Learning activity 1 Evidence: The new 7 wonders of the world

In 2007, the new 7 wonders of the world were announced after voters all around the world
selected their favorite exiting phenomena. The chosen landmarks are: The Great Wall of China,
Petra (Jordan), Christ the Redeemer (Brazil), Machu Picchu (Peru), Chichen Itzá (Mexico),
Colosseum (Italy), Taj Mahal (India) and The Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt). For completing this
evidence, you need to do two parts. The first one is to look for information about one of the 7 new
wonders and also about the massive campaign that was held globally to select them. In the
second part, you need to record a tape in which you relate the history of your selected wonder and
also explain how it ended up in the final list of 7. Take into account that for completing this
evidence you need to refer to the construction, history, development and current status of your
selected wonder. In addition, you need to refer to most of the data you obtain by using the passive
voice. Finally, bear in mind that your recording must be at least two-minutes long.

Great Wall of China

In 2007, more than 100 million people voted to declare the New Seven Wonders of the World. The
following list of seven winners is presented without ranking and aims to represent global heritage.
Built between the 5th century B. C. and the 16th century, the Great Wall of China is a stone-and-
earth fortification created to protect the borders of the Chinese Empire from invading Mongols. The
Great Wall is actually a succession of multiple walls spanning approximately 4.000 miles, making it
the world’s longest manmade structure.

Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro)

The art Deco-style Christ the Redeemer statue has been looming over the Brazilians from upon
Corcovado Mountain in an awe-inspiring state of eternal blessing since 1931. The 130-foot
reinforced concrete and soapstone statue was designed by Heitor da Silva Costa and cost
approximately $ 250.000 to build much of the money was raised through donations. The statue
has become and easily recognized icon for Rio and Brazil.
Machu Picchu (Peru)
Machu Picchu, an Incan city of sparkling granite precariously perched between 2 towering Andean
peaks, is thought by scholars to have been a sacred archaeological center for nearly Incan capital
of Cuzco. Built at the peak of the Incan Empire in the mid 1400s, this mountain citadel was later
abandoned by the Incas. The site remained unknown except to locals until 1911, when it was
rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The site can only be reached by foot, train or
helicopter; most visitors visit by train from nearby Cuzco.

Chichen Itza (Yucatán Península, México)

The genius and adaptability of Mayan culture can be seen in the splendid ruins of Chichen Itza.
This powerful city, a trading center for cloth, slaves, honey and salt, flourished from approximately
800 to 1200, and acted as the political and economic hub of the Mayan civilization. The most
familiar ruin at the site is the Caracol, a sophisticated astronomical observatory.

The Roman Colosseum (Rome)

Rome’s if not Italy’s, most enduring icon is undoubtedly it’s Colosseum. Built between A.D. 70 and
80 A.D., it was in use for some 500 years. The elliptical structure sat nearly 50.000 spectators,
who gathered to watch gladiatorial events as well as other public spectacles, including battle
reenactments, animal hunts and executions. Earthquakes and stone-robbers have left the
Colosseum in a state of ruin, but portions of the structure remain open to tourists, and its design
still influences the construction of modern-day amphitheaters, some 2.000 years later.

Taj Mahal (Agra, India)

A mausoleum commissioned for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal was built
between 1632 and 1648. Considered the most perfect specimen of Muslim art in India, the white
marble structure actually represents a number of architectural styles, including Persian, Islamic,
Turkish and Indian. The Taj Mahal also encompasses formal gardens of raised pathways, sunken
flower beds and a linear reflecting pool.

Part two: Petra (Jordan)

The new wonders were chosen in 2007 through an online contest put on by a Swiss company, the
New 7 Wonders Foundation, in which more than tens of millions of millions of people voted. All are
UNESCO World Heritage sites.
My favorite wonder is the city of Petra, declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra was the
capital of the Nabataean empire ok king Aretas IV, and likely existed in its prime from 9 B.C. to
A.D. 40. The members of this civilization proved to be early experts in manipulating water
technology, constructing intricate tunnels and water chambers, which helped create and pseudo-
oasis. A number of incredible structures carved into stone, a 4.000-seat amphitheater and the El-
Deir monastery have also helped the site earn its fame. the stunning city of stone which was built
by the Nabateans, who lived in the Wadi Musa valley for more than 400 years, in a spot
strategically located along early silk and spice trade routes. The city fell to the Roman Empire.
Today, the monuments are vulnerable to flash flooding in the Wadi Musa and continuing erosion
from wind and rain. The number of visitors to Petra has decreased in recent years, in part because
of instability and violence in the Middle East. Petra is a three-hour drive from Amman and two
hours from the Red Sea port of Aqaba. Buses run the route daily, along with organized tours and
private taxis. The Jordan Trall passes through Petra, allowing hikers to connect with Dana or Wadi
Rum.

How could you get there? Reducing Petra to a single day trip is a common mistake. Remember
that Petra spreads out for over a hundred square miles- four times the size of Manhattan. While
donkeys, camels, and horse buggies can hasten travel time between highlights, most of Petra's
sites are best reached on foot. Come ready to hike some steep terrain.
Petra is open year-round, so choose your own adventure: I highly recommend Spring and fall
because they offer the most temperate weather, with fantastic light.
When you finish your work, send the file to your instructor through the platform as follows:

1. Click the title of this evidence.

2. Click Examinar mi equipo and look for the file in your computer. Make sure the file is
attached.
3. Leave a comment for the instructor (optional).
4. Click Enviar.

Note: This evidence is an individual activity. Remember to check the learning guide in order to
know if you have done all the assigned activities, know how to develop them and deliver them
correctly.

Criterios de evaluación
   Describe situaciones o eventos en los cuales el énfasis de la oración recae en el sujeto,
dejando en segundo lugar al agente de la acción.
   Comunica una impresión de objetividad al usar la voz pasiva en los contextos
requeridos.
   Omite el agente de la acción en contextos en los cuales no se tiene información clara o
específica sobre el mismo haciendo uso de la estructura gramatical requerida.