The Thames Barrier is a (16)major part of the flood defence scheme for protecting London (17)rising water level. The defenses (18) included raised embankments and (19) flood gates at strategic points, including the Barking Barrier. The unique structure that is the Barrier spans the 520 – meter wide Woolwich reach and (20) of 10 separate movable gates, each pivoting and supported between concrete structures which house the operating machinery. When raised, the four main gates (21) stand as high as a five – storey buildings and as wide as the opening of Tower Bridge. Each (22)3700 tonnes. During the first twelve years of (23), the Barriers has been closed twenty times to protect London.

(24) the Barrier from the comfortable cafeteria. Picnic on the riverside. Picnic on the riverside embankment. Enjoy beautiful view from the riverside walk. Visit the shop which stocks a large selection of souvenirs, books and Barrier information.

There is a children play are suitable for 4- to 12- year olds, located adjacent to the riverside walk. A visit to the spectacular Thames Barrier is a (25)experience.

16. A. major

B. frequent

C. similar

D. various

17. A. against

B. for

C. between

D. with

18. A. and

B. also

C. still

D. too

19. A. addition

B. add

C. additional

D. additionally

20. A. consists

B. includes

C. involves

D. contains

21. A. which

B. every

C. each

D. none

22. A. measures

B. costs

C. calculates

D. weighs

23. A. operation

B. surgery

C. vocation

D. profession

24. A. Sight

B. View

C. Hear

D. Explore

25. A. forgettable

B. memorable

C. forgetful

D. memorized