Read the following passage answer the Questions:
In 1984, the French and the British agreed that a link across the English Channel would be mutually beneficial. However, both the Governments realised that although the project would create the much needed jobs, neither country's Government could fund such a massive project. Thus, they decided to hold a contest.
This contest invited companies to submit their plan to create a link across the English Channel. As part of the contest's requirements, the submitting company was to provide a plan to raise the needed funds to build the project, have the ability to operate the proposed Channel link once the project was completed, and the proposed link must be able to endure for at least 120 years.
Ten proposals were submitted, including various tunnels and bridges. Some of the proposals were so outlandish in design that they were easily dismissed; others would be so expensive that they were unlikely to ever be completed. The successful proposal planned for a tunnel made up of two, parallel railway tunnels that would be dug under the English Channel. Between these two railway tunnels would run a third, smaller tunnel that would be used for maintenance, including drainage pipes, communication cables etc.
After the first testrun on 10 December 1993, the Channel Tunnel officially opened on 6 may 1994.
What would be the appropriate meaning of the word "shuttle"?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → a form of transport that travels regularly between two places.
A shuttle is a vehicle, train or aircraft that makes regular trips back and forth between two places. The Channel Tunnel is a link of this kind, with trains running to and fro between Britain and France.
Example: A free shuttle bus runs between the airport and the hotel every half hour.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: a submarine based vehicle to move goods. — Incorrect. Wrong meaning: a shuttle does not travel under water. The idea of a shuttle is regular to-and-fro travel, by any means.
Option 3: a type of tram. — Incorrect. Too narrow: a tram is a passenger vehicle running on rails along city streets. A shuttle is not one kind of vehicle but any service that goes back and forth.
Option 4: a covered motor vehicle that sporadically travels to and from the station. — Incorrect. Opposite meaning: sporadically means irregularly, now and then, which is the opposite of a shuttle's regular service.
Example: It rained only sporadically during the week.
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