Question

Text 1: Drones Can Be Flown for Pleasure or Professionally

1

Drones are not just for fun—they're incredibly versatile! These uncrewed aerial vehicles serve many professional purposes.

2

Drones make jobs safer by performing dangerous tasks that once required humans to complete. For example, inspectors use drones to examine structures like bridges, power lines, and wind turbines. They take detailed photos without risking workers' safety. Engineers have designed drones that clean the windows of the tallest skyscrapers. And perhaps even more remarkable, scientists are flying drones into tornadoes to gather important storm data.

3

Drones also help industries and even the environment. In agriculture, farmers use drones to spray fertilizer and control pests in their crops. Scientists rely on drones to study wildlife and monitor environmental conditions. Drones may also help the environment in other ways: Studies show that drones use 94 percent less energy per package delivered than trucks, making their use better for the environment. As a result, drones are being used to deliver food, packages, and medical supplies.

4

  Looking ahead, engineers are pushing the limits of drone technology. There's hope that drones will soon be able to carry human passengers. The possibilities are endless—truly, the sky's the limit​.


Text 2: Drones—Rewarding, Risky, and Regulated

5

Privately owned drones can be a lot of fun, but they also carry risks. To minimize the hazards their use can cause, the government has put several regulations in place.

6

Drones can collide with people, property, or even aircraft, potentially causing serious injury. They can also harm wildlife. For example, drones can injure animals and disturb their dwellings. Issues like these happen when drone pilots lose control of the craft because of weather conditions, mechanical issues, or inexperience. When animals are injured, even unintentionally, drone operators can face fines and punishments.

7

There are also privacy issues to consider when drones have cameras. For example, if a drone is looking into windows or even hovering above a private location, it may be considered trespassing, and the operator can be charged with a crime.

8

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rules to minimize the risk of personal drones.  According to the FAA, all drones must fly at or below 400 feet. They must also weigh no more than 55 pounds. Owners must keep their drone in sight and make sure they are not flying it in areas marked "No Drone Zones." For example, drone use is prohibited near airports or stadiums. Drones are also prohibited from flying over moving vehicles or at night unless they have anti-collision lighting. To ensure people follow these rules, drone owners must take the TRUST exam. This stands for The Recreational USA Safety Test. It is a free online test. Everyone flying a drone needs to carry a copy of their certificate stating they passed the test.

9

Flying a drone can be exciting, but it comes with risks and regulations. Owners must follow important government rules to keep people and animals safe.

5Question 5
How do both authors address the topic of drones?

A.
Both believe drones will replace most of the dangerous work done by humans.
B.
Both describe how drone pilots must be experienced to use the technology effectively.
C.
Both explain how drone technology has changed many aspects of society.
D.
Both emphasize the seriousness of the consequences that result from drone use.

Answer 1

C

Both texts describe how drone technology affects different parts of society—Text 1 focuses on professional uses, industry and environmental impacts, and future possibilities; Text 2 discusses social consequences like safety, privacy, and regulatory rules.