Challenger Explosion: Reagan's Speech

The explosion of the Challenger marked a historic tragedy because it was

• the first accident ever involving the moon

• the first accident that had occurred since NASA was created.

• the first time American astronauts were killed in a flight to space.

• the first time an accident caused the death of an entire crew of astronauts.

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President Reagan says that the crew of the Challenger

• failed to prepare adequately for their mission.

• lacked the proper tools and training to prevent disaster.

• took unnecessary risks during their space flight.

• understood and accepted the dangers of space flight.

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Christa McAuliffe was a special member of the Challenger crew because she was the

• first female astronaut.

• first teacher astronaut.

• only female crew member.

• youngest person in space.

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Who does President Reagan say bears the “full impact of this tragedy” (line 16)?

• school children

• families of the astronauts

• citizens throughout the world

• workers who built the space shuttle

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How does President Reagan suggest that Americans’ attitude toward the U.S. space program could be described?

• They are bewildered by it

• They are confused about it.

• They take it for granted.

• They ignore it completely

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How does President Reagan characterize the 25-year history of the U.S. space program?

• It has achieved all its major goals.

• It has just begun its plans for exploration.

• It has failed many important missions.

• It has made insignificant progress.

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Which sentence reflects President Reagan’s message to school children?

• Being an astronaut is a safe profession.

• Exploration involves risk and courage.

• Proper precautions can prevent accidents.

• Follow directions carefully and check for errors.

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According to President Reagan, what effect will the explosion of the Challenger have on the space program?

• The program will permanently end.

• The program will continue as planned.

• Future missions will be unmanned.

• Civilians will be banned from future missions.

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President Reagan compares the Challenger crew to

• Pilgrims.

• Mother Teresa.

• Sir Francis Drake

• Martin Luther King Jr.

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What does the phrase “slipped the surly bonds of earth” (line 56) mean?

• avoided a dangerous situation

• finished a difficult task

• moved to a better location

• escaped from human limitations

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