Question

alternative energy sources
by james eagloson
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" implies taking action or making preparations. In the context of using alternative energy sources, it means countries have taken the necessary steps (like developing infrastructure, formulating policies etc.) to utilize these sources. Option A correctly captures this meaning. Option B's "readily agreed" just shows agreement but not action. Option C is about understanding a difference which is not related to the phrase's meaning. Option D is about understanding ill - effects of non - renewable sources which is also not what the phrase implies.

Answer:

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