阅读理解“Energy independence” and its rhetorical （修辞的) companion “energy security”
are, however, slippery concepts that are rarely thought through. What is it we want independence from, exactly？
Most people would probably say that they want to be independent from imported oil. But there are reasons that we buy all that off from elsewhere.
The first reason is that we need it to keep our economy running. Yes, there is a trickle (涓涓细流) of biofuel (生物燃料) available, and more may become available, but most biofueis cause economic waste and environmental destruction.
Second, Americans have basically decided that they don’t really want to produce all their own oil. They value the environmental quality they preserve, over their off imports from abroad. Vast areas of the United States are off-limits to off exploration and production in the name of environmental protection. To what extent are Americans really willing to endure the environmental impacts of domestic energy production in order to cut back imports？
Third, there are benefits to trade. It allows for economic efficiency, and when we buy things from places that have lower production costs than we do, we benefit. And although you don’t read about this much, the United States is also a large exporter of off products, selling about 2 million barrels of petroleum products per day to about 90 countries.
There is no question that the United States imports a great deal of energy and, in fact, relies on that steady flow to maintain its economy. When that flow is interrupted, we feel the pain in short supplies and higher prices. At the same time, we derive massive economic benefits when we buy the most affordable energy on the world market and when we engage in energy trade around the world.
61. What does the author say about energy independence for America？
A. It sounds very attractive.
B. It ensures national security.
C. It will bring oil prices down.
D. It has long been everyone’s dream.
62. What does the author think of biofuels？
A. They keep America’s economy running healthily.
B. They prove to be a good alternative to petroleum.
C. They do not provide a sustainable energy supply.
D. They cause serious damage to the environment.
63. Why does America rely heavily on off imports？
A. It wants to expand its storage of crude oil.
B. Its own oil reserves are quickly running out.
C. It wants to keep its own environment intact.
D. Its own oil production falls short of demand.
64. What does the author say about oil trade？
A. It proves profitable to both sides.
B. It improves economic efficiency.
C. It makes for economic prosperity.
D. It saves the cost of oil exploration.
65. What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage？
A. To justify America’s dependence on oil imports.
B. To arouse Americans’ awareness of the energy crisis.
C. To stress the importance of energy conservation.
D. To explain the increase of international oil trade.
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