Audioscripts Week 1 TASK 4, p. 7 Journalist: Nice to meet you, Mrs. Tovar. Can I ask you a few questions? Belen Tovar: Of course! Welcome to the Galapagos Islands! J.: Thank you. Firstly, where do you work, exactly? B.T.: I work in a sort of luxury camp on the highlands of Santa Cruz. J.: What makes the place so special? B.T.: Most people think that visiting the highlands of Santa Cruz is just a day excursion they visit the tortoise reserve and go on; but a few people choose to stay with us to enjoy the real magic of the place. You can see tortoises passing the camp or have a visit from the Galapagos owls on your tent veranda. It s a very special place. J.: What other animals can you get close to? B.T.: Giant tortoises are the symbol of the Galapagos Islands, but you can also see the blue-footed bookies, sea lions and penguins. J.: What kind of accommodation is available for tourists coming to Santa Cruz? B.T.: They live in tents which are really comfortable and spacious. They have en suite bathrooms, a shower with hot and cold water. They have the amenities you find in a hotel, except it s in the middle of a quiet paradise surrounded by nature. J.: How important is sustainable tourism and conservation work to a facility like your camp? B.T.: Our islands are a fragile ecosystem and we are all committed to their preservation. We work together with the community, offering local people employment, training and support. Nature, community and business always have to work together. The sustainable efforts of the camp are dedicated to water the camp is 90% selfsufficient in terms of water use because we have a rainwater collector system and to earth; in fact, large areas are devoted to reforestation. Finally, we help local farmers by buying from them and 70% of our staff come from the local community. We work hard to preserve our environment for future generations. J.: Thank you. All the best! B.T.: Thank you. Week 2 TASK 1-2, p. 14-15 1. Chrysler Building The architect Van Allen built the Chrysler Building in New York City for the car manufacturer Walter P. Chrysler, who wanted spectacular headquarters to highlight the importance of the American car industry in the world. The construction started in 1928 and finished in 1930. At 319 m the Chrysler Building was the world s tallest skyscraper at that time, but only after a few months, the Empire State Building overtook it. However, it is considered to be the most beautiful skyscraper in New York for its Art Deco style. Various details of the fa ade look like Chrysler car products, like the radiator caps at the corners of the top floor. 2. Golden Gate Bridge The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that links the city of San Francisco to Marin County. It is one of the most famous landmarks of the city. Before the bridge was built, the only way to reach Marin County was by boat: a ferry service began in 1820 and car ferries were introduced in the 1920s. In the end and after much discussion about the project, the construction started in 1933 and the bridge was opened in 1937. Made of steel, the Golden Gate Bridge is 2.7 km long with the longest span of 1,280 m! It carries six lanes of vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. 3. Willis Tower Willis Tower formerly called Sears Tower is a 442 m high skyscraper in Chicago, State of Illinois. It s the second tallest building in the U.S.A. In 1969, Sears was the largest retailer in the world: the company wanted a new location for all its employees. The architects designed the building as nine square tubes , each one a separate building. All nine tubes rose up to the 50th floor, then some of them stopped at the 66th floor and at the 99th floor. The last two tubes continued up to the 108th floor. Construction started in 1970 and the building was opened in 1973. The skyscraper has a famous observatory deck, called Skydeck, which is 412 m high and is on the 103rd floor: tourists have an amazing view of the city, Lake Michigan and, on a clear day, the plains of Illinois. 4. The White House The White House is the official residence and main workplace of the President of the U.S.A., located in the capital city, Washington, D.C. James Hoban was the architect of the house, which was built of white-painted sandstone in the Neoclassical style between 1792 and 1800. The different Presidents extended and restored the building several times. For instance, the famous South Portico which you see in every photo was added in 1824; President T. Roosevelt moved all the work offices to a newly constructed West Wing in 1901 and at the end of the 1920s the East Wing was built as a reception area for social events. Today the White House includes the Executive Residence, where the President and his family live, the West Wing and East Wing, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where the offices for the President s staff and the Vice President are and Blair House, a guest residence. TASK 4, p. 17 Receptionist: Good morning, can I help you? Chiara: Yes, can you give me some advice and information about the main attractions in Chicago? R.: Well, there is so much to do in Chicago! If this is your first visit, I advise you to buy Chicago City Pass. It s a booklet of tickets that enables you to visit the city mustdo attractions. 93