Taipei 101 Intermédiaire

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Taipei 101

Reading Passage

Taipei 101 is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world and a proud symbol of Taiwan. Standing at five hundred and eight meters tall, it was the world’s tallest building from two thousand four until two thousand ten. The tower has one hundred and one floors above ground, which is why it is called Taipei 101. Millions of tourists visit this amazing building every year to enjoy the incredible views from the top. The building’s unique design makes it one of the most recognizable structures in Asia.

The design of Taipei 101 is inspired by traditional Chinese architecture and symbolism. The building looks like a giant bamboo stalk, which represents strength and growth in Asian culture. It has eight sections that stack on top of each other, and eight is a very lucky number in Chinese tradition. The tower is covered in beautiful green glass that shines brightly in the sunlight. Ancient coin shapes and other traditional elements are built into the design throughout the building.

Taipei 101 - ESL worksheet reading activity

One of the most interesting features is the giant damper ball inside the building. This seven hundred thirty ton steel ball hangs from the eighty seventh to the ninety second floor. The damper helps the building stay stable during earthquakes and strong typhoons. When the building sways, the ball moves in the opposite direction to balance it. Visitors can see this engineering marvel from a special viewing area inside the tower.

The observatory on the eighty ninth floor offers breathtaking views of Taipei city. Visitors can ride one of the world’s fastest elevators, which travels at over sixty kilometers per hour. On clear days, you can see mountains, rivers, and buildings stretching far into the distance. There is also an outdoor viewing deck on the ninety first floor for those who want fresh air. The best time to visit is at sunset when the city lights begin to sparkle.

Every New Year’s Eve, Taipei 101 hosts one of the world’s most spectacular firework shows. Thousands of fireworks shoot out from the building at midnight to welcome the new year. Millions of people gather in the streets below to watch this incredible celebration. The event is broadcast on television around the world. This annual tradition has made Taipei 101 even more famous internationally.

Download Printable PDF Worksheet

Niveau: Level F

A. Vocabulary Matching

Match each word with its definition.

1. skyscrapers ______

2. tourists ______

3. recognizable ______

4. architecture ______

5. elements ______

6. damper ______

7. typhoons ______

8. engineering ______

9. observatory ______

10. spectacular ______

a. very impressive and amazing

b. very tall buildings in cities

c. people traveling to visit places

d. designing and building structures

e. a place for viewing scenery

f. easy to identify or remember

g. a device that reduces movement

h. the design style of buildings

i. parts or features of something

j. powerful tropical storms with wind

B. True or False

Write T (True) or F (False) for each statement.

  1. Taipei 101 is still the world’s tallest building. ______
  2. The building has 101 floors above ground. ______
  3. The design is inspired by bamboo plants. ______
  4. Eight is an unlucky number in Chinese culture. ______
  5. The damper ball weighs 730 tons. ______
  6. The elevators travel at over 60 km per hour. ______
  7. The outdoor deck is on the 89th floor. ______
  8. Fireworks happen every New Year’s Eve. ______
  9. The building is covered in blue glass. ______
Taipei 101 - English learning resource for students

C. Fill in the Blanks

Word Bank: skyscrapers  |  tourists  |  architecture  |  damper  |  typhoons  |  observatory  |  spectacular

  1. Taipei 101 is one of the most famous _______________ in the world.
  2. Millions of _______________ visit the building every year.
  3. The design is inspired by traditional Chinese _______________ and symbolism.
  4. The giant _______________ ball helps the building stay stable during earthquakes.
  5. The _______________ on the 89th floor offers amazing views of Taipei.

D. Comprehension Questions

  1. How tall is Taipei 101 and how many floors does it have?
  2. What natural object inspired the design of Taipei 101?
  3. What is the purpose of the giant damper ball?
  4. How fast do the elevators in Taipei 101 travel?
  5. What special event happens at Taipei 101 every New Year’s Eve?
Taipei 101 - ESL vocabulary and comprehension worksheet

E. Discussion Questions

Talk about these questions with a partner or write your answers.

  1. Would you like to visit the top of Taipei 101? Why or why not?
  2. Why do you think tall buildings are important symbols for cities?
  3. What is the most famous building in your country?

Answer Key

Check your answers below.

A. Vocabulary: 1-b, 2-c, 3-f, 4-h, 5-i, 6-g, 7-j, 8-d, 9-e, 10-a

B. True/False: 1-F, 2-T, 3-T, 4-F, 5-T, 6-T, 7-F, 8-T, 9-F

C. Fill in the Blanks: 1-skyscrapers, 2-tourists, 3-architecture, 4-damper, 5-observatory

D. Comprehension: 1. 508 meters tall with 101 floors; 2. Bamboo; 3. To keep the building stable during earthquakes and typhoons; 4. Over 60 kilometers per hour; 5. A spectacular firework show

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