Master Longer STEP Passages · reading

Longer Passage: Environment & Cities

قطعة أطول: البيئة والمدن

Recognize trade-offs and evaluate balanced arguments.

Unit: Master Longer STEP Passages Course

Reading passage

Urban trees can make cities more comfortable during hot weather. Their leaves provide shade, and evaporation from vegetation can help lower local temperatures. Trees may also improve air quality, reduce storm-water runoff, and make streets more attractive.

Planting trees, however, is not as simple as placing them wherever space is available. Different species require different amounts of water and soil, and roots can damage underground infrastructure if planning is poor. Young trees also need maintenance for several years before they provide substantial shade.

Successful urban-tree programs therefore depend on long-term planning. Cities must choose appropriate species, provide enough space for roots, and budget for maintenance. When these conditions are met, trees can become valuable infrastructure rather than merely decorative features.

Practice

Answer the 3 questions, then check — أجب عن الأسئلة الثلاثة ثم تحقق

1. What is the main idea? A. Urban trees offer important benefits, but successful programs require careful long-term planning. B. Trees should be planted in every available space. C. Tree roots never create problems. D. Cities should replace roads with forests.
2. Why can poor planning cause problems? A. Trees stop producing leaves. B. Roots may damage underground infrastructure. C. Shade increases rainfall. D. Streets become too wide.
3. What does the author mean by "valuable infrastructure rather than merely decorative features"? A. Trees can provide practical city benefits beyond appearance. B. Trees should replace all buildings. C. Decoration is the only purpose of trees. D. Infrastructure does not require maintenance.