Comprehension
The word "dexterous" is used several times in the passage. What is the meaning of "dexterous" as used in the passage?
A. skillful
B. experienced
C. intelligent
D. quick
A. skillful
Why does the author explain Robonauts' abilities in detail?
A. to outline the history of Robonauts abilities in detail
B. to demonstrate the benefits of using Robonauts
C. to explain how Robonauts might be useful in everyday life
D. to persuade readers that Robonauts' skills have applications for other types of work beyond space exploration
B. to demonstrate the benefits of using Robonauts
Paragraph 3 contains an allusion to American astronaut Neil Armstrong's statement when, as the first person ever to walk on the Moon, he said: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." What is the author implying by the allusion to Armstrong's statement in paragraph 3?
A. Like Armstrong's Moon landing, the launch of the first Robonaut aboard the Discovery represents a historic breakthrough in space exploration.
B. The use of R2 aboard the International Space Station will make space exploration safer for astronauts in the future.
C. In the future, human astronauts like Neil Armstrong will unfortunately be replaced with humanoid robots like R2.
D. Compared to the launch of R2 aboard the space shuttle Discovery, Neil Armstrong's Moon landing was only a minor achievement.
A. Like Armstrong's Moon landing, the launch of the first Robonaut aboard the Discovery represents a historic breakthrough in space exploration.
Which statement from the passage is a reasoned judgment?
A. "The value of a humanoid over other designs is the ability to use the same workspace and tools" (Paragraph 2)
B. "it is the first dexterous humanoid robot in the space" (Paragraph 3)
C. "NASA and General Motors are working together with assistance from Oceaneering Space Systems engineers" (Paragraph 5)
D. "Another way this might be beneficial is during a robotic precursor mission." (Paragraph 7)
A. "The value of a humanoid over other designs is the ability to use the same workspace and tools" (Paragraph 2)
Which detail from the passage supports the answer to 100?
A. "Robonauts are essential to NASA's future" (Paragraph 2)
B. "But that was just one small step for a robot" (Paragraph 3)
C. "Centaur 2 is being evaluated… as an example of these future lower bodies" (Paragraph 4)
D. "for use in the automotive and aerospace industries." (Paragraph 5)
A. "Robonauts are essential to NASA's future" (Paragraph 2)
What piece of evidence from the passage best supports the answer to 100?
A. "our challenge has been to build machines with dexterity that exceeds that of a suited astronaut." (Paragraph 1)
B. "not only does this improve efficiency in the types of tools, but also removes the need for specialized robotic connectors." (Paragraph 2)
C. "Next steps include a leg for climbing through the corridors of the Space Station" (Paragraph 4)
D. "Robonaut can take over simple, repetitive, or especially dangerous tasks" (Paragraph 6)
B. "not only does this improve efficiency in the types of tools, but also removes the need for specialized robotic connectors." (Paragraph 2)
Which additional statement from the passage is also a reasoned judgment?
A. "There are currently four Robonauts, with others in development." (Paragraph 2)
B. "R2 is a significant advancement over its predecessor." (Paragraph 5)
C. "Robonaut can take over simple, repetitive, or especially dangerous tasks on places such as the International Space Station." (Paragraph 6)
D. "R2 would bring one set of tools for the precursor mission, such as setup and geologic investigation." (Paragraph 7)
B. "R2 is a significant advancement over its predecessor." (Paragraph 5)
How does paragraph 4 contribute to the topic of the passage?
A. It explains some improvements planned for the R2 to make it more useful.
B. It adds details about the R2 that was launched on the space shuttle.
C. It provides a comparison between the R2 and previous models.
D. It states conclusions about the value of having the R2 on space missions.
A. It explains some improvements planned for the R2 to make it more useful.
What is one central idea that is developed in the passage?
A. Robonauts can work more efficiently than astronauts.
B. Use of robonauts will replace astronauts in space travel.
C. Robonauts can make more reliable decisions about spacecraft maintenance than humans.
D. Use of robonauts will allow space exploration to exceed what humans alone can do.
D. Use of robonauts will allow space exploration to exceed what humans alone can do.
Which detail from the passage best supports the answer to 400?
A. "going where the risks are too great for people" (Paragraph 1)
B. "includes a deeper wider range of sensing." (Paragraph 5)
C. "allows it to use the same tools that astronauts currently use" (Paragraph 5) D. "tasks such as changing out an air filter can be performed without modifications to the existing design." (Paragraph 6)
A. "going where the risks are too great for people" (Paragraph 1)