Question

Government spending in support of pure research is often treated as somehow wasteful, as though only immediate technological application can justify and scientific endeavour. Yet, unless the well of basic knowledge is continually replenished through pure research, the flow of beneficial technology will soon dry up. Today’s pure research may appear to be little use; but no one can tell what good it may some day yield. One might just as well ask: “Of what use is a newborn baby?”
To which of the following would the author compare the “Newborn baby” mentioned in the last sentence of the passage?

• A. A technological breakthrough based on pure research
• B. Government funding in support of scientific endeavour
• C. Public support for spending on pure research
• D. A scientific discovery with no immediately apparent application

Answer 1

The correct option is D A scientific discovery with no immediately apparent application

Once you understand the main point of the passage, you also understand the answer to this question. The author is arguing that seemingly “pure” research with no obvious, immediate applications, is still valuable – like a baby, it has potential