1 . As the global population grows and shifts towards urban living, the land available in our cities is being under increasing pressure.In order to be sustainable, cities need to find ways to minimize their urban expansion.One option is to build upwards; another is to dig down.

In Montreal, constructed underground to relieve overcrowding in the city streets is RESO —one of the largest underground complexes in the world.It is a network connecting everything from shops and banks to flats and hotels.This shows how going underground can meet human needs whilst also bringing certain environmental benefits.Underground transport can reduce traffic jam above ground, thereby improving air quality.Furthermore, thanks to their relatively constant climate throughout the year, underground spaces consume less energy for heating and cooling.

When planning underground construction projects, developers must consider existing structures on or near the site, such as the remains of historic buildings.Designers must also ensure any underground space intended for human use has good air quality.One example is the forthcoming LDN Hotel,an underground hotel beneath the streets of London.Designers are using a wide range of plans to help keep the air inside clean,together with a state-of-the-art ventilation system (通风系统).

Light is another key consideration.In New York, plans for the world's first underground park Demonstrate novel ways of bringing natural rays beneath the surface.By employing solar technology light is to be reflected down through a series of pipes into the terminal below.This light would be sufficient for photosynthesis (光合作用) to occur and the park's plants to grow naturally.

Today's architects are developing innovative ways to make underground spaces functional and comfortable.The question remains whether they can provide sustainable and realistic options for the future.Besides practical considerations, there exists the challenge of building a positive perception of “going underground".Yet, the obvious challenges of constructing habitable underground spaces must be weighed against the urgent issue of housing the world's ballooning population.One day, it will feel as natural to live and work underground as it does to do so over 100 storeys high.

1. What does the author intend to do in paragraph 2?

A．To advertise the underground complexes.

B．To give suggestions on relieving crowdedness.

C．To explain how the underground network works.

D．To introduce the benefits of building underground.

2. How does the author develop his opinion?

A．By giving examples.

B．By listing study findings.

C．By making comparisons.

D．By quoting others' words.

3. Which of the following will the author agree?

A．Going underground can solve the problem of global warming.

B．Good air quality is superior to other factors.

C．Natural light is not necessary for underground plants.

D．The future of going underground calls for people's positive attitude.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．Ways to house the world population.

B．Concerns for the urban expansion.

C．Why and how to build underground.

D．The promising future of our cities.

2 .

The changing population throughout the globalizing world, in particular an increase in the aging population and a decrease in birth rates, is disturbing housing markets.

Since 1970, global average income per person has increased, with a few exceptions as in 2009 and 2015, and inequality has also widened among and within nations. The International Monetary Fund’s Global House Price Index collapsed in 2008 before climbing again to reach pre-crisis levels. Due to these population and financial trends, household structures have changed with increased preference for smaller, shared living quarters and less home ownership worldwide. Analysts increasingly focus on mapping and predicting effects of globalization on housing markets and individual decisions.

Countries at the forefront of globalization, namely the United States and China, as well as rapidly globalizing countries like India, expect their aging populations to double by the year 2050. Coupled with changes to the family structure, especially a childbirth rate nearly halved since 1950 and more two-income households, decisions involving the housing stock are more complex than ever before.

The three countries may share a common challenge: Their governments are not well prepared for rapid growth in their graying populations. Out of the three, the United States could be most affected, as the primary-mode of senior care in China and India is in-home care. If family support remains the top choice for senior care, this could prevent India and China from the possible negative effects of the inadequate public and private planning. In-home care involves family members covering the cost and accommodation of senior members. About 65 percent of US elderly in need of assistance rely on family and friends, and non-family senior care is relatively new for India and China.

1. Which of the following is TRUE according to paragraph 1 and 2?

A．The housing markets are mostly affected by the decrease in birth rates and rise in death rates.

B．Inequality has widened among and within nations due to the rapid globalization of the households.

C．The population and financial trends led to increased preference for smaller, shared accommodations.

D．Analysts think globalization has decisive effects on housing markets and individual decisions.

2. What can be inferred from the last two paragraphs and the illustration?

A．The aging populations of the three countries are expected to decrease by 2050.

B．Non-family senior care probably remains the best choice for the elderly in America.

C．China will probably have the largest percentage of the senior population by 2050.

D．The three giants in terms of population must avoid the challenges from their citizens.

3. The best title for the passage is ______________.

A．The challenge for the aged	B．Shelter for an aging world
C．The rapid growth of population	D．Comparison on globalization