大学受験対策｜英語 長文読解問題44 難易度：★★☆☆☆

Stella was a young explorer traveling across the galaxy on a small research ship. She worked for the Galactic Council, collecting samples of cosmic dust and studying the behavior of distant planets. Although her journeys were often lonely, she found excitement in every new star she visited.

One evening, while orbiting a mysterious red planet, Stella noticed strange lights coming from its surface. She asked for permission to land, and her request was approved. Eager to learn more, she steered her craft down through the planet’s thin atmosphere. As she touched down, the ground glowed faintly under her ship’s lights, reminding her of a colorful desert back on Earth.

Exploring outside, Stella discovered that the soil contained tiny crystals that shone in different colors. Fascinated, she collected a few samples to study later. However, as she walked further, she noticed footprints that did not belong to her. They formed a trail leading into a cave-like structure. Nervous but curious, Stella followed them.

Inside the cave, she found unusual symbols etched into the walls. They looked ancient but well-preserved. A soft, pulsing light illuminated the path forward. She felt a mix of excitement and caution. Could someone, or something, still be living here?

Returning to her ship before nightfall, Stella carefully stored the crystals and noted the location of the footprints. She planned to send her findings to the Galactic Council and request more time to investigate. Though the planet was silent, it seemed alive with secrets. Stella promised herself she would return soon, determined to uncover the truths hidden beneath its strange surface.

Q1. Which statement best describes Stella’s key observation while investigating the planet’s surface?

1. She discovered towering metallic structures emitting continuous mechanical hums from beneath the ground.
2. She noticed a group of local creatures burrowing elaborate passageways near her landed craft.
3. She encountered a collection of neon plants distributing pungent aromas reminiscent of Earth’s flowering fields.
4. She observed gleaming crystals and unfamiliar footprints, guiding her footsteps toward a cave-like formation.

Q2. Which sentence best reflects Stella’s experience upon entering the cave?

1. She noticed ancient markings on cavern walls and felt both curiosity and apprehension about unseen inhabitants.
2. She instantly recognized the language inscribed there, confirming it was created by her own research group.
3. She found advanced machinery producing harsh electrical sounds, prompting her immediate retreat from the narrow passage.
4. She observed only empty corridors without any distinctive carvings, concluding the entire site lacked meaningful clues.

Q3. Which statement is not supported by the details about Stella’s mission?

1. She noticed strange glowing signals upon the red planet’s terrain and obtained clearance before descending to examine them.
2. She encountered a thriving community of local residents who offered advanced technology and guided tours of their metropolis.
3. She stowed her luminous mineral samples safely, planning to share them with the Council and continue researching the planet soon.
4. She travels across the galaxy aboard a research vessel, collecting cosmic particles for the Galactic Council’s scientific analyses.