Soal Asli UTBK SNBT 2012 Literasi Bahasa Inggris (LBE)

Bacaan untuk soal nomor 2 dan seterusnya

Passage 4A For those of you now eyeing your cell phones suspiciously, it is worth noting that both the National Cancer Institute $ (\mathrm{NCl}) $ and the World Health Organization (WHO) say there is no evidence to support the assertion that cellphone are a public health threat. But a number of scientists are worried that there has been a dangerous rush to declare cell phones safe, using studies they feel are inadequate and too often weighted toward the wireless industry's interests. An analysis published by University of Washington neurologist Henry Lai determined that far more independent studies than industry-funded studies have found at least some type of biological effects from cell-phone exposure. A strong link between mobiles and cancer could have major public-health implication. As cell phones make and take calls, they emit low-level radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Stronger than FM radio signals, these RF waves are still a billionth the intensity of known carcinogenic radiation like $ \mathrm{X} $ -rays. (www.time.com) Passage 4B A study published in the journal Bioelectromagnetics reported no statistically significant change in the incidence of brain cancer in men and women in England between 1998 and 2007, a time when cell phone use increased dramatically. But now, new work published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association says there is an identifiable effect of cell phone use in the brain, but it is really too early to tell what, if anything, that effect means health-wise. There has been a lot of controversy of whether cell phones could increase the temperature of the brain, which in turn could affect energy requirements.

Bacaan untuk soal nomor 3 dan seterusnya

A renewable-energy "oasis" scheduled to be built more may serve as a proving ground for new technologies designed to bring green living to the desert. The planned research center is part of the Sahara Forest Project which does not mean it will be built in Africa. The center is meant to be a small-scale version of massive green complexes that project managers hope to build in deserts around the globe. Experts are now examining arid sites in Australia, the U.S., the Middle East, and Africa that could support the test facility. "The Sahara Forest Project is a holistic approach for creation of local jobs, food, water, and energy, utilizing relatively simple solutions mimicking design and principles from nature", said Frederic Hauge. For instance, special greenhouses would use hot desert air and seawater, make fresh water for growing crops, solar energy would be collected to generate power, and algae pools would offer a renewable and easily transportable fuel supply. In addition, planting trees near the complex would trap atmospheric greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide white restoring any natural forest cover that has been lost to drought and timber harvesting. "From my perspective as an environmentalist, this could be a game changer in how we produce biomass for food and energy, and how we are going to provide fresh water for the future", Hauge said. But not all experts are as enthusiastic about the project. In terms of the reforestation plans, "trying to grow trees in the Sahara desert is not the most appropriate approach", said a forest ecologist at the University of California. After all, even though it was literally green in the past, the Sahara was never heavily forested.