Question

Difficulty: HardLiteral Comprehension and Fact Retrieval

Read the passage below carefully:

Commissioned in 1968 by the Niger Dams Authority, the Kainji Dam in Niger State was constructed to serve a dual purpose: hydroelectric power generation and the control of seasonal flooding along the Niger River valley. Spanning a distance of over five kilometers, the main dam structure impounded Kainji Lake, creating a reservoir capable of holding nearly fifteen billion cubic meters of water. Designed for an ultimate power output of 760 megawatts across twelve turbine units, the power station initially began commercial operation with only four turbines installed. Although eight additional generator bays were constructed into the dam wall during initial civil works, subsequent expansion phases in 1977 and 1978 added just four more turbines, bringing the operational total to eight units. Consequently, the power station has never operated with its maximum intended capacity of twelve turbines.

According to the passage, what was the actual physical status of the generator bays during the initial construction of the dam?

  1. Eight additional generator bays were built into the dam wall, though only four turbines were fitted for initial operation.Answer
  2. B
    All twelve generator bays were fully fitted with operational turbines prior to commercial commissioning in 1968.
  3. C
    Only four generator bays were built during initial civil works, with extra bays carved out in 1977.
  4. D
    Eight generator bays remained permanently empty because all post-1968 expansion projects were abandoned.

Answer

Eight additional generator bays were built into the dam wall, though only four turbines were fitted for initial operation.
The correct option directly restates explicit facts provided in the text: eight additional generator bays were constructed during initial civil works, but the station initially began commercial operation with only four turbines installed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate key keywords in the prompt.
Identify references to 'generator bays' and 'initial construction' in the text.
Literal comprehension requires isolating the specific sentence dealing with initial civil works.
2
Scan the passage for explicit details on the initial build.
The text states: 'Although eight additional generator bays were constructed into the dam wall during initial civil works, subsequent expansion phases in 1977 and 1978 added just four more turbines...'
This confirms that eight extra bays were built from the beginning, but only four total turbines operated initially.
3
Evaluate the choices against the passage evidence.
The statement describing eight generator bays constructed into the wall with four turbines initially fitted matches the passage exactly.
Verifying literal alignment confirms the correct response without making external inferences.

Key Concept

Literal Comprehension and Fact Retrieval
Estimated Time:1m 50s
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