B2 – Upper Intermediate
When we look at the structures that surround us in this day and age, the ones that catch our eye are often from a time before most of us were even born. Creations of the modern day do not tend to inspire awe or wonder compared to the gleaming Eiffel Tower, magnificent halls, and even the tiny yet ornate street lamps of the Victorian era. But what has changed from then to now? How has the world become so ugly?
To find out more, watch the video below.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is a “cesspit”? “There would have been open cesspits spilling down the streets, and the stench of sewage boiling in the midday sun would have been unbearable” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
- What does “embankment” mean? “Those lamps on the embankment did their job, and even though more efficient and better methods of lighting have been invented, they remain 150 years later.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
- What does “exuberance” mean? “And yet, it has been designed with the same ornamental exuberance as any church or palace.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you noticed examples of old structures that look more beautiful than new ones? If so, elaborate on your experiences.
- Give your interpretation of this statement: “If you want to understand any society, don’t listen to what it says about itself; look at what it creates.”
- Should the aesthetics of public structures be considered more important in modern-day society?
- Why do you think designers put less emphasis on the beauty of structures in the modern day?