©(AP Photo/Nick Didlick, File)
Pre-reading questions:
- What types of buildings are most commonly found in tourist areas?
- What features make these buildings appealing to visitors?
Vocabulary:
- announce /uh-NOUNS/
- construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/
- franchise /FRAN-chahyz/
- strategy /STRAT-i-jee/
- auditorium /aw-di-TAWR-ee-uhm/
[verb] – to make something known publicly or officially, especially a plan or decision
The company will announce the new product launch next week at the conference.
[noun] – the process of building or assembling something, such as a building, road, or machine
The construction of the new bridge will be completed by the end of the year.
[adjective] – relating to or being a part of a business or service that is operated under a license to use a parent company’s name and system
The franchise restaurant must follow the same guidelines as the other locations.
[noun] – a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall goal
The company’s new marketing strategy helped increase sales by 20%.
[noun] – a large room or building used for gatherings such as concerts, speeches, or performances
The school’s auditorium was filled with parents for the annual talent show.
Article reading:
The Sphere in Las Vegas, which opened in 2023, required a significant investment of $2.3 billion and features the world’s largest LED screen, which surrounds half of its 17,500-seat auditorium. The Abu Dhabi Sphere will aim to differentiate itself from neighboring Dubai, which is also expanding its entertainment industry. Despite the excitement, experts have cautioned that past projects in the UAE, such as a rejected Sphere in East London, have faced delays or cancellations due to economic challenges. The success of this new project depends on careful planning and economic stability.
Comprehension questions
- Who revealed plans for the construction of the second Sphere in Abu Dhabi?
- What is the main purpose of building the Sphere in Abu Dhabi?
- What financial arrangement is Abu Dhabi required to follow as part of this project?
- Who will cover the construction costs of the Sphere in Abu Dhabi?
- What significant feature does the Sphere in Las Vegas have?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever visited a large entertainment venue like a stadium or an auditorium? If so, what was the experience like? What kind of events did you attend? If not, what type of event would you like to attend in a place like that?
- Have you ever been to a place that was recently built or under construction? If so, how did the new building or structure impact the area? If not, what do you think would be exciting about seeing something new like that?
- Do you agree that investing in large entertainment venues, like the Sphere, can improve a city’s image?
- What are the possible risks of starting a large construction project like the Sphere in today’s economy?
- How might building large entertainment venues like the Sphere impact the local economy in the long term?