Active Reading Ch. 18
Section 2: Developing Energy Technologies
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
The average household in the United States spends more than $1,500 on energy bills each year. Unfortunately, much of that energy is wasted. Most of the energy lost from homes is lost
through poorly insulated windows, doors, walls, and the roof. So a good way to increase energy efficiency is to add to the insulation of a home. Replacing old windows with new, high-efficiency
windows can reduce your energy bill by 15 percent. Two of the best places to look for ways to conserve energy are doors and windows. Much of the energy lost from a home escapes as hot air in winter or cold air in summer passes through gaps around doors and windows. Hold a ribbon up to the edges of doors and windows. If it flutters, you’ve found a leak. Sealing these leaks with caulk or weather stripping will help conserve energy. There are dozens of other ways to reduce energy use around the home.
IDENTIFYING MAIN IDEAS
One reading skill is the ability to identify the main idea of a passage. The main idea is the main focus or key idea. Frequently, a main idea is accompanied by supporting information that offers detailed facts about main ideas.
On your paper, write the letter of the term or phrase that best completes each statement.
1. The average household in the United States spends $1,500 a year on
a. repairs to the home. b. windows and doors.
c. insulation. d. energy bills.
2. Much of the energy in homes in the United States is
a. efficient. b. wasted.
c. conserved. d. reduced.
3. People can increase energy efficiency...
