1. Ranked amongst the top five green cities of the future, Sherford in England has got to be one of the most exciting urban projects of the 21st century. With construction due to commence in 2014, the thinking behind the new town is to provide a solution to urban sprawl slum areas and the ecological problems that come with them. In other words, it will be a shining example of sustainable urbanism. The town is located in Devon, for its green countryside. It will blend modern facilities with a traditional feel, using local architecture to give it a distinctive Devon character. Developers, Red Tree, envision Sherford as a town where social, economic, and environmental sustainability will thrive. 2. Sustainable towns like Sherford must meet strict criteria, organized into self-contained neighborhoods that integrate living, working, and shopping. Sherford will feature four neighborhoods accessible to people of all income brackets and ethnic groups. A wide range of homes will be available for rent or purchase, with the cheaper homes being built alongside the most expensive ones to avoid any discrimination that may arise. However, it won’t be obvious just by looking at the homes which ones are the most affordable ones. By avoiding creating rich neighborhoods and poor neighborhoods, it is hoped that residents will feel a greater sense of equality.
3. In terms of economic sustainability, eco towns must be able to support the livelihoods of the local residents. For the first time in a century, a British new town will be built along a high street with a lively market. As a market town, Sherford promises to be a bustling commercial center with shops, local businesses and services. This will ensure that people who live locally, can work and earn their living locally. As a result, the town will be financially sustainable.
4. Environmentally, Sherford will prioritize reducing fossil fuels, adopting green building practices, creating green spaces, and ensuring air quality. It is designed as a walkable city, with local facilities within walking distance. There will also be an energy-efficient transport system that residents will be encouraged to use to travel within the town and cars will be banned from parts of the town center. But one of the biggest bonuses for all future residents is that they will be provided with their own free bicycle so that they will have another alternative to private cars for getting from A to B. Furthermore, 50% of the town’s energy will be supplied using clean, renewable sources such as solar and wind power. 170 acres of woodland and 500 acres of parkland will also help to improve the quality of air in the town and surrounding area. They will also create recreational areas for residents and be home to local species of plants and animals.
5. Construction for Sherford is set to begin in 2014. In the first phase, 2,750 homes will be built within five years. The full project will include 5,500 homes divided across the four neighborhoods and the town center, expected to take 12–15 years to complete. For many locals, Sherford’s completion will be a long-awaited development, anticipated to bring lasting value.
(Adapted from: On Screen B2 by Jenny Dooley)
Choose an option (A, B, C, or D) that best answers each question.
[EMPIRE TEAM] What is the best title for the passge?
A. Sherford: A green city of the future
B. The Economic and Social Benefits of Sherford
C. Green Spaces and Their Role in Sustainable Towns
D. Sherford: Urban Development and Income Diversity in the UK
[EMPIRE TEAM] In the first paragraph, the word “it” refers to ______________.
A. Sherford B. sprawl slum C. solution D. construction
[EMPIRE TEAM] According to paragraph 2, which of the following is a characteristic of Sherford’s housing plan?
A. Homes are categorized by income levels within neighborhoods
B. Affordable housing is integrated alongside luxury homes
C. Neighborhoods are exclusively high-income or low-income areas D. Only certain neighborhoods are designated for rent
[EMPIRE TEAM] According to paragraph 3, why is Sherford envisioned as a “market town”?
A. To foster a self-sustaining economy that minimizes reliance on external jobs
B. To attract investment from international companies and large corporations
C. To compete with larger cities for commercial revenue and tourism D. To create a center for agricultural production and regional trade
[EMPIRE TEAM] Which of the following best describes the purpose behind Sherford being built as a market town?
A. To position Sherford as a leading commercial center in the region
B. To create a self-contained town focused on trade with neighboring areas
C. To establish a unique model of urban agriculture for sustainable exports D. To create an economy where residents can sustain their livelihoods locally
[EMPIRE TEAM] The word “walking distance” in paragraph 4 could be best replaced by ____________
A. an arm’s length B. a step away C. a stone’s throw D. arm’s reach
[EMPIRE TEAM] In paragraph 4, what can be inferred about the town planners’ long- term vision for Sherford?
A. Sherford aims to gradually replace traditional vehicle usage with a strong reliance on sustainable and active transportation options
B. The town planners intend for Sherford’s green spaces to primarily serve as aesthetic elements rather than functional areas
C. Sherford’s design focuses on providing residents with diverse transit choices to enhance convenience in commuting
D. The layout of Sherford is intended to integrate green spaces as occasional recreation areas, not as essential parts of daily life

Question

Accepted Answer

1. A. Sherford: A green city of the future

2. A. Sherford

3. B. Affordable housing is integrated alongside luxury homes

4. A. To foster a self-sustaining economy that minimizes reliance on external jobs

5. D. To create an economy where residents can sustain their livelihoods locally

6. C. a stone’s throw

7. A. Sherford aims to gradually replace traditional vehicle usage with a strong reliance on sustainable and active transportation options

1. Ranked amongst the top five green cities of the future, Sherford in England has got to be one of the most exciting urban projects of the 21st century. With construction due to commence in 2014, the...