What is the effect of beginning the selection with a summary of
the author's trip to India thus far and then moving to a description
of the Taj Mahal?

The information at the beginning helps the reader decide whether to visit India. By starting with a summary of the trip, the author creates anticipation that encourages the reader to continue reading.

Explanation:

the answer is emerged from.

orpheus descended to hades, the world of the death to rescue eurydice. no mortal had ever done this before him, he survived because he was protected by the gods. the word "underworld" gives us a clue, he emerged from it like a whale emerges form sea for exemple.

should you be the one doing this journal entry? it says "your special talent or skill". are you gonna lie 'bout your talent and make us fake a talent for you?

also this is a really easy journal entry, you can just think of a skill your good at and write did you work hard to become good at this skill (ex: drawing, writing, math, playing music, etc.) or does it come naturally (like a cool trick that you can do with your body). you can do all of that in 150 words. just try and think of a talent and even if your bad at this talent just say your working hard to become good at it.