Question

With environmentalists pointing to the use of coal, oil and other fossil fuels as adding to the problem of global warming, the world is rushing to find other more environmentally friendly energy sources. Many countries are looking to nuclear power as the answer to their energy needs. Those who support using nuclear power point to the fact that the process for creating nuclear power produces huge quantities of electricity without producing any greenhouse gases. It seems to be the safest and most environmentally safe method for producing the largest amount of power, much more than solar or wind energy sources.

However, despite the many advantages of nuclear power, there are many groups who strongly advise against the use of nuclear power. Some groups point to concerns about possible terrorist attacks on nuclear plants or possible nuclear accidents that might result in widespread disaster. However, strange as it seems, many of the strongest voices against nuclear power are actually environmentalists, who oppose nuclear power because they claim it results in more greenhouse gases.

It may seem impossible, but in fact both facts are true: nuclear production itself produces no greenhouse gases, but nuclear power does, in fact, lead to the production of many greenhouse gases. How is this possible? The actual production of nuclear power does not let off any greenhouse gases at all; this is the fact that most governments and nuclear power companies point to, and it is, indeed, correct. However, those who oppose nuclear power point out the bigger problem: building and maintaining the nuclear power stations, mining the material used to produce the nuclear power and getting rid of the nuclear waste all create greenhouse gases, the very thing that nuclear power is supposed to avoid. The final point that environmentalists point out is that nuclear power is not a long-term solution to energy. One day uranium, the resource needed for producing nuclear power, will be at an end, the same problem the world is facing with coal and oil today.

1.What are many countries counting on to satisfy their energy needs according to the passage?

A. Coal. B. Oil. C. Nuclear power. D. Other fossil fuels.

2.What disadvantages relating to the use of nuclear power are mentioned in the passage?

A. No greenhouse gases.

B. Killing more plants.

C. Widespread disasters and more greenhouse gases.

D. Making other energy sources not function well.

3.What’s the writer’s attitude towards the use of nuclear power?

A. Optimistic. B. Indifferent. C. Pessimistic. D. Objective.

4.Why do some environmentalists point out that nuclear power is not a long term solution to energy?

A. Because the resource for producing nuclear power will come to an end someday.

B. Because they think nuclear power gives off too many greenhouse gases.

C. Because the world is facing coal and oil shortages now.

D. Because more and more people are opposed to the use of nuclear power.

Answer 1