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Difficulty: EasyRhetorical Structure and Sentence Function

While early planetary scientists assumed that smaller icy moons in the outer Solar System were geologically dead spheres incapable of generating internal heat, data from modern space probes revealed active cryovolcanism on Saturn's moon Enceladus. Specifically, spectral analysis of the plumes erupting from the moon's south polar region confirmed the presence of water vapor, simple organic molecules, and salts, indicating a subsurface liquid ocean in direct contact with a rocky core. This discovery has led astrobiologists to revise traditional models of habitability, shifting focus from a planet's distance from its star to the energy dynamics generated by tidal flexing.

Which of the following best describes the function of the second sentence in the passage?

  1. A
    It introduces a counterexample intended to undermine the concept of tidal flexing.
  2. B
    It summarizes the main conclusion of traditional planetary habitability models.
  3. It provides specific empirical evidence supporting the claim that Enceladus exhibits geological activity.Answer
  4. D
    It presents conclusive proof that biological life exists within the outer Solar System.
  5. E
    It aggressively denounces early planetary scientists for their flawed assumptions.

Answer

The correct option is the one stating that the sentence provides specific empirical evidence supporting the claim that Enceladus exhibits geological activity.
The correct answer accurately captures the rhetorical role of the second sentence. Introduced by the transition word 'Specifically', the sentence supplies precise observational data (spectral analysis of plume emissions) to ground the initial assertion that Enceladus possesses active cryovolcanism.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context surrounding the target sentence.
The first sentence states that data revealed active cryovolcanism on Enceladus, contradicting earlier assumptions of geologically dead moons.
Understanding the preceding claim helps clarify the rhetorical purpose of the second sentence.
2
Examine the specific content and transition of the second sentence.
Starting with 'Specifically', the sentence presents spectral analysis data (water vapor, organic molecules, salts) pointing to a subsurface ocean.
The word 'Specifically' signals an elaboration or concrete evidentiary backing for the general claim of cryovolcanism.
3
Match the rhetorical function to the correct option.
The sentence functions as observational evidence substantiating the presence of active geological processes (cryovolcanism).
This directly aligns with providing specific empirical evidence.

Key Concept

Identifying Sentence Function and Rhetorical Elaborations
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Topics

Rhetorical Structure and Sentence Function

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