Question

Perched on a California hillside, nine towering white letters spell out H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-O-D. This legendary backdrop is recognized worldwide as a symbol of the entertainment industry. It's appeared in countless movies, TV shows, and tourist snaps.

At 45 feet tall and 450 feet wide (13.7 meters by 137.1 meters), it's arguably the biggest name in the business. However, its origins may surprise you. In fact, the HOLLYWOOD sign's debut had nothing to do with the movies.

H O L L Y W O O D L A N D

Motion pictures were big business in Los Angeles by the 1920s. Several film companies had studios in the city's Hollywood neighborhood. When real estate developers erected the imposing sign in the Hollywood Hills in 1923, however, they didn't have movies in mind. The 13 sky-high letters, which spelled out H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-O-D-L-A-N-D, advertised their new housing tract by that name. Their sign was intended to stay there for a year and a half. But in a plot twist people never saw coming, it long outlived its original purpose.

O L L Y W O O D L A N D

In the 1930s, though, the sign fell on hard times. After the Hollywoodland business partnership was dissolved in 1933, the sign was no longer maintained and eventually fell apart. Blustery winds repeatedly toppled letters. Most memorably, the sign stood for nearly six years without its leading character, H. In 1945, the city of Los Angeles agreed to buy the sign and surrounding land…for one dollar. While that might sound like a spectacular deal, city leaders saw the shabby sign more as a burden than a bargain.

H O L L Y W O O D

But the eyesore was destined to become an icon. When city officials wanted to tear down the sign, Hollywood residents rallied to its defense. In 1949, the missing H was restored, the L, A, N, and D were removed, and the remaining letters were refurbished. Over time, the sign became an emblem of the city and the movie industry.

The sign was officially declared a historic monument in the 1970s. Its original letters and wooden frame were replaced by metal structures designed to stand the test of time. Like many other Hollywood dramas, the celebrated sign's story has a happy ending.

QUESTION 1


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Think about the history of the HOLLYWOOD sign. Which of these happened after the H was restored in 1949?

The sign was declared a historic monument and became an emblem of the city and the movie industry.
The Hollywoodland business partnership was dissolved, and the sign fell apart.
The blustery weather toppled the letters in the sign, and it became a burden for city leaders.
The Hollywoodland business partnership put up letters for a sign that advertised their real estate business.

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

The sign was declared a historic monument and became an emblem of the city and the movie industry.

Answer 2

Based on information in the article, which is most likely to happen?

The HOLLYWOOD sign will be replaced when the city sells the land.
The HOLLYWOOD sign will be removed and placed in a museum.
The HOLLYWOOD sign will age and fall apart again until it is torn down.
The HOLLYWOOD sign will be in place for years to come.

Answer 3

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

The HOLLYWOOD sign will be in place for years to come.

Answer 4

Think about the article. How long was the original HOLLYWOODLAND sign meant to last?

For a year and a half
For nearly six years
Until it fell apart
Until it could be sold

Answer 5

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

The original HOLLYWOODLAND sign was meant to last for a year and a half.

Answer 6

Which is the closest antonym for the word refurbish, as it is used in the article?

salute
protect
damage
inspect

Answer 7

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

damage