The hope which has never been fulfilled is that ________.
a. the progress in producing weapons will stop
b. the new weapon will force the nations to give up war
c. every nation will have the leisure to train and the means to arm for war
d. science will stop creating the surplus in the world
Answer Options:

The correct answer is Option B (Only b).

Key Points:
• This question tests comprehension of explicit statements within the text.
• Option 2 is correct. In the first paragraph, the passage states: "It has been said of each new weapon that it is so destructive and horrible that it will frighten people into their wits and force the nations to give up war for lack of cannon fodder. This hope has never been fulfilled..." The phrase 'This hope' directly refers back to the expectation that terrifying new weapons will 'force the nations to give up war'.
• The text does not mention hopes about stopping the production of weapons, stopping the creation of surplus, or hoping nations have leisure to train. It specifically points out the flawed logic that mutually assured destruction leads to peace.
• Pronoun resolution (understanding what words like 'this' or 'it' refer to) is a critical skill for reading comprehension.
• Key Takeaway: Remember: The text explicitly states that the hope of terrifying weapons forcing nations to abandon war has never materialized.