Reading practice - Matching names 3

 

Concrete alternatives

The push for innovation in the construction industry, driven by concerns about the environmental impact of traditional concrete, is gaining momentum. Concrete, a fundamental building material, contributes significantly to global warming, generating 8% of annual carbon dioxide emissions. Scientists, the U.S. government, and the concrete industry are actively seeking alternatives to address these environmental issues.

Mija Hubler, co-director of the Center for Infrastructure, Energy, and Space Testing at the University of Colorado, notes a surge in innovation over the past five years. The government's focus on environmental changes, such as rising sea levels, has spurred this movement, along with growing interest from home builders. Engineers are particularly enthusiastic about catering to home builders, as it aligns with their passion.

Hubler is working on a groundbreaking project to develop self-healing concrete, designed to repair existing structures without the need for demolition. Other concrete innovations and alternatives are also expected to emerge in the market in the next year or two, following current demonstration projects.

Key reasons for considering concrete alternatives include the carbon-intensive nature of cement, the primary component of concrete, which involves super-heating limestone using fossil fuels. The resulting carbon dioxide emissions, combined with the environmental impact of transporting heavy materials, contribute to the environmental concerns surrounding concrete.

Concrete alternatives address various issues, such as crack resistance, with some options offering better tensile strength. These alternatives can be molded like concrete but behave more like wood, allowing for unique architectural designs. Additionally, certain technologies draw inspiration from traditional earthen concepts like adobe, modernized for commercial viability. These alternatives provide improved temperature regulation, reducing the need for excessive energy consumption in heating and cooling.

Furthermore, according to Minagor Soras, a leading engineer at Aptos Construction, greener concrete alternatives alleviate environmental damage caused by quarrying limestone for cement, which disrupts landscapes and leads to dust pollution. Concrete production is also water-intensive, accounting for a significant portion of global industrial water use. The development of eco-friendly concrete alternatives aims to mitigate these environmental concerns while offering viable options for home building and improvement projects.

Hempcrete, made from hemp plant cores mixed with lime, sand, and water, is a lightweight and eco-friendly alternative to concrete. “While not suitable for foundations or load-bearing walls, it excels for interior walls, prefab panels, bricks, cinder blocks, and insulation”, notes Soras. With an insulation R-value of 2.4 to 4.8, it surpasses fiberglass batts. Hempcrete is carbon-negative, sequestering CO2 during plant growth and installation, and it uses less water than concrete. Prices vary but are generally higher than standard concrete.

Compressed Earth Blocks are modern alternatives to traditional methods, incorporating fibers, bamboo, or rebar for strength. “Environmentally conscious, they are unfired, lack lime, and often use locally sourced materials, potentially being cost-competitive with concrete”, says Novak Angler, the prosfessor of Construction at Havard University.

Green concretes like Ashcrete (using fly ash) and Fiber Cement (using wood pulp) replace energy-intensive materials. Ashcrete, reminiscent of ancient Roman practices, is strong, quick-curing, and cost-effective. Fiber cement, used in roofing and siding, resists cracking and warping.

“Ferrock, made from 95% recycled materials, is a carbon-negative concrete alternative up to five times stronger than regular concrete”, emphasizes Amstrong Green of AbitZ construction comany. It has better compressive strength and flexibility, suitable for various applications, including earthquake-prone regions. Availability is limited, but it's environmentally friendly.

Mycelium structures, grown from fungi fibers, offer a lightweight, versatile, fire, water, and mold-resistant material that is self-healing. While not widely available, it can be grown for walkways, driveways, and bricks. Biomass ingredients like fungi and bacteria are also used as binders in traditional cements.

Questions 1-4

Look at the following statements (Questions 1-4) and the list of people below.

Match each statement with the correct person, A, B, C or D.

Write the correct letter, A, B, C or D, in boxes 1-4 on your answer sheet.

NB   You may use any letter more than once.

1. This alternative works well with some tasks but cannot be used for others.

2. This kind of new alternatives may be cheaper than conventional concrete.

3. Creating new concrete alternatives increased during a certain period of time.

4. More sustainable substitutes to concrete limit ecological damage.

List of people

A. Novak Angler

B. Mija Hubler

C. Minagor Soras

Reading practice - Matching names 2

 

Concrete and its alternatives

Concrete, a fundamental component of contemporary construction practices, finds itself under intense scrutiny due to its adverse environmental impact. In the relentless pursuit of sustainable building materials, a cohort of dedicated scientists and industry experts has embarked on an exploration of inventive alternatives. This article endeavors to illuminate the discourse by presenting profound insights from five distinguished figures, each contributing a distinctive perspective to the ongoing quest for eco-friendly construction materials.

Alex Thompson, an esteemed engineering professor at Imperial College London, emphasizes the magnitude of global concrete usage. While acknowledging that concrete itself is not inherently high-carbon, Thompson accentuates the environmental repercussions stemming from its staggering volume in construction projects. "Concrete is not a high-carbon product. Cement is high carbon, but concrete is not. However, it is the sheer scale of its usage that renders it high carbon. The enormity of the manufacturing process is the crux of the issue," he expounds. Thompson passionately underscores the imperative for alternatives capable of matching concrete's efficiency on a grand scale.

Mia Johnson, the Vice President of Stora Enso, Europe's premier supplier of cross-laminated timber, delves into the escalating global demand for wooden construction. Johnson discerns that concerns about climate change are compelling architects to consider treated timber as a sustainable resource. "Wooden buildings can be erected at a greater speed than those made of concrete and steel, and the process is quieter," she points out. However, Johnson concedes that treated wood has its limitations, underscoring the need for proven success across a diverse array of construction projects to firmly establish it as a bona fide alternative to concrete.

Evan Miller, representing the UK’s Green Building Council, delves into alternatives such as fly ash and iron-ore slag. These waste products hold the promise of being incorporated into concrete mixes to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, Miller cautiously remarks, "It's conceivable to replace the cement content in concrete with waste products to diminish the overall carbon impact, but a myriad of calculations must be considered throughout the entire life cycle of the building." He places significant emphasis on factoring in elements like transportation, as they could significantly influence the overall perspective on carbon reduction.

Taking a broader perspective, Olivia Walker and Liam Turner of the UK’s Royal Institute of International Affairs offer an encompassing view of innovation in the concrete industry. They highlight that while novel cements have been under discussion within the research community for over a decade, they face formidable challenges. "Presently, these alternatives are seldom as cost-effective as conventional cement, and they encounter raw-material shortages and resistance from customers," they conclude. This insightful observation brings to light the intricate complexities associated with introducing new materials into the construction industry and emphasizes the necessity of overcoming economic and market challenges.

Revisiting Alex Thompson's perspective, he accentuates the extraordinary properties of concrete, including its moldability and synergy with steel, rendering replication a formidable challenge. "Concrete is an extraordinary material. Producing anything with similar properties is bound to be exceedingly difficult," he asserts. Thompson underscores the vital role of innovation and human ingenuity in the development of alternatives capable of matching concrete's unparalleled versatility and strength.

Questions 1-5

Look at the following statements (Questions 9-13) and the list of people below.

Match each statement with the correct person, A, B, C or D.

Write the correct letter, A, B, C or D, in boxes 9-13 on your answer sheet.

NB   You may use any letter more than once.

1. Multiple calculations should be taken into consideration when other materials are used to replace cement.

2. Producing any material sharing comparable qualities with concrete will undoubtedly be very challenging.

3. Other alternative materials are often more expensive than traditional cement.

4. A component of concrete is high-carbon, not concrete itself.

5. Timber, which is treated, has its own weeknesses in construction practices.

List of People

A     Alex Thompson

B     Mia Johnson

C     Evan Miller

D     Olivia Walker and Liam Turner

 

Reading practice - Matching names 1

 

Navigating Sustainable Construction: Unveiling Alternatives to Concrete

Concrete, an integral part of modern construction, is facing scrutiny due to its environmental impact. In the pursuit of sustainable building materials, scientists and industry experts are exploring innovative alternatives. This article presents insights from five key figures, each offering a unique perspective on the quest for eco-friendly construction materials.

Chris Cheeseman, an engineering professor at Imperial College London, underscores the global scale of concrete usage. While acknowledging that concrete itself is not inherently high-carbon, Cheeseman emphasizes the environmental impact due to its sheer volume in construction. "Concrete is not a high-carbon product. Cement is high carbon, but concrete is not. But it is the scale on which it is used that makes it high carbon. The sheer scale of manufacture is so huge; that is the issue," he says. Cheeseman stresses the necessity for alternatives that can match concrete's efficiency on a large scale.

Markus Mannstrom, Vice President of Stora Enso, Europe's leading supplier of cross-laminated timber, discusses the increasing global demand for wooden construction. Mannstrom notes that climate change concerns are driving architects to consider treated timber as a resource. "Wooden buildings can be constructed at a greater speed than concrete and steel, and the process is quieter," he highlights. However, Mannstrom acknowledges that treated wood has limitations and underscores the need for proven success in a variety of construction projects to establish it as a genuine alternative to concrete.

Anna Surgenor, representing the UK’s Green Building Council, delves into alternatives like fly ash and iron-ore slag. These waste products can be incorporated into concrete mixes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, Surgenor cautions, "It's possible to replace the cement content in concrete with waste products to lower the overall carbon impact, but there are several calculations that need to be considered across the entire life cycle of the building." She emphasizes the importance of considering factors like transportation, as it could affect the overall carbon reduction perspective.

Felix Preston and Johanna Lehne of the UK’s Royal Institute of International Affairs offer an overarching view of innovation in the concrete industry. They note that while novel cements have been discussed for over a decade within the research community, they face challenges. "At present, these alternatives are rarely as cost-effective as conventional cement, and they face raw-material shortages and resistance from customers," they conclude. This insight highlights the complexities of introducing new materials into the construction industry and the need for overcoming economic and market challenges.

Returning to Chris Cheeseman, he highlights the remarkable properties of concrete, including its moldability and the synergy with steel, making it challenging to replicate. "Concrete is amazing stuff. Making anything with similar properties is going to be very difficult," he notes. Cheeseman underscores the necessity for innovation and human ingenuity to develop alternatives that can match concrete's versatility and strength.

Questions 6-13

Look at the following statements (Questions 9-13) and the list of people below.

Match each statement with the correct person, A, B, C or D.

Write the correct letter, A, B, C or D, in boxes 9-13 on your answer sheet.

NB   You may use any letter more than once.

 

1. Although it is not as high-carbon as cement due to its large manufacturing scale, concrete still has a significant level of carbon.

2. The poor response to the creation of new cements has been partially explained by high expense.

3. It would be challenging to develop a concrete substitute for construction that provides so many equivalent advantages.

4. Compared to concrete and steel, wooden houses can be built faster and more silently.

5. The significance of taking transportation into account because it may have an impact on the bigger picture on decreasing carbon emissions.

 

List of People

A     Chris Cheeseman

B     Markus Mannstrom

C     Anna Surgenor

D     Felix Preston and Johanna Lehne

IELTS READING PRACTICE- PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

 

"Physical activity is an indispensable component of a healthy lifestyle, playing a pivotal role in promoting overall well-being and preventing a myriad of health issues. This essay will delve into the multifaceted benefits of engaging in regular physical activity, including its impact on physical health, mental well-being, and the prevention of chronic diseases.   Firstly, regular physical activity is paramount for maintaining optimal physical health. Exercise is closely linked to the prevention of various cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Engaging in activities that elevate the heart rate and promote cardiovascular endurance helps to strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and regulate blood pressure. Additionally, physical activity is instrumental in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity and related conditions, including diabetes.   Furthermore, the positive effects of physical activity extend beyond the physical realm, encompassing mental well-being. Exercise has been proven to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression by triggering the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers. Moreover, regular physical activity is associated with improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases, contributing to enhanced mental acuity and longevity.   Another crucial aspect is the prevention of chronic diseases through regular physical activity. Numerous studies have demonstrated the correlation between a sedentary lifestyle and the development of chronic conditions, including certain types of cancer, osteoporosis, and metabolic disorders. Engaging in regular exercise strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation, and enhances the body's ability to ward off illnesses, contributing significantly to disease prevention.

In addition to physical and mental health benefits, physical activity fosters social connections and promotes a sense of community. Participating in group activities or sports encourages interpersonal relationships, teamwork, and camaraderie, thus fostering a supportive and positive social environment. This communal aspect of physical activity not only enhances the overall experience but also contributes to mental and emotional well-being."

Questions 1-5 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONLY ONE WORD from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.   Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining the best physical health, preventing ……1……. disorders like heart attacks and strokes, and promoting cardiovascular endurance. It also helps maintain a ……2……. weight, reducing the risk of obesity and related conditions like……3…. By causing the production of……4……., physical activity also improves mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Regular physical activity is associated with improved ……5……. function and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases, contributing to enhanced mental acuity and longevity.     Questions 6-10 Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1? In boxes 6-10 on your answer sheet, write TRUE               if the statement agrees with the information FALSE              if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN    if there is no information on this   6. Exercise doesn’t assist in releasing endorphins, the body's natural mood boosters. 7. Frequent physical activity helps people live longer. 8. There is the correlation between a sedentary lifestyle and the development of regular exercise. 9.  Participating in regular exercise improves the immune system.

10. Physical activity damages social connections and discourages interpersonal relationships. 

Reading pactice - Topic "physical activity" 2

The Benefits of Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is often touted as a key factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Not only does it contribute to physical well-being, but it also has numerous mental health benefits. Many studies have explored the positive impact of regular physical activity on both the body and the mind.

Exercise is known to enhance cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and maintain a healthy weight. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in improving cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration. Individuals who engage in consistent physical activity are often found to have lower levels of stress and anxiety.

Despite these benefits, some people find it challenging to incorporate regular exercise into their daily routine. Work commitments, lack of motivation, and a sedentary lifestyle are common barriers. However, making small changes, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a brisk walk during lunch breaks, can significantly contribute to overall well-being.

Questions 1-5

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?

In boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE               if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE              if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN    if there is no information on this

1. Engaging in regular physical activity is linked to multiple mental health benefits.

2. Exercise is effective in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

3. People who exercise regularly tend to have higher stress levels.

4.  Some individuals struggle to include exercise in their daily routine due to their laziness.

5.  Making small changes in daily habits cannot contribute to overall well-being.

Questions 6-10

Complete the sentences below.

Choose ONLY ONE WORD from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.

6. Engaging in consistent physical activity has been shown to enhance __________ health.

7. Exercise is known to improve cognitive functions, including __________ and concentration.

8. Although there are many health benefits, some individuals find it hard to incorporate __________ into their daily routine.

9. Being unmotivated and a nonstandard lifestyle are popular __________ to regular exercise.

10. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator and going for a brisk walk during lunch breaks are examples of small changes that can contribute to overall

The Benefits of Regular Exercise 2

Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether it's a brisk walk in the park or an intense workout at the gym, engaging in physical activity has numerous advantages for both the body and the mind. In this passage, we will explore the various benefits of regular exercise and how it contributes to overall well-being.

Exercise is not just about shedding extra pounds; it also helps improve cardiovascular health. Regular workout improves the heart health, lowers blood pressure, and enhances circulation. Furthermore, exercise aids in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and certain types of cancer.

In addition to physical benefits, exercise has a profound impact on mental health. When you engage in physical activity, your body releases endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones. These endorphins act as natural mood lifters, reducing stress and anxiety levels. Moreover, regular exercise has been linked to improved cognitive function and a lower risk of developing age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

While the benefits of exercise are well-established, it's essential to find activities that suit your preferences and lifestyle. Some people thrive in group classes, such as aerobics or spin, while others prefer the solitude of a morning jog. The key is to find an activity that you enjoy, making it more likely that you'll stick with it in the long run.

Questions 1-5

Complete the sentences below.

Choose ONLY ONE WORD from the passage for each answer.

1.       Doing exercise is important for keeping a ________ lifestyle.

2.       Involving in physical activity has many benefits for both the ________ and the mental heath.

3.       Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, lowers blood ________, and enhances circulation.

4.       Exercise helps remain a healthy ________, mitigating the danger of obesity-related diseases.

5.       When you paricipate in doing exercise, your body produces endorphins, often known as "________" hormones.

Questions 6-10

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?

In boxes 6-10 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE               if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE              if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN    if there is no information on this

6.       Exercise is solely about making you more motivated.

7.       Regular physical activity is linked to a higher risk of developing obesity-related diseases.

8.       Endorphins, released during exercise, act as natural mood lifters.

9.       Engaging in physical activity has no impact on mental health.

10.   It is essential to find an exercise activity that suits your preferences and lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading practice - Topic "physical activity"

 

Enhancing Physical Well-being

In a contemporary society characterized by sedentary habits and occupations tethered to desks, the significance of elevating one's fitness level has become increasingly conspicuous. Individuals are actively seeking effective methods to enhance their physical well-being and overall health. In this passage, we will delve into diverse strategies aimed at ameliorating fitness and sustaining a wholesome lifestyle.

Regular physical activity stands as a cornerstone of any regimen seeking to enhance fitness. Participation in exercises such as jogging, swimming, or resistance training serves to augment cardiovascular endurance, fortify musculature, and boost suppleness. Additionally, engaging in exercise facilitates the release of endorphins, contributing to an optimistic mood and alleviating stress.

In tandem with physical exertion, nutritional considerations play a pivotal role in the endeavor to enhance fitness. A well-rounded dietary intake, encompassing a spectrum of nutrients, is imperative for optimal performance during workouts and holistic health. Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals collectively underpin the body's ability to function efficiently and recover proficiently post-exercise.

Establishing pragmatic fitness objectives constitutes another fundamental facet of a comprehensive improvement plan. Whether aspiring towards weight management, muscle augmentation, or heightened endurance, delineating achievable benchmarks fosters motivation and provides a sense of purpose. Monitoring progress, commemorating milestones, and adapting goals as necessary are integral components of a triumphant fitness expedition.

Moreover, sufficient repose and convalescence, aspects often underestimated, are intrinsic to the process of augmenting fitness. Sleep, in particular, emerges as a pivotal period for the body's regeneration and repair, especially following periods of intensified physical exertion. Ensuring a restful night's sleep and incorporating designated recuperation days into a workout regimen forestall burnout and diminish the susceptibility to injuries.

Finally, maintaining adequate hydration assumes paramount importance in optimizing physical performance. Water, an indispensable element in myriad physiological functions, including thermoregulation and the conveyance of nutrients, plays a pivotal role. Dehydration, conversely, can detrimentally impact exercise efficacy and compromise the body's recuperative capacity.

True/False/Not Given Questions:

1.            In contemporary society, people are actively avoiding strategies to improve their fitness.

2.            Engaging in exercises such as jogging contributes to an increase in cardiovascular endurance.

3.            Nutritional considerations play a minor role in the pursuit of enhanced fitness.

4.            Monitoring progress and adapting goals are insignificant in the realm of personal relationships.

5.            Dehydration can positively impact exercise efficacy and aid in the body's recuperative capacity.

 

Gap filling

6.            In today's society, characterized by sedentary behaviors and occupations tied to desks, the importance of improving one's fitness level has become increasingly __________.

7.            Individuals are actively searching for effective ways to __________ their physical well-being and overall health.

8.            This passage explores various strategies aimed at __________ fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

9.            Participation in exercises such as jogging, swimming, or resistance training serves to enhance __________, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility.

10.          Engaging in exercise not only improves physical health but also leads to the release of endorphins, which contribute to a positive mood and the __________ of stress.

11.          Nutritional considerations play a crucial role in the effort to improve fitness, with a well-rounded dietary intake being essential for optimal performance during workouts and __________ health.

12.          Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals collectively support the body's ability to function efficiently and recover effectively __________ exercise.

13.          Setting practical fitness objectives is another fundamental aspect of a comprehensive improvement plan, fostering motivation and providing a clear __________.

14.          Monitoring progress, celebrating milestones, and adjusting goals as needed are integral components of a __________ fitness journey.

15.          Sufficient rest and recuperation, often underestimated aspects, are intrinsic to the process of __________ fitness. Sleep, in particular, is crucial for the body's regeneration and repair, especially after periods of heightened physical exertion.