Summarizing & Main Idea
Which sentence from the text best states the claim of the text?
A. "Should we be doing that?"
B. "Proponents of the astronaut-preferred camp point, quite rightfully, at the versatility and independence of humans."
C. "I would argue that, for the moment, robotic exploration should have the upper hand."
D. "Mars missions have explored ancient streams where knee-deep water once flowed."
C. "I would argue that, for the moment, robotic exploration should have the upper hand."
Why does the author use rhetorical questions throughout this text?
A. To provide answers for readers.
B. To challenge readers to think critically about space exploration.
C. To make the text more conversational.
D. To explain the difficulties of robotic missions.
B. To challenge readers to think critically about space exploration.
Which of the following is an example of numerical evidence?
A. The Cassini mission to Saturn cost about $3.2 billion. The Mars Curiosity Rover cost about $2.5 billion.
B. In contrast, robotic exploration of the solar system is far less costly.
C. Mars missions have explored ancient streams where knee-deep water once flowed and have found organic carbon embedded in surface rocks.
D. These and other missions have been wildly successful in teaching us about places where literally no one has gone before.
A. The Cassini mission to Saturn cost about $3.2 billion. The Mars Curiosity Rover cost about $2.5 billion.
What is the author’s point of view about the role of humans in space exploration?
A) Humans are the only viable option for exploring space.
B) Humans should lead all space missions immediately.
C) Robotic exploration should be prioritized over human exploration for now.
D) Space exploration is unnecessary and should stop altogether.
C) Robotic exploration should be prioritized over human exploration for now.
What is the author’s purpose in including references to "Starship Enterprise" and "The Martian" in paragraph 3?
A. To criticize fictional portrayals of space exploration.
B. To connect readers’ experiences to the concept of space exploration.
C. To explain why movies are an inaccurate representation of space.
D. To argue that space exploration should remain fictional.
B. To connect readers’ experiences to the concept of space exploration.
Select two sentences that express ideas that should be included in a summary of the text.
A. "Robotic missions are far less costly than manned programs."
B. "The International Space Station cost about $170 billion."
C. "The moon is a dead planet, and Mars is not nearly as welcoming as the New World was to Spanish explorers."
D. "Developing human space-faring technology is crucial, but robots will lead the way."
E. "Storm warnings can best be done by tireless satellites orbiting the Earth."
A. "Robotic missions are far less costly than manned programs."
D. "Developing human space-faring technology is crucial, but robots will lead the way."
Which definition expresses the meaning of "versatile" as it is used in the sentence?
Sentence: "Fans of human spaceflight are certainly correct when they remind us that humans are highly versatile."
A. The ability to adapt to different tasks or situations.
B. A lack of strength in challenging environments.
C. A reliance on robotic assistance.
D. A desire to return to Earth safely.
A. The ability to adapt to different tasks or situations.
In paragraph 11, Lincoln claims that robotic space exploration is less expensive than manned space flight. How does the he support this claim?
A. Expert opinions
B. Quotes
C. Numerical evidence
D. Statistics
C. Numerical evidence
Describe the author’s point of view toward robotic missions.
A. The author believes robotic missions are impractical and unnecessary.
B. The author sees robotic missions as cost-effective and essential for space exploration.
C. The author suggests robotic missions lack the excitement of human spaceflight.
D. The author is indifferent to robotic exploration.
B. The author sees robotic missions as cost-effective and essential for space exploration.
Why does the author include specific cost comparisons between manned missions (like the International Space Station) and robotic missions (like the Mars Curiosity Rover)?
A. To highlight the difficulty of funding space programs.
B. To emphasize the affordability and efficiency of robotic exploration.
C. To argue that space exploration should focus only on Earth’s orbit.
D. To suggest that human missions are more valuable despite their cost.
B. To emphasize the affordability and efficiency of robotic exploration.
What is the best summary of the text?
A. Space exploration should focus on human missions, as people are more versatile than robots.
B. While human space exploration is important for long-term goals, robotic missions are more practical and cost-effective for now.
C. The main goal of space exploration is to make humanity a multiplanetary species.
D. The text argues that telescopes and satellites have taught us everything we need to know about space.
B. While human space exploration is important for long-term goals, robotic missions are more practical and cost-effective for now.
What connotation does the word "fragile" have as it is used in this sentence?
Sentence: "However, people are also fragile."
A. Positive – emphasizing adaptability.
B. Negative – emphasizing weakness and limitations.
C. Neutral – describing a fact without judgment.
D. Technical – referring to physical components.
B. Negative – emphasizing weakness and limitations.
Which quotation from the text best supports the idea that robotic missions are cost-effective?
A. "The International Space Station cost about $170 billion."
B. "The Mars Curiosity Rover cost about $2.5 billion."
C. "Proponents of the astronaut-preferred camp point at the versatility and independence of humans."
D. "Developing human space-faring technology is crucial, but robots will lead the way."
B. "The Mars Curiosity Rover cost about $2.5 billion."
Which quotation from the text directly challenges the idea that human space exploration is superior to robotic exploration?
A. "Proponents of the astronaut-preferred camp point, quite rightfully, at the versatility and independence of humans."
B. "People are also fragile. They need food, water, and air."
C. "Developing human space-faring technology is crucial, but robots will lead the way."
D. "The question is really how we should achieve that objective."
B. "People are also fragile. They need food, water, and air."
How would you describe the author’s tone in paragraph 6 when discussing robotic exploration?
A. Optimistic and forward-thinking.
B. Critical and dismissive.
C. Skeptical and doubtful.
D. Neutral and detached.
A. Optimistic and forward-thinking.
Which statement best represents the main idea of the section comparing manned and robotic space missions?
A. Robotic missions are cheaper and provide valuable scientific data, making them a better choice for initial exploration.
B. Human spaceflight is the only way to achieve meaningful space exploration.
C. Robots cannot match the versatility and independence of humans in space exploration.
D. Manned missions are crucial for discovering new planets and expanding human presence in space.
A. Robotic missions are cheaper and provide valuable scientific data, making them a better choice for initial exploration.
How does the author use the phrase "wildly successful" in paragraph 11 to describe robotic missions?
A. To emphasize their unpredictability.
B. To highlight the impressive achievements of robotic space exploration.
C. To argue that these missions have failed to meet expectations.
D. To suggest that robotic missions lack precision compared to human missions.
B. To highlight the impressive achievements of robotic space exploration.
Which three statements express reasons why robotic missions are preferred over manned missions?
A. They are less costly than human missions.
B. They don’t require food, water, or air.
C. They are capable of independent judgment during interstellar travel.
D. They lack the ability to react to circumstances as humans do.
E. They teach us about places humans cannot reach yet.
A. They are less costly than human missions.
B. They don’t require food, water, or air.
E. They teach us about places humans cannot reach yet.
How does the author compare the costs of manned and robotic missions?
A) Manned missions are slightly more expensive than robotic missions.
B) Robotic missions cost significantly less and provide valuable results.
C) Manned missions are cheaper and achieve more than robotic missions.
D) Both types of missions cost about the same but achieve different goals.
B) Robotic missions cost significantly less and provide valuable results.
What is the purpose of the rhetorical question in paragraph 5, "Should we be doing that?"
A. To suggest that space exploration is unnecessary.
B. To prompt readers to consider the implications of space exploration.
C. To argue that humans should stop exploring space.
D. To criticize robotic missions for their limitations.
B. To prompt readers to consider the implications of space exploration.
Which set of details would best support a summary of the text’s argument about the future of space exploration? (choose three)
A. The Hubble telescope has provided critical insights about the universe, costing about $14 billion.
B. Robotic missions to Mars and Saturn have been successful at a fraction of the cost of manned missions.
C. Artificial intelligence will play a key role in interstellar exploration, as robots can make decisions independently.
D. The first step for humanity to become interstellar is to identify a habitable planet through robotic exploration.
E. Manned programs like the Apollo missions have achieved more than robotic missions can.
B. Robotic missions to Mars and Saturn have been successful at a fraction of the cost of manned missions.
C. Artificial intelligence will play a key role in interstellar exploration, as robots can make decisions independently.
D. The first step for humanity to become interstellar is to identify a habitable planet through robotic exploration.
What is the effect of the metaphor "as readily as when early mariners unfurled their sails and headed west in search of new lands" in paragraph 4?
A. It highlights the simplicity of human space exploration.
B. It compares the challenges of space travel to the dangers faced by early explorers.
C. It romanticizes the idea of exploration and discovery.
D. It suggests that space travel will become as common as sailing.
C. It romanticizes the idea of exploration and discovery.
How does the author’s use of the phrase “wildly successful” impact the meaning of the paragraph?
A. It emphasizes the high cost of robotic missions.
B. It highlights the public's excitement for manned space exploration.
C. It conveys the significant achievements of robotic missions.
D. It contrasts robotic and human capabilities.
C. It conveys the significant achievements of robotic missions.
How does the author’s perspective on interstellar exploration demonstrate a comparison between humans and robots?
A) Robots are more advanced and should replace humans entirely.
B) Robots should lead initial exploration due to their adaptability and cost-effectiveness, while humans should follow once conditions are known.
C) Humans and robots should explore space together from the beginning.
D) Humans will eventually become unnecessary in all forms of space exploration.
B) Robots should lead initial exploration due to their adaptability and cost-effectiveness, while humans should follow once conditions are known.
How does the author’s tone shift between discussing the limitations of human spaceflight (paragraph 8) and the achievements of robotic missions (paragraph 11)?
A. From critical to celebratory.
B. From optimistic to pessimistic.
C. From neutral to dismissive.
D. From doubtful to hopeful.
A. From critical to celebratory.