Question

ri.11-12.2 + ri.11-12.1 - multi-part question (central idea + evidence)
part a: what is the central idea of text 1? *
fusion research has become too expensive to pursue compared to other energy sources.
fusion energy is a promising but uncertain solution that faces significant scientific and political challenges.
fusion reactors will be able to power the world within the next decade.
fusion has fewer engineering obstacles than other renewable technologies.
part b: which detail from the text best supports the answer to part a? *
\fusion merges light nuclei to release energy with minimal hazardous byproducts.\
\critics argue that timelines for commercial fusion have historically been overly optimistic.\
\the sun relies on fusion reactions at its core.\
\fusion research represents a critical frontier for the 21st century\

Explanation:

For Part A, the central idea should encapsulate both the promise and challenges of fusion energy. Option 2 does this. For Part B, the detail about critics arguing timelines were overly optimistic supports the uncertainty (a challenge) aspect of the central idea.

Answer:

Part A: Fusion energy is a promising but uncertain solution that faces significant scientific and political challenges.
Part B: "Critics argue that timelines for commercial fusion have historically been overly optimistic."