Reading 3 "Geothermal Energy"
→ Geothermal energy is natural heat from the interior of the Earth that is converted to heat buildings and generate electricity. The idea of harnessing Earth's internal heat is not new. As early as 1904, geothermal power was used in Italy. Today, Earth's natural internal heat is being used to generate electricity in 21 countries, including Russia, Japan, New Zealand, Iceland, Mexico, Ethiopia, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Philippines, and the United States. Total worldwide production is appr0aching 9,000 MW (equivalent to nine large modern coalburning or nuclear power plants)—double the amount in 1980. Some 40 million people today receive their electricity from geothermal energy at a cost competitive with that of other energy sources. In El Salvador, geothermal energy is supplying 30% of the total electric energy used. However, at the global level, geothermal energy supplies less than 0.15% of the total energy supply.
→ Geothermal energy may be considered a nonrenewable energy source when rates of extraction are greater than rates of natural replenishment. However, geothermal energy has its origin in the natural heat production within Earth, and only a small fraction of the vast total resource base is being utilized today. Although most ge0thermal energy production involves the tapping of high heat sources; people are also using the low-temperature geothermal energy of groundwater in some applications.
Geothermal Systems
→
The average heat flow from the interior of the Earth is very low, about 0.06 W/m2. 
This amount is trivial compared with the 177 W/m2 from solar heat at the surface in the United States. However, in some areas, heat flow is sufficiently high to be useful for producing energy. For the most part, areas of high heat flow are associated with plate tectonic boundaries. Oceanic ridge systems (divergent plate boundaries) and areas where mountains are being uplifted and volcanic island arcs are forming (convergent plate boundaries) are areas where this natural heat flow is anomalously high. 
On the basis of geological criteria, several types of hot geothermal systems (with temperatures greater than about 80℃, or 176°F) have been defined, and the resource base is larger than that of fossil fuels and nuclear energy combined. A common system for energy development is hydrothermal convection, characterized by the circulation of steam and/or hot water that transfers heat from depths to the surface.
→ Geothermal energy is natural heat from the interior of the Earth that is converted to heat buildings and generate electricity. The idea of harnessing Earth's internal heat is not new. As early as 1904, geothermal power was used in Italy. Today, Earth's natural internal heat is being used to generate electricity in 21 countries, including Russia, Japan, New Zealand, Iceland, Mexico, Ethiopia, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Philippines, and the United States. Total worldwide production is appr0aching 9,000 MW (equivalent to nine large modern coalburning or nuclear power plants)—double the amount in 1980. Some 40 million people today receive their electricity from geothermal energy at a cost competitive with that of other energy sources. In El Salvador, geothermal energy is supplying 30% of the total electric energy used. However, at the global level, geothermal energy supplies less than 0.15% of the total energy supply.
→ Geothermal energy may be considered a nonrenewable energy source when rates of extraction are greater than rates of natural replenishment. However, geothermal energy has its origin in the natural heat production within Earth, and only a small fraction of the vast total resource base is being utilized today. Although most ge0thermal energy production involves the tapping of high heat sources; people are also using the low-temperature geothermal energy of groundwater in some applications.
Geothermal Systems
→
The average heat flow from the interior of the Earth is very low, about 0.06 W/m2. This amount is trivial compared with the 177 W/m2 from solar heat at the surface in the United States. However, in some areas, heat flow is sufficiently high to be useful for producing energy. For the most part, areas of high heat flow are associated with plate tectonic boundaries. Oceanic ridge systems (divergent plate boundaries) and areas where mountains are being uplifted and volcanic island arcs are forming (convergent plate boundaries) are areas where this natural heat flow is anomalously high. On the basis of geological criteria, several types of hot geothermal systems (with temperatures greater than about 80℃, or 176°F) have been defined, and the resource base is larger than that of fossil fuels and nuclear energy combined. A common system for energy development is hydrothermal convection, characterized by the circulation of steam and/or hot water that transfers heat from depths to the surface.
单选题
In paragraph 1, the author introduces the concept of geothermal energy by
A. explaining the history of this energy source worldwide
B. arguing that this energy source has been tried unsuccessfully
C. comparing the production with that of other energy sources
D. describing the alternatives for generating electric power
A. explaining the history of this energy source worldwide
B. arguing that this energy source has been tried unsuccessfully
C. comparing the production with that of other energy sources
D. describing the alternatives for generating electric power
【正确答案】
A
【答案解析】The author mentions geothermal power in 1904 in Italy, and then lists a number of countries worldwide that are using geothermal energy. Choice B is not correct because only successful production is mentioned. Choices C and D are discussed later in the passage.
单选题
What is true about geothermal energy production worldwide?
A. Because it is a new idea, very few countries are developing geothermal energy sources.
B. Only countries in the Southern Hemisphere are using geothermal energy on a large scale.
C. Until the cost of geothermal energy becomes competitive, it will not be used globally.
D. Geothermal energy is already being used in a number of nations, but it is not yet a major source of power.
A. Because it is a new idea, very few countries are developing geothermal energy sources.
B. Only countries in the Southern Hemisphere are using geothermal energy on a large scale.
C. Until the cost of geothermal energy becomes competitive, it will not be used globally.
D. Geothermal energy is already being used in a number of nations, but it is not yet a major source of power.
【正确答案】
D
【答案解析】... at the global level, geothermal energy supplies less than 0.15% of the total energy supply." Choice A is not correct because geothermal energy was used as early as 1904. Choice B is not correct because Russia, Iceland, Mexico, and the United States are in the Northern Hemisphere. Choice C is not correct because several advantages of using geothermal power are noted, but the comparative cost was not mentioned.
单选题
The word approaching in the passage is closest in meaning to
A. hardly
B. mostly
C. nearly
D. briefly
A. hardly
B. mostly
C. nearly
D. briefly
【正确答案】
C
【答案解析】In this passage nearly is a synonym for "approaching." Context comes from the number after the word.
单选题
The word that in the passage refers to
A. electricity
B. cost
C. energy
D. people
A. electricity
B. cost
C. energy
D. people
【正确答案】
B
【答案解析】"Some 40 million people today receive their electricity from geothermal energy at a cost competitive with that [the cost] of other energy sources." The pronoun "that" does not refer to Choices A, C, or D.
单选题
In paragraph 2, the author states that geothermal energy is considered a nonrenewable resource because
A. the production of geothermal energy is a natural process
B. geothermal energy comes from the Earth
C. we are not using very much geothermal energy now
D. we could use more geothermal energy than is naturally replaced
Paragraph 2 is marked with an arrow [→].
A. the production of geothermal energy is a natural process
B. geothermal energy comes from the Earth
C. we are not using very much geothermal energy now
D. we could use more geothermal energy than is naturally replaced
Paragraph 2 is marked with an arrow [→].
【正确答案】
D
【答案解析】... considered a nonrenewable energy source when rates of extraction are greater than rates of natural replenishment." Choices A, B, and C are true, but they do not explain the term "nonrenewable./
单选题
Which of the sentences below best expresses the information in the highlighted statement in the passage? The other choices change the meaning or leave out important information.
A. High heat is the source of most of the geothermal energy but low heat groundwater is also used sometimes.
B. Even though low temperatures are possible, high heat is the best resource for energy production for groundwater.
C. Both high heat and low heat sources are used for the production of geothermal energy from groundwater.
D. Most high heat sources for geothermal energy are tapped from applications that involve low heat in groundwater.
A. High heat is the source of most of the geothermal energy but low heat groundwater is also used sometimes.
B. Even though low temperatures are possible, high heat is the best resource for energy production for groundwater.
C. Both high heat and low heat sources are used for the production of geothermal energy from groundwater.
D. Most high heat sources for geothermal energy are tapped from applications that involve low heat in groundwater.
【正确答案】
A
【答案解析】High heat is the source of most of the geothermal energy paraphrases "... most geothermal energy production involves the tapping of high heat sources," and low heat groundwater is also used sometimes paraphrases "people are also using the low-temperature geothermal energy of groundwater in some applications./
单选题
According to paragraph 3, the heat flow necessary for the production of geothermal energy
A. is like solar heat on the Earth's surface
B. happens near tectonic plate boundaries
C. must always be artificially increased
D. may be impractical because of its location
Paragraph 3 is marked with an arrow [→].
A. is like solar heat on the Earth's surface
B. happens near tectonic plate boundaries
C. must always be artificially increased
D. may be impractical because of its location
Paragraph 3 is marked with an arrow [→].
【正确答案】
B
【答案解析】... areas of high heat flow are associated with plate tectonic boundaries." Choice A is not correct because geothermal heat flow is very low compared with solar heat. Choice C is not correct because, in some areas, heat flow is sufficiently high. Choice D is not correct because geothermal energy is very practical along plate boundaries.
单选题
The word considerable in the passage is closest in meaning to
A. large
B. dangerous
C. steady
D. unexpected
A. large
B. dangerous
C. steady
D. unexpected
【正确答案】
A
【答案解析】In this passage, large is a synonym for "considerable." Context comes from the contrast with the phrase "not be as extensive" in the first part of the same sentence.
单选题
In paragraph 5, the author mentions the atmospheric pollution and waste products for fossil fuel and nuclear power
A. to introduce the discussion of pollution caused by geothermal energy development and production
B. to contrast pollution caused by fossil fuels and nuclear power with pollution caused by geothermal energy
C.to argue that geothermal production does not cause pollution like other sources of energy do
D. to discourage the use of raw materials and chemicals in the production of energy because of pollution
Paragraph 5 is marked with an arrow [→].
A. to introduce the discussion of pollution caused by geothermal energy development and production
B. to contrast pollution caused by fossil fuels and nuclear power with pollution caused by geothermal energy
C.to argue that geothermal production does not cause pollution like other sources of energy do
D. to discourage the use of raw materials and chemicals in the production of energy because of pollution
Paragraph 5 is marked with an arrow [→].
【正确答案】
B
【答案解析】... geothermal energy does not produce the atmospheric pollutants associated with burning fossil fuels." Choice A is not correct because the pollution caused by geothermal energy was introduced before the discussion on atmospheric pollution. Choice C is not correct because environmental problems caused by geothermal energy are mentioned. Choice D is not correct because the author points out the problem of pollution, but does not suggest that the use of raw materials and chemicals be discontinued.
单选题
According to paragraph 6, the production of geothermal energy in Hawaii is controversial for all of the following reasons EXCEPT
A. The volcanoes in Hawaii could be disrupted by the rapid release of geothermal energy.
B. The rainforest might be damaged during the construction of the geothermal energy plant.
C. The native people are concerned that geothermal energy is disrespectful to their cultural traditions.
D. Some Hawaiians oppose using geothermal energy because of their religious beliefs.
A. The volcanoes in Hawaii could be disrupted by the rapid release of geothermal energy.
B. The rainforest might be damaged during the construction of the geothermal energy plant.
C. The native people are concerned that geothermal energy is disrespectful to their cultural traditions.
D. Some Hawaiians oppose using geothermal energy because of their religious beliefs.
【正确答案】
A
【答案解析】Choice B is mentioned in paragraph 6, sentence 4. Choices C and D are mentioned in paragraph 6, sentences 5 and 6.
单选题
What is the author's opinion of geothermal energy?
A. Geothermal energy has some disadvantages, but it is probably going to be used in the future.
B. Geothermal energy is a source that should be explored further before large-scale production begins.
C. Geothermal energy offers an opportunity to supply a significant amount of power in the future.
D. Geothermal energy should replace water power in the production of electricity for the United States.
A. Geothermal energy has some disadvantages, but it is probably going to be used in the future.
B. Geothermal energy is a source that should be explored further before large-scale production begins.
C. Geothermal energy offers an opportunity to supply a significant amount of power in the future.
D. Geothermal energy should replace water power in the production of electricity for the United States.
【正确答案】
C
【答案解析】... known geothermal resources... could produce... 10% of the electricity... for the western states Geohydrothermal resources not yet discovered could.., provide... [the] equivalent [of] the electricity produced from water power today." Choice A is not correct because the author points out the disadvantages but argues in favor of using geothermal energy. Choice B is not correct because the author does not mention exploration as a prerequisite to further production. Choice D is not correct because the author cites the potential for geothermal energy to equal the production of water power, not to replace water power.
单选题
Look at the four squares [■] that show where the following sentence could be inserted in the passage.
One such region is located in the western United States, where recent tectonic and volcanic activity has occurred.
Where could the sentence best be added?
Click on a square [■] to insert the sentence in the passage.
A. Square Ａ.
B. Square Ｂ.
C. Square Ｃ.
D. Square Ｄ.
One such region is located in the western United States, where recent tectonic and volcanic activity has occurred.
Where could the sentence best be added?
Click on a square [■] to insert the sentence in the passage.
A. Square Ａ.
B. Square Ｂ.
C. Square Ｃ.
D. Square Ｄ.
【正确答案】
C
【答案解析】Vocabulary reference is a transitional device that connects the insert sentence with the previous sentence. "One such region" is a phrase in the insert sentence that refers to "Oceanic ridge systems" in the previous sentence.
填空题
Directions: Complete the table by matching the phrases on the left with the headings on the right. Select the appropriate answer choices and drag them to Fossil Fuels or Geothermal Energy. TWO of the answer choices will NOT be used. This question is worth 4 points.
To delete an answer choice, click on it. To see the passage, click on View Text.
Answer Choices
A. Radioactive waste materials must be buried.
B. Only a small amount of electricity is currently generated.
C. Transportation of raw materials is usually very costly.
D. Cultural beliefs question the use of this natural resource.
E. Gas emissions and disposal sites are problematic.
F. Water treatment problems occur as a result.
G. It is a renewable resource for power.
(H) Refinement of chemicals is necessary.
(I) Air pollution is a by-product of the process.
Fossil Fuels
·__________
·__________
·__________
Geothermal Energy
·__________
·__________
·__________
To delete an answer choice, click on it. To see the passage, click on View Text.
Answer Choices
A. Radioactive waste materials must be buried.
B. Only a small amount of electricity is currently generated.
C. Transportation of raw materials is usually very costly.
D. Cultural beliefs question the use of this natural resource.
E. Gas emissions and disposal sites are problematic.
F. Water treatment problems occur as a result.
G. It is a renewable resource for power.
(H) Refinement of chemicals is necessary.
(I) Air pollution is a by-product of the process.
Fossil Fuels
·__________
·__________
·__________
Geothermal Energy
·__________
·__________
·__________