Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.
As governments race to cut emissions, earth houses are moving from a niche idea to a practical type of climate housing in parts of Europe, North America, and the Global South. This change is supported by clear data: in 2022, buildings used about 34% of the world’s energy and produced about 37% of energy – and process – related CO₂ emissions. At the same time, the long – term trend is still worrying—IPCC reports show building – related CO₂ emissions have risen strongly over recent decades—so many cities now see housing as part of their climate plan, not only real estate.
[I] Developers are using earth – sheltered designs—homes built into slopes or with soil piled against the walls—because the ground helps keep indoor temperatures more stable. U.S. [II] Energy Saver guidance says these homes can be comfortable and weather – resistant if they are designed well. [III] New projects combine thick walls (thermal mass) with good insulation, drainage layers, and smart building direction to reduce cooling needs during heatwaves. [IV]
At the same time, more builders are returning to earthen materials like rammed earth, adobe, and compressed earth blocks as cities and buyers take a closer look at embodied carbon. Reviews of recent research suggest these materials can reduce environmental impact compared with common building materials, while still offering good heat control and strength. However, life – cycle studies warn that results depend on choices like how much cement is added and how far materials are transported—so teams often stick with local sourcing and keep clear records to stay on the right side of building rules.
In practice, the biggest reason is resilience. Cities are setting stricter requirements for waterproofing and drainage; insurers are keeping an eye on how these homes perform in floods and heatwaves; and builders are training workers to control moisture and pack the material correctly. For many cities, earth houses are becoming a credible way to protect the environment, rather than an idea that only a few people go for.
Question 31:Where in paragraph [] does the following sentence best fit?
Experts also note that shifting energy use (for example, pre – cooling) works best in well – insulated homes, so passive design can also be a grid – friendly choice.
