Comprehension check

I. Decide whether the following statements are true or false according to the text:

1. The Brooklyn Bridge is considered a brilliant deed of 20th-century engineering.

2. The Brooklyn Bridge is said to be the longest in the world.

3. The bridge's chief engineer was John A. Roebling.

4. It was the first bridge to use a caisson.

5. The bridge is quite busy today.

II. Answer the following questions:

1. The Brooklyn Bridge is named as a bridge of many firsts. What firsts can you recollect?

2. Look at the Brief Information section—two engineers are mentioned to have built the bridge. How can you explain the fact?

3. What is a caisson? What problems did it present to the engineers?

4. How much did the bridge “earn” on the opening day?

5. By how many times has a total of vehicles risen since the first day?

6. Do you agree that The Brooklyn Bridge is considered a brilliant deed of 20th-century engineering?

7. Why were vehicles charged some money to cross the bridge? Do you think it’s correct?

III. You’ve read about two most famous suspension bridges in the world. Can you compare them? Complete the following table: