Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.
Around the world, Rio de Janeiro is famous for its beautiful beaches, and Carnival celebration. But the city is also known for its poor areas, known as favelas. For years, many favelas had high poverty and crime rates. However, things are starting to change.
In the past, favelas received little government support. Neighbourhood residents had to build their own homes and streets, while gangs and guns were common. Now, a new government plan is changing that. Thousands of police officers are being sent into favelas to remove gangs. In some areas, the plan is working - crime is down, kids are playing outside again, new buildings are going up, and more city services are available. “In 20 years,” says a police officer Leonardo Nogueira, “the children here will be different people.”
Police influence is changing the favelas, but something else is, too. Today, more Brazilians are moving into these neighbourhoods because housing is expensive in other parts of Rio. “Favelas are a place for young doctors without money to get started and young architects to start working,” explains Simone Miranda, a Rio tour guide. In the past, favela residents felt different - separated from the rest of Rio. “But now,” says Miranda, “they feel part of the society of Brazil.”
Life is improving in the favelas, but there are still challenges. In some areas, poverty rates are still high. As students, families, and foreigners move into the favelas, property costs skyrocket. In some areas, housing has more than doubled in price. Despite this, favela residents are hopeful. If Rio can develop these favelas for all residents – both poor and middle classes – the city could become a model for other cities with similar problems.
(Adapted from ngl.cengage.com)
