Danger! This Mission To Mars Could Bore You to Death!

Which of the following is the best definition of chronic?

• continuing for a long time
• originating in the brain
• causing physical pain
• existing since birth

If Sofia’s leg injury can correctly be described as excruciatingly painful, then which of the following must be true? Base your answer on the meaning of excruciatingly.

• Sofia’s pain comes and goes.
• Sofia can play sports despite her pain.
• Sofia should soon be able to walk without pain.
• Sofia’s medical problem involves pain that is intense.

What is the most likely meaning of monotony in the following sentence? Use context clues to help you.

Jamal became bored by the monotony of his job, delivering newspapers day in and day out

• difficult challenges
• unexpected tasks
• lack of variety
• low pay

Read this passage from “Danger! This Mission to Mars Could Bore You to Death!”
The 2013 class [of astronauts], for instance, had more than 6,000 applicants and only 8 were chosen. Astronauts are rigorously tested for psychological as well as physical fitness. But no mission in NASA’s history has raised the specter of chronic boredom to the degree that a Mars mission does. . . .  
According to the passage, why are astronauts given psychological evaluations?

• to see whether they can handle being away from their families
• to determine whether they can complete difficult physical tasks
• to decide whether they are willing to listen to the mission’s lead officer
• to see whether they can mentally withstand the months-long trip to Mars