Is this the answer? We are running low on traditional energy sources - that is undeniable, but are renewable sources such as wind, wave and sun power the only solutions to the problem. It (7) __ а very valuable source of natural gas, but this can only be extracted by а controversial practice known as fracking (hydraulic fracturing). The underground rock containing the gas is fractured - that is broken or cracked - by the pressure of millions of gallons of water and chemicals that are pumped into the ground. This practice is already commonly being used in the USA. It has not been easy to persuade the British public that fracking is (8) __. It does not соmе without risks. It seems that in the USA, people have reported minor earthquakes caused by the process and online videos featuring contaminated water supplies (9) __. The sight of water coming from а tap in а kitchen that can be set on fire because it contains methane gas is understandably very frightening. It illustrates the risk of underground water pollution from the numerous toxic chemicals involved. Experiments with fracking (10) __ in а couple of areas in the UK and each attempt has resulted in protests. People are not willing to have the view of enormous wind turbines or large solar farms in their fields. But neither are they happy to live with the risk of damage to their properties or water supplies. One (11) __ in the south-east of England managed to shut down the drilling process. Opponents from all over the country converged on the spot to physically prevent the drilling from starting. Police intervention was required to remove some protesters who physically attacked the drillers, but the depth of feeling was (12) __did not go ahead with its plans.
A. have been carried out
B. the miracle answers to our energy problems
C. seems that the UK is sitting on top of
D. mentions illegal activities as
E. have attracted many viewers
F. full-scale protest
G. so strong that the company
Answers & Comments
10 A. have been carried out
8 B. the miracle answers to our energy problems
7 C. seems that the UK is sitting on top of
D. mentions illegal activities as
9 E. have attracted many viewers
11 F. full-scale protest
12 G. so strong that the company