Using the information in the passage on energy, choose the correct answer to this question: According to the passage, which energy sources represent the hope for the future because they are sustainable?

Introduction / Context:
This reading comprehension question tests your ability to identify a specific claim in the passage about future energy sources. The passage contrasts finite fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas with renewable sources. It explicitly highlights wind and solar power as the hope for the future because they are sustainable. You must choose the option that reflects this statement accurately.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas supply the majority of current energy but are finite and will run out.
• Nuclear and hydro power are used primarily to generate electricity and are part of the current mix.
• Biomass is used for heating and cooking.
• The passage states that wind and solar power are the future hope as sustainable energy sources.
• Sustainable means they can be renewed naturally and will not be exhausted in the way fossil fuels are.

Concept / Approach:
Wind and solar energy are classified as renewable because they come from natural processes that are continuously replenished. The passage calls them the future hope and emphasises the need to transition to sustainable energy sources. The other options focus on sources that are finite or are not presented as the main hope for the future in the passage. Therefore, the correct answer is the pair that the passage itself labels as the future hope.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the exact wording in the passage that mentions future hope and sustainable energy. Step 2: Note that the passage says wind and solar power is the future hope as they are sustainable energy sources. Step 3: Examine option c, wind and solar power, and see that it matches the wording and idea directly. Step 4: Examine option a, nuclear and hydro power, which are important but are not named as the main future hope in the passage. Step 5: Examine option b, coal and natural gas, which are specifically mentioned as finite fossil fuels that will eventually run out. Step 6: Examine option d, oil and biomass, where oil is again a finite fossil fuel and is described as drawing to a close. Step 7: Conclude that wind and solar power is the only option that matches the author language about sustainable hope for the future.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can summarise the relevant part of the passage as follows: Although fossil fuels dominate current energy supply, they are limited. Wind and solar power are described as sustainable and therefore represent future hope. When you compare this summary with the options, wind and solar power stand out as the clear match. This confirms that option c is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Nuclear and hydro power are not labelled as the main hope for the future in the passage, even though they are important. Coal and natural gas are explicitly given as finite resources that will last a limited number of years and will lead to crisis. Oil and biomass group together one finite resource and one domestic energy source, but the passage does not present them as future hope. Only wind and solar power are clearly described as sustainable and as the main future hope.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to overthink and choose nuclear and hydro power because they sound advanced or powerful, ignoring the passage wording. Another error is to rely on outside knowledge instead of focusing strictly on what the passage says. In such questions, always prefer the option that directly repeats or closely paraphrases the author statements about the future and sustainability.

Final Answer:
According to the passage, the energy sources of the future are wind and solar power because they are sustainable.