b) Why was Delphi called the “navel of the earth”?
(c) Who was the Pythia, and what was her role?
(d) Where was the Temple of Apollo located?
(e) Why were the oracle’s answers considered mysterious?
Write down the meaning of the following words in English and make your own sentences with them:
(f) Pilgrim (g) Oracle (h) Cryptic (i) Ruins
Change the following sentences as directed:
(j) Pilgrims visited Delphi to seek guidance from the oracle. (Make it passive)
(k) The temple stood majestically on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. (Make it complex)
(l) The oracle gave answers that were often mysterious. (Make it simple)
Solution
(a) The Temple of Apollo was famous for being one of the greatest ancient sites in Greece.
(b) Delphi was called the “navel of the earth” because Zeus sent two eagles, and where they met was believed to be the center of the world.
(c) The Pythia was a priestess who spoke for the god Apollo and gave answers about the future.
(d) The Temple of Apollo was on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, above a valley.
(e) The oracle’s answers were mysterious because they were hard to understand and open to different meanings.
(f) Meaning: A person who travels to a holy place.
Sentence: The pilgrim traveled far to seek blessings at the temple.
(g) Meaning: A person believed to give predictions from the gods.
Sentence: The oracle gave a cryptic answer to the king’s question.
(h) Meaning: Mysterious or difficult to understand.
Sentence: The teacher’s cryptic comment confused the students.
(i) Meaning: The remains of a destroyed building or structure.
Sentence: The tourists explored the ruins of the ancient city.
(j) Guidance from the oracle was sought by pilgrims at Delphi.
(k) The temple stood majestically on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, which overlooked a beautiful valley.
(l) The oracle often gave mysterious answers.