A
66
IN THIS UNIT
GRAMMAR
• the passive
VOCABULARY
• describing buildings
• idioms
• prefixes
SCENARIO
• talking about requirements
• deciding on facilities in
a hotel
STUDY SKILLS
• identifying fact and opinion
WRITING SKILLS
• an opinion-led essay
Architecture
7.1
ICONIC BUILDINGS
7
A house is a machine for living in.
Le Corbusier (Charles-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris), 1887–1965, Swiss architect
VOCABULARY
DESCRIBING BUILDINGS
1
What is your favourite building? Why do you like it?
2
a
Are these adjectives for describing buildings
positive, negative or neutral?
ancient classical contemporary derelict
dilapidated elegant graceful imposing
impressive innovative magnificent ornate
run-down stylish traditional ugly
2
b
Decide which adjectives in Exercise 2a can
describe a building which is:
1
not in good condition
2
not modern
3
unattractive
4
new and different
5
attractive
6
decorative
7
modern
8
important-looking
PRONUNCIATION
3
7.1
Word stress
Underline the stress on the
adjectives in Exercise 2a. Put them in groups of words
with first- and second-syllable stress. Compare your
ideas with a partner, then listen and check.
THE COLOSSEUM
I always visit the Colosseum when I’m in Rome; it’s
magniϐicent. I suppose it’s what many people think of
when you say classical architecture. It’s an incredibly
impressive building, and to me represents the power
of the Roman Empire. It was constructed way back in
AD 80. It’s a vast amphitheatre and big crowds used to
go there to watch gladiators and ϐights between wild
animals. It’s made of stone and concrete, and although
it was damaged by earthquakes in the 15th century, the
main structure has survived for almost 2,000 years. It
used to look rather run-down, but recently it has been
renovated and partly restored.
