The giant piano

A young man in New Zealand recently became famous for making one of the largest pianos ever.
Adrian Mann, who now works as a professional piano builder, started building the piano when he was just 16
years old, and made many of the parts for it himself. The piano is 5.7 metres long and is very heavy. And the
keyboard actually has keys that are a metre in length. (1)……… But despite this difference in size, the
instrument can still be played perfectly, thanks to Adrian’s hard work.
(2)……… In fact, the whole thing started when Adrian became interested in the materials used for the wires
inside the piano. These create the notes when they’re hit.
And he found that if the wires were really long, he could get an amazing sound. From there, he went on to build
the whole piano.
The instrument was kept inside a church in his town for some time, before Adrian decided it was time to
transfer the huge piano from the church to his workshop. (3)……… So in the end, the fire service had to come
and help take the instrument to its new home.
Since the move, a lot of piano players have visited Adrian to try out the piano. But Adrian says that when they
arrive, some people aren’t very positive about the piano.
(4)……… But actually, it always performs brilliantly. They soon discover that the piano can play a wide range
of music, just like any normal piano.
There’s been so much interest in Adrian’s piano that he could probably start making and selling others just like
it. (5)……… So, at the moment, he has no plans to make any more.
A However, he put a lot of work into his original model.
B It’s so big, you could imagine actually lying down inside it!
C So what gave Adrian the idea to create such a huge piano?
D They expect that the instrument won’t sound very good.
E But things weren’t always that simple.
F That’s much larger than on a normal-sized piano.
G Most of them were surprised by the wonderful result.
H But he soon found he couldn’t move it out on his own.

Department stores
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The people below all want to find a department store to visit in their city.
There are descriptions of eight department stores.
Decide which department store would be the most suitable for the people below.
1 Jasmine would like to find a store where they can eat outside, and her dad wants somewhere known for its
good-quality suits. They also want to buy a necklace for Jasmine’s mum.
2 Peter wants to buy some special sweets for his grandma’s birthday, and his older sister, Nell, wants to see the
latest women’s fashions. They also need to buy new tennis T-shirts, without spending a lot.
3 Maria wants a store selling clothes that use materials produced without damaging the environment. Her mum
would like somewhere that has great customer service and is beautiful inside.
4 John enjoys cooking, and wants to buy some unusual ingredients. His parents like stores that have been in
the same buildings since they were young, and that have great toys for John’s young sister.
5 Samuel and Mark want to visit a store with a good selection of chess sets. They’d like to have some delicious
ice creams and buy something made in the store to eat later.
Department stores
A Hallwick’s
People often visit Hallwick’s just for the displays of lights that make it so attractive to shop here. And it was the
first to sell clothes made of pure, natural cotton, grown in conditions that avoid creating pollution. The
assistants are polite and will help with any questions about goods.

B Crozier’s
This store is in a beautiful new building. One floor is full of toys and board games like chess, and downstairs
there’s a huge variety of cakes, sweets and also fresh food that’s perfect for making a meal! The roof garden is
popular here in summer, and the friendly staff serve delicious lunches.

C Stafford’s
This store is popular for its range of good-quality sportswear at very reasonable prices, which is hard to find
elsewhere. And on the ground floor, you’ll find displays of their famous handmade candies – great for
celebrations! And Stafford’s is always the first to offer new designs in men’s and women’s clothing, too!

D Barton’s
Barton’s has been here since it opened in 1930, and still has its huge glass door and beautiful windows. The first
floor is fantastic for children, as it’s packed with things to play with – at reasonable prices. And downstairs,
you’ll find a huge selection of amazing fresh food rarely found elsewhere.

E Gardener and Bell’s

This store has been here since 1950, and is the place for cool clothes and jewellery, as it updates its items every
few weeks – and many are made from environmentally-friendly materials. The sportswear section has clothes
and equipment for almost any sport, although prices can be high.

F Davidson’s
This traditional-looking store opened in 1860, and still offers high-class, fashionable goods at reasonable prices,
with many made from natural materials. The men’s clothes are particularly recommended, and there’s also an
area selling nothing but beautiful jewellery. And on fine days, try the rooftop restaurant – the food is fantastic.

G Ford and Madecroft’s

The café here serves fantastic meals, but also has amazing chocolates and frozen desserts of all kind, and the
bakers produce fantastic biscuits and cakes to take away. Upstairs, you’ll find a display of toys and also a huge
range of board games, together with instructions to help you play.

H Oldridge’s
The customer service here is the best anywhere in the city, and staff will help you find what you’re looking for,
from jewellery to children’s toys. And the café here, probably one of the most attractive you’ll ever visit, serves
the biggest ice creams anywhere, too – and the best cakes!