DIRECTIONS: 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-front 3 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.

____ 6. What is the purpose of the first paragraph?

a. to explain the history of fossil fuels
b. to explain why fossil fuels should be replaced
c. to describe the different types of fossil fuels
d. to explain why humans are dependent on fossil fuels
____ 7. In paragraph B, what does it mean when something has shown some promise?
a. It means something is guaranteed.
b. It means something is important.
c. It means something is likely to be successful.
d. It means something has been promised by important people.
____ 8. What advantage does geothermal energy have over other alternative energy sources?
a. It is cheaper.
b. It is easier to set up.
c. It is more environmentally friendly.
d. It is more predictable.
____ 9. What is the purpose of paragraph F?
a. to talk about the disadvantages of geothermal energy
b. to explain that only 0.3 percent of the world's energy is from geothermal plants
c. to explain the geographical requirements of geothermal energy
d. to show the reader that geothermal energy is not useful at all
____ 10. What does the writer suggest in the final paragraph?
a. Geothermal energy will continue to grow in importance.
b. Geothermal energy is our best hope for saving the environment.
c. Geothermal energy will not become widespread unless we change our way of thinking.
d. Geothermal energy will not become popular because it is not in the mainstream.
DIRECTIONS: Read the passage. Decide if each statement represents an advantage or disadvantage of
geothermal energy.

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-front 3 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.

a. advantage
b. disadvantage
____ 11. the cost of building new geothermal plants
____ 12. the reliability of geothermal energy
____ 13. the requirements for where geothermal plants can be built
____ 14. the environmental cost of geothermal plants
____ 15. the side effects of producing geothermal energy

DIRECTIONS: Complete the sentences using the words in the box.

protested capacity decline disposal equivalent

eliminate guarantees steep substitute utilize

16. Even though the ____________________ of the stadium is 2,500 people, almost 4,000 showed up for the
game.

17. There's a special method for the ____________________ of hazardous wastes like household chemicals.

18. The manufacturer ____________________ that they will replace any faulty parts if the machine breaks down.

19. Do you ____________________ all the features of your new smartphone?

20. For a healthier option, you can ____________________ olive oil for butter when cooking.

21. One liter of liquid is ____________________ to about 34 ounces.

22. That mountain trail is very ____________________; please be careful when walking it.

23. We can ____________________ the use of fossil fuels if we rely on solar and wind power instead.

24. In recent years, there has been a sharp ____________________ in the number of monarch butterflies in
Mexico.

25. Many people strongly ____________________ the use of nuclear power after the accident.