Unit 2 Task
Writing a letter about the Tower of London
Page 26 (Tapescript)
Host:
The Tower of London is one of the most famous and well-preserved historic buildings in the world. It is more than nine hundred years old and over two million tourists visit it each year. Before I explain its history, I must point out that the Tower is, in fact, not just one tower, but a whole complex of buildings surrounded by walls. To get back to the history, the Romans first
used the place over two thousand years ago when they ruled England. The next important date in the Tower of London’s history is 1066. that was when the Norman Duke William came from France and took over England. He built the Tower for protection.
However, most of the later kings did not like to live there for long. The Tower was famous for a second function as well —
that of a prison — and some very famous prisoners were kept there.
Another important function of the Tower was that it was used as a place for storing and making weapons, which lasted until the middle of the 19th century. At first, swords were made and stored there, and later guns.
A fourth function was that part of the Tower was used as a zoo, beginning in the
13
th
century and ending in 1832. Many of the wild animals kept there, including lions, were gifts from visitors.
The final function of the Tower was that of a safe. From the 14th century on, the Tower was used to store the jewels of the king and queen. After the 1600, they were exhibited to the public. In fact, the most popular part of the Tower for visitors today is the Jewel House, where the precious jewels are kept.
Answers
A (1) in fact
(2) to get back to
(3) the next important date
(4) however
(5) another important function
(6) a fourth function
(7) the final function
(8) in fact
Page 27 (Tapescript)
Host:
Today we are speaking to Doctor
Helen Jones, an expert on the Tower
of London. Good morning, Doctor
Jones. First of all, can you tell us
about the design of the Tower?
Jones:
Good morning. Well, first we must
understand that when the Tower
was built, its purpose was to protect
the people inside. It is really like a
small town. It had a water channel with a bridge over it that could be pulled up to stop enemies form entering the Tower. The most important places within the walls were on the corners, from which any enemy could be shot at with bows and arrows, and later, with guns. In addition, the windows in the towers had to be very small, so no one could shoot inside.
Host:
So why it is called the Tower of
London when, in fact, it is not just
one tower but a complex of buildings?
Jones:
It was named after one of the
buildings, the Great Tower, which
was later called the White Tower
when one of the kings had it painted
white. Afterwards, kings kept
adding more towers and buildings.
In fact, there are now 22 towers
altogether.
Host:
What other buildings have been built?
Jones:
Well, now, there are buildings where
the staff live, churches and a great
hall that was built for special events.
Then there is a place for soldiers to
live. There is also a place to store the
king and queen’s jewels. Over a
period of nine hundred years, many
buildings have been destroyed and
other built, but the main design has
remained the same.
Answers
B (1) the people
(2) small
(3) twenty-two
(4) churches
(5) soldiers
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