The Anderton Boat Lift Reading Answers

Jan 27, 2023

The Anderton Boat Lift Reading Answers contains a write up about The Anderton Boat. The Anderton Boat Lift Reading Answers contain a total of 4 paragraphs. Related to the paragraphs are 13 questions. Candidates in this IELTS Section will be shown various question types with clear instructions. The paragraphs contain information about several effective points of The Anderton Boat lifting techniques. Its mechanism has also been explained with a diagram.

The Anderton Boat Lift Reading Answers is an IELTS Reading passage which comprises three types of questions: choose the correct option, complete the sentences and associate the paragraph. Candidates must carefully and properly read each paragraph. It is necessary to interpret each text. In order to respond to the questions, you must identify the paragraph's main idea. It's vital to keep in mind the crucial facts. The answers must not exceed more than two words. To gain proficiency, candidates can practice from IELTS reading practice test.

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Section 1

Read the Passage to Answer the Following Questions

The Anderton Boat Lift Reading Answers

Section I

When the Trent and Mersey Canal opened in 1777, the Cheshre tiown of Anderton was the obvious place to transfer goods to and from the nearby River Weaver. There was just one problem: the canal was fifteen metres above the river.

Pathways, inclined planes, and chutes were constructed to ease the task of moving cargo by hand. Primitive railways were laid to move cargoes, cranes were built, and steam engines were later installed for powerlifting. In the early 1870s, however, the Weaver Navigation Trustees decided to eliminate the cost, effort, and wastage involved in hand transportation when the engineers Edward Leader Williams and Edwin Clarke suggested a ‘boat carrying lift’.

Section II

Their design was a unique and magnificent example of the Victorians’ mastery of cast iron and hydraulics. Completed in 1875 , graceful in appearance, simple in use, and above all efficient, the lift was hailed as a marvel of the era, and became a prototype for larger versions on the waterways of France and Belgium.

The operating mechanism consisted of two vertical sets of interconnected hydraulic cylinders and pistons set into the bed of the river and each piston supported a boat- ‘carrying tank 22.86 metres long and 4.72 metres wide. At rest, one tank was level with the canal and the other level with the river and to move the tanks, a small amount of water was removed from the bottom tank making it lighter than the top tank.

Because the two hydraulic cylinders were connected, the heavier top tank moved down and forced hydraulic liquid through the connecting pipe into the other cylinder pushing that piston and the lighter tank upwards. Watertight gates both on the tanks and at the entrance to the canal contained the water while the tanks were moving. A hydraulic pump driven by steam supplied the small amount of additional energy required to effect a reasonably rapid movement and to enable the tanks to be precisely levelled at the end of their journey.

Section III

All went well for the first ten years, then pitting and grooving of the cylinders and pistons occurred. Investigations showed that the canal water used as the hydraulic liquid was contaminated by chemicals and was corrosive, therefore causing the damage. It was immediately changed to distilled water from the steam engine powering the hydraulic pump. Corrosion was dramatically reduced but the damage had been done. In addition, the boiler for the steam engine needed renewing, so in 1906 the Trustees ordered the construction of a new lift, to a design by their engineer ] A Saner.

Section IV

The new lift was built over the top of the Victorian structure, utilising the Victorian front and rear columns. The main structure had strong A-frames at either side of the new lift to support the enormous weight of the platform that now formed the top of the framework: on it was located the new operating mechanism, which included seventy- two pulleys weighing up to 35 tonnes each.

Each of the boat-carrying tanks was now suspended on wire ropes which ran from the tank to the top of the lift, around pulleys, and down to cast-iron weights at the side of the structure. These were equal to the weight of the water-filled tank. Turning the pulleys one way or the other moved the ropes, so that one tank was raised or lowered independently of the other tank. Because the tanks were counterbalanced by the weights, only a small electrical motor was required to turn the pulleys and so move the tanks up or down.

Completed in 1908 the lift was reliable, cheap and easy to operate. Unlike the Victorian lift it was not the least bit elegant, but it was functional and it worked.

Section V

Both the 1875 and the 1908 versions carried large volumes of commercial traffic and the principal cargoes transported were coal, china clay, salt, manufactured goods, including china ware, and agricultural produce. . Sadly, trade on inland waterways in Britain declined dramatically in the 1950s, and goods traffic via the lift effectively ended in the 1960s. The 1970s increase in pleasure boating brieﬂy prolonged its active life, but in 1982 the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’ was finally closed.

Section VI

Demolition seemed inevitable, but, after a long campaign by concerned groups, British Waterways agreed, in 1999, to save the lift.

Some wanted it ‘conserved as found’, but that would entail replacing much of the existing structure, virtually creating a replica lift. The steel of the 1908 structure had been badly corroded by pollutants from the local chemical industries and would need replacing if it were to support the overhead machinery and 500-tonne counterweights. In addition, safety considerations would require the installation of a back-up braking system.

It was decided, therefore, to revert to the 1875 hydraulically—operated system, using the original cast-iron structure. Although the counterweights had to be removed, the 1908 framework and pulleys would be retained as a static monument.

It was a huge and expensive project, and not without difficulties. Eventually, in 2002, the Anderton Boat Lift was officially reopened. Boat owners and visitors alike can once again ride ‘the world’s first boat lift’.

Section 2

Solution with Explanation
Questions 15-19:
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passage.

List of headings

The lift in use
The ﬁrst and second Lifts
Restoring the lift
The new canal
Mechanical problems
Why the lift was needed
The supports of the second lift
A new framework and machinery
How the original lift worked
A completely new lift M‘

Section II

Answer: i.
Supporting Sentence: Because the two hydraulic cylinders were connected, the heavier top tank moved down and forced hydraulic liquid through the connecting pipe into the other cylinder pushing that piston and the lighter tank upwards.
Keyword: moved down, forced, piston, cylinder
Keyword Location: Section II, third paragraph, first sentence
Explanation: Following the passage's reading, we observe that Section II describes the lift's operating system and how it functions from the starting lines. How the tank descended and drove liquid via pipes is described by the author. This was the lift's working mechanism. Therefore, the right response is "How the original lift operated." As per tye explanation provided and the statement of section II.

Section III

Answer: e.
Supporting Sentence: All went well for the first ten years, then pitting and grooving of the cylinders and pistons occurred.
Keyword: pitting, grooving, cylinders, pistons, contaminated, damage
Keyword Location: Section III, first paragraph, first sentence
Explanation: According to Section III, the author claims that the first 10 years were without incident. However, cylinders and pistons began to have mechanical problems after ten years. Investigations revealed that corrosion was caused by tainted canal water, which was used as the hydraulic fluid. Therefore, mechanical issues is the right response as per the explanation provided for the same.

Section IV

Answer: h.
Supporting Sentence: The new lift was built over the top of the Victorian structure, utilising the Victorian front and rear columns.
Keyword: new lift, new operating mechanism
Keyword Location: Section IV, first paragraph, first sentence
Explanation: We learn that the conceptual platform is referred to as the new operating mechanism when we read Section IV. New machinery is also explained, as is clear from the paragraph's mention of its construction. Therefore, the appropriate response is a new structure and mechanism as per the explanation provided for the same.

Section V

Answer: a.
Supporting Sentence: The 1970s increase in pleasure boating briefly prolonged its active life, but in 1982 the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’ was finally closed.
Keyword: prolonged, life
Keyword Location: Section V, first paragraph, last sentence
Explanation: In paragraph five, the author describes how the drop in commerce decreased the load on the lift, extending its lifespan. But in 1982, the elevator was shut off. As a result, we can call it "the lift in use" using the available options. This is the correct answer as per the explanation provided and the statement of paragraph V.

Section VI

Answer: c.
Supporting Sentence: Demolition seemed inevitable, but, after a long campaign by concerned groups, British Waterways agreed, in 1999, to save the lift.
Keyword: save the lift, reopened
Keyword Location: Section VI, first line
Explanation: Here The right response is to restart the lift. The restoration of the lift is described in Section VI. It also mentions that the repair first seemed unachievable, but British Waterways moved forward with it. The elevator was "reopened" in 2002. Option C is the appropriate response because the verse is about restoration as per the explanation provided for the same. Also, as per the statements of section VI.

Question 20-24:
Complete the diagram below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 20—24 on your answer sheet.

Question 20:

Answer: Platform
Supporting Sentence: The main structure had strong A-frames at either side of the new lift to support the enormous weight of the platform that now formed the top of the framework.
Keyword: platform, top, framework
Keyword Location: Section IV, first paragraph, second sentence
Explanation: As per section IV, it has been mentioned that to sustain the massive weight of the platform, which was now the top of the framework, the main structure featured sturdy A-frames on either side of the new lift. According to the passage, A-frames support the machine to carry the platform's weight. The diagram that A mentioned makes this very clear. Therefore, the platform is the right response.

Question 21:

Answer: A-frame
Supporting Sentence: The main structure had strong A-frames at either side of the new lift to support the enormous weight of the platform that now formed the top of the framework.
Keyword: A-frames
Keyword Location: Section IV, first paragraph, second sentence
Explanation: As per section IV, it has been mentioned that to sustain the massive weight of the platform, which was now the top of the framework, the main structure featured sturdy A-frames on either side of the new lift. The platform supporting the construction, according to the author, was supported by A-frames on both sides. The illustration makes this clear. A-frame is the right response as per the explanation provided for the same.

Question 22:

Answer: Pulley(s)
Supporting Sentence: The main structure had strong A-frames at either side of the new lift to support the enormous weight of the platform that now formed the top of the framework: on it was located the new operating mechanism, which included seventy-two pulleys weighing up to 35 tonnes each.
Keyword: seventy-two pulleys
Keyword Location: Section IV, first paragraph, second sentence
Explanation: As per section IV, it has been mentioned that the new operational mechanism, which featured 72 pulleys weighing up to 35 tonnes each, was positioned on the platform that now formed the top of the main structure, which had sturdy A-frames on either side of the new lift to sustain the massive weight of the platform. The structure is described as having a platform on which the new operating mechanism was installed. This mechanism included 72 pulleys. This is also depicted in the diagram. So, the correct answer is pulleys.

Question 23:

Answer: Boat-carrying tank
Supporting Sentence: Each of the boat-carrying tanks was now suspended on wire ropes which ran from the tank to the top of the lift, around pulleys, and down to cast-iron weights at the side of the structure.
Keyword: boat-carrying tanks
Keyword Location: Section IV, second paragraph, first sentence
Explanation: As per section IV, it has been mentioned that the boat-carrying tanks were now each suspended by wire ropes that stretched from the tank to the top of the lift, wrapped around pulleys, and then dangled down to cast-iron counterweight at the side of the building. The wire rope, which is seen in the diagram, is mentioned by the author as being where boat-carrying tanks were strung. Thus, a boat- carrying tank is the right response.

Question 24:

Answer: Cast iron weights
Supporting Sentence: Each of the boat-carrying tanks was now suspended on wire ropes which ran from the tank to the top of the lift, around pulleys, and down to cast-iron weights at the side of the structure.
Keyword: cast-iron weights
Keyword Location: Section IV, second paragraph, first sentence
Explanation: As per section IV, it has been mentioned that the boat-carrying tanks were now each suspended by wire ropes that stretched from the tank to the top of the lift, wrapped around pulleys, and then dangled down to cast-iron weights at the side of the building. According to the author, the wire rope extended all the way to the cast-iron weights, which are shown in the diagram. Additionally, the number indicates the weight. Cast-iron weight is hence the proper choice.

Questions 25-27:
Complete the notes below
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from Reading Passage for each
Write your answers in boxes 25-27 on your answer sheet.

Similar lifts to the Anderton were later built in ..............

Answer: France and Belgium
Supporting Sentence: Completed in 1875, graceful in appearance, simple in use, and above all efficient, the lift was hailed as a marvel of the era, and became a prototype for larger versions on the waterways of France and Belgium.
Keyword: prototype, France and Belgium
Keyword Location: Section II, first paragraph, second sentence
Explanation: As per section II, it has been mentioned that the lift, which was completed in 1875, was praised as a marvel of the day and served as a template for larger versions on the rivers of France and Belgium. According to the author, the lift's construction was finished in 1875. Its following versions of lifts in Belgium and France used it as a "prototype" because it was so elegant, straightforward, and most importantly efficient. Therefore, the correct response is France and Belgium.

Extra power to move the tanks came from ....................

Answer: a hydraulic pump
Supporting Sentence: A hydraulic pump driven by steam supplied the small amount of additional energy required to effect a reasonably rapid movement and to enable the tanks to be precisely levelled at the end of their journey.
Keyword: A hydraulic pump, additional energy
Keyword Location: Section II, third paragraph, last sentence
Explanation: As per section II, it has been mentioned that the modest amount of additional energy needed to make the movement reasonably quick and allow the tanks to be precisely leveled at their destination was provided by a hydraulic pump that was powered by steam. According to the paragraph, a hydraulic pump gives the lift greater power, or "additional energy," as it's called in the sentence. Therefore, hydraulic pumps provided the extra power.

Using Water from the canal harmed the ......................

Answer: cylinders and pistons
Supporting Sentence: All went well for the first ten years, then pitting and grooving of the cylinders and pistons occurred. Investigations showed that the canal water used as the hydraulic liquid was contaminated by chemicals and was corrosive, therefore causing the damage.
Keyword: liquid, contaminated by chemicals
Keyword Location: Section III, first paragraph
Explanation: According to passage section III, there were certain cylinder and piston mechanical issues. According to the research, the hydraulic liquid (water) deteriorated due to chemical contamination, harming the cylinders and pistons. Therefore, the right response is cylinders and pistons as per the explanation provided for the same.

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