Changes to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Introduction
The United States government has started a renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which includes repairing the structure and changing the color of the pool's bottom.
Main Body
The project involves painting the pool's basin a color called 'American flag blue.' This change has caused legal problems with the Cultural Landscape Foundation, which argues that the original 1924 design was meant to be colorless to create a better reflection. On the other hand, the Department of the Interior emphasized that the new color will improve the experience for visitors. Furthermore, the government plans to install a new filtration system and hire a special maintenance team to keep wildlife out of the water. There are also concerns regarding how the contract was given to Atlantic Industrial Coatings. The company received the work through a 'no-bid' process, which is usually only for urgent government needs. While President Trump initially suggested that his experience in real estate helped find this cheap solution, he later denied having a previous relationship with the company. Additionally, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told a House Committee that all rules were followed, even though he admitted he did not know the firm well. The cost of the project has increased significantly. At first, the government estimated the cost would be less than $2 million, but the price rose to $6.9 million and finally reached $13.1 million. The Department of the Interior explained that the price increased because they wanted to finish the work quickly for the 250th anniversary of the United States on July 4. These funds are meant to fix long-term structural problems, such as a leak of 16 million gallons per year, which continued even after a $34 million renovation during the Obama administration.
Conclusion
The project is still continuing while the government faces legal challenges and criticism over the cost and the way the contract was awarded.
Learning
🚀 The 'Complexity Leap': From Simple to Sophisticated
To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple words like 'and', 'but', and 'also' to connect your ideas. The text provided shows us exactly how professionals 'bridge' their thoughts using Logical Connectors.
🧩 The Upgrade Table
Instead of using basic A2 words, try these B2 alternatives found in the article:
| A2 (Basic) | B2 (Advanced) | Example from Text |
|---|---|---|
| But | On the other hand | "On the other hand, the Department of the Interior emphasized..." |
| Also / And | Furthermore | "Furthermore, the government plans to install..." |
| Also / And | Additionally | "Additionally, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told..." |
💡 Why this matters for your fluency
When you use 'but', you are just changing direction. When you use 'on the other hand', you are telling the listener: "I am weighing two different opinions." This is a hallmark of B2 English—it shows you can analyze a situation, not just describe it.
🛠️ Quick Analysis: The 'Even Though' Pivot
Look at this sentence:
"...he admitted he did not know the firm well, even though all rules were followed."
In A2, you would say: "All rules were followed, but he did not know the firm."
By using 'even though', the writer creates a contrast of surprise. It highlights the contradiction between the official rules and the personal lack of knowledge. This adds a layer of irony and sophistication to the speech.
B2 Pro Tip: Next time you write an email or speak in a meeting, replace one 'and' with 'furthermore' and one 'but' with 'on the other hand'. You will instantly sound more professional.