Reading Comprehension: Multiple Choice Exercise – Level: B1+

 

Greenhouses – An Overview

 

Read the text below and choose the correct option (A, B, C, or D) to fill in the gaps.

Greenhouses are structures that allow for the cultivation of plants in controlled environments. These structures are made primarily from transparent materials such as glass or plastic, which permit sunlight to enter while trapping heat inside. This phenomenon, known as the greenhouse effect, creates a microclimate that is conducive to plant growth, even in regions where the external climate would not normally support it.

Historically, greenhouses were used by the ancient Romans to grow cucumbers for the emperor. Modern greenhouses, however, are much more advanced and utilize sophisticated technology to regulate temperature, humidity, and light. This allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of plants, including tropical species that would otherwise be impossible to grow in certain climates.

 

1. Greenhouses are primarily constructed from _______ materials. 

   A) opaque 

   B) transparent 

   C) reflective 

   D) insulated

 

2. The primary purpose of a greenhouse is to create a _______ environment. 

   A) hostile 

   B) natural 

   C) controlled 

   D) random

 

3. The greenhouse effect helps in _______ heat inside the structure. 

   A) reflecting 

   B) absorbing 

   C) trapping 

   D) releasing

 

4. The ancient Romans used greenhouses to grow _______ for the emperor. 

   A) tomatoes 

   B) cucumbers 

   C) peppers 

   D) lettuce

 

5. Modern greenhouses use sophisticated technology to regulate _______. 

   A) water and soil 

   B) nutrients and pests 

   C) temperature, humidity, and light 

   D) size and shape

 

6. Greenhouses allow for the cultivation of _______ species that would not normally grow in certain climates. 

   A) local 

   B) tropical 

   C) aquatic 

   D) desert

 

7. Greenhouses are beneficial for plant growth because they _______ the natural conditions plants need. 

   A) hinder 

   B) disrupt 

   C) replicate 

   D) eliminate

 

8. In addition to glass, greenhouses can also be made from _______. 

   A) wood 

   B) concrete 

   C) metal 

   D) plastic

 

9. One of the main advantages of using greenhouses is the ability to _______ the growing season. 

   A) shorten 

   B) extend 

   C) eliminate 

   D) predict

 

10. Greenhouses are particularly useful in regions with _______ climates. 

    A) temperate 

    B) favorable 

    C) harsh 

    D) predictable

 

Answers:

 

1. B) transparent

2. C) controlled

3. C) trapping

4. B) cucumbers

5. C) temperature, humidity, and light

6. B) tropical

7. C) replicate

8. D) plastic

9. B) extend

10. C) harsh