The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure in the world. It was begun more than 2000 years ago by Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. However, the wass did not start out as one single structure. At the emperor’s order, four existing defence walls along the northern border of what is now China were joined. Subsequent dynasties continued to expand and fortify the wall. Most of the Great Wall of China that we see today was built during the Ming dynasty which lasted from 1358 to 1644. The wass was intended to repel invaders from the north. Much of it has a roadway on top to facilitate the movement of troops and numerous watchtowers equipped with cannons. Construction materials changed with location and times. Different parts of the Great Wall are made of rammed earth, stone and brick. The actual builders of the Great Wall were peasants, soldiers and prisoners. Many died during the building of the wall. Today the Great Wall is no longer used for defence. It is now a popular tourist destination. Areas that have been repaired and maintained for visitors include the Badaling, Mutianyu and Wangjinglou. The Great Wall was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, signifying its cultural importance to the people of the world.
Questions
1. Write a summary of the extract.
2. Write a question for a builder or the writer of the article.
3. Why was the Great Wall built? (1 mark)
4. Look at the sentence ‘Subsequent dynasties continued to expand and fortify the wall.’ Which word can be used as a synonym for ‘fortify’? (1 mark) a. Strengthen b. Expand c. Extend d. Create
5. Why are different parts of the wall made from different materials? (2 marks)
6. Why do you think only certain areas of the wall are maintained for tourists? Give two reasons (2 marks)
7. Why was the Great Wall of China named a UNESCO World Heritage Site? (1 mark)
8. ‘The building of the Great Wall of China was a good thing.’ Do you agree with this statement? Find evidence from the text to support your opinions. (4 marks)
9. Write a diary entry as a peasant, soldier or prisoner during the Ming Dynasty. (3 marks)