Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered...

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 19 to 28.

Nuclear energy is experiencing a revitalization as nations critically reevaluate its feasibility as a foundational pillar of their long-term energy paradigms amid evolving global imperatives. After decades of debate over its safety, waste management, and financial feasibility, governments and energy firms are taking decisive steps to reintegrate nuclear power into their grids. [I] In Canada, SaskPower has unveiled an ambitious plan to incorporate small modular reactors within the next decade, signaling a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, in the United States, dormant or decommissioned facilities are being reconsidered as energy demands soar and climate imperatives necessitate cleaner alternatives. The recent extension of Diablo Canyon’s lifespan in California and the proposed revival of Unit 1 at Three Mile Island exemplify this renewed interest in nuclear energy.

[II] Public sentiment on nuclear energy remains divided, shaped by regional histories, cognitive styles, and levels of scientific literacy. A significant proportion of North Americans remain undecided, reflecting uncertainty rather than firm opposition. Research by academics such as Pennycook and Weber underscores the correlation between analytical thinking and nuclear power endorsement, revealing that individuals who engage in deliberate reasoning are more inclined to perceive it as a safe and viable energy source. Empirical findings suggest education is crucial in fostering acceptance, as individuals with greater scientific literacy exhibit higher support for nuclear initiatives. Unlike politically divisive issues, attitudes toward nuclear power appear less influenced by ideology and more by knowledge and reasoning. Those who process information analytically, rather than relying on intuition or impulsive judgment, are more likely to recognize nuclear energy’s reliability and safety.

Misinformation and conspiracy theories present formidable obstacles to nuclear energy acceptance. [III] Those who subscribe to such beliefs are far less likely to support nuclear expansion, highlighting the need for strong educational initiatives. Enhancing public knowledge of nuclear technology, regulatory safeguards, and environmental benefits allows policymakers to mitigate fears and counter misinformation. Although the nuclear industry has significantly advanced safety protocols, these improvements are often overshadowed by anxieties stemming from past accidents. Fact-based communication about modern reactor designs and risk mitigation will be crucial in shifting public perception.

To secure public trust, industry leaders must strike while the iron is hot by implementing strategic communication campaigns emphasizing transparency, technological advancements, and economic benefits. Job creation, economic development, and environmental sustainability must be central to outreach efforts, ensuring communities recognize nuclear energy’s advantages. Dispelling misconceptions through targeted education will be instrumental in bridging knowledge gaps and fostering acceptance. Ultimately, nuclear power’s resurgence depends on sustained, evidence-based discourse prioritizing clarity, engagement, and scientific literacy. [IV]

(Adapted from Discovery Alert)

Question 19: Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

“Studies indicate skepticism toward nuclear power is often fueled by narratives of illegal waste disposal, government cover-ups, and downplaying of radiation risks.”

A. [I] B. [II] C. [III] D. [IV]