Section 4: Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.
When people hear the word "city", they usually imagine concrete, neon signs, and lots of air pollution. Thanks to some clever and concerned architects, this image is starting to change. The concept of green cities aims to bring some beauty from rural environments into urban areas. It is not only about looking better though. Green cities are also trying to improve the efficiency of cities and raise the standard of living for people who stay in them.
The term "green cities" refers to cities where builders take into account several environmental factors before those cities are constructed or redesigned. For starters, green cities are designed to be more physically appealing than traditional cities from the past. In addition, the mobility of citizens should be considered, so public transportation can be more convenient and travel time to work can be reduced. Energy sources should also be evaluated with the goal of minimizing air pollution.
When it comes to going green, the city of Barcelona is far ahead of its time. Since 1859, its designers have consciously tried to create sustainable urban designs. Then in 1992, the city received a well-deserved makeover before hosting the Olympic Games. In recent years, Barcelona has upgraded its transportation system. This has reduced air pollution and more workers are using public transportation instead of their own vehicles. Barcelona also boasts one of the best recycling programs in the world. Visitors will find clear color coded trash bins throughout the city where they can put all of their materials.
Question 12. Which of the following is NOT a goal that a green city builder would have?
A. Keeping the air nice and green. B. Helping citizens feel more comfortable.
C. Painting every building green. D. Making the city look natural.
Question 13. What is true about Barcelona?
A. It has never been redesigned B. It is the only green city in Europe.
C. It is one of the oldest green cities. D. It doesn't allow visitors to drive cars.
Question 14. All of the following are true about Barcelona EXCEPT ___________
A. Visitors can put all their trash in one colorful trash bin.
B. more people have used public transportation
C. air pollution has been reduced
D. it is said by some to have one of the best recycling programs in the world
Question 15. What does the term "mobility" in paragraph 2 mean?
A. How visitors move around. B. How much money tourists spend
C. The feelings visitors have. D. The opinions of people.
Question 16. The word "they" in paragraph 3 refers to
A. some dustbins in the city B. people who collect dustbins
C. those who run the city D. people who want to throw out the trash
Question 17. Green cities bring all of the following benefits EXCEPT _____________
A. to make green cities look much better than the old ones
B. to raise the efficiency of concrete building
C. to raise the living standards for urban citizens
D. to bring natural beauty to urban areas
Question 18. When constructing or redesigning green cities, we try ________________
A. to make transportation more costly
B. to reduce the cost of solutions to the problem of air pollution
C. to use eco-friendly sources of energy
D. to make energy sources more appealing
