A reader claims: 'The barrage would meet one fifth of national demand.' What is the correct assessment? (Passage: Tidal power)

A proposed barrage across an estuary would generate electricity from the tide twice a day, with output predictable decades ahead, unlike wind or solar power. Its backers calculate that it could supply 5 per cent of national demand. Environmental groups object that the barrage would alter silt movement and could reduce the mudflats on which wading birds feed. The developers propose building artificial feeding areas elsewhere, but ecologists warn that there is no record of such replacements matching natural mudflats in supporting bird numbers.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. False

  1. Step 1: Convert 5 per cent to a fraction. Step 2. 5 per cent = 1/20, not 1/5. Answer: False. Why not the others: Twice a day is unrelated to the share; a figure is given; the wind comparison is not made.

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