Vocabulary in Context
What does the word "cease" most likely mean in the sentence, “It never ceases to surprise me…”?
A) Begins
B) Ends
C) Continues
D) Delays
B) Ends
Why does Riggs compare moving in space to swimming?
A) It’s very difficult
B) Both require air tanks
C) They both involve floating and controlled movement
D) Space feels like water
C) They both involve floating and controlled movement
“Getting used to gravity on Earth…”
A) Is just like floating in a pool.
B) Isn’t easy when you’ve been in space.
C) Helps astronauts rest faster.
D) Is quicker than training.
B) Isn’t easy when you’ve been in space.
Context: “While Kevin Riggs isn’t a household name… the prestige attached to being an astronaut gives him celebrity-like status. ___ Having spent nearly five months...”
D. "Riggs is among the seven astronauts the ExplorerX space shuttle safely brought back to Earth a week ago."
What does "secured" mean in “secured our limbs inside it”?
A) Made sure they were free
B) Tied or fastened safely
C) Covered with blankets
D) Lifted up
B) Tied or fastened safely
Why do astronauts secure their limbs when sleeping?
A) So they don’t fall off the bed
B) To avoid floating away in zero gravity
C) To keep warm
D) So they don’t disturb other astronauts
B) To avoid floating away in zero gravity
“Astronauts train in a pool because…”
A) They enjoy swimming.
B) It helps build strength.
C) Moving in water is similar to space movement.
D) They need fun during work.
C) Moving in water is similar to space movement.
Context: “It never ceases to surprise me every time they crash down.”
g. "I keep letting go of objects in mid-air, expecting they’ll just float along."
What does "clarify" mean in “Riggs is quick to clarify…”?
A) To confuse
B) To make clear
C) To change
D) To exaggerate
B) To make clear
According to Riggs, why is space exploration important?
A) It entertains people
B) It helps people leave Earth
C) It leads to innovations that help life on Earth
D) It’s fun and exciting
C) It leads to innovations that help life on Earth
“Learning about space…”
A) Is a waste of time.
B) Helps us understand Earth better.
C) Doesn’t matter for our planet.
D) Makes us more confused.
B) Helps us understand Earth better.
Context: “This also includes yourself, especially when sleeping.”
b. "You have to get used to strapping everything, like tools or utensils, down so they don’t float away."
What does "emerged" mean in “have emerged from research…”?
A) Disappeared B) Been hidden
C) Come out or appear D) Lost
C) Come out or appear
What did Riggs want to do the first time he exited the airlock?
A) Hide
B) Return quickly
C) Soak up every detail of the sky
D) Take photos of Earth
C) Soak up every detail of the sky
“The view of Earth from space…”
A) Is dull and repetitive.
B) Looks the same every time.
C) Is breathtaking and unforgettable.
D) Is similar to a photo.
C) Is breathtaking and unforgettable.
Context: “Just a few seconds without it and things are sure to get ugly.”
f. "A space suit is crucial to protect the human body from the hostility of space."
What does "Humankind" mean?
The human race
What does "soaked up" mean?
h. to enjoy the experience of something
What does "term" mean?
f. a word or phrase used in relation to a subject
Context: “It’s such a stunning experience that I find it difficult to put into words.”
c. "What I can say is that, personally, I have no doubt that it was worth all the years of hard work and preparation it took to get there."