A. BOXES B. CLOTHES C. COUCHES D. BOSSES CÂU 7

Câu 7: A. boxes B. clothes C. couches D. bosses

Read the following passage and blacken the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the

correct answer to the following questions.

The green building movement, started in the 1970s as a way to reduce environmental destruction, is

changing the way buildings are constructed. In the early years, green builders were a small minority, and

their goals of reducing the environmental impact of buildings were considered unrealistic. Now, however,

the movement is growing, as builders have been able to take advantage of new technology.

Green builders try to make use of recycled materials, which means less waste in dumps. Also, they

reduce environmental impact by reducing the energy requirements of a building. One way is to provide an

alternative, non-polluting source of energy. First, with solar panels, it is possible to produce electricity from

the rays of the sun. Once installed, they provide energy at no cost and with no pollution.

Another solution is to reduce the amount of energy required in a building. It is possible to cut electricity

use noticeably by improving natural lighting and installing low-energy light bulbs. To reduce the amount

of fuel needed for heating or cooling, builders also add insulation to the walls so that the building stays

warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

One example of this advanced design is the Genzyme Center of Cambridge, the most environmentally

responsible office building in America. Every aspect of the design and building had to consider two

things: the need for a safe and pleasant workplace for employees and the need to lessen the negative

environmental impact. 75 percent of the building materials were recycled materials, and the energy use

has been reduced by 43 percent and water use by 32 percent, compared with other buildings of the same

size.

In other parts of the world, several large-scale projects have recently been developed according to green

building principles. One of these is in Vauban, Germany, in an area that was once the site of army housing.

The site has been completely rebuilt with houses requiring 30 percent less energy than conventional ones.

These houses, heated by special non-polluting systems, are also equipped with solar panels.

A larger project is under way in China. The first phase of this project will include houses for 400

families built with solar power, non-polluting bricks, and recycled wall insulation. In a second phase, entire

neighborhoods in six cities will be built. If all goes well, the Chinese government plans to copy these ideas

in new neighborhoods across China.

Green building ideas, on a small or large scale, are spreading. Individuals, companies, and governments

are beginning to see their benefits. Not only are they environmentally friendly, green buildings improve

living and working conditions and also save money in the long run.

(Adapted from “Advanced Reading Power” by Beatrice S. Mikulecky and Linda Jeffries)