Question

Ead the sentence from "Rare Earth Elements."

America's vast coal resources contain quantities of REEs that could free the country from the shackles of material dependence.

What is the author suggesting by using this figure of speech?

A.
The U.S. will finally be able to show the world the multitude of its material wealth.
B.
The U.S. will no longer endure economic strain with an abundant supply of REEs.
C.
The U.S. feels trapped by the legal system in its efforts to extract resources from coal.
D.
The U.S. feels constricted by the need to rely on foreign countries for materials.

Answer 1

The author is suggesting that the US will no longer endure economic strain with an abundant supply of REEs, as indicated by the figure of speech 'shackles of material dependence'.

This is seen in option B, which states that the US will no longer endure economic strain with an abundant supply of REEs.