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Practice Reading: Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks ID: #49498 New Houses
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
It’s  an    truth,  but  many  of  our  houses  are  bad  for  the  planet.  They’re  defined  by  a  pattern  of  consumption,  from  the  raw  materials  to  build  them,  to  the  fuel  required  to  sustain  them,  and  the  waste  generated  by  them.  Despite  an  improvement  in  building  energy  efficiency,  2021  saw  carbon  emissions  from  building  and  construction  hit  an  all-time  high.  But  what  if  a  house  could    the  people  living  inside  and  the  world  outside  too?  What  if  a  house  could  feed  its  occupants?  Power  itself?  Boost  biodiversity?  Bond  a  community?  And  at  the  end  of  its  life,  leave  no  trace?  Authored  by  Courtney  Smith  and  Sean  Topham,  “Houses  That  Can  Save  the  World”  features  over  150  projects  from  all  over  the  globe.  Some    existing  spaces,  such  as  the  renovated  Ensamble  Studio's  off-grid  cave  dwelling  in  Menorca,  Spain.  Others  revive  and    ancient  construction  methods,  like  ZAV  Architects’  adobe  building  community  in  Hormuz,  Iran.  Despite  their  positive  outlook,  the  authors  acknowledge  that  implementing  the  ideas  in  their  book  can  be  challenging.

Result:

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Correct answer: uncomfortable

Explanation: The word 'uncomfortable' fits grammatically as it describes a noun (truth) and conveys a negative sentiment about the reality of houses being harmful to the planet. It aligns with the context of the sentence, which discusses the negative impact of houses on the environment.

Meaning: 'Uncomfortable' means causing discomfort or unease, indicating that the truth about houses being bad for the planet is not pleasant to acknowledge.

Wrong options:

  • unrivaled: 'Unrivaled' means unmatched or unparalleled, which does not fit the context of discussing a negative truth.
  • unstable: 'Unstable' refers to lack of stability, which does not accurately describe the nature of the truth being discussed.
  • uncapped: 'Uncapped' means not limited or restricted, which is unrelated to the sentiment of discomfort regarding environmental impact.
Correct answer: nurture

Explanation: The word 'nurture' fits contextually as it suggests a positive action that a house could perform for its inhabitants and the environment. It aligns with the overall theme of sustainability and care for both people and the planet.

Meaning: 'Nurture' means to care for and encourage the growth or development of something, indicating that a house could support both its occupants and the ecosystem.

Wrong options:

  • survive: 'Survive' implies merely continuing to exist, which does not convey the supportive and caring aspect intended in the context.
  • mimic: 'Mimic' means to imitate, which does not align with the idea of a house actively supporting or caring for its inhabitants.
  • dominate: 'Dominate' suggests control or superiority, which contradicts the nurturing concept of mutual support.
Correct answer: repurpose

Explanation: The word 'repurpose' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the action of adapting existing spaces for new uses, which is relevant to the discussion of innovative housing solutions. It aligns with the theme of sustainability and creativity in architecture.

Meaning: 'Repurpose' means to take something and use it for a different purpose than it was originally intended, indicating a creative approach to utilizing existing structures.

Wrong options:

  • delve: 'Delve' means to investigate or research deeply, which does not fit the context of modifying spaces.
  • automate: 'Automate' refers to making a process automatic, which is unrelated to the concept of adapting existing spaces.
  • reckon: 'Reckon' means to calculate or consider, which does not convey the action of modifying or adapting spaces.
Correct answer: update

Explanation: The word 'update' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the action of bringing ancient construction methods into a modern context, which aligns with the theme of innovation in sustainable architecture.

Meaning: 'Update' means to make something more modern or relevant, indicating a revitalization of traditional methods for contemporary use.

Wrong options:

  • produce: 'Produce' means to create or manufacture, which does not fit the context of modifying existing methods.
  • relate: 'Relate' means to establish a connection, which does not convey the action of modifying or improving construction methods.
  • change: 'Change' is too vague and does not specifically imply the improvement or modernization that 'update' conveys.

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