Use of English

Buildings and Beliefs

Architecture is often seen as more than a practical way of creating shelter. The design of a building can also (0) REFLECT the values of the society that produced it. In many cities, public buildings are designed to (1) .......... a sense of power, order or openness. A huge palace, for example, may be intended to (2) .......... visitors with the wealth and authority of its owners, while a simple town hall might suggest honesty and service. Religious buildings also reveal a great deal about cultural priorities. Some are built to encourage silence and reflection, while others are meant to (3) .......... people together in shared celebration. Even the materials chosen for a building can be (4) .......... with meaning. Stone may suggest strength and permanence, whereas glass can create a feeling of lightness and change. Over time, styles alter as societies develop new ideas. As a (5) .........., modern architecture often places more importance on efficiency and environmental concerns. Yet many architects still try to (6) .......... on traditional forms in order to preserve a link with the past. In this way, buildings do not simply provide space; they also (7) .......... as records of what a culture admires, fears or hopes for. For that (8) .........., architecture remains one of the clearest expressions of cultural identity.