Page 5 - IELTS_Leaflet_2024

SAMPLE PAGES FROM IELTS Practice Tests

original passages on a variety of academic topics

Test 1 I REAdInG pASSAGE 3

READING PASSAGE 3
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 28—40, which are based on
Reading Passage 3 below.

Paving the way for greener architecture

Close to the town of Zermatt, high up in the Swiss
Alps, stands Monte Rosa Hut. This innovative
structure is described as 90% self–reliant in regards
to the energy consumption needed for the building
to operate, achieved by employing cutting–edge,
eco–friendly building methods. Such examples are
indicative of the growing trend within architectural
circles towards designing more ecologically sound
buildings, which both support the conservation of
energy, and are less detrimental to the environment.
In the age of climate change, the contribution buildings make to global carbon
emissions is under intense scrutiny. Indeed, recent estimates claim they may
account for around 30% of greenhouse gases. Architects play a pivotal role in
reducing this statistic, as well as finding feasible and sustainable solutions to the
energy crisis currently gripping the world.
Early work by the prominent US architect, Frank Lloyd Wright illustrates how
the notion of respecting the environment is nothing new within the field of
architecture. Throughout his career, Wright was a huge advocate of ensuring
a good relationship between construction and nature, incorporating the
concept of ‘organic’ architecture into his designs. Its ethos rejects the idea of
thoughtlessly demolishing large areas to make way for new buildings; rather, it
encompasses consideration towards the environment and a building design that
assimilates smoothly into the surroundings.
This is embodied in Wright’s famous Fallingwater
building. The structure, once a private residence,
receives many tourists annually, who marvel at this
breathtaking example of how to successfully fuse
together a building with its environment. The building
itself was constructed on top of a waterfall, which
was ingeniously integrated into the design. Given the
stunning appearance of the building, it is a popular
venue for weddings and events today. Although
carbon emissions certainly would not have been at
the forefront of Wright’s mind when construction began in the 1930s, there are
parallels made with the current movement of more architects ‘going green’.
That is, the eco–friendly architects of today design by a similar mantra to that of
Wright’s — work with nature, not against it.
Several high–tech and increasingly mainstream applications improve the
sustainability capacity of a building and reduce the reliance on utility companies
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