Reading Comprehension: 2 Passages CLAIMS & EVIDENCE

In lines 9-17, the author of Passage 1 mentions several companies primarily to___

• note the technological advances that make space mining possible

• provide evidence of the growing interest in space mining

• emphasize the large profits to be made from space mining.

• highlight the diverse ways to carry out space mining operations.

The author of passage 1 indicates that space mining could have which positive effect?

• It could yield materials important to Earth’s economy

• It could raise the value of some precious metals on Earth

• It could create unanticipated technological innovations.

• It could change scientists’ understanding of space resources.

In line 19, "demands" most nearly means _____

• offers

• claims

• inquiries

• desires

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

• It continues an extended comparison that begins in the previous paragraph

• It provides an unexpected answer to a question raised in the previous paragraph

• It offers hypothetical examples supporting a claim made in the previous paragraph.

• It examines possible outcomes of a proposal put forth in the previous paragraph.

The central claim of Passage 2 is that space mining has positive potential but___

• it will end up encouraging humanity’s reckless treatment of the environment.

• its effects should be thoughtfully considered before it becomes a reality.

• such potential may not include replenishing key resources that are disappearing on Earth.

• experts disagree about the commercial viability of the discoveries it could yield.

In line 68, "hold" most nearly means ____

• maintain

• grip

• restrain

• withstand

Which statement best describes the relationship between the passages?

• Passage 2 refutes the central claim advanced in Passage 1.

• Passage 2 illustrates the phenomenon described in more general terms in Passage 1.

• Passage 2 argues against the practicality of the proposals put forth in Passage 1.

• Passage 2 expresses reservations about developments discussed in Passage 1.

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

• is inconsistent with the sustainable use of space resources.

• will be difficult to bring about in the absence of regulations.

• cannot be attained without technologies that do not yet exist.

• seems certain to affect Earth’s economy in a negative way.

Which point about the resources that will be highly valued in space is implicit in Passage 1 and explicit in Passage 2?

• They may be different resources from those that are valuable on Earth.

• They will be valuable only if they can be harvested cheaply.

• They are likely to be primarily precious metals and rare earth elements.

• They may increase in value as those same resources become rare on Earth.

As mentioned in passage 1, which of the following could be possible about the use of ice-rich asteroids?

• new source or lumber materials

• may be transformed into water reservoirs

• interplanetary refueling station.

• interplanetary summer camps.