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考点规范练13(必修3 Module 1) 考点规范练第26页 .阅读理解 Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London,and often extended to refer to the clock and the clock tower.The tower is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower,renamed as such to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth Ⅱ(prior to being renamed in 2017 it was known as simply“Clock Tower”). The tower holds the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world and is the third tallest free-standing clock tower.The tower was completed in 1858 and had its 150th anniversary on 31 May 2009,during which celebratory events took place.The clock has become a symbol of the United Kingdom,particularly in the visual media.When a television or film-maker wishes to indicate a generic location in the country,a popular way to do so is to show an image of the tower,often with a red doubledecker bus or black cab in the foreground(重要位置). The bottom 200 feet(61.0 m) of the tower’s structure consists of brickwork with sand coloured Anston limestone cladding.The remainder of the tower’s height is a framed spire of cast iron.The tower is founded on a 50 feet(15.2 m) square raft,made of 10 feet(3.0 m) thick concrete,at a depth of 13 feet(4.0 m) below the ground level.The four clock dials are 180 feet (54.9 m) above ground.The interior volume of the tower is 164,200 cubic feet(4,650 cubic metres).Despite being one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions,the interior of the tower is not open to overseas visitors,though United Kingdom residents are able to arrange tours(well in advance) through their Member of Parliament.However,the tower has no lift,so those escorted must climb the 334 limestone stairs to the top. | 
