The Buzz About City Bees

Urban beekeeping on city rooftops has become a popular hobby, as flats and offices increasingly host hives among planters and water tanks. Over the past decade, the hobby has (1) …1. A — taken1. B — got1. C — caught1. D — grown on among city dwellers, as more people look for ways to reconnect with nature. Rooftop hives now spring (2) …2. A — over2. B — off2. C — up2. D — out everywhere from London to New York, tucked between air-conditioning units and solar panels. (3) …3. A — Consequently3. B — Interestingly3. C — Admittedly3. D — Meanwhile, city bees often produce more honey than their rural counterparts, since urban gardens offer a wider variety of flowering plants throughout the year. However, beekeepers must (4) …4. A — face4. B — deal4. C — grapple4. D — cope several challenges, including pesticide exposure and the risk of swarms startling pedestrians. To (5) …5. A — address5. B — pose5. C — voice5. D — raise these problems, many cities now require hobbyists to register their hives and complete a short training course. (6) …6. A — Therefore6. B — Similarly6. C — Nevertheless6. D — Furthermore, some residents still complain about the insects, fearing stings near playgrounds. Despite this, enthusiasts argue that the benefits (7) …7. A — outweigh7. B — overtake7. C — outlive7. D — overrule the risks, pointing to improved pollination and stronger community ties. (8) …8. A — Alternatively8. B — Otherwise8. C — Likewise8. D — Overall, urban beekeeping shows no signs of slowing down.