Famous Places
ESL lesson plans from ESL-Images.com
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower
Copyright 2004. This e-book is produced and distributed by Red River Press Inc. All rights reserved. The contents within this e-book/document may only be
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Famous Places
ESL lesson plans from ESL-Images.com
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower
PRE-READING QUESTIONS
1. Have you ever been to Paris?
2. Do you know when the Eiffel Tower was built?
3. Why do you think the Eiffel Tower was built?
4. Besides being a tourist attraction, what other purposes does the Eiffel Tower serve?
5. Do you think the Eiffel Tower is an attractive monument?
Copyright 2004. This e-book is produced and distributed by Red River Press Inc. All rights reserved. The contents within this e-book/document may only be
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Famous Places
ESL lesson plans from ESL-Images.com
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, France. It was constructed between 1887 and 1889 to
be the entrance way to the 1889 World’s Fair and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the
French Revolution. The tower was opened to visitors on May 6, 1889.
Gustave Eiffel’s design was chosen unanimously from among 700 that were submitted to
the World’s Fair design competition. However, many Parisians, especially artists, did not like
his design and protested the tower’s construction. They thought it would be an eyesore, but
once it was built, most Parisians soon loved the tower.
The tower is made of iron and weighs over 7,000 tons. It features open latticework supports,
an unusual design at the time. Many of the scientific principles used in its design and
construction are still used to construct modern skyscrapers. Over 40 tons of paint are applied
to it every seven years to keep it from rusting.
It is over 1,000 feet tall, from the ground to the tip of the antenna at its top, and has a
staircase with 1,665 steps. There are also elevators to take visitors to the top platform where
there is a panoramic view of Paris. The original elevators, now computerized, are still in use.
The Eiffel Tower was to remain in place for just 20 years, but its antenna saved it from being
demolished in 1909. Telegraph companies were using it at the time, and since then, it has
become part of France’s communication system, including its radio and television services.
The tower has also become a symbol of Paris. It is the most recognized monument in Europe
and many people think it is an architectural masterpiece. Over 200 million people have
visited it since May of 1889. In 2000, a new lighting system was installed and a nightly light
show has added to its appeal for both Parisians and tourists.
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Famous Places
ESL lesson plans from ESL-Images.com
The Eiffel Tower
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
A. True or False. Read the statements below. If the statement is true, write T beside the
sentence. If it is false, write F. If it is false, correct the information.
1. The Eiffel Tower was originally built to be a communications tower. _______
2. Some artists at the time thought the tower was ugly. _______
3. Some of the design principles of the tower are still used today. _______
4. The original elevators in the tower have all been replaced. _______
5. The tower was supposed to be destroyed in 1909. _______
B. Practice asking and answering the following questions with your partner. Then write the
answers in complete sentences.
1. Why was the Eiffel Tower built? __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Who designed the Eiffel Tower and how was this design chosen? _________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Describe the Eiffel Tower. _______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Why does the tower have to be painted frequently? ____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Why was the tower not torn down in 1909, as originally planned? _________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
6. In addition to being a tourist attraction, what other importance does the tower have
today? ________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
7. What additions have been made to the tower recently? ________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2004. This e-book is produced and distributed by Red River Press Inc. All rights reserved. The contents within this e-book/document may only be
photocopied by members of ESL-Images.com, in accordance with membership terms and conditions. (Contact info@esl-images.com for complete details.)
Famous Places
ESL lesson plans from ESL-Images.com
The Eiffel Tower
VOCABULARY REVIEW
A. Match the words on the left with correct meaning on the right.
_____ 1. unanimous a) destroyed, torn down
_____ 2. submit b) place, put in something for use
_____ 3. protest c) tall building
_____ 4. eyesore d) showing complete agreement
_____ 5. platform e) a frame of crossed pieces of metal or wood
_____ 6. panoramic f) something unpleasant or ugly to look at
_____ 7. demolished g) a flat surface to stand on
_____ 8. masterpiece h) enter or put forward for discussion or decision
_____ 9. install i) something made with very great skill
_____ 10. appeal j) oppose or be against something
_____ 11. latticework k) showing a complete, uninterrupted view
_____ 12. skyscraper l) attraction
B. Choose the correct word from the left column above to complete the following sentences.
(You may have to pluralize some nouns or change a verb tense.)
1. The government is going to tear down that ugly, old building. It is a real __________________.
2. He is very popular. He was elected as class president by a __________________vote.
3. When you enter New York harbor, you see many tall __________________.
4. My new fence is made of __________________so I can grow plants up the side.
5. We have to __________________our proposal to the committee and they will decide.
6. The telephone company is coming to __________________a new phone line today.
7. The new restaurant has a lot of __________________. It has great food and good prices.
8. The view of the city from our apartment is fantastic. It is really __________________.
9. The workers are going to __________________the company’s plan to cut wages.
10. There is a viewing __________________on top of the tower.
11. Many buildings were __________________in the last earthquake.
12. That painting is a __________________. It is worth millions of dollars.
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Famous Places
ESL lesson plans from ESL-Images.com
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS The Eiffel Tower
1. The Eiffel Tower is the most recognized monument in Europe. Together with your group
members, make a list of other well-recognized monuments around the world.
2. When Gustave Eiffel’s design was first chosen, many people felt it would be an eyesore.
Are there any public monuments in your city that you think are ugly or that are not popular
amongst the people of your city?
3. Who do you think should choose the designs for public monuments? Should the public
have a say in the decision if public taxes are being used to build the monument?
4. The Eiffel Tower was built as an entrance way to the 1889 World’s Fair. Have you ever been
to a World’s Fair? Where will the next World Fair be held?
Notes:
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_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2004. This e-book is produced and distributed by Red River Press Inc. All rights reserved. The contents within this e-book/document may only be
photocopied by members of ESL-Images.com, in accordance with membership terms and conditions. (Contact info@esl-images.com for complete details.)
