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EX.3 READING COMPREHENSION:

A WAR OF TRENCHES
One of the most remarkable features of World War 1 was the
use of TRENCHES. The trench was a long , narrow ditch
(fosso) used by troops to provide a place of shelter from
enemy fire.
The main purpose of trench warfare was to defend the
positions and attack the enemy at the same time. The space
between the front lines of the defenders and the attackers was
known as “No Man’s Land”. The front line was protected by
barbed wire, which was secretly erected or mended during the
night.
Trenches were deep enough for a man to stand up straight
without being seen by the enemy. However, when trenches
weren’t deep enough, the soldiers had to crouch or crawl all
the day.
Life in trenches was very hard. The poor hygiene, appalling
living conditions, parasites, rats and bad weather often caused
diseases and death of many soldiers.
Many of them suffered from nervous breakdowns. When a
soldier was injured, it could take a while before he was treated
and if he disobeyed an order he ran the risk of being executed.
Moreover, food was also in short supply.
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QUESTIONS a War of Trenches

1.What was a trench?

A trench was a narrow ditch used by troops as a shelter

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2.What was the main purpose of a trench warfare?

The main purpose of trench warfare was to defend the

positions and attack the enemy at the same time.
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3.What was the “No Man’s Land”?

It was The space between the front lines of the defenders and
the attackers
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4.Why was life in trenches hard?

Because hygiene was poor,there were rats,physical and mental
ilnesses.
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5.What happened if a soldier disobeyed an order?

If a solidier disobeyed an order he could be executed
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