ACT Reading Social Science 1

SOCIAL SCIENCE: This passage discusses some social

and economic issues regarding liquid natural gas as

an energy source.

QUESTION: According to the passage, current known North American supplies of natural gas are:

Although oil and gasoline remain important

energy sources, it is natural gas that currently supplies

around 25 percent of America’s energy needs. A recent

study shows that natural gas use was roughly 22 trillion

5 cubic feet (TCF) annually. Natural gas demand is

increasing at phenomenal rates because of its ability

to create cleaner fuel for electrical power. Experts predict

that annual demand is likely to increase to almost

32 TCF in less than a decade. At a consumption rate

10 of 32 TCF per year, the United States would only have

about a five-year supply of natural gas. Known natural

gas reserves in North America are quickly becoming

exhausted. In fact, in the past thirty years, known supplies

have dwindled from almost 300 TCF to around

15 150 TCF.

It is no wonder that natural gas has become a controversial

and critical topic of discussion among politicians,

business leaders, and consumers. It is apparent

that the United States will need to drastically increase

20 imports of natural gas to relieve shortages. One way

that economists believe this can be done is by importing

liquid natural gas. Experts predict that liquid natural

gas imports will increase by almost 500 percent in a few

short years. Currently, the country imports very little

25 liquid natural gas. The process of transporting liquid

natural gas is complicated and expensive. This is the

most obvious reason why America has been reluctant

to choose liquid natural gas over other energy sources.

Converting natural gas into liquid natural gas involves

30 cooling natural gas as it is collected to −260◦F. This

transforms the gas into a liquid, which is then injected

into a specially designed vessel for transport. When

the liquid natural gas reaches its destination, the liquid

is reheated into its original gaseous state and allowed

35 to flow into a pipeline. Even though new technology

has considerably decreased transportation costs for liquid

natural gas, it is still often uneconomical. This is

especially true for nations with other energy sources.

One of the largest misconceptions about liquid

40 natural gas is that it is an abundant source of natural

gas. While liquid natural gas imports continue to

increase, the public demand for natural gas increases

at an even higher rate. Even though the United States

has several facilities that can process liquid natural gas,

45 these facilities are consistently unable to obtain enough liquid natural gas to operate at their fullest capacity. Even when liquid natural gas is obtainable, there is a fear that low natural gas prices in the United States will make liquid natural gas uneconomical. Most business 50 leaders and politicians are reluctant to create new facilities to process liquid natural gas because these facilities are expensive and risky. This limits the capacity to process liquid natural gas even if it becomes more readily available.

55 The United States also faces competition from

Asia in securing liquid natural gas. Competition for

liquid natural gas will most likely become even more

ferocious as other populous countries like Japan and

China become more desperate for fuel sources. Some

60 of the more daring politicians and business leaders

believe that building new liquid natural gas facilities

will help companies and consumers take advantage of

future increased liquid natural gas imports. Currently,

Canada is the largest liquid natural gas supplier for

65 the United States. However, liquid natural gas imports

from Canada will decrease considerably in the next

decade as Canadian consumption increases and supplies

of natural gas dwindle. Therefore, consumers and

business leaders should not rely on liquid natural gas

70 to solve America’s energy needs and consumers should continue to expect high prices as demand grows and supplies decline.

• sufficient to provide the United States with natural

  gas for the next thirty years.

• down approximately 50 percent from thirty years

  ago.

• decreasing at a rate of 25 percent per year.

• extremely difficult to access.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

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CCSS.RL.11-12.2

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SOCIAL SCIENCE: This passage discusses some social

and economic issues regarding liquid natural gas as

an energy source.

QUESTION: The author of the passage would most likely agree with which of the following statements?

Although oil and gasoline remain important

energy sources, it is natural gas that currently supplies

around 25 percent of America’s energy needs. A recent

study shows that natural gas use was roughly 22 trillion

5 cubic feet (TCF) annually. Natural gas demand is

increasing at phenomenal rates because of its ability

to create cleaner fuel for electrical power. Experts predict

that annual demand is likely to increase to almost

32 TCF in less than a decade. At a consumption rate

10 of 32 TCF per year, the United States would only have

about a five-year supply of natural gas. Known natural

gas reserves in North America are quickly becoming

exhausted. In fact, in the past thirty years, known supplies

have dwindled from almost 300 TCF to around

15 150 TCF.

It is no wonder that natural gas has become a controversial

and critical topic of discussion among politicians,

business leaders, and consumers. It is apparent

that the United States will need to drastically increase

20 imports of natural gas to relieve shortages. One way

that economists believe this can be done is by importing

liquid natural gas. Experts predict that liquid natural

gas imports will increase by almost 500 percent in a few

short years. Currently, the country imports very little

25 liquid natural gas. The process of transporting liquid

natural gas is complicated and expensive. This is the

most obvious reason why America has been reluctant

to choose liquid natural gas over other energy sources.

Converting natural gas into liquid natural gas involves

30 cooling natural gas as it is collected to −260◦F. This

transforms the gas into a liquid, which is then injected

into a specially designed vessel for transport. When

the liquid natural gas reaches its destination, the liquid

is reheated into its original gaseous state and allowed

35 to flow into a pipeline. Even though new technology

has considerably decreased transportation costs for liquid

natural gas, it is still often uneconomical. This is

especially true for nations with other energy sources.

One of the largest misconceptions about liquid

40 natural gas is that it is an abundant source of natural

gas. While liquid natural gas imports continue to

increase, the public demand for natural gas increases

at an even higher rate. Even though the United States

has several facilities that can process liquid natural gas,

45 these facilities are consistently unable to obtain enough liquid natural gas to operate at their fullest capacity. Even when liquid natural gas is obtainable, there is a fear that low natural gas prices in the United States will make liquid natural gas uneconomical. Most business 50 leaders and politicians are reluctant to create new facilities to process liquid natural gas because these facilities are expensive and risky. This limits the capacity to process liquid natural gas even if it becomes more readily available.

55 The United States also faces competition from

Asia in securing liquid natural gas. Competition for

liquid natural gas will most likely become even more

ferocious as other populous countries like Japan and

China become more desperate for fuel sources. Some

60 of the more daring politicians and business leaders

believe that building new liquid natural gas facilities

will help companies and consumers take advantage of

future increased liquid natural gas imports. Currently,

Canada is the largest liquid natural gas supplier for

65 the United States. However, liquid natural gas imports

from Canada will decrease considerably in the next

decade as Canadian consumption increases and supplies

of natural gas dwindle. Therefore, consumers and

business leaders should not rely on liquid natural gas

70 to solve America’s energy needs and consumers should continue to expect high prices as demand grows and supplies decline.

• Liquid natural gas will never be a viable source of

  energy in the United States.

• America’s energy needs will not be met by the use

  of liquid natural gas alone.

• The populations of Japan and China are growing too

  rapidly to be served by liquid natural gas.

• Until another reliable energy source is discovered,

  liquid natural gas is the best solution to the world’s

  energy problems.

SOCIAL SCIENCE: This passage discusses some social

and economic issues regarding liquid natural gas as

an energy source.

QUESTION: One of the main ideas of the passage is that:

Although oil and gasoline remain important

energy sources, it is natural gas that currently supplies

around 25 percent of America’s energy needs. A recent

study shows that natural gas use was roughly 22 trillion

5 cubic feet (TCF) annually. Natural gas demand is

increasing at phenomenal rates because of its ability

to create cleaner fuel for electrical power. Experts predict

that annual demand is likely to increase to almost

32 TCF in less than a decade. At a consumption rate

10 of 32 TCF per year, the United States would only have

about a five-year supply of natural gas. Known natural

gas reserves in North America are quickly becoming

exhausted. In fact, in the past thirty years, known supplies

have dwindled from almost 300 TCF to around

15 150 TCF.

It is no wonder that natural gas has become a controversial

and critical topic of discussion among politicians,

business leaders, and consumers. It is apparent

that the United States will need to drastically increase

20 imports of natural gas to relieve shortages. One way

that economists believe this can be done is by importing

liquid natural gas. Experts predict that liquid natural

gas imports will increase by almost 500 percent in a few

short years. Currently, the country imports very little

25 liquid natural gas. The process of transporting liquid

natural gas is complicated and expensive. This is the

most obvious reason why America has been reluctant

to choose liquid natural gas over other energy sources.

Converting natural gas into liquid natural gas involves

30 cooling natural gas as it is collected to −260◦F. This

transforms the gas into a liquid, which is then injected

into a specially designed vessel for transport. When

the liquid natural gas reaches its destination, the liquid

is reheated into its original gaseous state and allowed

35 to flow into a pipeline. Even though new technology

has considerably decreased transportation costs for liquid

natural gas, it is still often uneconomical. This is

especially true for nations with other energy sources.

One of the largest misconceptions about liquid

40 natural gas is that it is an abundant source of natural

gas. While liquid natural gas imports continue to

increase, the public demand for natural gas increases

at an even higher rate. Even though the United States

has several facilities that can process liquid natural gas,

45 these facilities are consistently unable to obtain enough liquid natural gas to operate at their fullest capacity. Even when liquid natural gas is obtainable, there is a fear that low natural gas prices in the United States will make liquid natural gas uneconomical. Most business 50 leaders and politicians are reluctant to create new facilities to process liquid natural gas because these facilities are expensive and risky. This limits the capacity to process liquid natural gas even if it becomes more readily available.

55 The United States also faces competition from

Asia in securing liquid natural gas. Competition for

liquid natural gas will most likely become even more

ferocious as other populous countries like Japan and

China become more desperate for fuel sources. Some

60 of the more daring politicians and business leaders

believe that building new liquid natural gas facilities

will help companies and consumers take advantage of

future increased liquid natural gas imports. Currently,

Canada is the largest liquid natural gas supplier for

65 the United States. However, liquid natural gas imports

from Canada will decrease considerably in the next

decade as Canadian consumption increases and supplies

of natural gas dwindle. Therefore, consumers and

business leaders should not rely on liquid natural gas

70 to solve America’s energy needs and consumers should continue to expect high prices as demand grows and supplies decline.

• energy sources are dwindling around the world.

• natural gas supplies one-quarter of America’s

  energy needs.

• liquid natural gas takes millions of years to form.

• the known supply of liquid natural gas is limited.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

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SOCIAL SCIENCE: This passage discusses some social

and economic issues regarding liquid natural gas as

an energy source.

QUESTION: It can be inferred from the second paragraph (lines 16–38) that America’s reluctance to choose liquid

natural gas over other energy sources will:

Although oil and gasoline remain important

energy sources, it is natural gas that currently supplies

around 25 percent of America’s energy needs. A recent

study shows that natural gas use was roughly 22 trillion

5 cubic feet (TCF) annually. Natural gas demand is

increasing at phenomenal rates because of its ability

to create cleaner fuel for electrical power. Experts predict

that annual demand is likely to increase to almost

32 TCF in less than a decade. At a consumption rate

10 of 32 TCF per year, the United States would only have

about a five-year supply of natural gas. Known natural

gas reserves in North America are quickly becoming

exhausted. In fact, in the past thirty years, known supplies

have dwindled from almost 300 TCF to around

15 150 TCF.

It is no wonder that natural gas has become a controversial

and critical topic of discussion among politicians,

business leaders, and consumers. It is apparent

that the United States will need to drastically increase

20 imports of natural gas to relieve shortages. One way

that economists believe this can be done is by importing

liquid natural gas. Experts predict that liquid natural

gas imports will increase by almost 500 percent in a few

short years. Currently, the country imports very little

25 liquid natural gas. The process of transporting liquid

natural gas is complicated and expensive. This is the

most obvious reason why America has been reluctant

to choose liquid natural gas over other energy sources.

Converting natural gas into liquid natural gas involves

30 cooling natural gas as it is collected to −260◦F. This

transforms the gas into a liquid, which is then injected

into a specially designed vessel for transport. When

the liquid natural gas reaches its destination, the liquid

is reheated into its original gaseous state and allowed

35 to flow into a pipeline. Even though new technology

has considerably decreased transportation costs for liquid

natural gas, it is still often uneconomical. This is

especially true for nations with other energy sources.

One of the largest misconceptions about liquid

40 natural gas is that it is an abundant source of natural

gas. While liquid natural gas imports continue to

increase, the public demand for natural gas increases

at an even higher rate. Even though the United States

has several facilities that can process liquid natural gas,

45 these facilities are consistently unable to obtain enough liquid natural gas to operate at their fullest capacity. Even when liquid natural gas is obtainable, there is a fear that low natural gas prices in the United States will make liquid natural gas uneconomical. Most business 50 leaders and politicians are reluctant to create new facilities to process liquid natural gas because these facilities are expensive and risky. This limits the capacity to process liquid natural gas even if it becomes more readily available.

55 The United States also faces competition from

Asia in securing liquid natural gas. Competition for

liquid natural gas will most likely become even more

ferocious as other populous countries like Japan and

China become more desperate for fuel sources. Some

60 of the more daring politicians and business leaders

believe that building new liquid natural gas facilities

will help companies and consumers take advantage of

future increased liquid natural gas imports. Currently,

Canada is the largest liquid natural gas supplier for

65 the United States. However, liquid natural gas imports

from Canada will decrease considerably in the next

decade as Canadian consumption increases and supplies

of natural gas dwindle. Therefore, consumers and

business leaders should not rely on liquid natural gas

70 to solve America’s energy needs and consumers should continue to expect high prices as demand grows and supplies decline.

• not prevent America from importing more liquid

  natural gas from other countries.

• induce Japan and China to build new liquid natural

  gas processing facilities.

• most likely continue until the cost and problems

  associated with liquid natural gas can be reduced.

• lead to a decrease in the current demand for liquid

  natural gas in other countries, such as Canada.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

SOCIAL SCIENCE: This passage discusses some social

and economic issues regarding liquid natural gas as

an energy source.

QUESTION: According to the passage, which of the following countries supplies the most liquid natural gas to the United States?

Although oil and gasoline remain important

energy sources, it is natural gas that currently supplies

around 25 percent of America’s energy needs. A recent

study shows that natural gas use was roughly 22 trillion

5 cubic feet (TCF) annually. Natural gas demand is

increasing at phenomenal rates because of its ability

to create cleaner fuel for electrical power. Experts predict

that annual demand is likely to increase to almost

32 TCF in less than a decade. At a consumption rate

10 of 32 TCF per year, the United States would only have

about a five-year supply of natural gas. Known natural

gas reserves in North America are quickly becoming

exhausted. In fact, in the past thirty years, known supplies

have dwindled from almost 300 TCF to around

15 150 TCF.

It is no wonder that natural gas has become a controversial

and critical topic of discussion among politicians,

business leaders, and consumers. It is apparent

that the United States will need to drastically increase

20 imports of natural gas to relieve shortages. One way

that economists believe this can be done is by importing

liquid natural gas. Experts predict that liquid natural

gas imports will increase by almost 500 percent in a few

short years. Currently, the country imports very little

25 liquid natural gas. The process of transporting liquid

natural gas is complicated and expensive. This is the

most obvious reason why America has been reluctant

to choose liquid natural gas over other energy sources.

Converting natural gas into liquid natural gas involves

30 cooling natural gas as it is collected to −260◦F. This

transforms the gas into a liquid, which is then injected

into a specially designed vessel for transport. When

the liquid natural gas reaches its destination, the liquid

is reheated into its original gaseous state and allowed

35 to flow into a pipeline. Even though new technology

has considerably decreased transportation costs for liquid

natural gas, it is still often uneconomical. This is

especially true for nations with other energy sources.

One of the largest misconceptions about liquid

40 natural gas is that it is an abundant source of natural

gas. While liquid natural gas imports continue to

increase, the public demand for natural gas increases

at an even higher rate. Even though the United States

has several facilities that can process liquid natural gas,

45 these facilities are consistently unable to obtain enough liquid natural gas to operate at their fullest capacity. Even when liquid natural gas is obtainable, there is a fear that low natural gas prices in the United States will make liquid natural gas uneconomical. Most business 50 leaders and politicians are reluctant to create new facilities to process liquid natural gas because these facilities are expensive and risky. This limits the capacity to process liquid natural gas even if it becomes more readily available.

55 The United States also faces competition from

Asia in securing liquid natural gas. Competition for

liquid natural gas will most likely become even more

ferocious as other populous countries like Japan and

China become more desperate for fuel sources. Some

60 of the more daring politicians and business leaders

believe that building new liquid natural gas facilities

will help companies and consumers take advantage of

future increased liquid natural gas imports. Currently,

Canada is the largest liquid natural gas supplier for

65 the United States. However, liquid natural gas imports

from Canada will decrease considerably in the next

decade as Canadian consumption increases and supplies

of natural gas dwindle. Therefore, consumers and

business leaders should not rely on liquid natural gas

70 to solve America’s energy needs and consumers should continue to expect high prices as demand grows and supplies decline.

• Japan.

• China.

• Canada.

• Asia.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

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SOCIAL SCIENCE: This passage discusses some social

and economic issues regarding liquid natural gas as

an energy source.

QUESTION: According to the third paragraph (lines 39–54), misconceptions exist about liquid natural gas regarding:

I. its abundance.

II. the expense of converting it.

III. public demand for it.

Although oil and gasoline remain important

energy sources, it is natural gas that currently supplies

around 25 percent of America’s energy needs. A recent

study shows that natural gas use was roughly 22 trillion

5 cubic feet (TCF) annually. Natural gas demand is

increasing at phenomenal rates because of its ability

to create cleaner fuel for electrical power. Experts predict

that annual demand is likely to increase to almost

32 TCF in less than a decade. At a consumption rate

10 of 32 TCF per year, the United States would only have

about a five-year supply of natural gas. Known natural

gas reserves in North America are quickly becoming

exhausted. In fact, in the past thirty years, known supplies

have dwindled from almost 300 TCF to around

15 150 TCF.

It is no wonder that natural gas has become a controversial

and critical topic of discussion among politicians,

business leaders, and consumers. It is apparent

that the United States will need to drastically increase

20 imports of natural gas to relieve shortages. One way

that economists believe this can be done is by importing

liquid natural gas. Experts predict that liquid natural

gas imports will increase by almost 500 percent in a few

short years. Currently, the country imports very little

25 liquid natural gas. The process of transporting liquid

natural gas is complicated and expensive. This is the

most obvious reason why America has been reluctant

to choose liquid natural gas over other energy sources.

Converting natural gas into liquid natural gas involves

30 cooling natural gas as it is collected to −260◦F. This

transforms the gas into a liquid, which is then injected

into a specially designed vessel for transport. When

the liquid natural gas reaches its destination, the liquid

is reheated into its original gaseous state and allowed

35 to flow into a pipeline. Even though new technology

has considerably decreased transportation costs for liquid

natural gas, it is still often uneconomical. This is

especially true for nations with other energy sources.

One of the largest misconceptions about liquid

40 natural gas is that it is an abundant source of natural

gas. While liquid natural gas imports continue to

increase, the public demand for natural gas increases

at an even higher rate. Even though the United States

has several facilities that can process liquid natural gas,

45 these facilities are consistently unable to obtain enough liquid natural gas to operate at their fullest capacity. Even when liquid natural gas is obtainable, there is a fear that low natural gas prices in the United States will make liquid natural gas uneconomical. Most business 50 leaders and politicians are reluctant to create new facilities to process liquid natural gas because these facilities are expensive and risky. This limits the capacity to process liquid natural gas even if it becomes more readily available.

55 The United States also faces competition from

Asia in securing liquid natural gas. Competition for

liquid natural gas will most likely become even more

ferocious as other populous countries like Japan and

China become more desperate for fuel sources. Some

60 of the more daring politicians and business leaders

believe that building new liquid natural gas facilities

will help companies and consumers take advantage of

future increased liquid natural gas imports. Currently,

Canada is the largest liquid natural gas supplier for

65 the United States. However, liquid natural gas imports

from Canada will decrease considerably in the next

decade as Canadian consumption increases and supplies

of natural gas dwindle. Therefore, consumers and

business leaders should not rely on liquid natural gas

70 to solve America’s energy needs and consumers should continue to expect high prices as demand grows and supplies decline.

• I only

• II only

• II and III only

• I, II, and III

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

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SOCIAL SCIENCE: This passage discusses some social

and economic issues regarding liquid natural gas as

an energy source.

QUESTION: As it is used in line 6, the word phenomenal most nearly means:

Although oil and gasoline remain important

energy sources, it is natural gas that currently supplies

around 25 percent of America’s energy needs. A recent

study shows that natural gas use was roughly 22 trillion

5 cubic feet (TCF) annually. Natural gas demand is

increasing at phenomenal rates because of its ability

to create cleaner fuel for electrical power. Experts predict

that annual demand is likely to increase to almost

32 TCF in less than a decade. At a consumption rate

10 of 32 TCF per year, the United States would only have

about a five-year supply of natural gas. Known natural

gas reserves in North America are quickly becoming

exhausted. In fact, in the past thirty years, known supplies

have dwindled from almost 300 TCF to around

15 150 TCF.

It is no wonder that natural gas has become a controversial

and critical topic of discussion among politicians,

business leaders, and consumers. It is apparent

that the United States will need to drastically increase

20 imports of natural gas to relieve shortages. One way

that economists believe this can be done is by importing

liquid natural gas. Experts predict that liquid natural

gas imports will increase by almost 500 percent in a few

short years. Currently, the country imports very little

25 liquid natural gas. The process of transporting liquid

natural gas is complicated and expensive. This is the

most obvious reason why America has been reluctant

to choose liquid natural gas over other energy sources.

Converting natural gas into liquid natural gas involves

30 cooling natural gas as it is collected to −260◦F. This

transforms the gas into a liquid, which is then injected

into a specially designed vessel for transport. When

the liquid natural gas reaches its destination, the liquid

is reheated into its original gaseous state and allowed

35 to flow into a pipeline. Even though new technology

has considerably decreased transportation costs for liquid

natural gas, it is still often uneconomical. This is

especially true for nations with other energy sources.

One of the largest misconceptions about liquid

40 natural gas is that it is an abundant source of natural

gas. While liquid natural gas imports continue to

increase, the public demand for natural gas increases

at an even higher rate. Even though the United States

has several facilities that can process liquid natural gas,

45 these facilities are consistently unable to obtain enough liquid natural gas to operate at their fullest capacity. Even when liquid natural gas is obtainable, there is a fear that low natural gas prices in the United States will make liquid natural gas uneconomical. Most business 50 leaders and politicians are reluctant to create new facilities to process liquid natural gas because these facilities are expensive and risky. This limits the capacity to process liquid natural gas even if it becomes more readily available.

55 The United States also faces competition from

Asia in securing liquid natural gas. Competition for

liquid natural gas will most likely become even more

ferocious as other populous countries like Japan and

China become more desperate for fuel sources. Some

60 of the more daring politicians and business leaders

believe that building new liquid natural gas facilities

will help companies and consumers take advantage of

future increased liquid natural gas imports. Currently,

Canada is the largest liquid natural gas supplier for

65 the United States. However, liquid natural gas imports

from Canada will decrease considerably in the next

decade as Canadian consumption increases and supplies

of natural gas dwindle. Therefore, consumers and

business leaders should not rely on liquid natural gas

70 to solve America’s energy needs and consumers should continue to expect high prices as demand grows and supplies decline.

• annual.

• efficient.

• extraordinary.

• inconsequential.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

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SOCIAL SCIENCE: This passage discusses some social

and economic issues regarding liquid natural gas as

an energy source.

QUESTION: The passage states that all of the following are reasons for America’s reluctance to choose liquid natural gas EXCEPT:

Although oil and gasoline remain important

energy sources, it is natural gas that currently supplies

around 25 percent of America’s energy needs. A recent

study shows that natural gas use was roughly 22 trillion

5 cubic feet (TCF) annually. Natural gas demand is

increasing at phenomenal rates because of its ability

to create cleaner fuel for electrical power. Experts predict

that annual demand is likely to increase to almost

32 TCF in less than a decade. At a consumption rate

10 of 32 TCF per year, the United States would only have

about a five-year supply of natural gas. Known natural

gas reserves in North America are quickly becoming

exhausted. In fact, in the past thirty years, known supplies

have dwindled from almost 300 TCF to around

15 150 TCF.

It is no wonder that natural gas has become a controversial

and critical topic of discussion among politicians,

business leaders, and consumers. It is apparent

that the United States will need to drastically increase

20 imports of natural gas to relieve shortages. One way

that economists believe this can be done is by importing

liquid natural gas. Experts predict that liquid natural

gas imports will increase by almost 500 percent in a few

short years. Currently, the country imports very little

25 liquid natural gas. The process of transporting liquid

natural gas is complicated and expensive. This is the

most obvious reason why America has been reluctant

to choose liquid natural gas over other energy sources.

Converting natural gas into liquid natural gas involves

30 cooling natural gas as it is collected to −260◦F. This

transforms the gas into a liquid, which is then injected

into a specially designed vessel for transport. When

the liquid natural gas reaches its destination, the liquid

is reheated into its original gaseous state and allowed

35 to flow into a pipeline. Even though new technology

has considerably decreased transportation costs for liquid

natural gas, it is still often uneconomical. This is

especially true for nations with other energy sources.

One of the largest misconceptions about liquid

40 natural gas is that it is an abundant source of natural

gas. While liquid natural gas imports continue to

increase, the public demand for natural gas increases

at an even higher rate. Even though the United States

has several facilities that can process liquid natural gas,

45 these facilities are consistently unable to obtain enough liquid natural gas to operate at their fullest capacity. Even when liquid natural gas is obtainable, there is a fear that low natural gas prices in the United States will make liquid natural gas uneconomical. Most business 50 leaders and politicians are reluctant to create new facilities to process liquid natural gas because these facilities are expensive and risky. This limits the capacity to process liquid natural gas even if it becomes more readily available.

55 The United States also faces competition from

Asia in securing liquid natural gas. Competition for

liquid natural gas will most likely become even more

ferocious as other populous countries like Japan and

China become more desperate for fuel sources. Some

60 of the more daring politicians and business leaders

believe that building new liquid natural gas facilities

will help companies and consumers take advantage of

future increased liquid natural gas imports. Currently,

Canada is the largest liquid natural gas supplier for

65 the United States. However, liquid natural gas imports

from Canada will decrease considerably in the next

decade as Canadian consumption increases and supplies

of natural gas dwindle. Therefore, consumers and

business leaders should not rely on liquid natural gas

70 to solve America’s energy needs and consumers should continue to expect high prices as demand grows and supplies decline.

• the expense of transporting liquid natural gas.

• the increasing demand for liquid natural gas.

• the difficulty in processing liquid natural gas.

• the possibility of low natural gas prices.

SOCIAL SCIENCE: This passage discusses some social

and economic issues regarding liquid natural gas as

an energy source.

QUESTION: The passage states that which of the following is true about natural gas?

Although oil and gasoline remain important

energy sources, it is natural gas that currently supplies

around 25 percent of America’s energy needs. A recent

study shows that natural gas use was roughly 22 trillion

5 cubic feet (TCF) annually. Natural gas demand is

increasing at phenomenal rates because of its ability

to create cleaner fuel for electrical power. Experts predict

that annual demand is likely to increase to almost

32 TCF in less than a decade. At a consumption rate

10 of 32 TCF per year, the United States would only have

about a five-year supply of natural gas. Known natural

gas reserves in North America are quickly becoming

exhausted. In fact, in the past thirty years, known supplies

have dwindled from almost 300 TCF to around

15 150 TCF.

It is no wonder that natural gas has become a controversial

and critical topic of discussion among politicians,

business leaders, and consumers. It is apparent

that the United States will need to drastically increase

20 imports of natural gas to relieve shortages. One way

that economists believe this can be done is by importing

liquid natural gas. Experts predict that liquid natural

gas imports will increase by almost 500 percent in a few

short years. Currently, the country imports very little

25 liquid natural gas. The process of transporting liquid

natural gas is complicated and expensive. This is the

most obvious reason why America has been reluctant

to choose liquid natural gas over other energy sources.

Converting natural gas into liquid natural gas involves

30 cooling natural gas as it is collected to −260◦F. This

transforms the gas into a liquid, which is then injected

into a specially designed vessel for transport. When

the liquid natural gas reaches its destination, the liquid

is reheated into its original gaseous state and allowed

35 to flow into a pipeline. Even though new technology

has considerably decreased transportation costs for liquid

natural gas, it is still often uneconomical. This is

especially true for nations with other energy sources.

One of the largest misconceptions about liquid

40 natural gas is that it is an abundant source of natural

gas. While liquid natural gas imports continue to

increase, the public demand for natural gas increases

at an even higher rate. Even though the United States

has several facilities that can process liquid natural gas,

45 these facilities are consistently unable to obtain enough liquid natural gas to operate at their fullest capacity. Even when liquid natural gas is obtainable, there is a fear that low natural gas prices in the United States will make liquid natural gas uneconomical. Most business 50 leaders and politicians are reluctant to create new facilities to process liquid natural gas because these facilities are expensive and risky. This limits the capacity to process liquid natural gas even if it becomes more readily available.

55 The United States also faces competition from

Asia in securing liquid natural gas. Competition for

liquid natural gas will most likely become even more

ferocious as other populous countries like Japan and

China become more desperate for fuel sources. Some

60 of the more daring politicians and business leaders

believe that building new liquid natural gas facilities

will help companies and consumers take advantage of

future increased liquid natural gas imports. Currently,

Canada is the largest liquid natural gas supplier for

65 the United States. However, liquid natural gas imports

from Canada will decrease considerably in the next

decade as Canadian consumption increases and supplies

of natural gas dwindle. Therefore, consumers and

business leaders should not rely on liquid natural gas

70 to solve America’s energy needs and consumers should continue to expect high prices as demand grows and supplies decline.

• It currently supplies more than half of America’s

  energy needs.

• The United States has an unlimited supply of natural

  gas.

• Canada is the world’s largest exporter of natural gas.

• Annual demand for natural gas is increasing at a

  rapid rate.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

SOCIAL SCIENCE: This passage discusses some social

and economic issues regarding liquid natural gas as

an energy source.

QUESTION: As it is used in line 32, the word vessel most nearly means:

Although oil and gasoline remain important

energy sources, it is natural gas that currently supplies

around 25 percent of America’s energy needs. A recent

study shows that natural gas use was roughly 22 trillion

5 cubic feet (TCF) annually. Natural gas demand is

increasing at phenomenal rates because of its ability

to create cleaner fuel for electrical power. Experts predict

that annual demand is likely to increase to almost

32 TCF in less than a decade. At a consumption rate

10 of 32 TCF per year, the United States would only have

about a five-year supply of natural gas. Known natural

gas reserves in North America are quickly becoming

exhausted. In fact, in the past thirty years, known supplies

have dwindled from almost 300 TCF to around

15 150 TCF.

It is no wonder that natural gas has become a controversial

and critical topic of discussion among politicians,

business leaders, and consumers. It is apparent

that the United States will need to drastically increase

20 imports of natural gas to relieve shortages. One way

that economists believe this can be done is by importing

liquid natural gas. Experts predict that liquid natural

gas imports will increase by almost 500 percent in a few

short years. Currently, the country imports very little

25 liquid natural gas. The process of transporting liquid

natural gas is complicated and expensive. This is the

most obvious reason why America has been reluctant

to choose liquid natural gas over other energy sources.

Converting natural gas into liquid natural gas involves

30 cooling natural gas as it is collected to −260◦F. This

transforms the gas into a liquid, which is then injected

into a specially designed vessel for transport. When

the liquid natural gas reaches its destination, the liquid

is reheated into its original gaseous state and allowed

35 to flow into a pipeline. Even though new technology

has considerably decreased transportation costs for liquid

natural gas, it is still often uneconomical. This is

especially true for nations with other energy sources.

One of the largest misconceptions about liquid

40 natural gas is that it is an abundant source of natural

gas. While liquid natural gas imports continue to

increase, the public demand for natural gas increases

at an even higher rate. Even though the United States

has several facilities that can process liquid natural gas,

45 these facilities are consistently unable to obtain enough liquid natural gas to operate at their fullest capacity. Even when liquid natural gas is obtainable, there is a fear that low natural gas prices in the United States will make liquid natural gas uneconomical. Most business 50 leaders and politicians are reluctant to create new facilities to process liquid natural gas because these facilities are expensive and risky. This limits the capacity to process liquid natural gas even if it becomes more readily available.

55 The United States also faces competition from

Asia in securing liquid natural gas. Competition for

liquid natural gas will most likely become even more

ferocious as other populous countries like Japan and

China become more desperate for fuel sources. Some

60 of the more daring politicians and business leaders

believe that building new liquid natural gas facilities

will help companies and consumers take advantage of

future increased liquid natural gas imports. Currently,

Canada is the largest liquid natural gas supplier for

65 the United States. However, liquid natural gas imports

from Canada will decrease considerably in the next

decade as Canadian consumption increases and supplies

of natural gas dwindle. Therefore, consumers and

business leaders should not rely on liquid natural gas

70 to solve America’s energy needs and consumers should continue to expect high prices as demand grows and supplies decline.

• process.

• source.

• facility.

• container.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4