The Buzz About Urban Beekeeping

Urban beekeeping has become a hot topic in many cities, as more residents turn rooftops into miniature apiaries. Over the past decade, keeping bees on city rooftops has (1) …1. A — broken1. B — taken1. C — picked1. D — set off among city dwellers around the world. What began as a niche hobby has (2) …2. A — increased2. B — arisen2. C — grown2. D — raised into a genuine movement, with thousands of urban beekeepers now tending hives above busy streets. Enthusiasts argue that city bees enjoy pollen from gardens, parks and even window boxes, (3) …3. A — as3. B — since3. C — unless3. D — whereas their rural cousins often have only one type of blossom for miles around. (4) …4. A — Therefore4. B — However4. C — Moreover4. D — Otherwise, rooftop hives are rarely exposed to the pesticides commonly sprayed on farmland. Still, experts warn that the trend must be kept (5) …5. A — by5. B — on5. C — at5. D — in check: overcrowding hives in one district can leave bees short (6) …6. A — with6. B — for6. C — of6. D — from food. Newcomers are strongly advised to (7) …7. A — resort7. B — turn7. C — consult7. D — refer local beekeeping associations before setting up a hive, since poor management can spread disease. If handled responsibly, however, urban beekeeping could (8) …8. A — do8. B — have8. C — take8. D — make a lasting contribution to biodiversity in our cities.