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

According to "Danger! This Mission to Mars Could Bore You to Death!" why are astronauts living on the slopes of a volcano as part of the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) project?

• They are testing a variety of rockets and engines to determine which have the best performance.

• They are researching the health risks of living at altitudes similar to those of a space station.

• They are building equipment in a hostile environment that is supposed to be like Mars.

• They are studying how people react to spending large amounts of time in space.

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

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What makes the trip to Mars especially challenging for astronauts according to the text?

• Powering the spacecraft requires advanced technology.

• The trip takes more than eight months each way.

• Getting supplies to the astronauts is not easy.

• Deep space is too cold to be comfortable.

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

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CCSS.RL.7.2

What happens to the human brain when a person is bored for long periods of time according to the text? (Choose TWO options)

• It sleeps

• It daydreams.

• It gains intelligence.

• It becomes depressed.

• It becomes unconscious.

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

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CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Why might chronic boredom be dangerous on a space mission according to the text?

• Astronauts might decide to shorten the length of the mission.

• Astronauts might get frustrated and stop working with one another.

• Astronauts might take risks that jeopardize the safety of the entire crew.

• Astronauts might stop taking care of themselves and become unable to work.

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

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CCSS.RL.8.2

According to the text, what is one way that astronauts can combat extreme boredom when living in an isolated environment?

• by eating and drinking more frequently

• by counting the days until they go home

• by occupying themselves with a lot of work

• by communicating continuously with people

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

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CCSS.RL.8.2

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

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CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

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CCSS.RL.8.4

If Sofia's leg injury can correctly be described as excruciatingly painful, then which of the following must be true?

• 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.

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CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

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CCSS.RL.8.1

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

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CCSS.RI.6.4

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Read the following passage:

"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.

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

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CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Which statement best describes why boredom becomes a problem during long periods of inactivity in space, according to the text?

• The brain wants something to do.

• The body loses physical functions.

• Astronauts lose interest in the mission.

• Astronauts become argumentative and competitive.

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

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CCSS.RL.8.2