Fig. 26. The Tallest Buildings in the World
Exercise 6. Answer the questions.
1. A skyscraper is a tall building higher than 50 floors, isn’t it?
2. What are the differences between early and modern skyscrapers?
3. Why are skyscrapers designed to act like a hollow cylinder?
4. What are the main steps in building a skyscraper?
5. What inner elements of a skyscraper can you name?
6. Why is steel the best building material for skyscrapers?
7. Who invented an elevator?
8. What is the tallest building in the world? Where is it?
9. Is it possible to build a skyscraper having the height of 1 km?
10. What is the tallest building in your city? How tall is it?
Exercise 7. Fill in the blanks using the information from text A.
1. One common feature of skyscrapers is a steel framework that supports … walls.
A. Load-bearing.
B. Curtain.
C. Framed.
2. Modern skyscrapers often have a … structure.
A. Tubular.
B. Arched.
C. Panel.
3. Steel, concrete beams and columns are placed into foundations to carry the weight of the … .
A. Footing.
B. Roof.
C. Superstructure.
4. … are used to raise a steel frame up into the sky.
A. Elevators.
B. Cranes.
C. Bulldozers.
5. Pumps bring … to all parts of the skyscraper.
A. Electricity.
B. Clean water.
C. People.
6. The … carries away water and waste materials.
A. Wires.
B. HVAC system.
C. Drainage system.
7. Before the Industrial Revolution … walls carried the weight of buildings.
A. Steel and concrete.
B. Brick and stone.
C. Wood and glass.
8. For four decades the … in New York was the world’s highest structure.
A. Burj Khalifa.
B. Empire State Building.
C. Federation Tower.
9. Today the world’s tallest buildings stand in … .
A. Asia.
B. America.
C. Europe.
10. Currently the tallest building in the world is … .
A. 828 m.
B. 1000 m.
C. 452 m.
Exercise 8. Write the adjective forms of these words. Use Text A to help you. Then use them in your own sentences.
1. Height.
2. Possibility.
3. Tube.
4. Depth.
5. Solidity.
6. Strength.
7. Use.
8. Safety.
Exercise 9. Group A should read about the Burj Dubai Tower and Group B about the Federation Tower. Read your articles and answer the questions. Then explain briefly to someone from the other group what you have learnt from the article. Complete the table while listening to your partner. Then read the other person's article and check the answers.
| Skyscrapers Characteristics | Burj Dubai | Federation Tower |
| Location | ||
| Height | ||
| Floors | ||
| Period of construction | ||
| Cost | ||
| Elevators | ||
| Building materials | ||
| Usage | ||
| Observation platform (floor) |
A. Burj Dubai
It is a super tall skyscraper in Dubai. At the cost of about 4 billion dollars the tower symbolizes Dubai as a world city. Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004. The building was opened in 2010.
The building has 160 stories. The foundation has been laid 50 metres into the ground.
The Y-shaped tower consists of stainless steel and glass. It rises to the sky in steps from the middle of a man-made lake. In Islamic architecture these steps symbolize rising towards heaven.
The tower has apartments, shops, swimming pools, spas and observation platforms on the 124th floor and 148th floor. It also has the first hotel owned by Italian’s fashion tsar Giorgio Armani.
| Fig. 27. Burj Dubai (828 m.) |
Questions
1. How long did it take to build this skyscraper?
2. What is the construction cost?
3. How many floors does the building have?
4. What materials have been used?
5. Does it symbolize anything?
6. Is it possible for tourists to visit it?
7. How many elevators are there?
8. Do you like its shape?
B. Federation Tower
The Federation Tower in Moscow is the tallest building in Europe. The construction began in 2003 and finished in 2016. Total construction cost for the complex is estimated to be 1.2 billion dollars.
The complex consists of two towers built on one podium. The Tower East is a 95-storey structure. The Tower West is a 63-storey structure. 67 high-speed elevators carrying 20 people each are installed there. The building accommodates offices, hotels and apartments. An observation platform is located on 75th floor. Currently, 61st floor of the Tower West accommodates the highest restaurant in Moscow, “Sixty”. The building also features the highest digital clock in the world.
According to the builder of the tower, concrete grade B90 is used for its construction. It is twice as strong as regular concrete and allows the skyscraper to withstand a direct hit of an aircraft.
| Fig. 28. Federation Tower (374 m.) |
Questions
1. How long did it take to build this skyscraper?
2. What is the construction cost?
3. How many floors does the building have?
4. Is it a residential building or an office block?
5. What materials have been used?
6. How many elevators are there?
7. Is it possible for tourists to visit it?
8. Do you like its shape?