Вопрос школьника
Imagine you are a tour guide. Tell a group of tourists about Big Ben. Then answer the group’s questions
Ответ от учителя
Hello everyone, welcome to London! Today, I will be your tour guide and I am excited to tell you about one of the most iconic landmarks in the city — Big Ben.
Big Ben is actually the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The tower itself is officially called the Elizabeth Tower, named after Queen Elizabeth II. The clock tower stands at 315 feet tall and has four clock faces, each measuring 23 feet in diameter.
The Great Bell, or Big Ben, weighs over 13 tons and was cast in 1858. It is said that the bell was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who was the First Commissioner of Works at the time of its installation. The clock tower and the bell have become symbols of London and are recognized all over the world.
The clock tower has undergone several renovations over the years, including a major restoration project that began in 2017 and is expected to be completed in 2021. During this time, the clock faces have been covered and the bell has been silenced to allow for the necessary repairs.
Now, I am happy to answer any questions you may have about Big Ben.
Tourist 1: Can we go inside the clock tower?
Unfortunately, the clock tower is not open to the public. However, you can still admire the tower and take photos from the outside.
Tourist 2: How often does the bell chime?
The bell chimes every hour and has a unique melody that is instantly recognizable.
Tourist 3: Is it true that Big Ben is leaning?
Yes, it is true that the tower is leaning slightly to one side. However, experts say that the lean is not significant enough to cause any concern.
Tourist 4: What happens when the clock needs to be adjusted for daylight saving time?
The clock is adjusted manually by a team of clockmakers who climb up to the clock faces and make the necessary changes.
Tourist 5: Can we hear the bell chime during the renovation?
Unfortunately, the bell will not be chiming during the renovation period. However, once the restoration is complete, the bell will be back to its regular schedule of chiming every hour.
