Question

3
read the sentence from the introduction paragraphs 1-3.
it is the \most promising\ evidence yet for alien life, scientists say.
which word, if it replaced \evidence\ in the sentence, would change the meaning of the sentence?
(a) backing
(b) hope
(c) proof
(d) support

Explanation:

First, analyze the meaning of "evidence" in the sentence: it refers to factual material supporting the claim of alien life.

• (A) "backing" means support for an idea, matching "evidence" closely.
• (C) "proof" is a stronger, conclusive form of evidence, but still aligns with the core meaning of supporting a claim.
• (D) "support" also means material that backs an argument, similar to "evidence".
• (B) "hope" refers to a feeling of expectation, not factual supporting material. Replacing "evidence" with "hope" changes the sentence to say it is the "most promising hope" for alien life, which shifts the meaning from factual supporting material to a positive expectation, altering the original intent.

Answer:

B. hope