Passage 5: A Better Robot

Robots are useful for exploring and working in space. In particular, many robots have
been sent to explore Mars. Such robots have usually looked like a box with wheels.
Though these robots are useful, by their very nature they are unreliable, extremely
expensive, and they break easily. Also, they cannot do very many tasks. Because of
these problems, scientists have been developing a new and unusual kind of robot.
These new robots move like snakes, so they have been given the name "snakebots."

The way a snake is shaped lets it get into very small spaces, like cracks in rocks. It
can also push its way below the ground or climb up different kinds of objects, like
high rocks and trees. Such abilities account for the usefulness of a robot designed
like a snake. A snakebot would be able to do these things, too, making it much more
effective than regular robots with wheels, which easily get stuck or fall over. Since
they can carry tools, snakebots would be able to work in space as well. They could,
for example, help repair the International Space Station.

But how can such a robot shape be made? A snakebot is built like a chain made of
about thirty parts, or modules. Each "module" is basically the same in that they all
have a small computer and a wheel to aid movement. The large computer in the
"head" of the snake makes all of the modules in a snakebot work together. The
modular design of the snakebot has many advantages. If one module fails, another
can be added easily. Snakebot modules can also carry different kinds of tools, as well
as cameras. Since each module is actually a robot in itself, one module can work
apart from the rest if necessary. That is, all the modules can separate and move on
their own, and then later, reconnect back into a larger robot. Researchers are also
trying to develop snakebots made of a special kind of plastic that can change its
shape using electricity, almost like animal muscles. Snakebots made with this plastic
will be very strong and hard to break.

In addition, the snakebot design is much simpler than that of common robots. Thus,
snakebots will be much less expensive to build. For example, a robot recently sent to
Mars cost over a hundred million dollars, whereas snakebots can cost as little as a
few hundred dollars.

Despite the advantages highlighted, snakebots also come with certain downsides.
One crucial drawback is that their specialized design sometimes restricts their
capabilities in other tasks. Also, the modular structure of snakebots introduces
increased complexity in terms of coordination and communication between modules.
This complexity poses a challenge in ensuring seamless integration and
synchronization of the snakebot's movements and actions. Furthermore, the ongoing
research into shape-shifting plastic raises concerns about the durability and long-
term reliability of snakebots. Overall, these aforementioned factors must be carefully
considered to fully evaluate the feasibility and drawbacks of incorporating snakebots
into future space exploration endeavors.

Questions
1. What is the main topic addressed in this passage?
○ A. The invention of snakebots
○ B. The objective of the initial operational snakebots
○ C. Common characteristics between snakes and robots
○ D. The appearance and capabilities of snakebots
 2. What makes the modular design of snakebots advantageous?
○ A. Modules can change shape using electricity.
○ B. Modules can easily be added or replaced.
○ C. Each module has its own computer and wheel.
○ D. The design is more complex than traditional robots.
3. What is the aim of the second paragraph?
○ A. To list the locations where snakebots have already visited.
○ B. To specify the initial snakebots' accomplishments.
○ C. To explain the versatility and practicality of snakebots.
○ D. To outline the disadvantages associated with wheeled robots.
4. Based on the information provided in the passage, what can be inferred about
the potential applications of snakebots?
○ A. Snakebots are primarily designed for working in small spaces, like
cracks in rocks.
○ B. Snakebots are not as effective as regular robots with wheels in
outdoor environments.
○ C. Snakebots are unable to carry tools for performing tasks in various
environments.
○ D. Snakebots have the capability to assist in repairing the International
Space Station.
5. The word "module" in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to:
○ A. A central computer system controlling movement.
○ B. A shape resembling a snake.
○ C. A chain-like structure made of various parts.
○ D. A component with a small computer and a wheel.
6. What potential factor could lead to the failure of a snakebot?
○ A. If its tail experienced substantial damage.
○ B. If it became stuck in a narrow and deep opening.
○ C. If all its modules were compromised in terms of their functionality.
○ D. If its head became separated from the rest of the body.
7. Which of the following is true about the downside of using snakebots for space
exploration?
○ A. Snakebots have unrestricted capabilities in performing various tasks.
○ B. The modular structure of snakebots simplifies coordination and
communication between modules.
○ C. The ongoing research into shape-shifting plastic ensures the
durability of snakebots.
○ D. Snakebots' specialized design can limit their capabilities in tasks
beyond their intended function.
8. This passage would probably be an excerpt from:
○ A. A news article on advancements in robotics technology.
○ B. A scientific journal on robotics and space exploration.
○ C. A research paper on the challenges of industrial automation.
○ D. A textbook on engineering and innovative design.
1.

Answers and Explanations

1. What is the main topic addressed in this passage?
○ Answer: A. The invention of snakebots
 ○ Explanation: The passage primarily discusses the development and
design of snakebots as a new type of robot that is more effective for
specific tasks compared to traditional robots.
2. What makes the modular design of snakebots advantageous?
○ Answer: B. Modules can easily be added or replaced.
○ Explanation: The passage highlights that if one module fails, it can be
easily replaced or added to, which is a key advantage of the modular
design.
3. What is the aim of the second paragraph?
○ Answer: C. To explain the versatility and practicality of snakebots.
○ Explanation: The second paragraph outlines the unique abilities of
snakebots, such as moving through small spaces and climbing,
illustrating their practical applications.
4. Based on the information provided in the passage, what can be inferred about
the potential applications of snakebots?
○ Answer: D. Snakebots have the capability to assist in repairing the
International Space Station.
○ Explanation: The passage explicitly mentions that snakebots could help
repair the International Space Station, indicating their potential
applications in space.
5. The word "module" in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to:
○ Answer: D. A component with a small computer and a wheel.
○ Explanation: The passage describes each module as having a small
computer and a wheel, which directly aligns with this definition.
6. What potential factor could lead to the failure of a snakebot?
○ Answer: C. If all its modules were compromised in terms of their
functionality.
○ Explanation: The failure of individual modules could lead to the overall
failure of the snakebot, especially if they cannot function together.
7. Which of the following is true about the downside of using snakebots for space
exploration?
○ Answer: D. Snakebots' specialized design can limit their capabilities in
tasks beyond their intended function.
○ Explanation: The passage discusses how the specialized design of
snakebots may restrict their capabilities in performing various tasks,
which supports this answer.
8. This passage would probably be an excerpt from:
○ Answer: B. A scientific journal on robotics and space exploration.
○ Explanation: The content and focus on the technological advancements
of snakebots and their applications in space exploration suggest that it
would come from a scientific journal.

Reading 2/2: Leaves Only Your Footprints

With the increasing awareness of global warming and the overuse of the Earth's
natural resources, it seems that the traveling public has never been more conscious
of the effects and impacts that their holidays have—not just on the environment, but
also on local communities worldwide. However, Justin Francis, the co-founder of the
website Responsible Travel, believes that there is still a long way to go regarding the
public's awareness of green travel issues.
Francis notes that while some consumers are actively seeking out responsible
holiday options, most people remain unaware of the growing number of choices
available. "I wish that people were springing out of bed in the mornings thinking that
they must select a holiday that does a better job of protecting environments and
communities. Sadly, it does not happen, and the main factors are still the right
experience, the right price, and convenient departure schedules," he states.

Today's travelers have a variety of responsible holiday choices. Despite a major

airline's recent announcement that it plans to fly jets on fuel made from rubbish to
reduce its carbon footprint, many people recognize that air travel is a contentious
issue in the environmentally friendly travel debate. While some insist that the only
truly green option is not to fly or to stay at home, those who still wish to travel have
an increasing number of options to help lessen their environmental impact and
support their host communities.

The Green Traveller website promotes holidays that can be reached by land and
offers numerous tips for having a greener holiday, regardless of the destination. Its
managing director, Richard Hammond, agrees that interest in this type of travel has
grown. "Very few holidays are 100% green, so it's really about having a greener
holiday. The most basic choice is looking at low-pollution forms of transport, or if you
are going somewhere really distant, minimizing your impact at the destination," says
Hammond.

Many properties featured on the site already have certifications from various
international and national schemes. Green Traveller's team also personally assesses
each property, applying their own standards during the selection process, such as
how waste is managed, the extent to which local agricultural products are used, and
whether visitors are encouraged to arrive by rail.

Established tour operators have also noticed that an increasing number of clients
consider these factors when deciding where to go for their holidays. Last year, First
Choice added a Greener Holidays brochure to its program, and tour operators often
list accommodation-only or activity-only prices, allowing people to choose their
means of transport, such as traveling by rail instead of air.

Hotels are increasingly keen to highlight their ecological achievements. One major
criticism of international hotel chains has been their overuse of the Earth's resources,
prompting many to implement measures claiming to reduce this impact. However,
some initiatives, like planting a tree for every five towels reused, are unlikely to make
a significant overall difference.

Francis believes that consumers are becoming more aware of such "tokenism" from
hotels and tour operators, which may not truly have the best interests of the
community or the planet at heart. "My real hope is that we get much more curious and
more questioning, and there are rebellious tourists who see through this and ask
increasingly tough questions," he states.

Questions
1. What is the main concern expressed by Justin Francis regarding the public's
awareness of green travel issues?
○ A. The ignorance of eco-conscious travelers about green travel choices
 ○ B. Their limited understanding of the environmental impact of their
holidays
○ C. Their lack of interest in environmentally friendly holidays
○ D. The limited availability of information on responsible travel
2. What does Justin Francis indicate about public attitudes towards holidays?
○ A. Today, travelers are more aware of global warming than they used to
be.
○ B. The majority of individuals still choose their holidays for the same
reasons.
○ C. Having greener holidays is the top priority for everyone these days.
○ D. The only thing that interests travelers is looking for the best travel
prices.
3. What does the author state about air travel for vacations?
○ A. It is impossible to reduce its environmental damage.
○ B. The public believes it is harmless because of modern technologies.
○ C. Many individuals think that it is bad for the environment.
○ D. Few people are aware that its potential harm is being discussed.
4. Which statement accurately reflects the implication of Paragraph 3?
○ A. Staying at home is the only environmentally friendly option for travel.
○ B. Rubbish-based fuel is the ultimate solution to air travel's controversy.
○ C. The major airline's announcement has no effect on air travel's
controversy.
○ D. Air travel's impact can be mitigated through various alternatives.
5. What does Richard Hammond suggest to holidaymakers who travel to distant
destinations?
○ A. Looking for more practical advice on greener holidays
○ B. Trying to minimize environmental damage in those places
○ C. Making sure that their holidays are completely green
○ D. Taking a train or bus instead of a plane
6. In Paragraph (5), what does 'it' refer to?
○ A. The destination
○ B. The Green Traveler website
○ C. The selection process
○ D. The team of writers
7. Some tour firms have noticed that people are now more inclined to choose a
holiday:
○ A. In a place that serves agricultural products from that area.
○ B. Somewhere that produces no waste materials.
○ C. That is organized by a traditional travel company.
○ D. Which includes the cost of travel in the price.
8. What is the main idea of the passage?
○ A. The growing interest in greener holidays and the availability of
choices
○ B. The skepticism towards hotels and tour operators' ecological
achievements
○ C. The controversy of air travel in environmentally friendly tourism
○ D. The challenges faced by international hotels in implementing eco-
friendly measures

Answers and Explanations

1. What is the main concern expressed by Justin Francis regarding the public's
awareness of green travel issues?
Answer: B. Their limited understanding of the environmental impact of their
holidays
Explanation: Justin Francis points out that while some consumers are seeking
out eco-friendly options, the majority are still unaware of the growing number
of choices and their impacts on the environment and communities.
2. What does Justin Francis indicate about public attitudes towards holidays?
Answer: B. The majority of individuals still choose their holidays for the same
reasons.
Explanation: Francis notes that people often prioritize the right experience,
price, and convenient schedules over environmental considerations, indicating
that the majority have not shifted their holiday selection criteria.
3. What does the author state about air travel for vacations?
Answer: C. Many individuals think that it is bad for the environment.
Explanation: The text mentions that air travel is a controversial issue, and
many people insist that it is not environmentally friendly, suggesting that there
is a general awareness of its negative impact.
4. Which statement accurately reflects the implication of Paragraph 3?
Answer: D. Air travel's impact can be mitigated through various alternatives.
Explanation: The paragraph discusses the increasing choices available for
travelers who want to lessen their environmental impact, indicating that while
air travel poses challenges, there are alternatives that can help mitigate these
effects.
5. What does Richard Hammond suggest to holidaymakers who travel to distant
destinations?
Answer: B. Trying to minimize environmental damage in those places
Explanation: Hammond emphasizes minimizing impact at the destination
rather than seeking completely green options, reflecting a practical approach
to greener travel.
6. In Paragraph (5), what does 'it' refer to?
Answer: B. The Green Traveler website
Explanation: The context of the paragraph indicates that "it" refers to the
website that promotes responsible travel options and assesses properties
based on environmental standards.
7. Some tour firms have noticed that people are now more inclined to choose a
holiday:
Answer: A. In a place that serves agricultural products from that area.
Explanation: The passage mentions that established tour operators have
realized clients are considering factors like the use of local agricultural
products when choosing holiday destinations, indicating a shift towards more
responsible choices.
8. What is the main idea of the passage?
Answer: A. The growing interest in greener holidays and the availability of
choices
Explanation: The passage discusses the increasing awareness and options
available for responsible travel, showcasing the trend towards environmentally
conscious holiday choices among travelers.