Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.
In this era of increased global warming and diminishing fossil fuel supplies, we must begin to put a greater priority on harnessing alternative energy sources. Fortunately, there are a number of readily available, renewable resources that are both cost- effective and earth - friendly. Two such resources are solar power and geothermal power.
Solar energy, which reaches the earth through sunlight, is so abundant that it could meet the needs of worldwide energy consumption 6,000 times over. And solar energy is easily harnessed through the use of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity. In the US alone, more than 100, 000 homes are equipped with solar electric systems in the form of solar panels or solar roof tiles. And in other parts of the world, including many developing countries, the use of solar system is growing steadily.
Another alternative energy source, which is abundant in specific geographical areas, is geothermal power, which creates energy by tapping heat from below the surface of the earth. Hot water and steam that are trapped in underground pools are pumped to the surface and used to run a generator, which produces electricity. Geothermal energy is 50,000 times more abundant than the entire known supply of fossil fuel resources and as with solar power, the technology needed to utilize geothermal energy is fairly simple. A prime example of effective geothermal use in Iceland, a region of high geothermal activity where there are over 80 percent of private homes, are heated by geothermal power.
Solar and geothermal energy are just two of promising renewable alternatives to conventional energy sources. The time is long overdue to invest in the development and use of alternative energy on global scale.
According to the passage, why should we consider using alternative energy sources?
A. Because fossil fuels are no longer available.
B. Because global warming has increased the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth.
C. Because they are free and available worldwide.
D. Because conventional energy resources are being depleted, and they cause environmental damage.
Đáp án D.
Key words: why, should, consider, alternative energy sources
Clue: In this era of increased global warming and diminishing fossil fuel supplies, we must begin to put a greater priority on harnessing alternative energy sources: Trong thời đại mà trái đất ngày càng nóng lên và nguồn cung cấp nhiên liệu hóa thạch đang dần cạn kiệt, chúng ta phải bắt đầu ưu tiên nhiều hơn cho việc khai thác các nguồn năng lượng thay thế.
Vậy đáp án chính xác là D. Because conventional energy resources are being depleted, and they cause environmental damage: vì các nguồn nhiên liệu truyền thống đang dần cạn kiệt và chúng gây ra thiệt hại cho môi trường
Các đáp án còn lại là sai:
A. Because fossil fuels are no longer available: vì nhiên liệu hóa thạch không còn nữa
B. Because global warming has increased the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth: vì việc trái đất nóng lên đã làm tăng lượng tia sáng mặt trời chiếu tới trái đất
C. Because they are free and available worldwide: vì chúng miễn phí và có sẵn trên toàn thế giới