TEXT 1: STONE AS A BUILDING MATERIAL

Stone is one of the oldest building materials in the world. People have been using stone to build
houses, walls, and monuments for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and
Greeks used stone to create their famous structures, such as the pyramids and temples. Stone is
strong and durable, which makes it an excellent choice for construction.
There are many types of stone used in building. Some common types include granite, limestone,
and sandstone. Each type of stone has different colors and textures, which can add beauty to
buildings. Granite is very hard and used for important structures, while limestone is easier to cut
and shape.
One big advantage of using stone is its durability. Stone walls can last for hundreds of years
with little maintenance. They are also good at keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer.
Stone is also fire-resistant, which makes it a safe choice for buildings.
However, there are some disadvantages to using stone. It can be heavy, which means the building
needs a strong foundation. Working with stone can also be difficult and requires skilled workers.
Additionally, stone can be expensive to transport, especially if it is not found locally.
In modern construction, stone is often used for decorative purposes. Many buildings use stone
as a finish on walls or as part of landscaping. Although stone is not as common for everyday houses,
it remains a popular choice for historical buildings and monuments.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. True or False: Read the following statements and write “True” or “False.”
a) Stone is a new building material. c) All types of stone are very soft and easy to cut.
b) The Egyptians and Greeks built famous d) Stone is fire-resistant.
structures with stone. e) Stone is commonly used for everyday houses
today.

2. Multiple Choice: Choose the correct answer.

a) What is one advantage of b) Which type of stone is c) What can be a disadvantage
using stone? mentioned as being very hard? of using stone?
1. It is light. 1. Sandstone 1. It is very cheap.
2. It is durable. 2. Granite 2. It can be heavy.
3. It is easy to find. 3. Limestone 3. It is easy to transport

3. Fill in the Blanks: Complete the sentences with words from the text.
a) Stone can last for …………………………… of years with little maintenance.
b) …………………………… is easier to cut and shape than granite.
c) Stone is a …………………………… choice for buildings because it is fire-resistant.
d) Stone is often used for …………………………… purposes in modern construction.
e) Working with stone requires …………………………… workers.

4. Short Answer: Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

• a) What are some common types of stone used in construction?
• b) Why is stone considered a safe choice for buildings?
• c) How has the use of stone changed in modern construction compared to ancient times?
 TEXT 2: TIMBER AS A BUILDING MATERIAL
Timber is another important building material that comes from trees. People have been using
timber for thousands of years to build homes, furniture, and bridges. Timber is a renewable
resource, meaning that it can be replaced by planting new trees. This makes it an eco-friendly choice
for construction.
There are different types of timber, such as softwood and hardwood. Softwood comes from trees
like pine and spruce, while hardwood comes from trees like oak and maple. Softwood is usually
lighter and easier to work with, while hardwood is denser and stronger.
One advantage of timber is its natural beauty. Timber can give a warm and inviting look to
buildings. It is also good for insulation, which helps keep homes warm in winter and cool in
summer. Additionally, timber is relatively easy to work with, making it a favorite among builders.
On the other hand, timber has some disadvantages. It can be affected by pests, such as termites,
which can damage the wood. Timber is also flammable, which means it can catch fire easily.
Finally, wood can warp or shrink when exposed to moisture or changes in temperature.
Despite these challenges, timber is still widely used in construction. Many homes have wooden
frames and structures. Timber is also popular for making furniture and decorative elements, adding
a touch of nature to our living spaces.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. READ THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS AND WRITE “TRUE” OR “FALSE.”
• a) Timber comes from rocks.
• b) Timber is a renewable resource.
• c) Softwood is heavier than hardwood.
• d) Timber is good for insulation.
• e) Timber is not used in modern construction.
2. CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER.
• a) What are the two types of timber mentioned?
Softwood and hardwood Hardboard and plywood Softwood and hardboard

• b) Which type of timber is usually lighter?

Hardwood Softwood Both are the same
• c) What is one disadvantage of timber?
It is too cheap It can be affected by pests It is very heavy
3. COMPLETE THE SENTENCES WITH WORDS FROM THE TEXT.
• a) Timber is an __________ resource because we can plant new trees.
• b) Softwood comes from trees like __________ and spruce.
• c) One advantage of timber is its __________ beauty.
• d) Timber can __________ or shrink when it is wet.
• e) Many homes have __________ frames made of timber.
4. Short Answer:
Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.
• a) What are some common uses of timber in construction?
• b) Why is timber considered an eco-friendly choice?
• c) How does timber help with temperature control in homes?
 TEXT 3: CEMENT AND CONCRETE
Cement is a key ingredient in concrete, which is one of the most used building materials in the
world. Concrete is made by mixing cement, water, sand, and gravel. It is a strong and durable
material that can be used for various structures like roads, bridges, and buildings. Cement has been
used for thousands of years, with ancient Romans being some of the first to use it in construction.
The process of making concrete starts with mixing the ingredients together. The mixture is then
poured into molds to create the desired shape. After some time, the concrete hardens and becomes
very strong. This strength makes concrete a popular choice for building foundations and walls.
One major advantage of concrete is its resistance to weather and fire. Concrete can last for many
years with little maintenance. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other building materials.
Additionally, concrete can be molded into different shapes, allowing for creative designs in
construction.
However, concrete also has some disadvantages. It can crack if not mixed or poured correctly,
and it can be heavy, which means the building needs a strong foundation. Also, the production of
cement can have a negative impact on the environment due to carbon emissions.
Despite these issues, concrete is widely used in modern construction. It is found in almost every
type of building, from homes to skyscrapers. The versatility and strength of concrete make it an
essential material for builders.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. Read the following statements and write “True” or “False.”
a) Cement is not important in making concrete. d) Concrete can be molded into different shapes.
b) Concrete is used only for roads. e) Concrete is very expensive compared to other
c) The Romans were among the first to use materials.
cement.

2. Choose the correct answer.

a) What is concrete made of? b) Why is concrete a popular c) What is one disadvantage of
1. Cement, water, sand, and choice for foundations? concrete?
gravel 1. Because it is light 1. It is resistant to weather.
2. Cement, wood, and glass 2. Because it is strong and 2. It can crack if not mixed
3. Cement and bricks durable correctly.
3. Because it is colorful 3. It is very flexible.
3. Complete the sentences with words from the text.
• a) Cement is a key ……………………. in concrete.
• b) Concrete can last for many years with little …………………….
• c) The process of making concrete starts with ……………………. the ingredients.
• d) Concrete can be molded into different …………………….
• e) The production of cement can harm the …………………….
4. Short Answer:
Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.
• a) What are some common uses of concrete?
• b) How does the process of making concrete work?
• c) Why might concrete be considered a good building material?
 TEXT 3: READING COMPREHENSION EXERCISES: BRICKS
Bricks are small blocks made from clay that are used to build walls and other structures. The
history of bricks goes back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians and Romans used bricks to
construct their buildings. Bricks are made by shaping wet clay into blocks and then baking them in
a kiln to harden.
One of the main advantages of using bricks is their strength. Brick walls can support heavy loads
and are very durable. They also provide good insulation, keeping buildings warm in winter and
cool in summer. Additionally, bricks are fire-resistant, which adds safety to homes.
However, there are some disadvantages to using bricks. They can be heavy, which means that
buildings need a strong foundation. Brick construction can also take a long time and requires skilled
workers. Moreover, if not installed correctly, bricks can crack over time.
In modern construction, bricks are often used for decorative purposes. Many buildings use bricks
on the outside to create an attractive appearance. They come in various colors and sizes, allowing
for creative designs.
Overall, bricks are a traditional and reliable building material. They have been used for centuries
and continue to be popular today for their durability and beauty.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. Read the following statements and write “True” or “False.”
• a) Bricks are made from metal.
• b) The history of bricks is very short.
• c) Bricks can keep buildings warm in winter.
• d) Bricks are not very strong and cannot support heavy loads.
• e) Bricks can crack if not installed correctly.

2. Choose the correct answer.

a) Who used bricks to build b) What is one advantage of c) Why can brick construction
their buildings? bricks? take a long time?
1. Ancient Egyptians and 1. They are very light. 1. Because bricks are cheap.
Romans 2. They are fire-resistant. 2. Because it requires skilled
2. Modern architects 3. They are easy to break workers.
3. Only people today 3. Because it is very simple.

3. Complete the sentences with words from the text.

• a) Bricks are made from ………………………
• b) One advantage of bricks is their ………………………
• c) Bricks can be used for ………………………purposes in modern construction.
• d) If bricks are not installed correctly, they can ………………………
• e) Bricks have been used for ………………………of years.

4. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

• a) How are bricks made?
• b) What are some disadvantages of using bricks?
• c) Why are bricks still popular today?