Unit 5

Question 1

In the second paragraph, the authors discuss observation primarily to

Answer 1

define the empirical character of scientific work

Question 2

The repetition of the phrase “which they are not” in the first paragraph (sentences 2 and 3) achieves which of the following effects?

Answer 2

It justifies the authors’ efforts to define science by emphasizing the flaws of existing definitions.

Question 3

In the final sentence of the first paragraph, the authors choose to use the word “absurd” in order to

Answer 3

emphasize a previous distinction between rationality and reasonableness

Question 4

In the second paragraph, the authors discuss observation primarily to

Answer 4

define the empirical character of scientific work

Question 5

In the fourth sentence of the second paragraph, the authors use the word “qualified” in order to

Answer 5

note a condition that must be met for an observation to be scientific

Question 6

In the second sentence of the third paragraph, the authors use the adjective “deliberate” to emphasize the

Answer 6

careful planning necessary in scientific experiments

Question 7

In the final sentence of the third paragraph, the clause “although we do control the conditions of observation” functions as a transitional element that

Answer 7

clarifies the reasons astronomy meets the standards for scientific rigor

Question 8

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between the fourth and fifth sentences (“Of course . . . measurement”) of the final paragraph?

Answer 8

The fifth sentence elaborates on an assertion made in the preceding sentence.

Question 9

The authors discuss different scientists in the last two sentences of the passage primarily to

Answer 9

correct a misconception about the nature of scientific rationality

Question 10

Which of the following choices creates the most logical transition within sentence 2 (reproduced below) ?
It may be too soon to start planning your Martian vacation, however: there are good reasons to doubt that humans will be able to undertake long-distance space flights in the foreseeable future.

Answer 10

(as it is now)

Question 11

The writer wants to add a sentence immediately before sentence 3 to connect the evidence and commentary provided in the second paragraph to the overall argument of the passage. Which of the following choices most effectively accomplishes this goal?

Answer 11

While NASA astronauts are already experienced with the difficulties humans experience in outer space, these problems would be intensified on long-term missions.

Question 12

Which choice provides the best transition to the subject of sentence 5 (reproduced below) ?
Nevertheless, humans have a natural cycle of wakefulness and sleep attuned to daytime and nighttime on Earth.

Answer 12

Similarly

Question 13

The writer wants to clearly demonstrate the relationship between ideas in the third paragraph. Which version of sentence 8 (reproduced below) most successfully supports this goal?
Other issues may be more troublesome.

Answer 13

(As it is now)

Question 14

Which version of the underlined portion of sentence 9 (reproduced below) best conveys the writer’s point about the stressful nature of space missions?
Space missions are stressful, requiring long hours of repetitive activity performed in small, sterile spaces.

Answer 14

cramped

Question 15

In the underlined portion of sentence 10 (reproduced below), which choice of adjective best fits the style and tone of the writer’s argument?
The stress lowers immune response even as outer-space conditions cause microbes in astronauts’ bodies to mutate, potentially resulting in unfriendly diseases.

Answer 15

dangerous

Question 16

The writer is considering adding the following sentence after sentence 10.
Cosmic rays pose another health concern: a 2018 study from Georgetown University Medical Center found that prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation could lead to stomach and colon cancers.
Should the writer add this sentence after sentence 10 ?

Answer 16

yes, because it makes a claim that supports the writer’s line of reasoning in the third paragraph.

Question 17

In sentence 12 (reproduced below), which version of the underlined word best conveys the writer’s perspective on long space missions?
With NASA’s attention directed to the problems of long space missions, it is certain that scientists will come up with creative solutions to the elevated risks to human well-being in space much as they have addressed dangers associated with shorter missions.

Answer 17

possible

Question 18

The writer wants to add an additional body paragraph to support the passage’s argument. Which of the following claims would make the best topic for such a paragraph?

Answer 18

Long-term missions would also create social and psychological issues, such as extreme isolation and loneliness, that may have a negative impact on space travelers.