In 1920,after some thirty-nine years of problems with disease,high costs,and politics,the Panama Canal was officially opened,finally linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by allowing ships to pass through the fifty-mile canal zone instead of traveling some seven thousand miles around Cape Horn.It takes a ship approximately 8 hours to complete the trip through the canal and costs an average of fifteen thousand dollars,one-tenth of what it would cost an average ship to round the Horn.More than fifteen thousand ships pass through its locks each year.The French initiated the project but sold their rights to the United States.The latter will control it until the end of the twentieth century when Panama takes over its duties.41.Who currently controls the Panama Canal?A.France B.PanamaC.the United States D.the Canal Zone42.Which is NOT mentioned as one of the difficulties met during the building of the Panama Canal?A.There were many disputes among politicians.B.There was not enough fund for the project.C.It took too much time to complete the canal.D.A lot of workers were taken ill.43.On the average,how much would it cost a ship to travel around Cape Horse?A.1,500B.150,000C.15,000D.1,500,00044.In what year was construction probably begun on the canal?A.1881 B.1939C.1920 D.189945.Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?A.The canal brought about new diseases to the canal zone.B.Most of the workers came from France during the early stage of the project.C.Before the canal was constructed,ships traveling from the Pacific to the Atlantic had to pay a lot more money to Panama government.D.A different government will take control of the canal around 2000. .