Improving Paragraphs HELP

<pre><code> (1) The number of planets in our galaxy capable of supporting life is now estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands. (2) Given such a large number of livable planets, it seems very unlikely that Earth is the only place in the galaxy where life actually exists.

(3) Of course, there is no direct evidence of the existence of living beings elsewhere: no extraterrestrial life-form has been discovered to date. (4) However, there are scientists who have observed what they consider compelling indirect evidence of life on distant planets. (5) For example, some of them believe that the presence of organic materials on a Martian meteorite found in Antarctica in 1996 is proof of life on Mars. (6) Others point to a powerful radio signal from outer space detected in 2001, arguing that it had a frequency likely to be used for interplanetary communication and is therefore indirect evidence of extraterrestrial life.

(7) Not all scientists share there interpretations, however. (8) Some argue that the organic molecules in the Martian meteorite were simply contaminants from Earth. (9) Equally doubtful are those who contend that the 2003 radio signal was very likely a naturally occurring phenomenon that had simply never been seen before.

(10) Such skeptics will probably never be convinced by anything less than direct evidence. (11) [Believers] in extraterrestrial life can take encouragement from an ever-increasing body of indirect evidence, as astronomers continue to learn more about the planets outside our solar system. (12) Perhaps the most exciting development to date, from the believer's point of view, was the detection, in 2010, of the planet Gliese 581g, where liquid water could exist.
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<p>1) In context, which of the following is the best revision of the bracketed portion of sentence 11?</p>

<p>(A) In addition, believers
(B) After all, believers
(C) Consequently, believers
(D) Likewise, believers
(E) Meanwhile, believers</p>

<p>2) Which of the following observations would most appropriately be used to clarify a statement in the final paragraph?</p>

<p>(C) That Gliese 581g was first detected by astronomers in the Lick-Carnegie Exoplanet Survey, led by Steven S. Vogt
(D) That the presence of liquid water is widely believed to be necessary to the development of life anywhere in the universe</p>

<p>For #1, the correct answer is (E). Why doesn't (B) work?
For #2, the correct answer is (D). Why doesn't (C) work?</p>

<p>Any help would be nice!</p>

<p>1) We’re contrasting that the skeptics wait for direct evidence while believers are easily pleased by indirect evidence. “After all” is used for two things: 1. in spite of what was expected or decided --> “It didn’t rain after all” Means you expected it to rain, but it actually didn’t. 2. Stressing something that should be taken into account --> “I don’t think we should go outside; after all, it is raining.”</p>

<p>“Meanwhile,” on the other hand, is used to link two things that are happening at the same time - so, on the one hand we have these skeptics who refuse anything but direct evidence, and on the other hand we have these believers who will consider any bit of indirect evidence irrefutable proof.</p>

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<p>2) In this one, we want to know the importance of a planet having water. Why did the writer bring this up, AKA, why is it so exciting? It also says it’s most exciting for a believer, so we need an explanation that draws a connection between a planet having liquid water and the possibility of extraterrestrial life - so, D is correct.</p>

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<p>Let me know if these make sense!</p>

<p>@LAMuniv Thanks once again :)</p>