Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world. A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs.

The author supports the claim that satellites do not last forever through the use of which of the following?

Rationale

A comparison of satellites to other common machines that stop working.

The author illustrates the idea that satellites, like many machines, have a limited lifespan by comparing them to other common machines that also cease functioning over time. This analogy highlights the inevitability of deterioration and failure in both satellites and everyday devices, emphasizing the transient nature of technology.

A (An anecdote about why satellites stop working when they do) YOUR ANSWER

While anecdotes can provide personal insight or illustrate a point, they do not necessarily support the broad claim regarding the lifespan of satellites. An anecdote would focus on a single instance rather than the general principle that satellites, like all machines, eventually fail.

B (Examples of the ways satellites stop working over time) YOUR ANSWER

Examples detailing specific failure modes of satellites would provide valuable information but would not effectively demonstrate the overarching claim about their finite lifespan. This option lacks the comparative framework needed to reinforce the idea that satellites are inherently similar to other machines in terms of longevity.

C (A comparison of satellites to other common machines that stop working) CORRECT

The author's use of comparison effectively frames the conversation around the inevitability of mechanical failure, suggesting that just as common machines eventually cease to operate, satellites face similar fates. This comparison makes the claim about the temporary nature of satellites persuasive and relatable to the reader.

D (Suggestions for ways to keep satellites working over time) YOUR ANSWER

While suggestions for maintenance could imply that satellites can have extended functionality, they do not address the fundamental claim that all machines, including satellites, have a limited operational lifespan. This option diverts from the assertion of inevitable failure rather than reinforcing it.

Conclusion

The author underscores the transient nature of satellites by drawing a parallel with other machines that also have limited lifespans. By comparing satellites to everyday devices, the argument is strengthened, highlighting that both are subject to eventual breakdown. This approach effectively communicates the idea that no machine, regardless of its technology, can last indefinitely.

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