The Incredible Baron Haussmann - Page 168

C2 Proficiency · Open Cloze · Ready for C2 Proficiency Student's Book, Macmillan

For questions 1–8, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap.

The wide boulevards, and grand Baroque architecture of Paris (0) ___ it a breath-taking place to (1) ___ up some European culture. But (2) ___ it not been for Baron Haussmann and Napoleon III, the city would have a very different aesthetic. As little as 200 years ago, Paris was an overcrowded, filthy place, plagued by diseases, primarily caused by the lack of sewage systems. Its narrow lanes were crowded and chaotic, making it difficult to navigate your (3) ___ through. This was simply because Paris had not been subject to any strategic planning. Originally a village, the city (4) ___ shape haphazardly. In order for Paris to keep its status both nationally and internationally, Napoleon III tasked Baron Haussmann (5) ___ transforming the city. He (6) ___ most of the centre of Paris to rubble, and constructed 34,000 new buildings, all with a similar but striking design. In addition, he (7) ___ in place the requisite infrastructure for a modern and safe city, like wide roads, sewage systems and major train stations. Haussmann's effect on the city of Paris is (8) ___ dispute, perhaps more so than any other of his countrymen.

The Incredible Baron Haussmann

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