Question

Which of these inferences about Joon Kim is best supported by the passage below (paragraph 2)?

This plan for future space exploration seems very practical. Space exploration is costly. It makes sense to use a cheaper method for now. Robot missions can determine whether a planet is even worth exploring before committing more resources. Manned programs can cost tens or hundreds of times more than robotic ones. Using robots helps scientists use their resources more wisely. They can carry out initial explorations of more places, increasing the chances of making an important discovery.
Answer choices for the above question

A. The author thinks that robotic programs cost too much money.

B. The author would rather save resources for a more certain outcome.

C. The author does not think we should ever send humans into space.

D. The author thinks that robots are better explorers than humans.

Answer 1

Joon Kim's view, as presented in the passage, supports the use of robotic missions in space exploration as a cost-effective initial step before committing to more expensive manned programs, with a priority on saving resources and confirming certain outcomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given passage, paragraph 2 suggests that Joon Kim believes that space exploration is costly and that using robotic missions is a more economical and practical approach before committing to more resource-intensive manned programs. The passage indicates that robots can assess whether a planet is worth further exploration, thereby allowing scientists to allocate their resources more effectively. It does not suggest that Joon Kim is against manned space travel outright, just that it should be approached judiciously

Based on this passage, the best-supported inference about Joon Kim's views is:

B. The author would rather save resources for a more certain outcome.

The passage highlights the practicality of using robots in initial space explorations to determine the value of further exploration without immediately incurring the high costs associated with manned missions. This approach aims to use resources wisely, suggesting a preference for saving resources until outcomes are more certain.

Answer 2

D. The author thinks that robots are better explorers than humans.

It is because the author specifically states that "robot missions can determine whether a planet is even worth exploring before committing more resources."