Almost all our energy comes from oil, coal, and natural gas. We call them fossil fuels. The earth’s fossil fuels are running out. What will happen when there is no coal, oil and gas on earth?

Scientists are trying to find and use other alternative sources of energy. We can use energy from the sun, the wind, and the water.

Solar energy is unlimited. The sun supplies all the energy used to grow plants, to evaporate water for rain, and to maintain the temperature of the planet. All are necessary for human life. If we are able to collect solar energy, we will be sure to have this abundant source of power.

1. From which do plants on the earth get energy?

A. Stars

B. The Mars

C. The moon

D, The sun

2. What are the other words or phrase for fossil fuels?

A. Natural

B. Oil

C. Coal

D. Oil, gas, natural gas

3. Natural sources of energy are energy from..............

A. Wind

B. The sun

C. Water

D. The sun, wind, water

4. The word "abundant" in the passage is closet in meaning with............

A. Plentiful

B. Limited

C. Natural

D. Necessary

SOLAR ENERGY

Sunlight carries huge amounts of energy. You can feel the Sun’s energy when sunlight warms your skin on a summer day. To capture the Sun’s energy, scientists have developed solar cells, called photovoltaic cells. These cells convert sunlight into electricity. When sunlight hits a solar cell, some of the light energy is absorbed. This light energy causes the particles in the solar cell to move faster, and the movement of these particles creates electricity.

In some places, large panels of solar cells harvest sunshine to make electricity for homes and businesses. Solar cells have been placed on cars and appliances, too. Since the Sun sends abundant free energy streaming toward Earth 24 hours a day, people in many parts of the world, not just the sunniest places, have fixed solar cells and solar panels on the roofs of their houses or businesses to lower their energy costs. Experts say that the huge installation of solar panels in sunny regions could generate enough electricity to supply an entire country. Capturing this energy can help overcome our diminishing energy supply. New ways to capture this energy are being developed an the time to maximize efficiency.

1. What is the source of solar energy?

a. sunlight b. photovoltaic cells c. solar panels d. electricity

2. Solar cells are used __________

a. to collect energy from the sun b. to provide sunlight to houses

c. to convert sunlight into electricity d. both a and c are correct

3. Which of the following statements is true?

a. Solar cells absorb all of the light energy from the sun.

b. The light energy causes the particles to move faster to make electricity.

c. Solar energy can be used to power homes and businesses only.

d. Large solar panels have been placed on cars and appliances.

4. As used in line 9, ‘abundant’ most nearly means .

a. Unlimited b. dangerous c. plentiful d. clean

5. Where have people fixed solar panels?

a. In the sunniest places b. Anywhere outside their houses

c. Inside their houses d. On the roofs of their houses

6. As used in line 14, ‘diminishing’ most nearly means .

a. Decreasing b. increasing c. unending d. restoring

7. According to the passage, all of the following statements are true EXCEPT

a. the Sun produces a large amount of energy.

b. solar energy could provide enough electricity for the whole world

c. scientists are constantly developing new ways to capture the Sun’s energy

d. people use solar energy to reduce their energy costs.

Almost all our energy comes from oil, coal and natural gas. We call them fossil fuels. The earth’s
fossil fuels are running out. What would happen if there were no oil, coal and gas on earth?
Scientists are trying to find and use other alternative sources of energy. We can use energy
from the sun, the wind and the water.
Solar energy is unlimited. It supplies all the energy used to grow plants, to evaporate water for
rain, and to maintain the temperature of the planet. All are necessary for human life. If we’re able to
collect solar energy, we’ll be sure to make good use of this abundant source of power.
Another source of energy from nature is the wind. Wind power is clean and plentiful. Energy
from the wind has been used for centuries to move ships, grind grain, pump water and do other kinds
of work. In more recent time, wind power has been used to generate electricity.
Water can also provide power. For a long time, people have used water to power machines.
Some early uses of water power were to mill grain, saw wood and power machinery for the textile
industry. Today water power is mostly used to generate electricity.
11. We are asking the question “What would happen if there were no oil, coal and gas on earth?” because ___.
A. we are now depending so much on fossil fuels.
B. we are looking forward to seeing great changes.
C. we are looking for other alternative sources of energy.
D. other sources of energy can come from the sun, the wind and the water.
12. Which of the following can NOT be used as alternative sources of energy?
A. coal/gas B. the sun/the water
C. the sun/the wind D. solar energy/nuclear power
13. Centuries ago, people used wind power to ___.
A. maintain the earth’s temperature B. get water from underground
C. grow plants D. generate electricity
14. Up till now, water energy has been used for ___.
A. similar purposes C. the textile industry
B. moving ships D. different purposes

4
15. The word “plentiful” in line 8 mostly means ___.
A. fresh B. natural C. available D. limited

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 this era of increased global warming and diminishing fossil fuel supplies, we must begin to put a greater priority on harnessing alternative energy sources. Fortunately, there are a number of readily available, renewable resources that are both cost- effective and earth - friendly. Two such resources are solar power and geothermal power.

        Solar energy, which reaches the earth through sunlight, is so abundant that it could meet the needs of worldwide energy consumption 6,000 times over. And solar energy is easily harnessed through the use of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity. In the US alone, more than 100, 000 homes are equipped with solar electric systems in the form of solar panels or solar roof tiles. And in other parts of the world, including many developing countries, the use of solar system is growing steadily.

       Another alternative energy source, which is abundant in specific geographical areas, is geothermal power, which creates energy by tapping heat from below the surface of the earth. Hot water and steam that are trapped in underground pools are pumped to the surface and used to run a generator, which produces electricity. Geothermal energy is 50,000 times more abundant than the entire known supply of fossil fuel resources and as with solar power, the technology needed to utilize geothermal energy is fairly simple. A prime example of effective geothermal use in Iceland, a region of high geothermal activity where there are over 80 percent of private homes, are heated by geothermal power.

       Solar and geothermal energy are just two of promising renewable alternatives to conventional energy sources. The time is long overdue to invest in the development and use of alternative energy on global scale.

What does the author imply about alternative energy sources?

A. Many different types of alternative energy sources exist.

B. Most alternative energy sources are too impractical for private use.

C. Alternative energy is too expensive for developing countries to produce.

D. Solar and geothermal energy are the effective forms of alternative power.

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 this era of increased global warming and diminishing fossil fuel supplies, we must begin to put a greater priority on harnessing alternative energy sources. Fortunately, there are a number of readily available, renewable resources that are both cost- effective and earth - friendly. Two such resources are solar power and geothermal power.

        Solar energy, which reaches the earth through sunlight, is so abundant that it could meet the needs of worldwide energy consumption 6,000 times over. And solar energy is easily harnessed through the use of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity. In the US alone, more than 100, 000 homes are equipped with solar electric systems in the form of solar panels or solar roof tiles. And in other parts of the world, including many developing countries, the use of solar system is growing steadily.

       Another alternative energy source, which is abundant in specific geographical areas, is geothermal power, which creates energy by tapping heat from below the surface of the earth. Hot water and steam that are trapped in underground pools are pumped to the surface and used to run a generator, which produces electricity. Geothermal energy is 50,000 times more abundant than the entire known supply of fossil fuel resources and as with solar power, the technology needed to utilize geothermal energy is fairly simple. A prime example of effective geothermal use in Iceland, a region of high geothermal activity where there are over 80 percent of private homes, are heated by geothermal power.

       Solar and geothermal energy are just two of promising renewable alternatives to conventional energy sources. The time is long overdue to invest in the development and use of alternative energy on global scale.

What does the author imply about alternative energy sources?

A. Many different types of alternative energy sources exist.

B. Most alternative energy sources are too impractical for private use.

C. Alternative energy is too expensive for developing countries to produce.

D. Solar and geothermal energy are the effective forms of alternative power.

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 this era of increased global warming and diminishing fossil fuel supplies, we must begin to put a greater priority on harnessing alternative energy sources. Fortunately, there are a number of readily available, renewable resources that are both cost- effective and earth - friendly. Two such resources are solar power and geothermal power.

        Solar energy, which reaches the earth through sunlight, is so abundant that it could meet the needs of worldwide energy consumption 6,000 times over. And solar energy is easily harnessed through the use of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity. In the US alone, more than 100, 000 homes are equipped with solar electric systems in the form of solar panels or solar roof tiles. And in other parts of the world, including many developing countries, the use of solar system is growing steadily.

       Another alternative energy source, which is abundant in specific geographical areas, is geothermal power, which creates energy by tapping heat from below the surface of the earth. Hot water and steam that are trapped in underground pools are pumped to the surface and used to run a generator, which produces electricity. Geothermal energy is 50,000 times more abundant than the entire known supply of fossil fuel resources and as with solar power, the technology needed to utilize geothermal energy is fairly simple. A prime example of effective geothermal use in Iceland, a region of high geothermal activity where there are over 80 percent of private homes, are heated by geothermal power.

       Solar and geothermal energy are just two of promising renewable alternatives to conventional energy sources. The time is long overdue to invest in the development and use of alternative energy on global scale.

According to the passage, why should we consider using alternative energy sources?

A. Because fossil fuels are no longer available.

B. Because global warming has increased the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth.

C. Because they are free and available worldwide.

D. Because conventional energy resources are being depleted, and they cause environmental damage.

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 this era of increased global warming and diminishing fossil fuel supplies, we must begin to put a greater priority on harnessing alternative energy sources. Fortunately, there are a number of readily available, renewable resources that are both cost- effective and earth - friendly. Two such resources are solar power and geothermal power.

        Solar energy, which reaches the earth through sunlight, is so abundant that it could meet the needs of worldwide energy consumption 6,000 times over. And solar energy is easily harnessed through the use of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity. In the US alone, more than 100, 000 homes are equipped with solar electric systems in the form of solar panels or solar roof tiles. And in other parts of the world, including many developing countries, the use of solar system is growing steadily.

       Another alternative energy source, which is abundant in specific geographical areas, is geothermal power, which creates energy by tapping heat from below the surface of the earth. Hot water and steam that are trapped in underground pools are pumped to the surface and used to run a generator, which produces electricity. Geothermal energy is 50,000 times more abundant than the entire known supply of fossil fuel resources and as with solar power, the technology needed to utilize geothermal energy is fairly simple. A prime example of effective geothermal use in Iceland, a region of high geothermal activity where there are over 80 percent of private homes, are heated by geothermal power.

       Solar and geothermal energy are just two of promising renewable alternatives to conventional energy sources. The time is long overdue to invest in the development and use of alternative energy on global scale.

According to the passage, why should we consider using alternative energy sources?

A. Because fossil fuels are no longer available.

B. Because global warming has increased the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth.

C. Because they are free and available worldwide.

D. Because conventional energy resources are being depleted, and they cause environmental damage.

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 from 38 to 42

  In this era of increased global warming and diminishing fossil fuel supplies, we must begin to put a greater priority on harnessing alternative energy sources. Fortunately, there are a number of readily available, renewable resources that are both cost- effective and earth - friendly. Two such resources are solar power and geothermal power. Solar energy, which reaches the earth through sunlight, is so abundant that it could meet the needs of worldwide energy consumption 6,000 times over. And solar energy is easily harnessed through the use of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity. In the US alone, more than 100, 000 homes are equipped with solar electric systems in the form of solar panels or solar roof tiles. And in other parts of the world, including many developing countries, the use of solar system is growing steadily.

  Another alternative energy source, which is abundant in specific geographical areas, is geothermal power, which creates energy by tapping heat from below the surface of the earth. Hot water and steam that are trapped in underground pools are pumped to the surface and used to run a generator, which is produces electricity. Geothermal energy is 50,000 times more abundant than the entire known supply of fossil fuel resources. And as with solar power, the technology needed to utilize geothermal energy is fairly simple. A prime example of effective geothermal use is in Iceland, a region of high geothermal activity where over 80 percent of private homes are heated by geothermal power. Solar and geothermal energy are just two of promising renewable alternatives to conventional energy sources. The time is long overdue to invest in the development and use of alternative energy on global scale.

According to the passage, why should we consider using alternative energy sources?

A. Because fossil fuels are no longer available. 

B. Because global warming has increased the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth. 

C. Because they are free and available worldwide. 

D. Because conventional energy resources are being depleted, and they cause environmental damage.

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 this era of increased global warming and diminishing fossil fuel supplies, we must begin to put a greater priority on harnessing alternative energy sources. Fortunately, there are a number of readily available, renewable resources that are both cost- effective and earth – friendly. Two such resources are solar power and geothermal power

Solar energy, which reaches the earth through sunlight, is so abundant that it could meet the needs of worldwide energy consumption 6,000 times over. And solar energy is easily harnessed through the use of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity. In theUSalone, more than 100, 000 homes are equipped with solar electric systems in the form of solar panels or solar roof tiles. And in other parts of the world, including many developing countries, the use of solar system is growing steadily

Another alternative energy source, which is abundant in specific geographical areas, is geothermal power, which creates energy by tapping heat from below the surface of the earth. Hot water and steam that are trapped in underground pools are pumped to the surface and used to run a generator, which is produces electricity. Geothermal energy is 50, 000 times more abundant than the entire known supply of fossil fuel resources. And as with solar power, the technology needed to utilize geothermal energy is fairly simple. A prime example of effective geothermal use inIceland, a region of high geothermal activity where over 80 percent of private homes are heated by geothermal power.

Solar and geothermal energy are  just two of promising renewable alternatives to conventional energy sources. The time is long overdue to invest in the development and use of alternative energy on global scale

What does the author imply about alternative energy sources ?

A. Many different types of alternative energy sources exist

B. Most alternative energy sources are too impractical for private use

C. Alternative energy is too expensive for developing countries to produce

D. Solar and geothermal energy are the effective forms of alternative power