Question

read the paragraph, then choose the word that best completes the sentence. in 2011, nasa began retiring its space shuttles. the shuttles, which had been flying since 1981, were simply getting old. their technology and design were outdated. they were expensive to operate and maintain. their primary task of hauling heavy items to the international space station had been completed. nasa was under presidential direction to spread its wings beyond earth’s orbit. it had been ordered to use its money for other programs. the shuttle program was ______. a released b canceled c organized d neglected

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the context: NASA retired the space shuttles because they were old, outdated, expensive, and their main task was done. We need a word that means the program was ended.

• Option A "released" usually means letting go of something (like a product or prisoner), not ending a program.
• Option B "canceled" means to stop or terminate a program, which fits the context of NASA ending the shuttle program.
• Option C "organized" means to arrange, which is the opposite of ending.
• Option D "neglected" means to ignore or not care for, but the passage shows a deliberate end, not neglect.

Answer:

B. canceled