Question

adapted from checking the waste: study in conservation by mary huston gregory
we are often told that there is no need for anxiety about the future, as new discoveries and inventions will take the place of the present fuels. this may be true, and in a way, the future will take care of itself. but until new inventions have actually been made, it is terrible to waste present resources blindly trust that time will make our folly appear as good judgment and foresight.
although we have vast mineral resources unused, the resources are steadily and forever diminishing. we should only use part of the store and leave the rest untouched and unspoiled for those who are to come after us. mineral resources have done a lot for our country in the last fifty years. it is only by having cheap and abundant coal, iron, and copper that our railroads, our various electric systems, and our great factories have been developed. thus, it is our duty to give the coming generations an equal opportunity to develop their ideas with the help of mineral resources.
4
which detail from the passage could be used to support the idea that people need to conserve mineral resources?
a. mineral resources have done a lot
b. it is only by having cheap and abundant coal, iron, and copper
c. but until new inventions have actually been made
d. the resources are steadily and forever diminishing
reset submit

Explanation:

The idea that people need to conserve mineral resources is supported by the fact that resources are steadily and forever diminishing. Option A only states what mineral resources have done, Option B focuses on how past development was enabled, and Option C is about waiting for new inventions. Option D directly relates to the need for conservation due to resource depletion.

Answer:

D. the resources are steadily and forever diminishing