William Arnold, an artist and photographer, traveled 1,700 miles from Cornwall to the Isle of Lewis. He wanted to save a rare phone box by making sure it got 52 calls a year. Without these calls, the phone box might be removed, and William didn't want that to happen. He thinks phone boxes are important, especially in places where mobile signals aren't strong.
The phone box William was interested in is one of the last connected double-door kiosks in the UK. It can withstand the strong winds found on the Isle, thanks to its special design. To make all his calls, William prepared with about £36 in coins. He contacted supporters to help meet the call requirement, showing the box's value.
Making calls was both fun and difficult for William, as people would call him back and chat. The harsh winds made his mission harder but showed how tough the old technology is. His journey showed that even now, public payphones can be useful, especially in emergencies. Many people praised his efforts to preserve these important communication tools.
Original news source: Man makes 1,700-mile round journey to save rare phone box on Scottish island – BBC News (BBC)
🎧 Listen:
📖 Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
1. Have you ever used a phone box? Describe your experience.
2. What do you think phone boxes were used for in the past?
3. Why might someone want to keep a phone box today?
4. How do you contact people if you lose your mobile signal?
5. What would you do if you were on an island with no mobile phone service?
🤔 Comprehension Questions:
William Arnold.
1,700 miles.
52 calls.
Because mobile signals can be weak.
It is adapted to withstand strong winds.
About £
They still have relevance and can be vital in emergencies.
🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
William Arnold, an artist and photographer, traveled 1,700 miles from Cornwall to the Isle of Lewis. He to save a rare box by making it got 52 calls a year. Without these calls, the phone box might be removed, and William didn't want that to happen. He thinks phone boxes are important, in places where mobile signals aren't strong. The phone box was interested in is one of the last connected double-door kiosks in the UK. It can withstand the strong winds on the , thanks to its special design. To make all his , William prepared with about £36 in coins. He contacted supporters to help meet the call requirement, showing the box's value. calls was both fun and difficult for William, as people would call him back and chat. The harsh winds made his mission harder but showed how tough the old technology is. His journey showed that even now, public payphones can be , especially in . Many people praised his to preserve these important communication tools.
💬 Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think William wanted to save the phone box?
2. Do you think phone boxes are still needed today? Why or why not?
3. How do you contact friends and family usually?
4. What is your favorite type of technology and why?
5. Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn't use your phone? What did you do?
6. How would you feel if all phone boxes disappeared?
7. Why is it important to keep history alive?
8. What is something old-fashioned that you still like?
9. Do you think modern technology is always better than old technology?
10. How do you stay in touch with friends while on vacation?
11. Would you travel a long distance to save something important?
12. How do you feel about making new friends through phone conversations?
Individual Activities
📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
