TOEFL ITP Reading set 020
Reading Comprehension practice — read the passage and choose the best answer.
การปลูกพืชบนดาดฟ้าในเมืองหนาแน่น
- Line numbers appear every 5 lines.
- Answer all 10 questions, then choose ตรวจคำตอบ to see the Thai translation, score summary, and explanation.
- Use Previous / Next to open the previous or next practice set.
In crowded cities where ground-level land is scarce and
expensive, planners and residents have begun turning unused
rooftops into small farms. Flat roofs on apartments, schools,
and office blocks can host raised beds, soil trays, and even
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lightweight greenhouses. These gardens grow leafy vegetables,
herbs, and sometimes fruit for nearby kitchens. By producing
food closer to where people live, rooftop farms shorten
transport routes and keep produce fresher. They also give
neighborhoods a shared outdoor space above noisy streets.
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Building a successful rooftop farm requires more than seeds
and sunlight. Engineers must confirm that the roof can safely
carry the weight of soil, water, and workers. Waterproof
membranes and drainage systems protect the rooms below from
leaks. Designers often choose shallow, light soils and drip
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irrigation to reduce stress on the structure. Strong winds
and summer heat on roofs can dry plants quickly, so shade
cloth and windbreaks help young crops survive. Some projects
use recycled containers and rainwater collected from gutters
to cut costs and waste. A few sites test hydroponic trays
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that grow greens with nutrient water instead of heavy soil.
Cities encourage rooftop farming for several reasons. Fresh
local greens can improve diets in neighborhoods that lack
grocery stores. Green roofs cool buildings in hot weather and
absorb rain that would otherwise flood streets. Residents who
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tend the beds learn practical skills and meet neighbors they
might never see in an elevator. Schools use rooftop plots as
outdoor classrooms where students measure growth and study
insects. Markets and restaurants sometimes buy surplus
harvests, creating small income for community groups. City
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agencies sometimes offer small grants so groups can buy tools.
Challenges remain. Not every roof is strong enough, and
insurance rules can delay projects for months. Maintaining
plants through winter or dry seasons demands steady volunteer
time. Still, when cities treat empty rooftops as productive
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space rather than dead surfaces, dense districts gain food,
cooler air, and stronger community ties—one harvest at a time.