What did Canadian National build before the CN Tower?

This test evaluates understanding of key facts and details about the CN Tower in Toronto, based on an intermediate-level reading passage.
Level B1 Intermediate English Reading Practice: A Famous Canadian Landmark

The CN Tower is Toronto’s most famous landmark. But what do you know about it? Here are some interesting facts about this iconic Canadian tourist destination.


Why was it built?

Toronto experienced a construction boom in the 1960s. Because of so many tall new buildings, radio and television signals could not travel easily to many places around the city—the existing transmission towers could not do this job well anymore. In short, the CN Tower was built to create a high place for sending radio and TV signals around the region.


Who built it?

The CN tower was built by Canadian National, the corporation that was responsible for Canada’s largest railway network. They employed over 1,500 people to build it.


How long did it take to build?

Construction on the outside part of the tower began on February 6th, 1973 and ended on April 2nd, 1975. The tower opened to the public on June 26th, 1976. In total, it took around 40 months to build and prepare the tower for public access.


How long was it the tallest building in the world?

The CN Tower was the tallest building in the world from March 31st, 1975 (when the final antenna piece was placed) until September 12th, 2007, when it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. So, it was known as the tallest building in the world for over 32 years. Today, it is the third tallest tower in the world, and the tenth tallest building.


The most impressive fact here is that all of the buildings which eventually surpassed the CN Tower were completed between 2009 and 2020. Remember, the CN Tower was opened to the public in 1976!


How tall is it?

The CN Tower is 553.3 meters tall. Wow!


Now you know a little more about this famous tourist destination.



What is the word for a famous building or place with historical or cultural importance?

Why couldn't radio and TV signals travel around Toronto like usual in the 1960s?

From the beginning of construction until opening to the public, how long did it take to build the CN Tower?

When was outside construction completed on the CN Tower?

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