1     (locate) in the north-east of Italy, Venice is known as “The Floating City”. It is made up of over 100 small islands, which are connected by waterways and bridges.     2     (fortunate), water is also putting Venice in great danger. Saltwater is slowly damaging the bases of Venice’s buildings. The Floating City is, in fact, sinking.

More problems are caused by floods,     3     usually hit the city each winter. But these floods could now be a thing of the past thanks to a new flood     4     (prevent) project. Venice lies in     5     middle of a lagoon, and rain and strong winds cause seawater to travel through the natural gaps to Venice. Dozens of gates     6     (build) to hold back the sea until now. Each of these gates is 20 meters wide,     7     the longest about 30 meters long. In the event of a big rise in the water level, the gates will be raised     8     (separate) the city from the sea.

But only time will tell     9     this project is the right solution. The important thing is that action is being taken to protect this unique city for future generations. And if it works, it means a longer,     10     (dry) future for Venice.