PrepTest 149, Section 2, Question 8
In a typical Hollywood action movie, the hero(451 more words not shown)
The passage suggests that the(19 more words not shown)
- AOur universe is(7 more words not shown)
- BThe existence of(10 more words not shown)
- CThe laws of(11 more words not shown)
- DThere are enough(14 more words not shown)
- EThere is only(8 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
These cosmologists explain our apparently lucky universe by proposing many universes. Most might not support life, but enough possibilities could give nature a good chance of getting a suitable set of laws at least once.
What we’re looking for
Think of the familiar typing-monkeys illustration. One monkey producing a line of Shakespeare by chance would be remarkable. Vast numbers of monkeys typing vast numbers of pages create far more opportunities for a match. That does not mean each monkey has become a better writer. The number of opportunities changes, not necessarily the chance of success on any individual attempt.
Working the answers
- A
The proposed universes coexist; we are not told that events in one affect another. The explanation does not require one universe to help or disrupt ours.
- B
This makes the very mistake the illustration warns against. More universes can improve the chance that at least one supports life without improving each universe's individual prospects. Adding a second opportunity is different from making the first opportunity better.
- C
The explanation depends on different possible arrangements of physical laws. Requiring the same laws everywhere would not supply those varied possibilities.
- DCorrect
The third paragraph says the “sheer number of possibilities” gives nature a “good chance” to get the right laws at least once. D preserves both parts: many universes and a probable success somewhere among them. Neither the wording here nor the explanation requires a mathematical guarantee.
- E
At least one does not mean exactly one. The cosmologists' explanation works whether one universe or many universes contain life; no precise count is established.
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