Set 8: Cross-Text Connections (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
Text 1 The Fermi Paradox highlights the contradiction between the high probability of extraterrestrial civilizations and the lack of evidence for them. Given the age and size of the universe, we should have detected signals by now. Text 2 The 'Dark Forest' hypothesis offers a chilling solution. It posits that the universe is a dark forest where every civilization is an armed hunter stalking through the trees. To survive, they must remain silent, for any signal reveals their location to a potential threat.
How does Text 2 resolve the contradiction posed in Text 1?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question asks you to compare perspectives from two passages. Text 1: Paradox (High probability vs Silence). Text 2: Hunters/Survival (Silence = Strategy). Resolution: Strategic silence explains lack of signals. Understanding how the authors relate to each other's views is essential. Identify whether they agree, disagree, or address different aspects of the topic. Focus on their specific claims and conclusions. When comparing texts, first identify each author's thesis or main argument. Then determine how these positions interact: do they complement each other, contradict each other, or address different aspects of the same issue? The relationship between texts reveals deeper meaning.
Key Evidence:
• "solution"
• "remain silent"
• "strategic survival mechanism"
Why others are wrong: C (Says silent.), D (Proposed solution assumes others exist.), B (Age and size mentioned.).
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