Question

【题目】 The UK's first fully solar-powered home, which removes the need to ever receive a gas or electricity bill again, has gone on sale, but it will cost you 1.2 million.

The timber-framed home in Great Glen, Leicestershire, contains a number of “zero-carbon feature” including solar electric energy, triple glazing and rainwater storage. It is entirely heated by underground water-filled tubes that are warmed by solar energy from rooftop panels. The house was designed and built by Caplin Homes and covers two acres of land. The design and construction, down to the materials, were used specifically for their low carbon footprint.

The solar panels on the roof of the five-bedroom house are called hybrids because they collect both electrical and thermal energy. Solar walls preheat incoming air, and an Earth Energy Bank (EEB) and heat pump can store heat, and get it back for use when temperatures drop. The south-facing triple-glazed windows are said to also improve the house's energy management during the winter.

All the technologies are controlled by a control system, which monitors the inside and outside temperatures, how much energy is being received by the solar panels, and the heat levels in the EE domestic hot water tank. Due to its low energy design, the Solar House is expected to only require heat from the EEB for about 10 weeks of the year.

For 1.2 million, buyers also get two garages. Estate agent (房地产经纪人) Anthony Fox said the possibility of no utility bills was a big draw for potential owners: the idea is that your bills pretty much disappear and the house is self-sustaining and self-sufficient. That was a big aspect for most of the people who came to have a look around. “We had a lot of interest on the open day. There were some strong considerations to buy there and then. Everyone was very keen to learn how the house worked.” He added.

【1】Which is true about the UK’s first fully solar-powered home?

A.It is directly heated by rooftop panels.

B.It has a set of heat-storage device available.

C.All of its materials are not environmentally friendly.

D.Its walls can keep cold air from coming in to store heat.

【2】What’s the main idea of Paragraph 4?

A.The monitor of the temperature.

B.The amount of the received energy.

C.The function of the control system.

D.The significance of the new technologies.

【3】What’s a big attraction for potential buyers according to Anthony Fox?

A.No gas or electricity bill.B.Two additional garages.

C.Unique structure of the house.D.Only 1.2 million for the house.

【4】What is the purpose of the passage?

A.To advertise a zero-carbon house.

B.To recommend an amazing house.

C.To introduce a solar-powered house.

D.To explain how the low-energy house works.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】B

【2】C

【3】A

【4】C

【解析】

本文是说明文。文章介绍了英国首个完全由太阳能为能源的住宅的情况，包括这种住宅的“零碳功能”、房子是如何储存热量的以及房子的控制系统是如何起作用的。

【1】

细节理解题。根据第三段中“they collect both electrical and thermal energy. Solar walls preheat incoming air, and an Earth Energy Bank (EEB) and heat pump can store heat, and get it back for use when temperatures drop.（它们可以收集电能和热能。太阳能墙对进入的空气进行预热，一个地球能源银行(EEB)和热泵可以储存热量，当温度下降时将其回收使用。）”可知，英国首个完全以太阳能为能源的住宅有一套自己的储热装置。故选B项。

【2】

主旨大意题。第四段首句提到“All the technologies are controlled by a control system, which monitors the inside and outside temperatures, how much energy is being received by the solar panels, and the heat levels in the EE domestic hot water tank.（所有这些技术都由一个控制系统来控制，该系统可以监控室内和室外的温度、太阳能电池板接收多少能量以及EE家用热水箱的热量水平。）”分析句子结构，which引导的定语从句修饰先行词a control system，定语从句都是说明控制系统的作用。因此可以推断，该段主要是说明控制系统的作用。故选C项。

【3】

细节理解题。根据第五段中 “…the possibility of no utility bills was a big draw for potential owners: the idea is that your bills pretty much disappear and the house is self-sustaining and self-sufficient.”可知，按照房地产经纪人Anthony Fox所说，没有水电费对潜在的买家是个很大的吸引。水电账单几乎消失，这些房子可以做到自我维持和自给自足。故选A项。

【4】

推理判断题。通读全文，文章第一段提到“The UK's first fully solar-powered home, which removes the need to ever receive a gas or electricity bill” 英国首个完全由太阳能为能源的住宅将不再需要支付燃气或电费；下文介绍了这种房子的“零碳功能”、是如何储存热量的以及房子的控制系统的功能。由此可知，文章的目的是介绍这种以太阳能为能源的住宅。故选C项。