Breaking News English

Now do this put-the-text-back-together activity.

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This is the text (if you need help).

One of London's most famous shopping streets has been pedestrianized. This means no cars, buses, trucks, or motorbikes can enter it. The street is called Oxford Street. It is well known all over the world. It used to be full of traffic. The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, decided to make it pedestrian-only. Around one kilometre of the street is off limits to vehicles. However, delivery trucks can use the area between midnight and 7 am. Mayor Khan hopes the pedestrianization will bring more shoppers back to the area. He called it a very important event for London. Mr Khan also plans to plant more trees along the street, create public squares, and add more seats and tables.

There have been mixed reactions to the pedestrianization of Oxford Street. Many people support the plan. They are happy that the area will be less polluted. Khan said a traffic-free Oxford Street would "unlock the full potential" of an important area of London and help make a better, greener, and richer London. Around half a million people visit the street every day. However, many Londoners are unhappy that the street has been closed to traffic. Local official Tim Barnes said: "Traffic will be pushed to the small streets nearby causing economic and environmental harm." The Spectator magazine warned that life for car drivers would be harder. It wrote: "London is now officially the world's slowest city."

Comprehension questions

1. Where is Oxford Street well known?
2. What does the article say Oxford Street used to be full of?
3. What vehicles are allowed to enter Oxford Street?
4. Who does Mayor Khan hope will go to Oxford Street?
5. What kind of squares will London's mayor create on Oxford Street?
6. What kind of reaction has there been to the pedestrianization?
7. What does Mayor Khan say pedestrianization will make London?
8. How many people visit Oxford Street every day?
9. What did a magazine say life would be like for car drivers?
10. What did a magazine call London?

Back to the Oxford Street lesson.