STAAR Practice Paired Passages

Should We Terraform Mars?

100

What is the meaning of the word " indigenous" as it is used in paragraph 4?

A. Strong and Vigorous.  

B. Possessing higher mental capacity

C. Threatened with extinction  

D. Originating in a particular place

D. Originating in a particular place 

200

Which phrase from paragraph 4 clarifies the meaning of "indigenous"? 

A. Small colonies       B. Native habitats

C. Natural Protection  D. Harsh Conditions

 B. Native habitats

300

What is the central argument contained within paragraph 6?

( can paraphrase or find the sentence)

If Bacteria from Earth made it to the Martian surface and survived, it would complicate the search for life there; if a lander or rover was to later identify living organisms in the soil, it might be difficult to determine whether they were just contamination or true native life forms. 

400

Which sentence from paragraph 6 directly undermines the argument made in paragraph 6? 

" it would be very difficult if not impossible to survive on the Martian surface"

500

How does the author develop the primary claim of the article in paragraph 5? Bonus 200 points include a quote that supports it. 

1. He allows for an important exception to the general applicability of the argument.
2. He affirms the validity of the argument despite information that might seem to challenge it.
3. He suggests that future research will reveal how critical the argument is for humanity's survival.
4. He criticizes the way many people in the past have ignored the persuasiveness of the argument.

2. He affirms the validity of the argument despite information that might seem to challenge it.

Top Quote: (Paragraph 4)"It has also been suggested that Martian caves would make ideal human habitats, serving as natural protection from the harsh conditions on the surface. True, but if it turned out that something else was already taking up residence in them, then we should leave them alone." 

Should We Terraform Mars? Vocab

100

Definition: the process of taking control over a place

Colonization

200

If something is in its in its original condition, this object is -

Pristine

300

The damage to the Cyber Truck after falling 100 ft was _______ compared to the Honda. 

Negligible

400

To keep everything _______, surgeons sometimes have to wear multiple layers of gloves and clothing to avoid putting their patients at risk. 

sterilized

500

True or False: The biosphere is the outer layer of atmosphere on Earth that is inhabitable but keeps us able to live. 

False

Bonus 200 if definition was given! 

Biosphere is the parts of the land, sea, and atmosphere in which organisms are able to live

Warning Label on Human DNA

100

Based on the text, Humans may need to send out their DNA to another planet with a warning label because…

A. they want Humans to evolve there 

B. humans would have destroyed Earth

C. they think they can control humans on another planet

B. humans would have destroyed Earth

200

What are the most dangerous qualities of the human species?

A. Inability to appreciate Earth

B. Laziness and Wasteful

C. Greed and Rapid Reproduction

D. Ignorance of other Life Forms

C. Greed and Rapid Reproduction

300

Which TWO statements best summarize the central ideas of the text?

1. There are many other planets in the solar system that humans may colonize if the Earth becomes uninhabitable.
2. Human beings are a danger to the planet Earth; accordingly, any inhabitants of other planets have good reason to be unwelcoming towards us.
3. People are inherently good and self-sacrificing, and policies regulating individuals' environmental impacts should take this into account.
4. Human beings would not survive on another planet without the microorganisms that currently live on and in our bodies.
5. Despite the harm we have done to the environment, humans do have altruistic impulses that would facilitate increased efforts at environmental conservation.

2. Human beings are a danger to the planet Earth; accordingly, any inhabitants of other planets have good reason to be unwelcoming towards us.

5. Despite the harm we have done to the environment, humans do have altruistic impulses that would facilitate increased efforts at environmental conservation.

400

What connection does the author draw between the way humans would be treated on another planet and the way we treat other organisms?

1. He suggests that they would handle human embryos with an abundance of caution, control, and curiosity, as we do with invasive or potentially dangerous species.
2. He theorizes that inhabitants of other planets would seek out our knowledge and advice about protecting the environment.
3. He maintains that we would likely be eliminated, just as we have eradicated many disease-causing microorganisms.
4. He notes that we would not be able to survive on other planets, in much the same way that the actions of humans make it more difficult for other species to survive on Earth.

1. He suggests that they would handle human embryos with an abundance of caution, control, and curiosity, as we do with invasive or potentially dangerous species.

500

True or False the following quote supports the author's claim about humanity:

“Contents: Humanity. Use extreme care. Highly sensitive. Needs and gives love. Forms strong connections. Adapts through upbringing to care for other species.” (Paragraph 14)

False: this is apart of the author's counterargument

Warning Label on Human DNA vocab

100

True or False: Constitute means to reconstruct or restore to build up again from parts

False

Reconstitute means to reconstruct or restore to build up again from parts

200

Most volunteers got into charity for ______ reasons, but lately, many are who can't handle the stress and leave for their own mental health. 

Altruistic

300

The Wizard of Oz had all the _____ from his "miracles" but later he was found to be a fraud and people hated him. 

Prestige

400

This word is the antonym of resurrect. 

Eradicate

500

This word is a synonym of redundant.

Superfluous

Random

100

By U.S. law, exit signs must be one of what two colors?

Red or Green

200

What was the first animal to ever be cloned?

A Sheep

300

Which three zodiac signs are water signs?

Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio

400

Leonardo da Vinci's “Mona Lisa” hangs in what museum?

The Louvre Museum in Paris

500

How many species of hippos are there in the world? 

Two: Common Hippo and the Pygmy Hippo