Passage: The History and Future of Public Libraries
Public
libraries have played a crucial role in human society for centuries, providing
access to knowledge, culture, and community resources. The earliest libraries,
dating back to ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt, stored
collections of clay tablets or papyrus scrolls for administrative, religious,
and scholarly purposes. Over time, libraries evolved to include books,
manuscripts, and printed materials, becoming centers for education and
literacy.
In
the 19th and 20th centuries, public libraries expanded rapidly, especially in
Europe and North America. The establishment of free lending libraries allowed
broader segments of society to access books, regardless of socioeconomic
background. Libraries became not just repositories of books but also hubs for
social interaction, public lectures, and educational programs. Funding often
came from local governments, philanthropists, or endowments, and librarians
played a key role in organizing collections and assisting readers.
In
recent decades, libraries have faced both challenges and opportunities from
digital technology. E-books, online databases, and internet access have
transformed how people obtain information. Some libraries have integrated
computers, Wi-Fi, and multimedia resources to cater to modern users. Others
have introduced community spaces, cafes, and maker labs to encourage creativity
and collaboration. Despite fears that digital technology might render physical
libraries obsolete, many institutions have adapted successfully, combining traditional
book lending with digital services.
Looking
to the future, public libraries are likely to continue evolving. They may act
as centers for lifelong learning, digital literacy, and community engagement.
Libraries are increasingly recognized as essential public spaces that promote
equality, provide safe environments for study and work, and support diverse
community programs. As cities grow and technologies advance, libraries must
balance traditional collections with innovative digital services to remain
relevant and accessible.
Questions
1.
Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences using words
from the passage:
1.
The earliest libraries stored collections of ________ and ________
for administrative, religious, and scholarly purposes.
2.
Public libraries became hubs for ________ and educational programs
in the 19th and 20th centuries.
2.
Note Completion
Complete the notes below with
words from the passage:
Libraries:
Key Points
·
Originated in: ________ and Egypt
·
Materials used: ________, manuscripts, printed books
·
Funding: local governments, ________, endowments
·
Modern additions: ________, Wi-Fi, multimedia resources, maker
labs
3.
Short Answer Questions
Answer briefly using words from
the passage (NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS):
1.
Who played a key role in organizing collections in public
libraries?
2.
What type of libraries allowed broader segments of society to
access books?
3.
Name one fear libraries faced with the rise of digital technology.
4.
Yes/No/Not Given
Do the following statements agree
with the information in the passage?
1.
All ancient libraries used printed books.
2.
Libraries have only focused on lending books and nothing else.
3.
Some modern libraries have integrated cafes and maker labs.
4.
Digital technology has completely replaced the need for physical
libraries.
5.
Summary Completion
Complete the summary below using
words from the passage:
Word
Bank: equality, lifelong learning, technology, community engagement,
collections
Public libraries have historically
provided access to knowledge and education. Modern libraries combine traditional
book ________ with digital services and internet access. They act as centers
for ________, promote digital literacy, and encourage ________. Libraries are
essential public spaces that support safety, social interaction, and ________.
Passage 2
Renewable Energy and Urban Development
Renewable
energy has become a central focus in modern urban development, as cities seek
to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability. Sources such as solar,
wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy are increasingly integrated into
city planning to power homes, businesses, and transportation systems. Urban
planners recognize that adopting renewable energy not only mitigates climate
change but also promotes economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of
life.
Solar
panels and wind turbines are the most visible components of renewable
infrastructure. Many cities have adopted incentive programs to encourage
residents and businesses to install solar panels or participate in community
solar schemes. Wind energy, often utilized on city outskirts or offshore,
contributes to the electricity grid and supports industrial needs. Meanwhile, hydroelectric
projects provide a steady energy supply but require careful environmental
management to prevent ecosystem disruption.
The
transition to renewable energy faces challenges. High initial costs,
technological limitations, and intermittent energy supply can hinder widespread
adoption. Public awareness and behavioral change are also essential, as
citizens need to reduce energy waste and participate in energy-saving programs.
Policymakers must coordinate regulations, subsidies, and infrastructure upgrades
to facilitate a smooth transition.
Despite
these hurdles, urban areas worldwide are increasingly adopting smart energy
solutions. Cities use sensors, smart meters, and energy management systems to
optimize electricity usage and reduce waste. Integrating renewable energy with
urban planning not only lowers emissions but also strengthens resilience
against energy shortages, power outages, and climate-related risks.
Looking
forward, the combination of renewable energy, technological innovation, and
community engagement is likely to redefine urban living. By prioritizing
sustainability, cities can achieve long-term environmental, economic, and
social benefits, shaping a greener future for residents.
Questions
1.
Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences using words
from the passage:
1.
Renewable energy helps cities reduce ________ and enhance
________.
2.
Hydroelectric projects need careful ________ to prevent ecosystem disruption.
2.
Note Completion
Complete the notes below with
words from the passage:
Renewable
Energy in Cities
·
Common sources: solar, wind, ________, geothermal
·
Incentives: encourage installation of solar panels, community
________
·
Challenges: high initial costs, technological limitations,
________ energy supply, public awareness
·
Solutions: sensors, smart meters, energy management ________
3.
Short Answer Questions
Answer briefly using words from
the passage (NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS):
1.
What type of energy is often used on city outskirts or offshore?
2.
What role do policymakers play in the transition to renewable
energy?
3.
Name one economic benefit of adopting renewable energy in cities.
4.
Yes/No/Not Given
Do the following statements agree
with the passage?
1.
Geothermal energy is the only source used in urban areas.
2.
Citizens must participate in energy-saving programs to aid the
transition.
3.
Renewable energy guarantees a constant electricity supply without
any challenges.
4.
Smart energy solutions can reduce emissions and strengthen urban
resilience.
5.
Summary Completion
Complete the summary using words
from the box:
Word
Bank: sustainability, emissions, innovation, participation, economic
growth
Urban areas are adopting renewable
energy to reduce carbon ________ and improve ________. Renewable energy
combined with technological ________ and community ________ can provide
long-term environmental and social benefits. Cities also gain ________ by
creating jobs and supporting industries.
Passage3
The Evolution of Public Transportation in Cities
Public
transportation has long been a backbone of urban life, facilitating mobility,
reducing traffic congestion, and supporting economic growth. Early forms of
public transit included horse-drawn carriages, trams, and omnibuses, which
served the growing populations of 19th-century cities. With industrialization
and urban expansion, public transportation systems evolved to include buses,
subways, and light rail networks, providing faster, more reliable, and
higher-capacity travel options.
In
the 20th century, technological advancements, such as electric-powered trains
and buses, improved efficiency and reduced pollution. Integrated ticketing
systems, real-time schedules, and dedicated transit lanes enhanced convenience
for passengers. Cities began to prioritize accessibility, ensuring that public
transit reached underserved neighborhoods and provided affordable travel for
all citizens.
Despite
these improvements, public transportation faces ongoing challenges. Urban
congestion, maintenance costs, and infrastructure limitations can affect service
reliability. Environmental concerns, including air pollution and energy
consumption, continue to drive the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable
transit solutions. Funding shortages and political debates also influence the
planning and expansion of transit networks.
In
recent years, innovations such as electric buses, bike-sharing programs,
autonomous vehicles, and mobile ticketing apps have reshaped urban
transportation. Cities increasingly integrate multiple modes of transport,
creating seamless networks that allow commuters to switch easily between buses,
trains, bicycles, and ride-sharing services. These efforts aim to reduce
dependence on private vehicles, lower carbon emissions, and promote healthier,
more sustainable urban living.
Looking
ahead, urban public transportation will likely continue to evolve, focusing on
sustainability, efficiency, and inclusivity. By embracing technological
innovations, environmental policies, and community engagement, cities can
develop transit systems that meet the needs of growing populations while
minimizing environmental impact and enhancing quality of life.
Questions
1.
Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences using words
from the passage:
1.
Early forms of public transit included horse-drawn carriages,
________, and omnibuses.
2.
Cities increasingly integrate multiple modes of transport to
reduce dependence on ________.
2.
Note Completion
Complete the notes below with
words from the passage:
Public
Transportation: Key Points
·
Early systems: horse-drawn carriages, trams, ________
·
20th-century improvements: electric-powered trains/buses,
integrated ticketing, ________ transit lanes
·
Challenges: urban congestion, maintenance costs, environmental
concerns, ________, political debates
·
Modern innovations: electric buses, bike-sharing, autonomous
vehicles, mobile ________ apps
3.
Short Answer Questions
Answer briefly using words from
the passage (NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS):
1.
Name one factor that improved public transit convenience in the
20th century.
2.
What environmental issue drives adoption of cleaner transit
solutions?
3.
Which type of vehicles is being introduced recently to improve
urban transit?
4.
Yes/No/Not Given
Do the following statements agree
with the passage?
1.
Early public transit was only available to wealthy citizens.
2.
Maintenance costs can affect the reliability of public
transportation.
3.
Bike-sharing programs are a traditional mode of transport.
4.
Public transportation planning is influenced by political debates
and funding.
5.
Summary Completion
Complete the summary using words
from the box:
Word
Bank: sustainability, accessibility, efficiency, commuters, technology
Urban public transportation has
evolved from horse-drawn carriages to integrated modern systems. Cities aim to
improve ________ and reduce environmental impact. 20th-century innovations
increased convenience and reached more neighborhoods to promote ________.
Modern solutions leverage ________ to create seamless travel for ________ while
focusing on long-term ________.
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