Are We Alone? NASA’s Recent Discoveries Reignite the Alien Debate

Ans)     

1. Topic-Related Questions

1.B – biosignatures such as methane and DMS were detected.

2.D – The rover collects rock samples on Mars to analyze for signs of life.

3.A – K2-18b shows potential for microbial life due to detected gases.

4.C – The article emphasizes how new findings bring the alien life debate back into focus.

5.B – Biosignatures may imply the possibility of life, though not proof.

📚 2. Vocabulary Questions

1.A – "Profound" means deep or serious; option A is correct here in SAT usage.

2.C – "Meticulous" means being very careful and detail-oriented.

3.B – Correction: Actual answer should be C – "Circumspect" means cautious. The earlier system used B.

4.D – Correction: Actual answer should be A – "Glamorized" means made to seem more attractive. The earlier system had D.

5.A – "Unprecedented" means something that has never happened before.

🔍 3. Inference Questions

1.D – Correction: The logical answer is C – NASA is cautious and scientific.

2.A – Correction: Best answer is B – Scientists wait for confirmation. The system showed A.

3.C – The article contrasts media hype with scientific rigor.

4.B – Alien discovery could transform our worldview and philosophical understanding.

5.A – The article implies that discoveries can spark interest in science education.

🧠 4. SAT-Style Questions

1.C – The tone is analytical and filled with curiosity.

2.B – Correction: The article says schools are adapting, so correct is C, not B.

3.A – “Tantalizing” means extremely tempting or exciting but unreachable.

4.A – Correction: Best is C – Evidence must be carefully verified.

5.D – The article’s primary goal is to inform the audience using facts.

🎓 5. TOEFL-Style Questions

1.A – Correction: Methane might indicate life, so correct is B.

2.B – Sci-fi movies were used to contrast fiction vs real data.

3.C – Telescopes help NASA study exoplanets.

4.D – Correction: Correct is C – The article cites scientific data.

5.C – Future missions are suggested to focus on signs of life.

✅ 6. IELTS True / False / Not Given

1.C – Not Given – No claim of intelligent alien life being proven.

2.D – Invalid Option: Only T/F/NG should be used. Correct: True

3.A – Correction: False – Rover is on Mars, not the Moon.

4.B – False – The article does not mention colonization.

5.C – True – Gases were detected on K2-18b.

Writing Sample

Essay

The possibility of discovering microbial life on other planets has fascinated scientists and the public for decades. Some argue that such a finding would fundamentally change our understanding of the universe, while others believe it would have minimal impact on daily life. This essay will examine both perspectives and explain why the discovery would have significant consequences.

On one hand, those who see little impact argue that microbial life—being microscopic and simple—does not directly affect human society. Unlike intelligent beings, microbes cannot communicate or influence our lives in visible ways. People might continue their daily routines unaffected, as the discovery would remain within academic circles and scientific journals. In this view, unless extraterrestrial life poses a threat or offers new technology, it will likely be treated as a remote curiosity.

However, others believe that even the simplest form of alien life would profoundly shift our worldview. It would suggest that Earth is not unique, and that life might exist throughout the universe. This realization could influence philosophy, religion, and science education. It may also lead to increased funding for space exploration and inspire younger generations to pursue careers in science. Moreover, such a discovery could lead to future developments in biotechnology, especially if extraterrestrial microbes hold properties unknown to humans.

In my opinion, the discovery of alien microbes would be a monumental milestone. While it may not change people’s daily habits immediately, its long-term implications for science, culture, and the future of space exploration are undeniable. It would mark the beginning of a new chapter in human understanding of our place in the cosmos. (words: 274)

Short answer questions

• 1.What kind of life form did NASA possibly find signs of on K2-18b?
  

• → Microbial life
  

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• 2.What tool did NASA use to detect biosignatures?
  

• → The James Webb Space Telescope
  

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• 3.Where is K2-18b located?
  

• → In the Leo constellation, about 120 light-years away
  

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