IX. Choose the word or phrase which best fits each gap.
THE LONDON EYE

The London Eye is an attraction not to be missed when visiting London!
The London Eye is the massive Ferris wheel that (1) __________135 meters tall and
120 meters wide on the South bank of the River Thames, near Westminster Bridge and
opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Originally called The Millennium Wheel, the formal opening (2) __________was performed
by Tony Blair on the last day of 1999, with the first members of the public riding the wheel
(3) __________ March 2000. The wheel took only 16 months to build, and at the time was
the tallest observation wheel in the world (two larger wheels have since been built). It
remains the tallest wheel in Europe.
Around the wheel are 32 capsules, each representing one London (4) __________ .
Each capsule weighs 10 tonnes and carries 25 passengers. As the wheel slowly rotates, taking
about 30 minutes to complete one rotation at a (5) __________ of 26 cm per second, visitors
can sit or walk around inside the capsules and enjoy marvellous views over London of up to
40 kilometres. Visitors might be able to (6) __________ the Olympic park in Stratford, Big
Ben, St Pau’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. On a clear day it is possible to see Windsor
Castle. The slow rotation of the wheel means that it can revolve continuously without
needing to stop to let people (7) __________.
The London Eye is the most popular paid for attraction in London, with 3.5 million
visitors every year. It has already become an (8) __________ London building. The yearly
New Year’s Eve fireworks are launched from the base of the London Eye.
1. A. builds B. stands C. holds D. reaches
2. A. celebration B. anniversary C. ceremony D. meeting
3. A. in B. on C. at D. from
4. A. division B. county C. region D. borough
5. A. speed B. length C. distance D. lick
6. A. visit B. spot C. attract D. join
7. A. in and out B. on and on C. off and on D. on and off
8. A. ancient B. historic C. iconic D. official