TWO FRIENDS PETER AND LINDA ARE TALKING ABOUT PETS.- PETER

22.

Two friends Peter and Linda are talking about pets.

-

Peter:

"Well, cats are very good at catching mice around the house." -

Linda:

“_____________”

A.

No, dogs are very good, too

B.

Yes, I hope so

C.

Nothing more to say

D. You can say that again

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to

each of the 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 down the 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. Green buildings not only are

environmentally friendly, improve living and working conditions but also save money in the

long run.

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