1. (2022高三上·邵阳月考) 阅读理解

In the late 1800s, industrialization had driven urban populations and land prices up, making tall buildings increasingly cost-effective. Skyscraper construction exploded across the US after the turn of the 20th century. In New York, the record for the world's tallest building was broken six times between 1908 and 1931. The development of steel frames made it easier and cheaper to build tall. The invention of the elevator, meanwhile, made inhabiting higher floors far more convenient.

However, today's skyscrapers look little like those built in the first half of the 20th century. This is mostly thanks to architecture's next major technological change: the curtain wall. Soon, glass was produced quickly and uniformly, and glass windows soon became the choice for skyscrapers. Glass windows have many advantages. In addition to allowing for greater floor space and letting natural light come in more easily, glass is much more flexible. The usage of glass could also help buildings stand greater wind as well as huge swinging caused by earthquakes and typhoons.

"The role of skyscrapers has two parts," explains Simon Chan, an experienced architect. "Every city wants to have this landmark that gives that sense of unique culture, but they also need places for people to live and work in urban settings," he adds. A typical example is Hong Kong — one of the world's most expensive housing markets. Land there is very limited, and going high is almost the only solution. But there comes along the next big challenge. The buildings and their construction account for more than 1/3 of the world's energy consumption, and contribute to almost 40% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Glass skyscrapers, for example, will probably change the look of our skylines, adding beauty to our city. However, they rely on energy-consuming air conditioning to tackle heat-and-airflow problems. So, encouraging natural ventilation (通风) or using buildings themselves to produce solar or wind energy to reduce carbon emissions is the frontier for skyscraper architects. There should be many new developments in skyscraper design and technology with the aim of making skyscrapers something that saves energy.

1. （1） What is the first paragraph mainly about?

   A . Major building equipment for skyscrapers. B . Fast developing history of skyscrapers. C . Introduction to the world's tallest skyscrapers. D . Factors contributing to the rise of skyscrapers.
3. （2） From what aspect are today's skyscrapers different from the former ones?

   A . Their enough light. B . Their greater floor space.    C . Their main functions. D . Their building materials.
5. （3） Why have many skyscrapers been built in Hong Kong?

   A . To solve the shortage of land. B . To balance the construction cost. C . To save the energy consumption. D . To show the place's particular culture.
7. （4） What's the author's attitude towards the glass skyscrapers?

   A . Disapproving B . Objective. C . Optimistic. D . Uncertain.