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PASSAGE 5

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 the twentieth century, people demand on unlimited energy to power their everyday lives. A wide range

of energy-run devices and modern conveniences are taken for granted, and although it may seem that we

will never be in danger of living without those conveniences, the fact is that many supplies of energy are

dwindling rapidly. Scientists are constantly searching for new sources of power to keep modern society

running. Whether future populations will continue to enjoy the benefits of abundant energy will depend

on the success of this research.

Coal, oil, and natural gas supply modern civilization with most of its power. However, not only are

supplies of these fuels limited, but they are a major source of pollution. If the energy demands of the

future are to be met without seriously harming the environment, existing alternative energy sources must

be improved or further explored and developed. These include nuclear, water, solar, wind, and geothermal

power, as well as energy from new, nonpolluting types of fuels. Each of these alternatives, however, has

advantages and disadvantages.

Nuclear power plants efficiently produce large amounts of electricity without polluting the atmosphere;

however, they are costly to build and maintain, and they pose the daunting problem of what to do with

nuclear wastes. Hydroelectric power is inexpensive and environmentally safe, but impractical for

communities located far from moving water. Harnessing energy from tides and waves has similar

drawbacks. Solar power holds great promise for the future but methods of collecting and concentrating

sunlight are as yet inefficient, as are methods of harnessing wind power.

Every source of energy has its disadvantages. One way to minimize them is to use less energy.

Conservation efforts coupled with renewable energy resources, such as a combination of solar, water,

wind, and geothermal energy and alternative fuels, such as alcohol and hydrogen, will ensure supplies of

clean, affordable energy for humanity’s future.

Question 1. The passage mainly discusses

.

A. the current situation of energy demands

B. the way to use less energy

C. the difficulties in finding new sources of energy

D. the advantages and disadvantages of some sources of energy

Question 2. The word “dwindling” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to “

.”

A. rocketing

B. declining

C. doubling

D. distributing

Question 3. According to the passage, which of the following is the limitation of natural gas?

A. It is difficult to be collected

B. It is expensive

C. It is polluted

D. It is inaccessible for people who live far away the cities

Question 4. What does the word “its” in paragraph 2 refer to?

A. modern civilization B. oil

C. natural gas

D. coal

Question 5. The word “drawbacks” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to “

.”