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About the Moles Happy As Homes Go Underground Reading Passage
This passage discusses earth-sheltered housing, homes built fully or partially underground. It examines why some people choose to live below ground, covering historical examples, energy efficiency, thermal insulation, and the challenges of obtaining planning permission and achieving resale value. The passage is taken from Cambridge IELTS 9, Academic Test 4, Passage 1.
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–13, which are based on the passage below.
The passage contains two question types:
- True/False/Not Given — Questions 1–7
- Sentence Completion — Questions 8–13
Moles Happy As Homes Go Underground: Full Reading Passage
Paragraph A
Most people would not consider living underground, but there are some surprising advantages to be gained from building below the surface of the earth, and there are now around 10,000 earth-sheltered homes in the US, which are built into hillsides or covered with soil and grass on their roofs.
Paragraph B
The first thing that might put people off is the planning — getting permission to build such a home is no easy task. Owners will often have to convince neighbours, local councils, and planning authorities that the build is not going to disrupt the local environment or landscape.
Paragraph C
Underground homes are also not cheap to build. Because of the extra waterproofing and structural requirements needed to support a roof of soil, costs can be 20–30% higher than for a conventional house. However, owners find that the long-term savings on energy bills balance out these costs over time.
Paragraph D
One of the main selling points of these homes is their thermal mass. The surrounding earth acts as a natural insulator, keeping the home at a stable temperature throughout the year. Unlike conventional homes, where temperatures fluctuate significantly with the seasons, underground homes remain cool in summer and warm in winter without heavy use of heating or air conditioning. Contrary to what many assume, the homes are not damp or dark; advances in waterproofing mean dampness is rarely an issue.
Paragraph E
Natural light is the most frequently cited concern among those considering an underground home. Architects have become skilled at addressing this through south-facing windows, light wells, and open courtyards that draw in sunlight. Ventilation is handled through carefully designed air channels and, in some designs, heat recovery ventilation systems that keep air fresh without significant heat loss.
Paragraph F
Once built, the earth-sheltered home blends into its surroundings in a way that above-ground homes cannot match. Roofs covered in grass or turf become habitats for wildlife and reduce rainwater run-off. Neighbours often appreciate the lack of visual intrusion, and planning authorities in rural areas sometimes favour these designs precisely for that reason. The sense of living quietly within the landscape, rather than imposed upon it, appeals strongly to owners.
Paragraph G
Yet earth-sheltered homes are not without drawbacks. The resale value of these properties remains uncertain. Many buyers are unfamiliar with the concept and unwilling to take on the perceived risks. Estate agents report difficulty in valuing them because so few change hands. One owner noted that while the home had provided years of comfortable, low-cost living, selling it at a profit proved difficult. There is no evidence in the passage that this is changing rapidly.
Moles Happy As Homes Go Underground Reading Questions and Answers
True/False/Not Given — Questions 1–7
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
Write:
- TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
- FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
- NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
1. Earth-sheltered homes are more common in the US than in any other country.
2. Most people who build underground homes do so for environmental reasons.
3. The construction of an underground home can cost significantly more than a conventional home.
4. Underground homes tend to suffer from problems with damp and cold temperatures.
5. Government grants are available in some countries to help fund the construction of underground homes.
6. The design of earth-sheltered homes can benefit local wildlife.
7. Owners of underground homes find it easy to sell their properties at a profit.
Sentence Completion — Questions 8–13
Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
8. Owners of underground homes must often deal with complex __________ issues before they can build.
9. The earth surrounding an underground home acts as a natural insulator because of its __________.
10. Architects have found ways to bring __________ into underground homes through south-facing windows and light wells.
11. Fresh air in underground homes is maintained through careful __________ design.
12. Roofs covered with __________ can support wildlife and reduce water run-off.
13. One significant disadvantage for owners is the uncertain __________ of their properties.
