Vive la Tower!
Until New York’s Chrysler Building was completed in 1930,the Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world.Located by the river Seine,on an avenue named after its designer,this 985－foot （300－meter） tower is the most famous edifice（大建筑物） in the city of Paris.Gustave Eiffel’s idea was certainly chosen from among 700 proposals（提议） to represent the city in the International Exhibition of Paris in 1889.It commemorated（纪念） the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
In 1887,three hundred steel workers spent two years constructing the 7 000－ton tower.Yet,it was almost torn down two decades after its completion.Luckily,its antenna（天线）,used for telegraphy at the time,saved it.Last July,it looked to observers as though the tower might be destroyed after all,as ominous（不吉利的） black clouds of smoke encircled the structure.Luck was again smiling upon the tower:the fire turned out to be a small one that was quickly put out by attendants on duty.
To date,more than 200 million people have visited the Eiffel Tower.However,it has not always been a beloved tourist attraction.At first,Parisians despised it.Its architectural style and metallic composition were not considered pleasing.Today,the Eiffel Tower is adorned（装饰） with special lights that sparkle for ten minutes each hour,from sunset until one a.m.If you happen to be passing by,look up at this breathtaking monument for an astonishing sight.The Eiffel Tower,composed of iron and steel,is greater than the sum of its parts.
小题1:If you wanted to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle,when might you stop by?
A．1:15 a.m.
B．3:30 p.m.
C．9:10 p.m.
D．0:00 a.m.小题2:When was the Eiffel Tower almost torn down?
A．1907.
B．1909.
C．1889.
D．2003.小题3:At first,what did Parisians think about the tower?
A．The steel and iron parts were unimpressive.
B．The awe－inspiring design was attracting.
C．Both A and B are correct.
D．Neither A nor B is correct.
