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The London Eye is one of the most imaginative Millennium projects to have been
conceived of for London. The architects on the project came up with the concept of a wheel
as the ideal symbol for the Millennium. It represents the turning of the century, is a
universally recognisable symbol of regeneration and time, and introduces a new shape into a
rectilinear city. Now everyone can ride, see amazing and breathtaking views across the
whole of London as this stunning attraction is open to public. The London Eye is itself an
object of beauty.
London hosts several festivals, fairs and carnivals throughout the year. The most famous is
the Notting Hill Carnival, one of the world's largest carnivals. The carnival takes place over
the August bank holiday weekend. An increasing number of tourists are coming to visit
London.

2. For each sentence 1-4, choose the only word of a-d that it is NOT possible to use to
complete it.
1. It takes a lot of time, effort and money to obtain the special licence needed to drive a taxi
in London. …, only the most determined candidates achieve this goal.
a) As a result; b) Moreover; c) Because of this; d) Therefore; e) ____
2. Taxi drivers are expected to know the city like the back of their hands. …, they must be
as pleasant as possible, even to rude passengers.
a) What’s more; b) Also; c) In addition; d) Nevertheless; e) ____
3. During the training period, trainee taxi drivers have to cover their own expenses, … the
cost of getting around London using private transport.
a) as a matter of fact,; b) for instance,; c) for example,; d) such as,; e) ____
4. Being a taxi driver may be dangerous. …, most London taxi drivers would never want to
change their job.
a) However; b) Therefore; c) In spite of this; d) Nevertheless; e) ____

3. Choose one word from the list below which could also be used to fill the gaps in the
sentences in exercise 1 above. Write the correct word in the blank space (E) after
each sentence.
Still; consequently; additionally; like.

4. Read the article about taxi drivers in London. Seven extracts have been removed
from the text. Put an extract from A-H back in the right spaces to complete the text.
There is one extract you will not need.
Knowing London Inside Out
London taxi drivers know the capital like the back of their hands. Just jump into one
of the city’s 22, 000 distinctively-shaped cars and tell the driver your destination. No matter
how small and difficult to find the street is, the driver will be able to get you there without
any trouble.
1) … During this period, which can take from two to four years, the would-be taxi
driver has to learn the most direct route to every single road and to every important building
in London. To achieve this, most learners go around the city on small motorbikes, practising
how to move to and from different points of the city.
Going around London on a small motorbike can have its problems, especially during
the winter. 2) … “There was thick snow everywhere and I had to wear my mother’s tights
because I was so cold”, he said.

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