What is the "M4" and what does "the downs" mean?

[Haihao]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #162 "Idioms with the phrasal verb pull", question 6

The M4 dissects the Downs and the rest of the county from east to west. The noise affects a wide area either side of the motorway and can ......... real estate prices.

(a) pull over
(b) pull out
(c) pull through
(d) pull down

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #162 "Idioms with the phrasal verb pull", answer 6

The M4 dissects the Downs and the rest of the county from east to west. The noise affects a wide area either side of the motorway and can pull down real estate prices.

Correct answer: (d) pull down

Your answer was: correct
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Hi Alan,

Sorry to bother you again. I would just like to make sure a few things showing up in the test.

1. Is M4 a motorway crossing the UK (from east to west)?
2. Does 'the Downs' mean or include both the South Downs and the North Downs?

Thank you.

haihao

[Alan]

Hi Haihao,

The M4 is a motorway that goes west from London. 'Downs' used on its own simply refers to undulating countryside on the route.

Alan
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