英语听力短文《大本钟》【精简3篇】
英语听力短文《大本钟》 篇一
Big Ben: A Symbol of London's History
Big Ben is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and has become synonymous with the city's history and culture. This magnificent clock tower, located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, has captivated visitors from all over the world for centuries.
The history of Big Ben dates back to the mid-19th century when the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by a fire. In 1834, the decision was made to rebuild the palace, and a competition was held to design the new clock tower. The winning design came from architect Augustus Pugin, who envisioned a Gothic-style tower that would be a fitting addition to the grandeur of the palace.
Construction of the clock tower began in 1843 and was completed in 1859. The tower stands at an impressive height of 96 meters and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The clock itself is a masterpiece of engineering, with four dials that are each over seven meters in diameter. The hour hand is 2.7 meters long, while the minute hand measures 4.3 meters.
The most famous feature of Big Ben is, of course, the massive bell that chimes every hour. The bell, weighing over 13 tons, was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the commissioner of works at the time of its installation. The bell's distinctive sound can be heard for miles around and has become synonymous with the passing of time in London.
Over the years, Big Ben has witnessed many significant events in London's history. It has stood tall through two world wars, the coronation of kings and queens, and numerous political debates and protests. It has become a symbol of resilience and strength for the city and its people.
Unfortunately, in recent years, Big Ben has been undergoing renovation work, and the clock tower has been partially covered in scaffolding. The chimes of Big Ben have been silenced during this time, but it is expected to be fully restored and operational by 2021.
Despite the temporary absence of its famous chimes, Big Ben continues to be a beloved symbol of London. It is a testament to the city's rich history and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our architectural heritage. A visit to London would not be complete without a glimpse of this iconic clock tower, standing tall and proud, overlooking the bustling city below.
In conclusion, Big Ben is not just a clock tower; it is a symbol of London's history and resilience. Its majestic presence and melodic chimes have captured the hearts of visitors and residents alike, making it an enduring icon of the city. As the renovation work nears completion, the chimes of Big Ben will once again ring out, reminding us of the passage of time and the importance of cherishing our heritage.
英语听力短文《大本钟》 篇二
The Legacy of Big Ben: A Timeless Wonder
Big Ben, the iconic clock tower located in London, is a timeless wonder that has fascinated people from around the world for generations. Its history, grandeur, and distinctive chimes make it a symbol of the city's rich heritage.
The construction of Big Ben began in 1843 and was completed in 1859. The tower, designed by Augustus Pugin, stands at an impressive height of 96 meters and is a prime example of Gothic architecture. The intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the tower's exterior showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the Victorian era.
The clock itself is a marvel of engineering. With four dials each measuring over seven meters in diameter, it is one of the largest clock faces in the world. The clock's mechanism, designed by Edmund Beckett Denison, is incredibly accurate and has been keeping time for over a century. The famous chimes of Big Ben are produced by a massive bell weighing over 13 tons, which strikes the hour with a distinctive sound that can be heard for miles around.
Throughout its history, Big Ben has witnessed significant events and served as a symbol of London's resilience. It has stood tall through both World Wars and has become a beacon of hope during times of crisis. The chimes of Big Ben have marked the passing of time during the coronation of kings and queens, political debates, and celebrations. It has become an integral part of London's identity and a cherished landmark for both locals and visitors.
In recent years, Big Ben has undergone renovation work to ensure its preservation for future generations. The aging clock mechanism required refurbishment, and the tower was partially covered in scaffolding. The chimes of Big Ben were silenced during this time, leaving a void in the city's soundscape. However, the restoration work is nearing completion, and soon the familiar chimes will once again resonate through the streets of London.
The legacy of Big Ben extends beyond its physical presence. It represents the ingenuity of Victorian engineering, the resilience of the British people, and the timeless beauty of architectural masterpieces. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage and embracing the past while moving towards the future.
In conclusion, Big Ben is more than just a clock tower; it is a symbol of London's rich history and cultural significance. Its grandeur and distinctive chimes have captured the imagination of people worldwide. As the restoration work comes to an end, the chimes of Big Ben will ring out once again, reminding us of the passage of time and the enduring legacy of this iconic landmark.
英语听力短文《大本钟》 篇三
英语听力短文《大本钟》
大本钟是世界上最著名的哥特式建筑之一。它坐落于英国伦敦泰晤士河畔,于1858年4月10日建成,是英国最大的钟,也是伦敦的标志性建筑之一。下面,让我们走进这篇英语听力短文,看看大本钟。
The Big Ben is located in the tower at the eastern end of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, Greater London. It was designed by Edmund Beckett and Baron Grimthorpe.
大本钟在伦敦威斯敏斯特英自治领会议院的最东边。它的设计者是埃德蒙·贝克特和拜伦·格里姆索普。
The Big Ben is very famous throughout the world, but nobody really knows why it is called Big Ben. There are two hearsays about this. Some people say that it was named after Benjamin Caunt, a boxer, who was called Big Ben. More people believe it was called after Welshman, Sir Benjamin Hall. He was the commissioner of the work at the time of its installation in 1859.
大本钟在世界上家喻户晓,但实际上没有多少人知道为何它叫大本钟。关于这个问题有两个传言:有人认为它是从一个叫做本杰明·考特的拳击家而来。更多人认为它以一个威尔士人——本杰明·霍尔先生的名字命名的。他是安装工程的监督者。
A story was told that during a debate iin the Commons on what to call the bell, Sir Benjamin was about to give his ideas when a MP who sat behind the front bench shouted, "Let's call it Big Ben!" Then this name came into being.
在经过在下议院讨论中应该叫什么名字后,本杰明先生准备给出结果时,一位在前凳后的国会议员喊道:“我们叫它‘大本’吧!”于是这个名字就诞生了。
The bell hasn't gone through a smooth road since the beginning of its design. Because there was great disagreement about the design of the clock, it took fifteen years to build. In 1857, the bell was completed and tested on the ground,
but a four-foot crack appeared and the bell had to be cast again. Finally, the clock started ticking on 31 May, 1859, and struck its first chime on 11, July.从大本钟的设计到建造结束,这个钟诞生的道路就荆棘满途。因为当时关于这个钟的设计大家有着很大的分歧,建造它就用了15年。1857年,大本钟完工,并在地上做了测试。但是当钟要挂上去时,4尺长的裂缝就出现了。1859年5月31日,大钟的指针终于开始移动并在7月11日进行了它的第一次报时。
Then in September, the bell cracked again. It was silent for four years but was eventually turned a quarter of a revolution. In this way, the crack was not under the striking hammer. Craftsmen made a square above the crack to stop it graving longer and it can still be seen today.
然而在九月份的时候,钟又裂开了。它沉静了四年,直到在革命后裂缝终于被转了一个角。这样,裂缝就不在敲钟槌的下面。工匠在裂缝上做了一个方框,以此来阻止裂缝的.延长,所以现在我们还能看到它。
The Big Ben is famous not only for its 13-ton weight, but also for its accuracy which is a result of its precise mechanism. Even one extra penny's weight on the balance will cause a gain of two fifths of a second in twenty four hours. Although there have been several problem, the bell is still striking today. Its chimes can be heard all over the world on the B.B.C.
大本钟闻名全球不仅仅因为它的13吨重量,还因为它的精准——那是因为它严谨的机械结构。在平衡上增添额外的一便士重量都会造成每24小时多五分之二秒的后果。尽管有过几次故障,直到今天大钟仍然在报时。它的钟鸣会通过B.B.C.广播电台传遍全球。