Page 25 - E-module IC Reading

Borobudur is a Buddhist temple, well-known all over the world. It was built in the
ninth century under the Sailendra dynasty of the ancient Mataram kingdom, and it is
located in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia.[1]
Borobudur’s construction is influenced by the Gupta architecture of India. The
temple is constructed on a hill 46 meter high and consists of eight steps like a stone
terrace. The first five terraces are square-shaped and surrounded by walls decorated
with Buddhist sculpture in bas-relief. The upper three are circular. Each of them is
with a circle of bell shape-stupa. The entire upper structure is crowned by a large
stupa at the center of the top circle. The way from the bottom of the temple to it
extends through up to 4.8 km of passage and stairways. The architecture and
stonework of this temple have no equal, built without using any cement. The structure
is like a set of massive stacked Lego blocks without any glue. [2]
The design of Borobudur symbolizes the conception of the universe in Buddhist
cosmology. It is believed that the universe is divided into three spiritual spheres,
kamadhatu, rupadhatu, and arupadhatu. The first sphere, kamadhatu, represents the
sphere of desires where we are bound to our desires; the second sphere, rupadhatu,
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represents forms where we abandon our desires but are still bound to name and form;
and the last sphere, arupadhatu, represents formlessness where there is no longer
either name or form. Borobudur temple which was rededicated as an Indonesian
monument in 1983 is a valuable treasure for Indonesian people. With its magnificent
size and architecture, it is no wonder that Borobudur Temple is listed by UNESCO as
a World Heritage Site. [3]

(282 words, adapted from http://britishcourse.com/contoh-descriptive-text-tentang-borobudur-
temple.php & https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/java/magelang-
regency/borobudur)

This passage follows the structure of a factual description. The first paragraph is the
introduction. It tells you what you are about to read in the passage (Borobudur Temple).
The second paragraph describes the location, shape, as well as the unique features of
Borobudur Temple. The last paragraph provides the conclusion—the summary of Borobudur
Temple.

After reading the passage above, answer the following questions to deepen your
understanding of the text.

A. Comprehension
1. Where is Borobudur Temple located at?
2. What is the construction of Borobudur Temple inspired by?
3. Under whose dynasty and which kingdom was the Borobudur temple built?

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