DIRECTIONS: Reаd the pаssаge belоw. Questiоns 1 - 7 are based оn the passage. Choose the best answer for each question. Geothermal Energy: The Pros and Cons [A] Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal have been used as the world's main sources of energy. In the last few decades, however, it has become more and more apparent that humans must find an adequate substitute for fossil fuels. There are several reasons behind this. First and foremost, there has been great concern over the negative environmental effects that result from burning fossil fuels. Carbon emissions produced from burning fossil fuels are understood as being highly responsible for climate change. Second, there is the all-important matter that fossil fuels are non-renewable. This means that once they run out, they are gone forever. [B] As a response to these concerns, governments, businesses, and environmental organizations have been working toward pushing alternative energy sources into the mainstream.1 One alternative that has shown some promise is geothermal energy - using the natural heat of the Earth as an energy source for human activities. As some scientists have described it, the Earth's core is like a fireplace that never burns out. Unlike a fireplace powered by fossil fuels, the temperature at the Earth's core reaches an amazing 3,982 degrees Celsius. This makes the Earth's natural heat an incredible potential source of sustainable energy. Within geothermal plants, water or other liquids are boiled below the Earth's surface using the planet's natural heating capacity. The steam that is produced then powers turbines that produce electricity. [C] For many, geothermal energy is one of the best solutions to the problem of fossil fuels. Since it relies on a natural energy source, there is no danger of it running out. Furthermore, since nothing is burned in the process, it is both extremely efficient and highly environmentally friendly. Indeed, unlike burning traditional fossil fuels, geothermal energy produces zero emissions. Experts also agree that setting up geothermal plants is far less destructive to the surrounding environment than digging for coal or drilling for oil. [D] It is important to note that geothermal energy has one clear advantage over other alternative sources of energy. This is its predictability. While alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power are also sustainable and environmentally friendly, they cannot guarantee a continuous energy supply. Unlike the wind and sun, which are not always present, the warmth of the Earth can always be counted on. [E] These benefits, of course, lead to an important question. If geothermal energy is superior to both traditional fossil fuels and other alternative energy sources, then why has it not been adopted by more countries as a mainstream solution? Indeed, geothermal energy currently accounts for only 0.3 percent of the world's energy supply. In short, the answer to this question is that geothermal energy also has several major downsides. [F] The first of these downsides is geography. Geothermal plants can only be constructed in places that have caverns2 or natural water supplies directly under the Earth's surface. This makes geothermal energy an unrealistic choice for many governments and businesses. A second major downside is the price tag. While experts have argued that geothermal energy is a money-saver in the long run, the up-front3 costs of constructing a plant are steep. As a result of this, only the wealthiest of the world's countries can hope to invest in geothermal energy. [G] Due to these limitations, it is highly unlikely that geothermal energy will enter mainstream global energy production anytime soon. Being able to harness4 this great source of energy for human benefit will require us to think differently about how we share space and costs. 1 The mainstream refers to the most usual or accepted ideas or ways of doing things. 2 A cavern is a large underground area that exists naturally. 3 Costs that are up-front have to be paid before any work is done or any goods are received. 4 To harness something means to make use of a force or power that occurs in nature. What is the purpose of the first paragraph?
Select the wоrd thаt best cоmpletes the sentence. Guest: Dо you hаve free wi-fi in this hotel? Desk clerk: _______, we do! The pаssword is your room number.
The writer uses the wоrds "highly unlikely" аnd "think differently" аbоut cоsts аnd locations (Par. G) and organizes the text by starting with the advantages and finishes with the disadvantages in order to show ________________ about widespread use of geothermal energy in the near future.