Question

alternative energy sources
by james eagleson
it is hard to imagine a world without energy. every little thing that we utilize runs on energy in some form or another. houses, cars, factories, schools, trains, planes... the list is endless. energy sources are of two types: conventional and alternative. people have used conventional sources - coal and oil - for thousands of years. these are available in limited quantities and will run out eventually. alternative sources are those that we can use repeatedly as they are unlimited. energy from these sources can be generated again and again, and this is why alternative sources are also called renewable sources. solar energy, wind power, hydroelectric energy, biomass or the energy from plants, and geothermal energy that occurs inside the earth are all examples of renewable sources of energy
there are many reasons that make alternative energy sources better than conventional ones. they are environmentally friendly and so do not cause pollution. on the other hand, nonrenewable sources like coal and oil release harmful gases and affect the climate unfavorably. many people are now working on different ways in which they can tap renewable sources to harness energy.
read the sentence from the passage.
\many countries have realized the importance of using alternative energy sources and have geared up to make the most of these sources.\
how does the author use the phrase \have geared up?\
a. to show that countries have taken the necessary steps to use alternative energy sources
b. to suggest that countries have readily agreed to make use of alternative energy sources
c. to show that countries understand the difference between alternative sources and nonrenewable energy sources
d. to suggest that countries have understood the seriousness of the ill effects of using nonrenewable energy sources

Explanation:

The phrase "have geared up" means to prepare or make arrangements. In the context of the sentence, it implies that countries have taken the necessary steps to use alternative energy sources. Option A correctly interprets this meaning. Option B focuses on agreement rather than action. Option C and D are not related to the meaning of "have geared up".

Answer:

A. to show that countries have taken the necessary steps to use alternative energy sources