A
Authorities in India warn that the worldfamous Taj Mahal desperately needs repairs.Some say that this architectural landmark could eventually collapse unless efforts are made to protect and preserve it.
The Taj Mahal，completed in 1648，was built in Agra，India，on the edge of the Yamuna River.The wooden foundation that holds up the building stays strong because of the moist environment around the river.If the river were to dry out，the wooden foundation could crack and fall apart.Over the past decade，the Yamuna has been shrinking, especially during the summer months.This is partly because of overuse of the river water by residents and businesses.
Some officials have said the building may collapse in as little as five years.Other experts disagree and question whether the building really faces any danger.Certain politicians and historians (历史学家)，however，are pushing the government to begin preservation efforts，or work to repair and take care of the monument.This is not the first time the Taj Mahal has been threatened.In 1996，officials thought air pollution was turning the building yellow.The Indian government ordered nearby factories to stop burning coal or leave the area.
Shah Jahan，a former emperor (皇帝) of India，began building the Taj Mahal in 1631.He had it built in honor of his deceased (已故的) wife，Mumtaz Mahal，who was buried inside the Taj Mahal with Jahan.Many architects say the building is a masterpiece of symmetry.Symmetry is a visual technique where the right side of an object looks the same as the left side of the object.
The Taj Mahal has been named one of the Seven Wonders of the World，a list of amazing humanmade landmarks.The United Nations Educational，Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)lists the Taj Mahal as a World Heritage Site and helps preserve the famous structure.Because of the building's importance in Indian culture，Minister of Parliament Ramshankar Katheria has taken the case to both the Prime Minister and President of India.Katheria has said，“I am demanding a highlevel inquiry (调查) to analyze the severe threat posed to the wooden structures in the foundation of the Taj.”
【语篇解读】 本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了印度泰姬陵目前的状况。
1．According to the first paragraph，it is suggested that ．
A．people like the Taj Mahal worldwide
B．some repair work has ever been done with the Taj Mahal
C．the Taj Mahal is in danger
D．the Taj Mahal will be rebuilt
C [细节理解题。从第一段中的“Some say that this architectural landmark could eventually collapse unless efforts are made to protect and preserve it.”可知，如果不采取措施去保护泰姬陵的话，这个地标性建筑会倒塌，处境危险，C项理解正确。]
2．In Paragraph 2，the underlined word “shrinking” could be replaced by ．
A．reducing B．flowing
C．cooling D．flooding
A [词义猜测题。从下一句中的提示性信息“overuse of the river water”可推知，因为河水过度使用，导致亚穆纳河流面积缩减，A项符合语境。]
3．Unlike some officials，other experts ．
A．are good at repairing the Taj Mahal
B．believe the Taj Mahal is in good shape
C．do some research on the Taj Mahal
D．suggest the Taj Mahal be protected
B [细节理解题。从第三段中的前两句“Some officials have said the building may collapse in as little as five years.Other experts disagree and question whether the building really faces any danger.”可知，一些专家认为泰姬陵完好，并没有什么坍塌危险，B项理解正确。]
4．Which of the following is TRUE of the Taj Mahal according to the text?
A．It was built over the Yamuna River.
B．It almost fell down due to the air pollution there.
C．It was built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal.
D．It is well managed by the UNESCO.
C [细节理解题。从倒数第二段中的“He had it built in honor of his deceased (已故的) wife，Mumtaz Mahal，who was buried inside the Taj Mahal with Jahan.”可知，泰姬陵是印度皇帝为了纪念亡妻才建造的，C项理解正确；其他三项均是对原文相关细节的错误理解。]
