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Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can't.

Authored by Lindsey Baca

English

7th Grade

CCSS covered

Used 309+ times

Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can't.
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This quiz centers on argumentative text analysis using the article "Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can't." and is designed for 7th-grade students. The assessment evaluates students' ability to identify main arguments, analyze supporting evidence, and understand author's purpose in persuasive writing. Students must demonstrate vocabulary comprehension through context clues, determining the meanings of words like "severe," "dire," and "looming" based on their usage. The quiz requires critical reading skills to distinguish between different types of textual evidence and evaluate how authors use specific details to support their claims. Students need strong reading comprehension abilities to synthesize information across the text and make inferences about the author's underlying values and priorities regarding scientific exploration and resource allocation. Created by Lindsey Baca, an English teacher in the US who teaches grade 7. This quiz serves as an excellent formative assessment tool for students working on argumentative text analysis and can be effectively used as a follow-up activity after reading the featured article. Teachers can implement this quiz as a warm-up to review key concepts before deeper discussion, as guided practice during instruction on identifying claims and evidence, or as homework to reinforce independent reading comprehension skills. The assessment format makes it particularly valuable for checking student understanding of both literal comprehension and inferential thinking skills. This quiz aligns with Common Core standards CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.1 for citing textual evidence, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.2 for determining central ideas, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.4 for determining word meanings, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.8 for evaluating arguments and claims in informational texts.

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7 questions

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1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

What is the MAIN ARGUMENT in "Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can't." ?

Funding should be used to make manned space and ocean expeditions safer.

NASA should plan and fund missions to explore the ocean floor as well as space.

Space flights should use robots to save money, and we should also be focusing on exploring our oceans to benefit humanity and the planet.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

2.

MULTIPLE SELECT QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

In “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t,” what details does the author use to support his claim that NASA should use robots rather than manned missions for space exploration?


Choose two options.

Robots are inexpensive to design and build.

Robots do not have to be returned to Earth.

Robots are more easily shielded from radiation.

Robots can travel more quickly than manned spacecraft can.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

If a problem is described as severe, what is most likely true? Base your answer on the meaning of severe

It is likely to be resolved quickly.

It is something that occurs frequently.

It is serious and requires careful attention.

It is something that was created by people.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

Which of these is the best example of a dire warning? Base your answer on the meaning of dire.

Turn off your cell phone during the performance.

Do not enter! Employees only beyond this point.

Please proceed with caution. Floor slippery when wet.

Alert! Tornado warning in this area. Take shelter now.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

If Stephanie said that she has a test looming, what does she likely mean?

She has taken the test, and it went well.

She is taking the test soon, and she is worried about it.

She is taking the test soon, and she knows she will do well.

She will take the test later in the year, and she isn't worried about it.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

What does the author of “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t” most likely think is the most important purpose for scientific study and exploration?

protecting national security

inspiring pride in our country

helping people and the planet

making money through inventions

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

Which detail from the selection most clearly supports that the author wants to help people and the planet?

Not enough attention has been paid to ocean exploration in the past.

Experts say that there is no reason or purpose for sending people into space

Ocean research could cool the climate, heal illnesses, and provide drinking water.

Finding life on other planets would mean finding organic material, not a civilization.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

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