Sadly, however, the Government’s latest decision to onshore wind seems to fall into this trap. It is welcome that the plans will still give local people a strong say in new development decisions. Indeed, they should have the final say. But the problems of wind turbines go far their being mere eyesores.
Wind turbines are already close to their maximum theoretical efficiency – the Betz limit – and their effectiveness will always be determined by the wind available. Given that, for wind turbines to supply only the annual global growth in demand, nearly 350,000 would each year. This is 1.5 times as many as have been built since the early 2000s and would require more land than the area of the British Isles every year.
Result:
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Correct answer: superficial
Explanation: The word 'superficial' fits grammatically as it describes the type of appeal being discussed, indicating that it is only surface-level and lacks depth. This aligns with the context of the sentence, which critiques the reliance on trendy technologies without substantial benefits.
Meaning: 'Superficial' means something that is only concerned with the surface or appearance, lacking depth or significance.
Wrong options:
- ultimate: 'Ultimate' suggests the final or most important aspect, which does not align with the critique of shallow appeal.
- fundamental: 'Fundamental' implies something essential or foundational, which contradicts the notion of a shallow appeal being criticized.
- persuasive: 'Persuasive' indicates something that is convincing, but does not capture the negative connotation of being merely attractive without substance.
Correct answer: revive
Explanation: The verb 'revive' is appropriate here as it indicates the action of bringing back or reintroducing onshore wind, fitting the context of the government's decision. It is grammatically correct as it aligns with the subject and tense of the sentence.
Meaning: 'Revive' means to bring back to life or consciousness, in this case referring to the reintroduction of onshore wind energy initiatives.
Wrong options:
- curb: 'Curb' means to restrict or limit, which contradicts the idea of reintroducing or supporting onshore wind.
- allow: 'Allow' suggests permission but does not convey the active decision-making implied in the context of reviving a policy.
- set up: 'Set up' implies establishing something new, which does not fit the context of reintroducing an existing initiative.
Correct answer: beyond
Explanation: The word 'beyond' correctly indicates that the issues with wind turbines extend further than just their appearance, fitting both grammatically and contextually. It suggests a broader scope of problems, which is the intended meaning of the sentence.
Meaning: 'Beyond' means further away in distance or time, or outside the limits of something, indicating that the problems are more extensive than just being eyesores.
Wrong options:
- outside: 'Outside' implies a physical location, which does not convey the intended meaning of extending further than just appearance.
- past: 'Past' refers to a time that has already happened, which does not fit the context of discussing ongoing issues.
- from: 'From' indicates a starting point, which does not align with the idea of extending beyond a specific issue.
Correct answer: need to be built
Explanation: The phrase 'need to be built' is grammatically correct as it indicates a requirement for future construction, fitting the context of the sentence discussing the necessity of building turbines. It aligns with the passive construction needed here.
Meaning: 'Need to be built' means that there is a requirement or necessity for these turbines to be constructed in order to meet demand.
Wrong options:
- need to have built: 'Need to have built' is grammatically incorrect in this context as it suggests a completed action rather than a future necessity.
- have been built: 'Have been built' indicates a completed action, which does not fit the future requirement being discussed.
- be built: 'Be built' lacks the necessary modal verb 'need' to indicate obligation, making it less precise in conveying the requirement.
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