Question #N1163

The scientist in the excerpt believes that "a sense of wonder" helps to "reawaken" people’s curiosity. The scientist claims that people lose this sense of wonder as they become adults, and the scientist describes "the vastness of the universe" as one element that can help to "reawaken" this sense of wonder. What does the scientist mean by the phrase "the vastness of the universe"?

In this excerpt, the phrase "the vastness of the universe" refers to
A. the beauty and complexity of the universe.
B. the immensity and scale of the universe.
C. the mystery and wonder of the universe.
D. the power and energy of the universe.

Correct Answer is: B

The phrase "the vastness of the universe" suggests the universe is vast in terms of its scale and immensity. It evokes the feeling of being small in comparison to a large and expansive universe. This is a key factor in reawakening one’s sense of wonder.