NAME: …………………………………………………………………………….
……………… READING: ______
GROUP: ………………………… WRITING: _________ EBAU: _________
Option A
READING & WRITING UNIT - 2nd BACHILLERATO
ECO-VILLAGES: A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
Eco-villages are communities designed to reduce environmental impact by focusing on sustainability.
They attempt to meet the needs of their residents without damaging the environment or using more
resources than necessary. While most eco-villages are small, they demonstrate a variety of approaches
to living in a more environmentally-responsible way.
One main feature of eco-villages is local food production. Many communities grow their own food using
organic farming methods. This reduces the need for transporting food over long distances, which cuts
pollution and energy use. Residents often grow fruits and vegetables in shared gardens. Producing food
locally helps eco-villages reduce their carbon footprint and ensures that food is fresh and healthy.
Eco-villages adopt different practices to lower their dependence on fossil fuels and reduce their overall
impact on the environment. Generally, they use renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind
turbines to power their homes and buildings. Many villages also focus on reducing water waste through
rainwater collection. Homes are often built with sustainable materials, such as recycled wood or earth
blocks and are designed to be energy efficient.
In addition to sustainable practices, eco-villages encourage shared responsibility among residents. Most
communities set their own rules and make decisions together through democratic processes. This
encourages cooperation amongst the residents. People living in eco-villages often share tasks such as
farming and childcare. Some communities organise regular meetings to discuss responsibilities and solve
problems together. Working as a group allows them to build strong connections and ensures that
everyone contributes to the success of the community.
While eco-villages offer many advantages, they also face some difficulties. It can be challenging for
residents to agree on rules and responsibilities. In some cases, communities experience disagreements
about how to achieve their sustainability goals. For example, an eco-village in Oregon, USA, closed after
only three years due to conflicts over strict policies and a lack of effective leadership. Successful eco-
villages need clear rules and flexible systems to handle problems and keep the community working well.
Some cities are starting to use ideas from eco-villages in urban planning. In Stockholm, Sweden, the
Hammarby Sjöstad district was designed to reduce pollution by 50%. The neighbourhood uses solar
panels and has a special system that turns household waste into energy. This district shows that eco-
village principles can be adapted to larger communities, making sustainable living possible for more
people.
Part I. Reading Comprehension
1. Are the following statements true (T) or false (F)? Identify the part of the text that supports
your answer by copying the exact passage on the answer sheet. (2 points: 0.5 each)
a) Eco-villages are large communities that serve as examples of sustainable living.
b) Residents usually grow their fruits and vegetables in their own gardens.
c) Most eco-village homes are built with traditional materials such as concrete and steel.
d) Residents of eco-villages regularly meet to discuss tasks and solve problems as a group.
2. Answer the following questions using your own words but taking into account the information
in the text. (2.5 points: 1.25 point each)
a) What is the primary goal of an eco-village?
b) What caused an eco-village in Oregon to close?
3. Find a synonym for each of the four words below from these six options. All words are
underlined in the text (1 point: 0.25)
feature / cuts / dependence / encourages / face / handle
a) characteristc
b) confront
c) reduces
d) motivates
4. Choose a, b, or c, in each question below. Only one choice is correct. (1.5 points: 0.5 each)
1. Why does growing food locally help eco-villages?
a) It reduces pollution from transportation
b) It lowers the cost of food
c) It eliminates the use of energy
d) It boosts the use of energy.
2. How do eco-villages reduce water waste?
a) by using solar panels
b) by storing rain for future use
c) through the use of wind turbines
d) by using water turbines
3. What is necessary for an eco-village to succeed?
a) well-defined regulations
b) strict leadership
c) independent decision-making
d) multitasking community
Part II. Composition (130 to 150 words approximately) (3 points)
5. Choose one of these two topics and write a composition about it.
A. What are the advantages and disadvantages of community-based living?
B. Imagine you spent a summer living in an eco-village. Write about your experiences and how they
influenced you to make changes in your life.
