【中级类英语听力】14

（单词翻译）

The Pony¹ Express was the first rapid transit² and the first fast mail line across the continent from the Missouri River to the Pacific Coast. It was a system by means of which messages were carried swiftly on horseback across the plains and deserts, and over the mountains of the far West. It brought the Atlantic coast and the Pacific slope ten days nearer to each other. It had a brief existence of only sixteen months and was supplanted³ by the transcontinental telegraph. Yet it was of the greatest importance in binding⁴ the East and West together at a time when overland travel was slow and cumbersome⁵, and when a great national crisis made the rapid communication of news between these sections an imperative⁶ necessity. The Pony Express marked the highest development in overland travel prior to the coming of the Pacific railroad, which it preceded nine years. It, in fact, proved the feasibility of a transcontinental road and demonstrated that such a line could be built and operated continuously the year around - a feat⁷ that had always been regarded as impossible.

1. How did the Pony Express transport mail?

 By airplane

 By steam engine train

 By horseback

 By boat

2. How much area did the Pony Express cover?

 From the East to the West coast

 From North America to Europe

 From Europe to Asia

 Along the Pacific coast only

3. How long did the Pony Express stay in effect?

 16 days

 16 months

 16 years

 It still being used today

Check Answer 

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1. By horseback

2. From the East to the West coast

3. 16 months