Question

It is important for countries to develop. Sometimes development can do more harm than good for a country. Therefore, this development needs to be different from past development, which polluted the environment and wasted natural resources. One possible solution to this problem now being discussed is sustainable development. It focuses on preserving the environment and natural resources. It is all about creating better health care, education, housing and improved standard of living for everyone. This is a simple idea, but one that is hard to put into practice. However, it is something that we must do, because without sustainable development our future and the lives of our children and our grandchildren will be in danger.

Nearly everything we do in our modern lives requires the use of the Earth’s natural resources. These natural resources provide the energy for many important things. The list is almost endless. For all these things, we mostly depend on fuels such as coal, gas and oil to produce energy. We are now consuming these fuels at a much higher rate than they are being produced. On top of this, burning these fuels produces carbon dioxide, which is harmful to the environment. This is why many people are pushing for the use of alternative energy sources.

Alternative energy sources can be used without running out. Some examples of the alternatives are solar energy, wind energy and hydroelectricity. As people are becoming more aware of the need to protect the environment, these types of energy are becoming more and more popular.

In many parts of the world, tentative(试验性的) steps are being taken to introduce these forms of alternative energy. For example, some people in Nigeria are training to use solar power, and in Costa Rica, people are now using hydroelectricity to provide power for their small villages. The introduction of programmes like these will hopefully help end the systematic destruction of the environment and see alternative energy promoted around the world. This will mean good things for our future, our children’s future and our grandchildren’s future.

1.We know from the passage that sustainable development _________.

A. means to develop slowly

B. can bring little good to the people

C. has ended the environmental destruction

D. is an idea being discussed

2.It is important to preserve the natural resources because they _________.

A. consume the energy for important things

B. are running out

C. provide the energy for people to use

D. are being produced at a high rate

3. Hydroelectricity means ___________.

A. using the sun to provide electricity

B. using wind power to produce electricity

C. using water power to produce electricity

D. using water to protect the environment

4. What is the author’s attitude toward sustainable development?

A. Critical. B. Positive.

C. Tolerant. D. Doubtful.

Answer 1