Q1. [3] deep thorough-understanding
A country discovers a large, previously unknown reserve of crude oil beneath its territory. A leader argues, 'Our energy future is now completely secure.' Critically evaluate this claim using your understanding of non-renewable resources.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:23 · grounding rag
Model Answer
The leader's claim is not fully justified. Crude oil is a non-renewable resource — once used, it cannot be replenished by nature. Even though discovering a new reserve adds to the existing stock, this stock will eventually get exhausted. As the textbook data shows, world crude oil reserves will last only about 47 years at current extraction rates. True energy security requires reducing dependence on fossil fuels and moving toward sustainable alternatives, not merely discovering more of a finite resource.
Source: Understanding Economic Development, Chapter 1, "Sustainability of Development"
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Explanation
- The examiner expects you to define non-renewable resources and link it directly to crude oil (as given in the passage).
- Key evaluative points: new discoveries only extend the timeline, they don't make the resource renewable or the future "completely" secure.
- Use the data from Table 1.7 (47-year world reserve) to support your critique — examiners reward evidence from the passage.
- The word "critically evaluate" means you must show why the claim is flawed, not just define terms.