Reading Comprehension: Application Questions

Which of the following statements would provide the most logical continuation of the final paragraph of the passage?

Incorrect.

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This answer choice deals with scholars who studied Mars in early times, a subject more relevant to the second paragraph. Notice how this answer choice tries to lure us in by beginning with the relevant words scientist today when in fact it discusses scientists of the past.

Incorrect.

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This answer choice discusses something that was mentioned earlier in the last paragraph: false speculations. However, the last sentence explicitly leaves this subject behind with the words despite such disappointments. Therefore, this answer choice cannot be its logical continuation.

Incorrect.

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This answer choice suggests that we abandon the search and put the funds to better use. However, the last sentence advocates the search with the final words the search must go on. Therefore, this answer choice cannot be its logical continuation.

Incorrect.

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This answer choice revolves around the connection between the existence of liquid water on Mars and life on Mars, a subject more relevant to the first paragraph.

Try to look for an answer that is (1) in line with the last paragraph and (2) provides a logical continuation to the last sentence.

Excellent!

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This answer choice is in-line with the subject of the last paragraph (obtaining new evidence) while also providing a logical continuation to the last sentence, which discusses the continuation of the search for conclusive evidence.

Scientists today look back to the scholars of medieval times, who were sadly fooled by optical illusions.

In this spirit, NASA has begun preliminary work on the first manned mission which may allow mankind to examine Mars first hand for signs of liquid water.

Needless to say, Mars enthusiasts were outraged that such a small detail was overlooked.

Although Mars seems to have been previously covered in water, it is hard to believe that liquid water will be found on it, so funds may be put to better use in other areas of space science.

Even if liquid water is found on the Red Planet, it does not necessarily mean there has ever been life on it.