Smart governments can help push the market in the right direction. The EU’s 1994 law on labeling was such a success that it extended the same idea to entire buildings last year. To boost the market value of efficiency, all new buildings are required to have an “energy pass” detailing power and heating consumption. Countries like Japan and Germany have successively tightened building codes, requiring an increase in insulation levels but leaving it up to builders to decide how to meet them.
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The most powerful incentives, of course, will come from the market itself. Over the past year, sky-high fuel prices have focused minds on efficiency like never before. Ever-increasing pressure to cut costs has finally forced more companies to do some math on their energy use.
Will it be enough? With global demand and emissions rising so fast, we may not have any choice but to try. Efficient technology is here now, proven and cheap. Compared with all other options, it’s the biggest, easiest and most profitable bang for the buck.
1. What is said to be the best way to conserve energy nowadays?
[A] Raising efficiently. [B] Cutting unnecessary costs.
[C] Finding alternative resources [D] Sacrificing some personal comforts.
2. What does the European Union plan to do?
[A] Diversify energy supply. [B] Cut energy consumption.
[C] Reduce carbon emissions. [D] Raise production efficiency.
3. If you add enough insulation to your house, you may be able to _______.
[A] improve your work environment [B] cut your utility bills by half.
[C] get rid of air-conditioners [D] enjoy much better health
4. How much of the power consumed by incandescent bulbs is converted into light?
[A] A small portion. [B] Some 40 percent
[C] Almost half. [D] 75 to 80 percent.
5. Some countries have tired to jump-start the market of heat pumps by_________.
[A] upgrading the equipment [B] encouraging investments
[C] implementing high-tech [D] providing subsidies
6. German chemicals giant BASF saves � 200 million a year by_________.
[A] recycling heat and energy [B] setting up factories in China
[C] using the newest technology [D] reducing the CO2 emissions of its plants
7. Global residential power consumption can be cut by 43 percent if________.
[A] we increase the insulation of walls and water pipes
[B] we choose simpler models of electrical appliances
[C] we cut down on the use of refrigerators and other white goods
[D] we choose the most efficient models of refrigerators and other white goods
8. Energy service contractors profit by taking a part of clients’__________.
9. Many environmentalists maintain the view that conservation has much to do with___________.
10. The strongest incentive energy conservation will drive from_____________.
Part III Listening Comprehension (35 minutes)
Section A
Directions: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked [A], [B], [C] and [D], and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre.
11. [A] Proceed in his own way. [B] Stick to the original plan.
[C] Compromise with his colleague. [D] Try to change his colleague’s mind.
12. [A] Many has a keen eye for style.
[B] Nancy regrets buying the dress.
[C] Nancy and Mary went shopping together in Rome.
[D] Nancy and Mary like to follow the latest fashion.
13. [A] Wash the dishes. [B] Go to the theatre.
[C] Pick up George and Martha. [D] Take her daughter to hospital.
14. [A] She enjoys making up stories about other people.
[B] She can never keep anything to herself for long.
[C] She is eager to share news with the woman.
[D] She is the best informed woman in town.
15. [A] A car dealer. [B] A mechanic.
[C] A driving examiner. [D] A technical consultant.
16. [A] The shopping mall has been deserted recently.
[B] Shoppers can only find good stores in the mall.
[C] Lots of people moved out of the downtown area.
[D] There isn’t much business downtown nowadays.
17. [A] He will help the woman with her reading.
[B] The lounge is not a place for him to study in.
[C] He feels sleepy whenever he tries to study.