Ejercicio Texto 1 - Cuestiones 1-4 · Inglés PAU Asturias Extraordinaria (2ª lengua extranjera) 2023

1. What did the channel tunnel opening ceremony consist of?

Solución: The opening ceremony of the channel tunnel consisted of a journey under the sea between Calais (France) and Folkestone (England), taken together by Queen Elizabeth II of Britain and President Mitterrand of France on Friday, 6th May 1994.

2. What three major problems did the channel tunnel have to face before its inauguration?

Solución: Firstly, the death of several workers killed during construction. Secondly, the final increase by more than double the construction cost according to initial estimates. And thirdly, the repeated postponement of the start of regular services, even after tickets had gone on sale.

3. What were the reasons for the initial poor reception of the channel tunnel by the general public?

Solución: They did not welcome the channel tunnel because it was intended exclusively for private transport users. Moreover, compared to the ferry companies' renewed fleet of ships, the train was uncomfortable, had no windows and just toilets for facilities. Finally, some people considered it unnatural and scary to travel underwater.

4. Why is Eurostar so successful now?

Solución: There are two main reasons. One is the opening in 2007 of the full high-speed line on the British side, allowing fast journeys (of about two hours) between Paris/Brussels and London. The second reason is the convenience of London's end station being St. Pancras, from where there is direct access to the rest of the railway network running to other parts of the country.