Trafalgar Square is one of London's best known landmarks with the statue of Admiral Nelson at its centre. It's the place where people gather to celebrate New Year and other special occasions such as last week's Ashes party. It's also a meeting place for political demonstrations and rallies as well as being a favourite spot for tourists.

There has been a new addition to the artworks that are on display in the square, a modern piece by artist Marc Quinn called 'Alison Lapper Pregnant'. It is a white marble sculpture of a naked, pregnant, disabled woman and it was unveiled on 15th September.

Before listening to the programme about Trafalgar square and this new sculpture, look at the following comprehension questions. After listening, try to answer them using the link in the Extras section below.

1: When was the fourth plinth built?
2: Is Alison Lapper now a successful and well-known artist?
3: How long will the sculpture be on the fourth plinth?
4: How does Alison feel about having a sculpture of herself in Trafalgar Square?

Listen to London Life
	The Fourth Plinth

Vocabulary from the programme
a landmark	a building or place which is well known
ornate	with complicated decorations
a plinth	a square block use as a stand for a statue
to unveil (something)	when a work of art is shown officially to the public for the first time it is unveiled
to be daunted by something / to find something daunting	to feel a little frightened, worried or nervous about something with the feeling that you might not be able to achieve it successfully
Example: I start my new job on Monday, and I'm a little daunted, there's a lot of responsibility.
controversial	something that is controversial causes discussion and disagreement
to fit in (with something) / to be in keeping with (something)	to be suitable because it is similar to

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Extras

Try the London Life quiz
The Fouth Plinth Project

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