Passage one
many experts today believe we have used nearly 50 percent of the earth’s oil resources. no big deal, right? we have 50 percent left! and yet there are some who suggest that such optimism is foolish. as the cost of drilling rises and the ability to extract oil from dwindling reserves becomes harder, production will not be able to keep up with demand.

passage two
alternative energy sources exist. like oil, other non-renewable sources of energy, such as coal and uranium, will either be used up or become too expensive to buy and process. manufactured energy, such as hydrogen, requires advanced technology. however, renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and water, will cushion the decline of limited energy resources.

based on these two passages, which of the following statements is true?

a. both authors are optimistic, because they provide examples of other usable resources besides oil.

b. both authors suggest that there will not be enough oil reserves to keep up with demand.

c. one author feels negatively about the future while the other is more hopeful.

d. one author is optimistic about the future while the other is not.