TOEFL Reading :
Geothermal energy
1. In paragraph 1, how does the author introduce the concept of geothermal energy?
2. What is true about geothermal energy production worldwide?
8. Look at the 4 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
Geothermal Energy and the Environment
P5 The environmental impact of geothermal energy may not be as extensive as that of other sources of energy. When geothermal energy is developed at a particular site, environmental problems include on-site noise, emissions of gas, and disturbance of the land at drilling sites, disposal sites, roads and pipelines, and power plants. Development of geothermal energy does not require large-scale transportation of raw materials or refining of chemicals, as development of fossil fuels does. Furthermore, geothermal energy does not produce the atmospheric pollutants associated with burning fossil fuels or the radioactive waste associated with nuclear energy. However, geothermal development often does produce considerable thermal pollution from hot waste-waters, which may be saline or highly corrosive.8. The word considerable in the passage is closest in meaning to
Large
Dangerous
Steady
Unexpected
9. In paragraph 5, why does the author mention the “atmospheric pollution” and “waste” for fossil fuel and nuclear power?
To introduce the discussion of pollution caused by geothermal energy development and production
To contrast pollution caused by fossil fuels and nuclear power with pollution caused by geothermal energy
To argue that geothermal production does not cause pollution like other sources of energy do
To discourage the use of raw materials and chemicals in the production of energy because of pollution
Geothermal power is not always popular. For instance, geothermal energy has been produced for years on the island of Hawaii, where active volcanic processes provide abundant near-surface heat. There is controversy, how-ever, over further exploration and development. Native Hawaiians and others have argued that the exploration and development of geothermal energy degrade the tropical forest as developers construct roads, build facilities, and drill wells. In addition, religious and cultural issues in Hawaii relate to the use of geothermal energy. For example, some people are offered by using the “breath and water of pele” (the volcano goddess) to make electricity. This issue points out the importance of being sensitive to the values and cultures of people where development is planned.
10. According to paragraph 6, the production of geothermal energy in Hawaii is controversial for all of the following reasons EXCEPT
The volcanoes in Hawaii could be disrupted by the rapid release of geothermal energy
The rainforest might be damaged during the construction of the geothermal energy plant
The native people are concerned that geothermal energy is disrespectful to their cultural traditions
Some Hawaiians oppose using geothermal enegy because of their religious beliefs
11. What is the author’s opinion of geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy has some disadvantages, but it is probably going to be used in the future
Geothermal energy is a source that should be explored further before large-scale production begins
Geothermal energy offers an opportunity to supply a significant amount of power in the future
Geothermal energy should replace water power in the production of electricity for the United States
P7 At present, the United States produces only 2800 MN of geothermal energy. However, If developed, known geothermal resources in the United States could produce about 20,000 MW which is about 10% of the electricity needed for the western states. Geohydrothermal resources not yet discovered could conservatively provides four times that amount (approximately 10% of total U.S. electric capacity), about equivalent to the electricity produced from water power today.
Future of Geothermal Energy
13. Direction: An introduction for a short summary of the passage appears below. Complete the summary by selecting the Three answer choices that mention the most important points in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not included in the passage or are minor points from the passage. This question is worth 2 points. Geothermal energy is natural heat from the interior of the Earth that is converted to electricity.
* * * Answer Choices
Geothermal energy sources that convert natural heat to electricity account for 30% of the total energy supply in El Salvador at relatively competitive cost to the consumers
B. Although geothermal energy is nonrenewable when more is used than can be replaced naturally, only a small amount of the potential energy is being exploited worldwide.
c. The heat from geothermal sites is thought to be the breath and water of the volcanic goddess pele, worshipped by some native groups on the Hawaiian islands.
D. Hot geothermal systems at both divergent plate boundaries and convergent plate boundaries could provide more energy than fossil fuels and nuclear power.
E. Some groups oppose the exploitation of geothermal sources because of pollution and other environmental problems or because of their cultural values
F. Thermal waste water can be very corrosive or can contain high levels of saline, which causes problems in disposal and water treatment at development sites.
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