Space

42. In lines 9-17, the author of Passage 1 mentions several companies primarily to

• A) note the technological advances that make space mining possible.
• B) provide evidence of the growing interest in space mining.
• C) emphasize the large profits to be made from space mining.
• D) highlight the diverse ways to carry out space mining operations.

43. The author of Passage 1 indicates that space mining could have which positive effect?

• A) It could yield materials important to Earth’s economy.
• B) It could raise the value of some precious metals on Earth.
• C) It could create unanticipated technological innovations.
• D) It could change scientists’ understanding of space resources.

44. Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• A) Lines 18-22 (“Within... lanthanum”)
• B) Lines 24-28 (“They... projects”)
• C) Lines 29-30 (“In this... commodity”)
• D) Lines 41-44 (“Companies... machinery”)

45. As used in line 19, “demands” most nearly means

• A) offers.
• B) claims.
• C) inquiries.
• D) desires.

46. What function does the discussion of water in lines 35-40 serve in Passage 1?

• A) It continues an extended comparison that begins in the previous paragraph.
• B) It provides an unexpected answer to a question raised in the previous paragraph.
• C) It offers hypothetical examples supporting a claim made in the previous paragraph.
• D) It examines possible outcomes of a proposal put forth in the previous paragraph.

47. The central claim of Passage 2 is that space mining has positive potential but

• A) it will end up encouraging humanity’s reckless treatment of the environment.
• B) its effects should be thoughtfully considered before it becomes a reality.
• C) such potential may not include replenishing key resources that are disappearing on Earth.
• D) experts disagree about the commercial viability of the discoveries it could yield.

48. As used in line 68, “hold” most nearly means

• A) maintain.
• B) grip.
• C) restrain.
• D) withstand.

49. Which statement best describes the relationship between the passages?

• A) Passage 2 refutes the central claim advanced in Passage 1.
• B) Passage 2 illustrates the phenomenon described in more general terms in Passage 1.
• C) Passage 2 argues against the practicality of the proposals put forth in Passage 1.
• D) Passage 2 expresses reservations about developments discussed in Passage 1.

50. The author of Passage 2 would most likely respond to the discussion of the future of space mining in lines 18-28, Passage 1, by claiming that such a future

• A) is inconsistent with the sustainable use of space resources.
• B) will be difficult to bring about in the absence of regulations.
• C) cannot be attained without technologies that do not yet exist.
• D) seems certain to affect Earth’s economy in a negative way.

51. Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• A) Lines 60-63 (“Some... pristine”)
• B) Lines 74-76 (“The resources... Earth”)
• C) Lines 81-83 (“One... avoided”)
• D) Lines 85-87 (“Without... insecure”)