Question

read the paragraph from the hot zone. just then, he noticed a blur of motion on his left, and he turned and saw two hazleton workers walking toward him. they werent supposed to be in here! the area was supposed to be sealed off, but they had come in by another route that led through a storeroom. they wore respirators, but nothing covered their eyes. when they saw the two men in space suits, they froze, speechless. jerry could not see their mouths, but he could see their eyes, wide with astonishment. it was as if they had suddenly discovered that they were standing on the moon. what is the authors main purpose for including this paragraph? to inform readers about the location of the scene that is unfolding to explain to readers that being a scientist can be exciting work to entertain readers by illustrating how dramatic the situation is to reassure readers that the situation was completely under control

Explanation:

• Analyze Option 1: The paragraph focuses on the workers' unexpected presence and their reaction, not on explaining the location. So this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 2: The paragraph doesn't discuss the excitement of being a scientist. It's about a specific situation, so this is wrong.
• Analyze Option 3: The workers' unexpected entry, their frozen reaction, and the comparison to discovering they're on the moon create a dramatic scene. The author includes this to entertain readers by showing the drama. This fits.
• Analyze Option 4: The situation has an unexpected intrusion, so it's not "completely under control." This option is incorrect.

Answer:

C. to entertain readers by illustrating how dramatic the situation is