Question

Kyla is writing an argument against sending humans into space. Read Kyla’s argument and think about any revisions she needs to make. Then, answer the questions that follow.


Why Space Exploration Shouldn’t Include Humans

 (1) Their are many reasons for continued space exploration. (2) None of these reasons, however, will require that we send humans into space. (3) Using human explorers makes sense in the early years of the space program because we did not have robotic technology yet. (4) In more recent times, technology has allowed us to gather information without any help from humans.
 (5) Robots do not need life support or a return trip home. (6) For these reasons, sending robots into space is much more cost effective than sending humans. (7) In a 2018 report, the Congressional Budget Office projected that cutting human-centered space exploration programs would save $89 billion over a nine-year period. (8) In addition, cutting human exploration programs virtually eliminates any risk to human life.


Which revision best uses a subordinating conjunction to combine sentences 5 and 6 in a complex sentence?
A. Although robots do not need life support or a return trip home, sending robots into space is much more cost effective than sending humans.
B. Because robots do not need life support or a return trip home, sending robots into space is much more cost effective than sending humans.
C. Robots do not need life support or a return trip home, although sending robots into space is much more cost effective than sending humans.
D. Robots do not need life support or a return trip home because sending robots into space is much more cost effective than sending humans.

Answer 1

B

"Because" correctly introduces the reason (robots don't need life support or return trips) for the main clause (robotic missions are more cost effective). The other choices either reverse the cause/effect or create an illogical contrast.