Question

read the paragraph, then choose the word that best completes the sentence.
a rover explored a crater on mars and found several signs that the planet once had water. the crater contained a shiny mineral called hematite. on earth, this mineral is formed in water. also, the bedrock in the crater wall was layered, suggesting that the wall was eroded by wind, water, or volcanic lava flows. the rover studied one rock in the crater \el capitan.\ the rock had pockmarks, similar to those an earth rock would develop in the presence of salt.
scientists ______ that water was present on mars.
a implied
b disputed
c concluded
d cautioned

Explanation:

• Implied means to suggest something indirectly. But the context shows a more definite outcome based on evidence.
• Disputed means to argue about. There is no indication of an argument in the text.
• Concluded means to arrive at a judgment or decision after reasoning. The scientists looked at the evidence (hematite, layered bedrock, pockmarks on the rock) and made a decision that water was present. This fits the context.
• Cautioned means to warn. There is no warning in the text.

Answer:

C. concluded