EnglishClub

• highway: a high-speed road that connects multiple cities
• sports car: a car built to travel at high speeds
• restriction: a law that limits what people can do
• reputation: the beliefs that most people hold about someone or something
• interstate: a highway that connects US states
• strict: strongly enforcing rules
• violation: an act that breaks a rule or law

Listening activity

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Gapfill exercise

The autobahn system is Germany’s network of highways. It is the fourth highway system in the world, at over 13,000 kilometres. The autobahn is popular with of sports cars. This is because roughly 60 percent of the network has no restrictions. The autobahn began construction under the Weimar Republic. When the Nazi Party came into power, they used forced labour to extend the highways. However, most of the construction took place after World War II. Despite the autobahn’s reputation, it is than many major highway systems, including the US interstates. Most drivers travel close to the recommended speed of 130 km/h, and the autobahn’s special force is strict about traffic violations.

Comprehension questions

See answers below

1. The autobahn has
   a. no speed restrictions at all
   b. no speed restrictions on a short stretch of road
   c. no speed restrictions of 60 percent of the road
   
2. Most of the construction of the autobahn took place
   a. under the Weimar Republic
   b. under the Nazi regime
   c. after World War II
   
3. Compared to the US interstates, the autobahn is
   a. safer
   b. less safe
   c. about the same

Discussion/essay questions

1. Do you think speed limits make drivers safer? Why or why not? Do people drive below the speed limit where you live? How safe do you feel on the road?

Transcript

The autobahn system is Germany’s network of highways. It is the fourth longest highway system in the world, at over 13,000 kilometres. The autobahn is popular with drivers of sports cars. This is because roughly 60 percent of the network has no speed restrictions. The autobahn began construction under the Weimar Republic. When the Nazi Party came into power, they used forced labour to extend the highways. However, most of the construction took place after World War II. Despite the autobahn’s reputation, it is safer than many major highway systems, including the US interstates. Most drivers travel close to the recommended speed of 130 km/h, and the autobahn’s special police force is strict about traffic violations.

Answers to comprehension questions

1c 2c 3a