Question 14

Readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research.

The author assumes that the general public may not make the connection between the Department of Energy and research on algae, which is a less common area of focus for energy production.

A) Gases produced by algae will be cheaper to produce than other gases.

This option is incorrect because the passage does not mention any comparisons regarding the cost-effectiveness of gases produced by algae versus other gases. The focus is on the potential of hydrogen production from algae rather than economic considerations.

B) The Department of Energy is already using hydrogen-producing algae as a source of energy.

This option is incorrect as the passage indicates that the research is ongoing and implies that the hydrogen produced by algae is a future possibility rather than an existing energy source. There is no evidence in the text to support that the Department of Energy is currently utilizing this technology.

C) Mutant versions of algae will not be capable of the process of photosynthesis.

This option is incorrect because the passage clearly states that mutant versions of algae are being developed to enhance hydrogen production during photosynthesis. It implies that these mutants are indeed capable of performing photosynthesis, albeit potentially more efficiently.

D) Readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research.

This option is correct as it reflects the author's assumption about the readers' perceptions. The passage introduces a novel connection between the Department of Energy and algae research, suggesting that this link may not be widely recognized or understood by the audience.

Conclusion

The assumption made by the author is that readers may not readily connect the Department of Energy with research on algae, as this is not a conventional association in public discourse. Options A, B, and C fail because they introduce ideas not supported by the passage, while D accurately captures the underlying assumption about reader perceptions. Thus, D is the definitive correct answer in this context.