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Reading answers with explanations

IELTS · Part 1 · Cambridge 17 — Test 1

The development of the London underground railway: Reading answers

Answers to questions 1–13 (13 in all), each with why it is right.

Sit it first, then check

Read the whole passage and answer in the exam interface, timed as on the day.

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The passage opens

In the first half of the 1800s, London's population grew at an astonishing rate, and the central area became increasingly congested.In addition, the expansion of the overground railway network resulted in more and more passengers arriving in the capital.However, in 1846, a Royal Commission decided that the railways should not be allowed to enter the City, the capital's historic and business centre.The result was that the overground railway stations formed a ring around the City.The area within consisted of poorly built, overcrowded slums and the streets were full of horse-drawn traffic.Crossing the City became a nightmare.It could take an hour and a half to travel 8 km by horse-drawn…

Answers 1–13

  1. 1

    population Note completion

  2. 2

    suburbs Note completion

  3. 3

    businessmen Note completion

  4. 4

    funding Note completion

  5. 5

    press Note completion

  6. 6

    soil Note completion

  7. 7

    Other countries had built underground railways before the Metropolitan line opened.

    FALSE True / False / Not Given

  8. 8

    More people than predicted travelled on the Metropolitan line on the first day.

    NOT GIVEN True / False / Not Given

  9. 9

    The use of ventilation shafts failed to prevent pollution in the tunnels

    TRUE True / False / Not Given

  10. 10

    A different approach from the 'cut and cover' technique was required in London's central area.

    TRUE True / False / Not Given

  11. 11

    The windows on City & South London trains were at eye level.

    FALSE True / False / Not Given

  12. 12

    The City & South London Railway was a financial success.

    FALSE True / False / Not Given

  13. 13

    Trains on the 'Tuppenny Tube' nearly always ran on time.

    NOT GIVEN True / False / Not Given

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