B1 Preliminary - Gapped Text Exercise 3

The Mystery Of The Mary Celeste

The Mary Celeste, often referred to as the ghost ship, is one of the greatest maritime mysteries of all time. Built in Nova Scotia in 1861, the ship was known for its size and speed. _____1_____

In November 1872, the Mary Celeste set sail from New York bound for Italy. She was manned by a crew of eight, along with the ship's captain, his wife, and their two-year-old daughter. _____2_____ The ship was loaded with industrial alcohol, a common cargo at the time.

On December 4, 1872, the Mary Celeste was found adrift off the coast of Portugal. There were no signs of struggle, the cargo was intact, and the crew's personal belongings were still in place. _____3_____ Yet, there was no sign of the captain, his family, or the crew. Where had they gone? Had they abandoned ship in a hurry due to some catastrophe? Had something awful happened to them? Had they been kidnapped? Had they fallen overboard?

Over the years, various theories have been proposed to explain the ship's fate, from piracy to natural disasters. _____4_____ However, the true reason behind the disappearance of the Mary Celeste's crew remains a mystery.

Today, the story of the Mary Celeste continues to captivate the public imagination. _____5_____ It is a haunting reminder of the dangers and uncertainties of life at sea.

Sentences

A. Surprisingly, the ship's logbook was still there.

B. Yet, no solid evidence supports any of these theories.

C. Despite her impressive build, she had an ill-fated history.

D. The weather was clear, and the journey seemed uneventful.

E. The ship was designed to withstand the worst sea conditions.

F. Only many years later was the mystery solved.

G. The mystery only deepens with each passing year.

H. The food and water supplies on the ship were plentiful.