Comprehension
Forty years after man first set foot on the moon, the United States has dispatched two unmanned lunar spacecraft to earth’s natural satellite to pave the way for humans to return there. The search for deposits of water is high on the agenda of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS). India’s Chandrayaan-1 probe, too, may well join the quest. ‘Discovering water on the moon would be like finding a gold mine,’ said U.S. space agency NASA in a recent press document. It estimates that getting a bottle of water to the moon would run to about $50,000 at current launch costs. Therefore, the ability to extract water locally would be immensely useful if humans want to establish bases on the celestial body.
It is believed that water could have been brought to the moon by comets and meteorites that have crashed on its surface over billions of years. Likewise, hydrogen ions streaming out from the sun might have combined with oxygen from chemical compounds in the lunar soil and turned into water. The question is whether all this water has boiled off in the face of the moon’s scorching daytime temperatures and its low gravitational hold. 
In a paper published in 1961, three scientists at the California Institute of Technology, put forward the idea that water ‘may well be present in appreciable quantities in shaded areas in the form of ice’. The paper appeared in the Journal of Geophysical Research around the same time President John F. Kennedy committed the U.S, to landing a man on the moon. Some thirty years later, two U.S. space probes that went to the moon, Clementine and Lunar Prospector, provided evidence that water might persist as patches of ice mixed with soil at the bottom of craters at the poles. Sunlight never reaches the bottom of some craters at the lunar poles, which therefore remain at temperatures far below the freezing point of water. So these would be ideal locations for trapping water ice on the moon. But the evidence has been disputed and scientists continue to argue vigorously about whether or not earth’s nearest neighbour holds any water. 
The LRO and the LCROSS were launched from Cape Canaveral in Florid The two spacecraft, along with Chandrayaan-1, will undoubtedly throw a great deal of new light on the issue. Once the spacecraft is commissioned, a slew of instruments on it will look for signs of water ice and hydrogen in different ways. 
The LCROSS and the spent upper stage of the Atlas rocket that launched the two spacecraft have swung past the moon for the first time. NASA plans to send the empty upper stage, weighing over 2,000 kg, hurtling into a crater near the lunar south pole at a speed of about 9,000 km per hour.
Question: 1

How is the moon referred to in the passage?
I. A gold mine
II. A celestial body
III. Earth’s natural satellite
IV. Earth’s nearest neighbor

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • (I) and (II) above
  • (II) and (III) above
  • (II) and (IV) above
  • (II), (III) and (IV) above
  • All (I), (II), (III) and (IV) above
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The question asks how the moon is referred to in the provided passage. Let's analyze each reference:

  1. A gold mine: This reference is made in the passage, but it is used as a metaphor. The passage mentions, “Discovering water on the moon would be like finding a gold mine.” This statement implies that finding water on the moon would be extremely valuable, like a gold mine, but it does not mean the moon itself is referred to as a gold mine.
  2. A celestial body: Yes, the moon is a celestial body, and the passage indirectly refers to it as such, particularly when discussing the celestial mechanics involved in the lunar missions.
  3. Earth’s natural satellite: The passage clearly refers to the moon as "earth’s natural satellite" in the context of the lunar missions being sent there.
  4. Earth’s nearest neighbor: The passage discusses the moon in the context of space missions and exploration, acknowledging its proximity to Earth, and implicitly refers to it as "earth’s nearest neighbor."

From the logical assessment above, we can conclude that:

  • Option I (gold mine) is ruled out as it is metaphorical and not a direct reference to the moon itself.
  • Options II, III, and IV are valid references as per the passage.

Thus, the correct answer is the option that includes (II), (III), and (IV):

(II), (III) and (IV) above
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Question: 2

Why is it necessary to extract water locally on the moon?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • To carry on further research
  • It is highly expensive to carry a bottle of water to the moon
  • It would be greatly useful to humans if they want to set up bases on the moon
  • It will become easy for the astronauts to stay there for a longer time
  • It reduces the burden of carrying water for the astronauts
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To understand why it is necessary to extract water locally on the moon, let's look at the details provided in the comprehension passage, the context, and the given answer options.

The passage describes the efforts of various space agencies, including NASA and ISRO, to explore the possibility of finding water on the moon. Finding water on the moon is likened to discovering a gold mine, significantly highlighting its importance. The cost of transporting water from Earth to the moon is estimated to be about $50,000 for a single bottle due to current launch costs. Therefore, having the ability to extract water already present on the moon is considered greatly beneficial.

Let's analyze the given answer options:

  1. To carry on further research: While discovering water can aid further research, the primary motivation is not just research.
  2. It is highly expensive to carry a bottle of water to the moon: This statement highlights the high cost involved but doesn't directly address the necessity of water extraction.
  3. It would be greatly useful to humans if they want to set up bases on the moon: This is the correct answer because the passage explicitly mentions that the local extraction of water would be immensely useful for establishing human bases on the moon, making long-term habitation feasible.
  4. It will become easy for the astronauts to stay there for a longer time: Although local water availability would indeed support longer stays, the passage emphasizes the strategic advantage related to establishing bases rather than just extending missions.
  5. It reduces the burden of carrying water for the astronauts: This option is true as a secondary benefit but doesn't capture the primary reason indicated in the passage for the local extraction of water.

In conclusion, the correct answer is: It would be greatly useful to humans if they want to set up bases on the moon. This aligns with the comprehension's focus on the strategic benefits of local water sources for potential long-term human habitation and base setups on the moon.

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Question: 3

The main objective of sending the LRO and the LCROSS to the moon is to

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Pave the way for the humans to return from the moon
  • Find out if sunlight ever reaches some craters at the lunar poles
  • Carry on complete research about the moon
  • Establish bases on the celestial body
  • Search for deposits of water
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The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

The question revolves around the objectives of sending the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) to the Moon. Given the options, we need to identify the primary goal of these missions. Let's break down the information provided in the comprehension:

  1. The United States has launched these spacecraft to explore the Moon.
  2. One of the key objectives highlighted in the passage is the "search for deposits of water," which is considered essential for future human activities and missions on the Moon.
  3. Finding water on the Moon has the potential to significantly reduce costs and support human settlement, akin to discovering a 'gold mine.'
  4. Several past missions have suggested that water might be trapped as ice in shaded craters at the lunar poles, locations that never receive sunlight and thus stay cold enough to preserve ice.

Now, let's analyze the options:

  1. Pave the way for humans to return from the moon: While the passage mentions paving the way for human return, the primary task mentioned for LRO and LCROSS is not directly about human return.
  2. Find out if sunlight ever reaches some craters at the lunar poles: The passage mentions that certain lunar craters do not receive sunlight, which aids in preserving water ice. However, the primary mission is not to investigate sunlight exposure.
  3. Carry on complete research about the moon: This is a broad objective, but the passage specifies water search as a focused target.
  4. Establish bases on the celestial body: Though future bases may benefit from discovering water, the creation of bases is not the mission's current immediate goal.
  5. Search for deposits of water: This is directly supported by the passage, stating it as a 'high on the agenda' task for the spacecraft.

Based on the detailed analysis, the primary objective of sending LRO and LCROSS is to "Search for deposits of water." This aligns with the comprehension's emphasis on the importance and potential utility of finding water on the Moon.

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Question: 4

In the phrase, ‘slew of instruments’, the word ‘slew’ means

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • A large number
  • The assembled parts
  • The automated components
  • A restricted number
  • An assortment
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

  1. To solve this question, start by analyzing the phrase 'slew of instruments'. In this context, 'slew' is used as a noun to describe a quantity or amount.
  2. The definition of 'slew' in this context means a large number, as it describes a great many instruments, aligning with the idea of abundance.
  3. Option Analysis:
    • A large number: This definition matches the contextual use of 'slew' to indicate a large number or a vast collection, which is the correct interpretation.
    • The assembled parts: This suggests parts that have been put together, which doesn’t fit with the use of ‘slew’ for quantity.
    • The automated components: This refers to parts that operate automatically, and it does not convey the idea of quantity as ‘slew’ does.
    • A restricted number: This means a limited or small amount, which is opposite to the implication of "a large number" associated with 'slew'.
    • An assortment: This suggests a mix or variety, while it may suggest a collection it does not emphasize the large amount implied by 'slew'.
  4. Conclusion: Based on the analysis, the correct answer to ‘slew’ in the context of ‘slew of instruments’ is indeed 'A large number'.
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Question: 5

It can be inferred from the passage that the moon’s

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Upper crust contains hydrogen
  • Daytime temperatures are very high
  • Lunar soil can hardly hold water
  • Surface is covered with ice
  • Gravitational hold is very high
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The problem involves inferring information from a comprehension passage related to the moon. Let us analyze each option and relate it to the passage to determine the correct answer.

  1. Option: Upper crust contains hydrogen
    The passage mentions that "hydrogen ions streaming out from the sun might have combined with oxygen from chemical compounds in the lunar soil and turned into water." However, there is no direct evidence or statement in the passage that the upper crust contains hydrogen independently. Therefore, this option cannot be directly inferred from the passage.
  2. Option: Daytime temperatures are very high (Correct Answer)
    The passage clearly states, "The question is whether all this water has boiled off in the face of the moon’s scorching daytime temperatures and its low gravitational hold." This sentence indicates that daytime temperatures on the moon are extremely high, supporting this option as the correct inference from the passage.
  3. Option: Lunar soil can hardly hold water
    Although the passage discusses water potentially boiling off due to high temperatures and low gravitational hold, it does not explicitly say that the lunar soil can hardly hold water. It discusses potential sources and the experiment's goal to detect water. Thus, this inference is not directly supported by the passage.
  4. Option: Surface is covered with ice
    The passage talks about the possibility of ice in shaded areas and craters but does not confirm widespread ice coverage on the lunar surface. Instead, it says, "evidence that water might persist as patches of ice mixed with soil at the bottom of craters," indicating limited, rather than general, coverage.
  5. Option: Gravitational hold is very high
    The passage contradicts this option by stating the moon has a "low gravitational hold," which questions the retention of water. Therefore, this option is not correct.

Based on the information presented in the passage, the option 'Daytime temperatures are very high' is the most accurate inference and therefore the correct answer.

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Question: 6

Choose the statement that is true in the context of the passage.

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Sunlight never reaches the surface of the moon
  • Oxygen does not exist in any form on the moon
  • It is not yet proved whether the moon holds any water or not
  • The LRO and the LCROSS were launched in 1961
  • There are gold mines on the moon
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To determine which statement is true in the context of the passage, we must analyze each option based on the information provided in the comprehension section.

  1. Option A: "Sunlight never reaches the surface of the moon"
    • The passage mentions that sunlight never reaches the bottom of some craters at the lunar poles, not the entire surface of the moon. Therefore, this statement is false.
  2. Option B: "Oxygen does not exist in any form on the moon"
    • The passage discusses the possibility of hydrogen ions combining with oxygen from chemical compounds in the lunar soil. This indicates that oxygen may exist in some form, making this statement false.
  3. Option C: "It is not yet proved whether the moon holds any water or not"
    • The passage states that evidence from past missions suggested the presence of water ice, but this is disputed, and scientists continue to debate the issue. Thus, it is indeed not yet proven, making this statement true.
  4. Option D: "The LRO and the LCROSS were launched in 1961"
    • The passage clearly states these spacecraft were launched much later. The reference to 1961 pertains to a paper published on the possibility of moon water, not the launch dates. Therefore, this statement is false.
  5. Option E: "There are gold mines on the moon"
    • The passage makes an analogy between discovering water on the moon and finding a gold mine, implying value, not the literal existence of gold mines. Hence, this statement is false.

After examining all statements, it is clear that Option C: "It is not yet proved whether the moon holds any water or not" is the only statement that accurately reflects the information given in the passage.

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Question: 7

What is the belief about the existence of water on the moon?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • It exists in the form of ice
  • It is brought by comets and meteorites
  • It is formed through chemical reaction
  • It is present in considerable quantities in shaded areas
  • All the above
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The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

The question asks about the belief regarding the existence of water on the moon, with several options provided that reflect different theories or observations. Let's analyze each option in the context of the given passage:

  • Water exists in the form of ice: The passage mentions a theory that water may be present as ice in shaded areas on the moon. It describes how ice could exist at the lunar poles where sunlight does not reach, thereby maintaining extremely low temperatures favorable for ice deposits.
  • Water is brought by comets and meteorites: It is suggested in the passage that water could have been delivered to the lunar surface by comets and meteorites over billions of years through impacts.
  • Water is formed through chemical reactions: The text discusses the possibility of hydrogen ions from the sun combining with oxygen present in lunar soil to form water, highlighting a chemical process contributing to the presence of water.
  • Water is present in considerable quantities in shaded areas: The passage elaborates on evidence that suggests water might persist as ice in areas such as shaded lunar craters where sunlight does not evaporate it.

All the provided options are plausible and supported by the content of the passage. Collectively, they illustrate the multifaceted theories and evidence regarding the existence and preservation of water on the moon.

Given these observations, the correct answer is:

All the above

This comprehensive response accounts for the diverse scientific stances and evidence discussed regarding lunar water. Such a nuanced understanding is critical for questions in verbal and logical ability sections of exams to assess comprehension and logical deduction skills.

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Question: 8

What is the apt title of the passage?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Weather Conditions on the Moon
  • Searching for Water on the Moon
  • Moon – A Gold Mine for Many
  • India’s Chandrayaan-1 Mission
  • Man’s First Steps on the Moon
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To determine the most appropriate title for the given passage, we need to analyze the main theme and focus of the content provided.

  1. The passage discusses various missions, particularly by NASA and India's Chandrayaan-1, focused on lunar exploration.
  2. It highlights the central goal of these missions: to search for water on the Moon. The passage emphasizes how finding water on the lunar surface would be as valuable as finding a gold mine, underpinning the importance of the search.
  3. Several spacecraft, including the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS), and India's Chandrayaan-1, are mentioned as key players in this search for water.
  4. The passage also provides historical context and the scientific rationale for why finding water on the Moon could be feasible, citing evidence and theories that suggest water might exist in shaded areas in the form of ice.

Given this analysis, the main theme revolves around the exploration and the quest to find water on the lunar surface. This focus is best captured by the option Searching for Water on the Moon.

Let us consider the other options and rule them out:

  • Weather Conditions on the Moon: The passage never delves into detailed discussions about the weather conditions on the Moon.
  • Moon – A Gold Mine for Many: While the passage compares finding water to finding a gold mine, the central theme is about water search, not resource mining in general.
  • India’s Chandrayaan-1 Mission: Though the Chandrayaan-1 mission is mentioned, it is just one part of a broader narrative about searching for water.
  • Man’s First Steps on the Moon: This option is not relevant, as the passage mainly centers on current missions searching for water, not on human lunar landing achievements.

Thus, the correct and most fitting title for the passage is: Searching for Water on the Moon.

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Question: 9

What would be the best place for trapping the ice water on the moon?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Near the poles
  • In shaded areas
  • From any part of the moon
  • Bottom of craters at the poles
  • Upper layers of the soil
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The question asks for the best place to trap ice water on the moon, based on given options.

  1. Understanding the Context:
    • The comprehension explains efforts made by the U.S. and other countries to find water on the moon through various spacecraft missions.
    • Water presence on the moon is crucial as it would significantly support potential human colonization by reducing the costs and challenges associated with transporting water from Earth.
    • It highlights that cold, permanently shaded areas such as the bottom of craters, especially at the poles, might hold ice water.
  2. Analyzing Options:
    • Near the poles: While the poles are promising, not all areas near them are guaranteed to have trapped ice water.
    • In shaded areas: This option is partially correct but lacks specificity; not all shaded areas are located in places conducive to trapping ice.
    • From any part of the moon: This is unlikely because most regions are exposed to sunlight, where high temperatures would evaporate any water ice.
    • Bottom of craters at the poles: This is the best option. The comprehension specifies that sunlight never reaches the bottom of some polar craters, keeping temperatures below freezing and potentially preserving water ice.
    • Upper layers of the soil: Surface layers are exposed and likely too warm to hold water ice stably.
  3. Conclusion: Based on the evidence provided in the comprehension, the Bottom of craters at the poles are ideal locations as they remain permanently shaded and cold, making them suitable for trapping and preserving any water ice.
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