Yêu cầu chung
Question 31 - 40.
Read the following passage about urban development and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the best answer to each of the questions from 31 to 40.
The Significance of Green Buildings
Green buildings are designed to minimise environmental impact and enhance the well-being of occupants. These buildings incorporate sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and water-saving features, making them more environmentally friendly than traditional buildings. Green building practices have gained attention as society increasingly recognises the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving resources, and promoting sustainable living. By adopting these practices, communities can contribute to a cleaner environment and a healthier future.
[I] One of the key benefits of green buildings is their energy efficiency. [II] Green buildings often use renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to power their operations. [III] Additionally, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems help reduce electricity consumption. By cutting down on energy usage, green buildings reduce both costs and carbon footprints, making them more sustainable in the long run. [IV]
Water conservation is another focus of green buildings. These buildings are equipped with water-saving fixtures, such as low-flow faucets and dual-flush toilets, which reduce water consumption significantly. In some cases, green buildings also collect and reuse rainwater for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation and toilet flushing. This approach helps alleviate pressure on local water resources and reduces the environmental impact of water use.
Although green buildings offer many advantages, they are often more expensive to construct due to the cost of sustainable materials and advanced technology. However, the long-term savings on energy and water bills can offset these initial costs. In addition, green buildings tend to have higher property values and attract environmentally conscious tenants, which can be advantageous for property owners.
As more people become aware of the benefits of green buildings, demand for sustainable construction is expected to rise. Green buildings have the potential to transform the construction industry, reduce environmental impact, and create healthier, more sustainable communities. By embracing these practices, society can help pave the way toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 5?
Future savings on energy and water can help solve the problem of initial costs.
Savings on energy and water bills for a short time can pay back the early investment.
Though it costs less at first, the higher utility bills in the long run can balance things out.
In the long run, the money saved on energy and water can make up for the upfront expenses.
Giải thích chi tiết
✅ Đáp án: D. In the long run, the money saved on energy and water can make up for the upfront expenses.
🔎 Lí do:
Câu hỏi yêu cầu paraphrase (diễn đạt lại) câu được gạch chân ở đoạn nói về chi phí ban đầu vs. tiết kiệm lâu dài → tìm đúng câu chứa ý “ban đầu đắt nhưng về lâu dài tiết kiệm bù lại”.
"However, the long-term savings on energy and water bills can offset these initial costs." → Nghĩa là tiết kiệm tiền điện và nước về lâu dài có thể bù/đắp lại chi phí ban đầu.
"long-term savings" + "offset these initial costs" → “long-term” = về lâu dài, “offset” = bù lại/đắp lại, “initial costs” = chi phí ban đầu → khớp chính xác với D.
Vì vậy đáp án đúng là D (diễn đạt lại đúng đủ 2 ý: lâu dài tiết kiệm và bù chi phí ban đầu).
🚨 Những đáp án còn lại thì sao? ❌ A. Dùng "help solve the problem" (giúp giải quyết vấn đề) mơ hồ hơn so với ý gốc "offset" = bù lại trực tiếp chi phí. ❌ B. Sai vì nói "for a short time" (trong thời gian ngắn), trong khi bài viết là "long-term savings" (lâu dài). ❌ C. Sai ngược ý: nói "costs less at first" (ban đầu rẻ hơn) và "higher utility bills" (hoá đơn cao hơn) nhưng bài viết nói ban đầu đắt và về lâu dài tiết kiệm.
