In fact, big ben is the largest of the six bells of westminster palace in london. but it has long been associated with the name of the clock tower, which in september 2012 was officially called “elizabeth tower”. the decision to rename the tower was made by the british parliament to mark the 60th anniversary of the reign of queen elizabeth ii. the tower was built in 1858. the project architect was augustus pugin. the height of the tower and spire is 96.3 m. the palace of westminster, and therefore the tower, is on the parliament square next to westminster abbey. on the opposite side of the palace there is the thames embankment. the clock tower is the largest four-sided clock mechanism in the world, and in addition, with the most accurate clocks. at the base of each of the four clock dials there is a latin inscription “domine salvam fac reginam nostram victoriam primam” (“god save our queen victoria i”). around the perimeter of the tower, on the left and on the right of the clock, there is another phrase in latin – “laus deo” (“glory to god” or “praise the lord”). there used to be a prison in big ben. the last prisoner of big ben was a fighter for women’s rights emmeline pankhurst. now, next to the parliament there is a monument to her.
1. The sun has not risen yet, but the sky in the east is getting lighter every minute.
2. I saw you walking along the street the other day with a heavy bag.
3. I have not read the newspaper today.
4. It is very late, and trams have stopped running: we must find a taxi to get home.
5. How many times have you been to St. Petersburg?
6. At last I have translated this article: now I shall have a little rest.
7. We went to the country yesterday, but the rain spoilt all the pleasure.
8. My watch was going in the morning, but now it has stopped.
9. The lecture has not begun yet and the students are talking in the classroom.
10. She has just gone out.
11. She left the room a moment ago.
12. We have not solved the problem yet.
13. When did it all happen?
14. The morning was cold and rainy, but since ten o'clock the weather has changed and now the sun is shining brightly.
15. Show me the dress which you have made.
16. Oh, how dark it is! A large black cloud has covered the sky. I think it will start raining in a few minutes.
17. Oh, close the window! Look, all my papers have fallen on the floor because of the wind.
18. When did you open the window? — I opened it ten minutes ago
Удачи в учёбе!)