[originaltext]People from London like to call the ringing of Big Ben "bongs." T

People from London like to call the ringing of Big Ben "bongs." They mark the start of a new hour. The bell, known as "Big Ben" in London, started making its bongs 158 years ago. But beginning on August 21, it will go silent for four years. The bell will ring for the last time at 12 noon. The bell will be disconnected from the clock as crews launch a major repair project in the tower. The clock, however, will continue to tell the time, silently. The only time people in London will hear the bells will be on Remembrance Sunday, which falls on November 12th this year, and New Year’s Eve.
The renovation project will cost about $40 million, said Steve Jaggs. He is known as "The Keeper of the Great Clock." Jaggs said the goal is to keep the building safe and the famous timepiece working for future generations to enjoy. The clock faces and many of the clock’s moving parts will be taken apart and cleaned.
Questions 1 and 2 are based on the news report you have just heard.
1. What does the speaker say about Big Ben?
2. What is the purpose of the renovation project?