The phrase near neighbour, as used in the passage, shows that
A
moonlight generally shares many characteristics with 'earth light'
B
moonlight shines brighter on the earth's surface than perhaps elsewhere
C
the earth actually shares boundaries with the moon
D
the earth is nearer to the moon than to the sun
Verified Correct Answer: D.
Grammar & Contextual Explanation
There is a close distance between the Earth and the Moon compared to the much greater distance between the Earth and the Sun.
So when the passage says the moon has worked a “spell of fascination over all the people on its near neighbour, the earth,” it’s highlighting how close the moon is to Earth — making it visible, influential (like in tides) and a natural object of human curiosity and study.
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #15248)