English File 3rdE - Pre Intermediate - Revise and Check 5&6 - Short Films: Chicago

Summary

Chicago, known as the 'Second City' and 'Windy City,' is renowned for its rich history, iconic pizza, and sports culture, with Wrigley Field being a significant landmark. Once having the second-largest population in the U.S., it now attracts over 30 million tourists annually who enjoy attractions such as Millennium Park and the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower. The city, which was the tallest building in the world for 25 years, is adapting to climate change by constructing eco-friendly buildings, expanding green spaces, and investing in infrastructure for electric vehicles. Experts predict a warmer, wetter climate for Chicago, and the city is proactively preparing for these changes, positioning itself as a leader in environmental sustainability.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and was historically known for having the second largest population in the U.S.
• 🍕 The city is famous for its pizza, gangsters, and sports culture, with Wrigley Field being the home of the Chicago Cubs.
• 🌳 Chicago is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 30 million visitors annually who enjoy attractions like Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.
• 🏢 The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, was the tallest building in the world for 25 years and is a major tourist attraction.
• 🌱 The city is preparing for climate change by constructing environmentally friendly buildings and planning for more green spaces.
• 🚗 Chicago is investing in infrastructure for electric vehicles, including new roads and car parks.
• 🌬️ Known as the Windy City, Chicago's climate is predicted to change in the future, becoming warmer and wetter.
• 🔍 Weather experts disagree with the common belief that Chicago is windier than other major cities.
• 🏙️ The city's nickname 'Second City' stems from its past status as the second most populous city in the U.S.
• 🌄 The Willis Tower was built by Sears, Roebuck and Company in 1969 as office blocks and remains the tallest skyscraper in the U.S.
• ♻️ Chicago is taking proactive steps to address pollution and climate change, positioning itself as a leader in urban sustainability.

Q & A

What is the largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois?

Chicago is the largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois.

What are some of the things Chicago is famous for?

Chicago is famous for its pizza, gangsters, sports, and being home to Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs.

Why is Chicago often referred to as the 'Second City'?

Chicago is called the 'Second City' because for a hundred years, it had the second biggest population in the United States, being smaller than New York but larger than any other American city until the 1980s.

How many people visit Chicago as a tourist destination every year?

Over 30 million people visit Chicago as a tourist destination every year.

What is the significance of the Willis Tower in Chicago?

The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, was the tallest building in the world for 25 years and is currently one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It was built in 1969 by Sears, Roebuck and Company for office blocks.

What is Chicago's other famous nickname and what is the common misconception about it?

Chicago's other famous nickname is 'the Windy City'. The common misconception is that it is windier than other major cities, but weather experts disagree.

What changes are predicted for Chicago's climate in the future?

Scientists predict that Chicago's climate will change to become warmer and wetter, which is a shift from its current cold and windy conditions.

How is Chicago preparing for climate change?

Chicago is preparing for climate change by constructing new environmentally friendly buildings, planning more parks and green areas, placing big hedges alongside city pathways, and investing in new roads and car parks for electric cars.

What will the warmer climate in Chicago potentially lead to?

The warmer climate in Chicago will potentially lead to Chicago becoming a hotter and more tropical place than it is today, which may cause various problems but also indicates that the city is taking proactive measures to deal with pollution and climate change.

Which lake's shore do tourists walk along when visiting Chicago?

Tourists in Chicago often walk along the shore of Lake Michigan, which is the second largest of the five Great Lakes.

What is one of the newest parks in Chicago that attracts visitors?

Millennium Park is one of the newest parks in Chicago that attracts a large number of visitors.

What was the original purpose of the Willis Tower when it was first built?

The Willis Tower, when first built as the Sears Tower, was intended to be used as office blocks for Sears, Roebuck and Company, which was the largest department store chain in the world at that time.