Studio Classroom 空中英語教室 – August 2019

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III. Reading Comprehension ኍᜄ୏༲

As the world’s population continues to increase,

so does the amount of global waste people produce.

According to data collected by the World Bank Group,

nations are on pace to generate 4 billion tons of waste

annually by the year 2100. Many experts are calling

the problem of global waste a worldwide health crisis

because the waste is ruining the world’s oceans, air and

soil and endangering the health of all living things.

For years, government agencies have been telling

citizens that living a zero-waste lifestyle is the way to

go. Now some grocery stores are helping people do

that.

Most grocery stores produce waste when they throw

away food and packaging material. In some cases,

the food consists of fruit and vegetables that don’t

look good any more. In other cases, it’s packaged

food that is nearing the “sell-by” date printed on the

package. After the sell-by date passes, the food is not

considered safe to eat. Thus, many stores throw out

unsold packaged food before that date arrives.

To solve this problem, businesspeople are opening

smaller zero-waste grocery stores. Instead of selling

food in packages, these stores offer it in open

containers. Customers bring their own bags or clean

containers to the store. There, they fill their bags or

containers with everything from nuts and grains to oil

and vinegar. They pay for only the amount of each

product that they need. Zero-waste stores often sell

fruit and vegetables as well. When these goods start

to look old, they’re sold at a discount or donated to a

charity. Inspired by these smaller zero-waste grocery

stores, some large supermarkets are taking similar steps

to reduce the amount of waste that they produce.

1. How does the writer begin this article?

A. By reporting the results of experiments

B. By discussing a major source of pollution

C. By criticizing older medical treatments

D. By explaining an international agreement

2. According to this article, why do supermarkets get rid

of produce?

A. Its price has increased.

B. It wasn’t grown organically.

C. It’s been handled by customers.

D. It isn’t visually attractive.

3. What do customers most likely bring to the smaller

stores described in this article?

A. Empty glass jars

B. Used appliances

C. Furniture items

D. Toys for kids

4. According to this article, what are some supermarkets

doing?

A. They’re establishing partnerships with smaller

stores.

B. They’re demanding that officials regulate smaller

stores.

C. They’re following the example set by smaller

stores.

D. They’re putting several smaller stores out of

business.

5. In which publication would this article most likely

appear?

A. Today’s Guide to Outdoor Recreation

B. Best Craft and Hobby Magazine

C. Weekly Bulletin of Environmental News

D. Journal of American Literary Research

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