Vocabulary

Video

Transcript

Today London is one of the most important economic centers in the Western world. It is a major location for various industries, the centre of the British Commonwealth and a popular tourist attraction which welcomes more than 20 million visitors a year.

We start our sightseeing tour at one of London’s most famous landmarks the Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of Parliament. The impressive building with its clock tower, Big Ben is located on the north bank of the River Thames.

It was the residence of the English monarchs in the late Medieval period. Today is the seat of the UK Parliament which consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Big Ben, the bell within the Clock Tower at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, is named after the man who had it built, Sir Benjamin Hall and weighs thirteen tons.

Directly opposite Big Ben, we find Westminster Abbey, a famous Gothic church. This is the place where English kings and queens are crowned and buried.

 
Trafalgar Square is London’s largest and most famous square. Once it was the site of the royal stables. Today it is dominated by two large fountains. Whenever you go to Trafalgar Square it is crowded with people during the hot summer months, some of them enjoy a refreshing bath in one of the fountains.

At Trafalgar Square we once again meet the famous English hero Admiral Nelson his statue towers far above the square on a 60 meter high column.

Close to Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery with works of famous painters such as Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. This is a picture by Rubens.

This is the world’s largest observation wheel on the south bank of the Thames. It was built to celebrate the new millennium and is called the London Eye. Up to 135 metres above the ground glass capsules offer breathtaking views of the Thames and of the city itself.

Questions

Palace. The economy of London is based entirely on tourism. True or false? Do a few, some or many tourists visit London?

Castle, Fortress. The British monarchy (Queen and King) live in the Palace of Westminster. Is this right or wrong? At present, what is the function of the Palace of Westminster?

Legislature, Parliament, Congress. What can you say about the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the Clock Tower?

Museum, Art Gallery. Is Westminster Abbey a government building?

City Bus, Bus Stop. What can you find in Trafalgar Square?

Disco, Nightclub, Club. . Trafalgar Square has a statue of Winston Churchill. It commemorates the Second World War. Is this correct or incorrect?

Bar, Pub. Only artwork by British artists are displayed at the National Gallery. Is this correct or incorrect?

Train, Tram, Trolley. Was the London Eye built in the Middle Ages? Why do people go on the London Eye?
 
 
 
Cafe, Bistro, Restaurant. My friends and I have been to London. Yes or no?

Bridge. Would you and your friends like to visit London? Would you like to live in London?

River, Riverfront, Riverbank. What is the most beautiful, interesting or fascinating city that you have visited? What is your favorite city?

Port, Harbor, Dock. What might happen to London in the future?

Bureau, Department, Ministry. Should people visit London and other big cities or smaller towns and attractions?

Subway, Underground, Tube, Metro. Should governments and people build new modern buildings or old, classical buildings or both?