22/11/2017 Open cloze exercises

The Lighthouse of Alexandria

The earliest lighthouses were simply bonfires built on hillsides to ___1___ ships. The first lighthouse,
___2___ on the ancient island of Pharos, served the old world city of Alexandria in 285 BC.

Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was the ___3___ one that had a
practical ___4___ in addition to its architectural elegance. For sailors, it ensured a ___5___ return to the
Great Harbor. For architects, it was the tallest building on earth at its time. And for scientists, it was the
mysterious mirror that ___6___ them most. The ___7___ of the sun's rays could be seen more than 50
kilometers offshore. Legend has it that the mirror was also used to detect and burn enemy ships before they
could ___8___ the shore.

Shortly after the death of Alexander the Great, his commander Ptolemy Soter assumed power and established
his capital in Alexandria. Off the city's coast lay the small island of Pharos. Due to the ___9___ sailing
conditions, the construction of a lighthouse was seen as being ___10___.

The project was begun by Ptolemy Soter around 290 B.C. but was only completed ___11___ his death,
during the reign of his son, Ptolemy Philadelphus. For centuries, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was used to
mark the harbor, using fire at night and reflecting the ___12___ rays during the day. It was even shown on
Roman coins, just as ___13___ monuments are depicted on currency today.

Although the Lighthouse of Alexandria did not ___14___ to this present day, it left behind its influence.
From an architectural standpoint, the monument has been used as a ___15___ for many prototypes along the
Mediterranean. And from a linguistic standpoint, it gave its name, Pharos, to all the lighthouses in the world.

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Answers

The earliest lighthouses were simply bonfires built on hillsides to guide ships. The first
lighthouse, located/found on the ancient island of Pharos, served the old world city of Alexandria in 285
BC.

Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was the only one that had a
practical use/function in addition to its architectural elegance. For sailors, it ensured a safe return to the
Great Harbor. For architects, it was the tallest building on earth at its time. And for scientists, it was the
mysterious mirror that fascinated them most. The reflection of the sun's rays could be seen more than 50
kilometers offshore. Legend has it that the mirror was also used to detect and burn enemy ships before they
could reach the shore.

Shortly after the death of Alexander the Great, his commander Ptolemy Soter assumed power and established
his capital in Alexandria. Off the city's coast lay the small island of Pharos. Due to the dangerous sailing
conditions, the construction of a lighthouse was seen as being necessary/needed.

The project was begun by Ptolemy Soter around 290 B.C. but was only completed after his death, during the
reign of his son, Ptolemy Philadelphus. For centuries, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was used to mark the
harbor, using fire at night and reflecting the sun's rays during the day. It was even shown on Roman coins,
just as famous monuments are depicted on currency today.

Although the Lighthouse of Alexandria did not survive to this present day, it left behind its influence. From
an architectural standpoint, the monument has been used as a model/example for many prototypes along the
Mediterranean. And from a linguistic standpoint, it gave its name, Pharos, to all the lighthouses in the world.

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