IX. Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space. The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge has linked San Francisco and the Marin Peninsula for more______50 years. However, building it was no easy task. The idea of linking the two places was not a new one but it wasn't_________1917 that the first workable design was produced. It would ____ 20 years to complete the bridge, and from the outset there were__________difficulties: rough waters, foggy conditions and the danger of earthquakes all combined to make constructing this bridge a________trickier business than building New York's George Washington Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge,________was then_________largest in the world, was finished May 27th, 1937. Californians flocked to their new showpiece and walked from one end to the_______.The next day it was opened to cars.____the past 58 years it_________been part of daily life for millions of commuters. Of course, its paintwork must___________kept_____good condition. A 28-man team is responsible_________this.
Cast in situ concrete arch on the Caracas-La Guaiara highway, Venezuela.
X. Discussion. A new subway line is being built in the center of the city, but the route is obstructed by a ship- going river. You have to decide whether to build a tunnel or a bridge.
Study the arguments in favour or against
Think of some more.
|
A tunnel
|
A bridge
|
For
|
1. No obstruction for shipping. 2. Little space is needed for the approaches.
|
1. The construction of a bridge is cheaper. 2. It takes less time. 3. Later it can be widened if necessary. 4. The traffic capacity of the bridge per hour is higher. |
Against
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1. Too costly. 2. Limited capacity. 3. Difficulties of constriction. 4. No opportunity for later widening. |
1. Obstruction to shipping. 2. Some people think that bridges spoil the view.
|
Discuss the possibility of building either a tunnel or a bridge. Use the phrases:
On throne hand/ on the other hand,
Moreover, ...
Besides, ...
However, ...
I'm afraid I disagree
I agree in a sense, but ..,
In my view
The wav I see it
XI. Look for the information about one of Saint- Petersburg bridges. Make presentation in class according to the plan:
1) the name of the bridge;
2) when it was constructed;
3 ) who it was designed by;
4) the construction materials which were used;
5) the way it looks;
6) its dimensions;
7) its some interesting facts, connected with the bridge;
8) why you consider it to be the most beautiful.