Self-study activity:
Watch the video and say whether the statements below are true or false. The activity is suitable for Intermediate 2 students.
1 Being a climb leader is one of the best jobs in the world.
2 There are 52,800 tons of iron in the structure of the bridge.
2 There are 52,800 tons of iron in the structure of the bridge.
3 People usually feel anxiety and fear when climbing the bridge.
4 People climbing the bridge have radios which give them information.
5 The bridge opened in 1942.
6 Climbing the bridge is an example of awe-therapy.
For more information about the climb drop by Bridge Climb.
I’m Phil Roach. I’m a climb leader here in beautiful Sydney. I take people up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s one of the best jobs in the world, absolutely, I mean. Look at this, what a stunning office.
The bridge is the… arguably the international symbol of Australia. It’s 52,800 tons of steel in the structure, held together by more than 6 million rivets. To climb to the top of the bridge is just a (...) experience, it’s so thrilling, I mean, you know you are up close with all of the steel and you’re climbing up all of these steps holding on the handrails, looking out over the edges, large things become smaller and smaller and smaller and all of the traffic streaming across the bridge.
A lot of people I suppose they have a certain amount of anxiety or fear initially about climbing the bridge but when you climb you wear a climber belt and that has a lead on it and a latch that connects you to a safety line that runs all the way around the climb bridge. You are always inside the handrails that have radios so that you climb and can share safety information but it also tells some incredible stories about the bridge’s history.
Of course, the opening day ceremony was marred by controversy. Who knows the story of Francis de Groot?
When it opened in 1932 the Premier Jack Lang had his thunder stolen when Francis de Groot the Irish ex captain army captain rode in on his horse and slashed the ribbon with his saber declaring the bridge opened in the name of the good citizens of New South Wales.
Is this true?
It’s a true story. It’s an absolutely true story.
I think the ultimate feeling is awe, and joy and happiness. It’s a celebration to climb the bridge. It really is.
Well done everyone!
You’re standing above one of the world’s most magnificent harbours, Sydney harbor is truly a joy. I read an article just recently about awe therapy. The psychologists want people to experience awe therapy. Well, climbing the bridge is awe-therapy. It’s exhilarating to be up there.
Key:
1T 2F (steel not iron) 3T 4T 5 F (1932) 6 T
