Page 98 - READING COMPANION TO ENGLISH EXAMS

Answer the questions 30–32 according to the
passage below.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, located in Pisa’s 31. Which of the following is true about the
main square, Piazza del Duomo, is an impressive Leaning Tower of Pisa?
mediaeval structure that demonstrates the A) The tower was intentionally built with a tilted
architectural brilliance of Italian architects structure in order to attract visitors from
through the strategic use of columns and around the world.
arches. However, a flaw in the design led to
its characteristic tilt, which can be attributed B) The tower remained untouched for several
to a weak foundation on compacted clay. centuries until certain sections of it were
The tower’s construction began in 1173, and damaged during World War II.
initially, it remained upright for over five years. C) The tilt of the tower was a result of human
Nevertheless, after the completion of the third error, even though the architects in charge of
floor in 1178, it began to lean. Despite the its design were highly skilled.
increasing tilt, the tower was expanded in the
14 century with the addition of a bell chamber, D) The Italian government asked for help to
th
causing it to lean even further. It then remained rectify the tower’s tilt; however, it proved
untouched for centuries. Following the end of impossible to achieve.
World War II—unlike many other structures, the E) The bells of the tower were removed due
tower survived the war without damage—the to their excessive weight, which posed a
Italian government sought assistance to fix the potential risk of structural collapse.
leaning tower and prevent its collapse. However,
they did not desire to completely eliminate the
tower’s tilt, as it had become an iconic symbol
of the city. Therefore, in 1990, it was closed to
the public for renovations, and the bells were
removed to accommodate the counterweights that
would secure the tower. It eventually reopened in
2001 with enhanced safety measures, and today,
it stands as an esteemed landmark, attracting
tourists worldwide.

30. According to the passage, in 1178, ----. 32. What is the passage mainly about?
A) the first attempt to correct the tower’s tilt A) The architectural brilliance of Italian
turned out to be unsuccessful architects
B) the tower underwent expansion, and a bell B) Common features of Italian architecture
chamber was added
C) Reasons that caused the Tower of Pisa to
C) restoration work started on the Leaning lean
Tower of Pisa
D) The history of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
D) the tower was closed to the public for E) Methods used to stabilise the Tower of Pisa
security reasons
E) the tower began to sink when the
construction reached the third floor

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