©(AP Photo/Marc Levy)
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- If you could design a building or a special room, what would it look like?
- What do you think makes a place or object feel important to people?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- democracy /dih-MOK-ruh-see/
- polished /POL-isht/
- carving /KAHR-ving/
- mahogany /muh-HOG-uh-nee/
- mechanical /muh-KAN-i-kuhl/
[noun] – a system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting
Many countries have adopted democracy as their form of government.
[adjective] – smooth and shiny
The table was made of polished wood, reflecting the light beautifully.
[noun] – a shape or pattern cut into wood or stone or the skill of doing this
The artist spent weeks creating detailed carvings from a block of wood.
[noun] – a dark red-brown wood used to make furniture
The table was made of fine mahogany, giving it a rich color.
[adjective] – relating to machinery or tools, or to the working of physical processes
The car had a mechanical issue that needed to be repaired immediately.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The Capitol of Pennsylvania, designed by Joseph M. Huston in 1901, is an architectural gem often referred to as a “temple of democracy.” Its design, which rivals European palaces, features polished marble, intricate carvings, and stunning artwork. One of its most notable treasures is the 273 antique clocks that were originally built into the building. Many of these clocks, made from mahogany or stained mahogany, are placed in mantels and other features. These clocks add both beauty and function, highlighting the Capitol’s historical and artistic significance. Each year, thousands of visitors come to the Capitol, where 253 lawmakers meet. However, Huston’s legacy is complicated by his legal troubles during the construction of the building, as he was punished for conspiracy.
Maintaining the clocks requires regular care, such as oiling, mechanical repairs, and weekly winding. Professionals like Bethany Gill, who works for Johnson & Griffiths Studio under a $526,000 maintenance contract with the Capitol Preservation Committee, handle this task. Her responsibilities include winding the clocks, checking their accuracy, and adjusting them for seasonal changes. Bethany’s love for clocks comes from her father, a clock collector. The clocks are also cleaned and repaired to keep them working properly. According to Jason Wilson, a historian with the Capitol Preservation Committee, the custom-designed mantels and clock cases showcase the Capitol’s exceptional craftsmanship.
Maintaining the clocks requires regular care, such as oiling, mechanical repairs, and weekly winding. Professionals like Bethany Gill, who works for Johnson & Griffiths Studio under a $526,000 maintenance contract with the Capitol Preservation Committee, handle this task. Her responsibilities include winding the clocks, checking their accuracy, and adjusting them for seasonal changes. Bethany’s love for clocks comes from her father, a clock collector. The clocks are also cleaned and repaired to keep them working properly. According to Jason Wilson, a historian with the Capitol Preservation Committee, the custom-designed mantels and clock cases showcase the Capitol’s exceptional craftsmanship.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Who designed the Capitol of Pennsylvania?
- What is the Capitol of Pennsylvania often called?
- What materials are used in the design of the Capitol?
- How many antique clocks are in the Capitol?
- Who is responsible for maintaining the Capitol’s clocks?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you have any experience with taking care of a clock or a watch? If so, how do you make sure it keeps working well? If not, do you think it would be difficult to take care of one? Why or why not?
- Have you ever visited a historical building or monument? If so, what did you like most about it? If not, what kind of place would you like to visit?
- Do you agree that maintaining old clocks is important to preserve history?
- Why do you think the Capitol building has so many clocks? What do they tell us about the building’s history or purpose?
- What do you think is the most important reason to preserve historical buildings like the Capitol?