Abbey Road studios become listed building

Abbey Road studios become listed building

Abbey Road studios have been granted Grade II listed status following a public outcry over plans to sell the world's most famous recording venue. The 1830s villa situated in north-west London was purchased by the Gramophone Company - later EMI - in 1930 and turned into studios.
The Government fast-tracked the application in response to reports that EMI was seeking a potential buyer in order to reduce the company's £2.6bn debt. Listed status was granted "overwhelmingly on the historic merit of the studios", the Government said, and should secure the future of the building as a music venue.
While changes to the interior are not prohibited, the grade II listing means that "care must be taken to ensure that any alterations with respect to its character and interest are fully considered". Any efforts to turn the building into residential apartments would be rejected, although plans to open a museum there would be considered.
Margaret Hodge, the Culture Minister, said: "Music - of whichever genre - is the thread that follows us through all our lives and Abbey Road Studios have produced some of the very best music in the world. It is a testament to both the importance of music in people's lives as well as the passion this kind of issue stirs up.
The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd and Sir Edward Elgar are among the artists who have recorded there.
At the weekend, EMI backed away from the sell-off plans and said it was in discussions with potential investors about a "revitalisation" of the studios. A "Save Abbey Road" campaign has won the public support of Sir Paul McCartney, while Lord Lloyd-Webber expressed an interest in buying the venue.
English Heritage recommended the building for listed status in 2003, and welcomed the Government's announcement. Simon Thurley, its chief executive, said: "Some of the most defining sounds of the 20th century were created within the walls of the Abbey Road studios”.

Question 1 Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text:
a) There’s been a national protest against selling the studios.
b) The final part of the process to list the building has been really slow.
c) One of the projects is to create an exhibition on the premises.
d) EMI has reconsidered their idea to sell the building

Question 2 Answer these questions in your own words:
a) Why did the Government stop the selling of the studios?
b) What effects does Grade II have on the building?

Question 3 Find a word or phrase in the text that means the same as:
a) Setting (par.2)
b) Provoke (par.4)
c) Likely, possible (par.6)

Question 4 Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning
a) English Heritage recommended the building for listed status in 2003, that’s why they welcomed the announcement.
If the building…
b) Abbey Road Studios have produced some of the very best music in the world. It is a testament to the importance of music in people's lives.
Abbey Road Studios…
c) The villa had been purchased by the Gramophone Company in 1930 and it was turned into studios.
The Gramophone Company…

Question 5 Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
 Have you ever visited any historic buildings? Write about your experience.
Self-Access Group. CEP Santander