R2, Robot Astronaut

1.The author wrote this article most likely to —

• A. share the history of the International Space Station

• B persuade people to learn about the International Space Station

• C provide information about a new tool used on the International Space Station

• D describe some of the dangers on the International Space Station

2. The details in paragraph 5 support the main idea that R2's design — F G H J

• F helps it accomplish certain kinds of tasks

• G took years for scientists to plan

• H causes it to be too heavy to complete certain tasks

• J works better in space than in a factory

3

John Olson, a director at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., says that the project “will allow us to go farther and achieve more than we can probably even imagine today.”

Which detail from the article supports this idea?

• A Since its hands are shaped like human hands, R2 can use human tools to complete tasks traditionally performed by astronauts.

• B Astronauts will also appreciate the fact that the robot can perform its duties without constant supervision.

• C In the future humanoid robots will be astronauts’ eyes in space, going places considered too difficult or unsafe for astronauts to explore

• D They will grasp and hold onto handrails as the robot moves through the space station

4. Which text feature provides information about R2’s abilities?

• F The subheadings

• G The title of the article

• H The caption of the first photograph

• J The caption of the second photograph

5. What is the best summary of paragraphs 4 through 6?

• A R2 is a new humanoid robot that will help astronauts on the space station. Its arms can hold 20 pounds, and its fingers apply 5 pounds of force to pick things up.

• B Scientists have built a special humanoid robot called R2 that looks and moves like a human. GM and NASA worked together to create a robot that could complete simple jobs.

• C Scientists at NASA and GM have developed a humanoid robot called R2 for space missions. R2’s body has features that help it move like a human and complete tasks independently.

• D R2 is a humanoid robot built to help astronauts on the space station. It weighs 330 pounds and cost $2.5 million to build, but astronauts like the fact that it will give them more time to rest.

6. What is the most likely reason the author included the information in paragraph 10?

• F To explain what robots of the future will be required to do

• G To highlight the effectiveness of using humanoid robots in space

• H To support the idea that businesses should work together on inventions

• J To describe the next stage for the humanoid robot