Natural Gas Use for Power Generation Rose this Summer Because of Hot GMAT Reading Comprehension

Reading Passage Question

Natural gas use for power generation rose this summer because of hot weather-driven electricity demand for air conditioning coupled with low natural gas prices. According to Bentek Energy, estimated daily natural gas use to produce electric power (also called power burn) averaged 26.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) so far in 2012 (Jan 1–Aug 15), up 24% compared to the same period for 2011. Bentek Energy, which has been estimating power burn since January 2005, said that 17 of the 25 highest days of power burn since 2005 occurred this summer between June 28 and August 9. The two main drivers of the increased use of natural gas at power plants this year are weather and a structural shift toward generating more electricity from natural gas-fired power plants.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported the warmest first half of the year since 1895 in 28 states, and that heat continued in July and August. U.S. population-weighted cooling degree days (CDDs), a measure of cooling requirements, averaged 26% higher than the 30-year average from January 1 through August 15, and has been consistently above average for most of the year. Regionally, CDDs in the Midwest, where hot, dry weather was particularly severe, were 59% above their 30-year average, with the Northeast, South, and West at 43%, 18%, and 14%, respectively, above their corresponding averages.

In April 2012, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that monthly shares of coal- and natural gas-fired generation were equal for the first time. This is a result of several factors, including:

• Lower natural gas prices, the result of new drilling technologies, growing production, a large increase in proved reserves, and robust natural gas infrastructure additions over the last several years
• Power plant efficiencies, with newer natural gas units more efficient than older coal units and rising capacity factors of natural gas-fired units
• Coal unit retirements, expecting almost 9,000 MW of coal-fired capacity to be retired in 2012, with additional retirements in subsequent years

‘Natural gas use for power generation rose this summer’’ is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 7 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analysing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solutions and Explanation

1. Which of the following most accurately summarizes the main point of the passage?

1. It is clear by how much energy we are burning that the earth’s weather patterns are becoming increasingly warmer.
2. Coal units are not as efficient or cost-effective as natural gas sources.
3. The Northeast and Midwest are going to become warmer and warmer each year.
4. Due to weather and lower natural gas prices, power plants are using natural gas more than ever as an energy source.
5. The earth is running out of efficient ways to produce electricity as it gets warmer and warmer, creating a precarious predicament.

2. According to the passage, Bentek Energy is responsible for

1. an alliance with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to strategize what to do about the energy crisis.
2. gathering and collecting data that will assess the use of natural gases.
3. newer natural gas units that are more efficient than older coal units.
4. the leveling of the playing field between coal and natural gas.
5. bringing up public consciousness about the amount of power being used.

3. Based on the passage, which of the following statements can be inferred regarding the earth’s future weather patterns?

1. Eventually all life will either adapt to hotter conditions or become extinct.
2. There will not be enough energy left on the planet to accommodate the drastic differences in weather.
3. If it continues to grow warmer, a parallel rise in energy use will occur, accounted for by air conditioning.
4. The West is the best region to live in for moderate weather conditions.
5. Hurricanes and typhoons will become more devastating and increase in occurrence.

4. The purpose of the last sentence of the first paragraph is to

1. refute the facts that Bentek Energy keeps delivering.
2. emphasize the central idea of the passage.
3. present a new point of view to be discussed.
4. segue into a new discussion of more interest to the author.
5. deliver a hopeful message regarding the increased use of power.

5. Based on the information provided by the passage, which would most likely reflect the author’s attitude regarding natural gas usage?

1. dreamy
2. objective
3. hollow
4. complimentary
5. elegiac

6. Which of the following pairs most resembles the relationship between coal and natural gas as presented in the passage?

1. a hard-wired chandelier and a table lamp
2. a kick drum and a drum machine
3. a video rental store and a streaming video system
4. an electrical outlet and a generator
5. a bicycle and a skateboard

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