"Going Underground" (Comprehension)
Grammar Summary:
Rail Congestion: how to relieve it? Dig a new tunnel. Comprehension questions plus grammar (comparatives/superlatives).
Open the article and answer the questions below. Article link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17365934
QUESTIONS:
1. True or false: Underground machines have begun to dig new tunnels under London.
2. How much does a tunnel boring machine cost?
3. True or false: The tunnels will be placed at a minimum depth of 40m.
4. True or false: The new trains will be the same size as existing London Underground trains.
5. True or false: The machines are piloted underground.
6. True or false: There are no other similar projects of this size in Europe.
7. True or false: The new tunnels will allow increased passenger numbers in London.
ANSWERS:
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
1. Answer: False.
Work is “about to begin” - meaning it will start shortly. (First paragraph.)
2. Answer: £10 million pounds each.
Vocabulary: “to set (someone) back”: British slang: to cost.
3. Answer: False.
40m is the maximum depth. Note grammar: “The deepest point”: superlative.
3. Answer: False.
Trains will be “the same size as” mainline trains: comparative.

4. Answer: False.
The machines are monitored from ground level in a control room. Grammar: passive (“are monitored”).
5. Answer: False.
This is the largest civil engineering project taking place in Europe at the moment.
6. Answer: True.
It is expected to expand capacity by 10%.
[End of exercise] ––––––––––––––––––––
Printable PDFs for this lesson:

![]() Phrasal Verbs Part 1 Each example with a picture |