Question textSection FRead the text on abandoned buildings and answer the following questions. 1. Abandoned buildings are structures that are no longer in use and have been left empty. These buildings can take many different forms, from large commercial structures to small homes and apartments. In 2022, a report by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute estimated that there were around 26,000 abandoned buildings in Australia. This number included both residential and commercial properties. 2. One of the most common reasons for buildings to be abandoned is economic decline. When a region experiences a downturn in its economy, businesses may close, leading to the abandonment of commercial buildings. Another reason for abandoned buildings is population movements. For example, when older people move into retirement villages, their homes may be left vacant. Natural disasters can also be a reason for abandoning buildings. Hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes can damage buildings beyond repair, leading to their abandonment. Government policies can also lead to buildings being abandoned. For example, urban renewal projects may involve forcing residents to move out of older buildings to make way for upgrades or development. In some cases, the government may also implement policies that make it difficult for property owners to maintain their buildings, which leads to them leaving these buildings. 3. The consequences of abandoned buildings can be significant. They can even become spaces for criminal activity. A report by The Age newspaper in 2022 found that abandoned buildings in Melbourne were becoming a major problem, with many of these buildings being used for illegal activities. This puts nearby residents at risk. They can also pose a danger to the general public, as they may collapse or catch fire. Additionally, abandoned buildings can affect the overall appearance of a neighbourhood community. 4. Empty buildings can also create a major economic impact. In a report by the National Vacant Properties Campaign (2023), it was estimated that the financial cost of vacant properties in the United States is between $70 billion and $100 billion annually. This includes lost property tax revenue, the cost of increased police activity and the cost of maintaining these buildings. 5. There are a number of approaches that have been taken by communities and governments around the world to address the issue. One approach is to demolish or remove the buildings that are beyond repair. This can help to eliminate one danger that these buildings can pose to a community. However, demolition can be expensive, and it can erase the history and character of a neighbourhood. 6. Another strategy is to repair, and reuse abandoned buildings. This can help to bring new life to the buildings and the community around them. Renovated buildings can be used for a variety of purposes, such as housing, retail space and community centres. Renovation can be more expensive than demolition, but it can also have a greater positive impact on the community. The High Line in New York City is a very popular instance of using abandoned structures. The High Line is a park that was built on a section of disused train tracks. The park has become a popular tourist attraction and has helped to make the surrounding neighbourhood livelier. 7. In some cases, abandoned buildings can be redeveloped as affordable housing. This can help to address the issue of homelessness and provide affordable housing options for low-income residents. There are many examples around the world of empty buildings being converted so that lower socio-economic groups have a place to live. However, this approach raises wide debate, as some nearby residents feel that affordable housing will lower their property values in the area. 8. There are also organisations that work to preserve abandoned buildings. One such organisation is the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the US. The National Trust works to identify and protect historic buildings and structures that are at risk of being abandoned or demolished. It also provides resources to facilitate the restoration and reuse of these buildings and it funds these projects. 9. The issue of abandoned buildings is a challenging one that affects communities around the world. There are various reasons for buildings being left empty and the consequences can be significant. However, there are ways in which the effects of this problem can be limited. Communities should collaborate to address these challenges and develop innovative solutions that can help to renew abandoned buildings and create new opportunities for residents. Questions 19 – 22. Which paragraphs contain the following supporting information? Match the information to the paragraph number. 19. An example of an unused structure becoming a place of interestAnswer 1 Question 19-22[select: , Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 5, Paragraph 6, Paragraph 7, Paragraph 8, Paragraph 9]20. Details about what makes abandoned buildings expensive to a country Answer 2 Question 19-22[select: , Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 5, Paragraph 6, Paragraph 7, Paragraph 8, Paragraph 9]21. The view that removing unused buildings has limitations Answer 3 Question 19-22[select: , Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 5, Paragraph 6, Paragraph 7, Paragraph 8, Paragraph 9]22. Types of buildings that are abandoned in AustraliaAnswer 4 Question 19-22[select: , Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 5, Paragraph 6, Paragraph 7, Paragraph 8, Paragraph 9]
