Identifying Claim and Reason

What reason does the author of "Humans Need to Explore Outer Space" give in paragraph 6 to support her claim that space exploration should continue? (ELA.7.R.2.4)

• It is important to support technological advances in electronics.

• Recent geological surveys show that water exists on the moon.

• Helium-3 is an element needed for research in nuclear fusion.

• Mining in space could be a source for valuable materials.

Which of the following words with similar meanings from "Humans Need to Explore Outer Space" has the most negative connotation? (ELA. 7. V. 1.3)

Connotation is the feeling or idea that a word creates in the reader.

• impossible

  (paragraph 3)

• problematic

  (paragraph 10)

• risky

  (paragraph 11)

• difficult

  (paragraph 12)

Read this sentence from paragraph 4 of "Let Robots Take to the Stars."

The risks of space exploration could be grave for a planet already plagued by pollution.

Which rhetorical device does the author use in this sentence? (ELA.7.R.2.4)

• Loaded Language

• Direct Address

• Counterargument

• Repetition

How does the author of "Let Robots Take to the Stars" support the idea that space travel is more suited to robots? (ELA.7.R.2.4)

• By explaning the risks to human space travelers

• By sharing the details of a new space program

• By stating the need for international cooperation

• By quoting experts in the field of space exploration

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A Which statement is a claim that both authors make to support their respective points of view? (ELA.7.R.2.4, ELA.7.R.3.3)

• Space travel is one of the most innovative human ideas thus far.

• Space travel is as risky as climbing Mount Everst or flying a plane.

• A lot of money and time has already been spent on space exploration.

• Private companies can help support space exploration in the future.

Part B Which two quotes from "Humans Need to Explore Outer Space" best support the answer to Part A? (ELA.7.R.2.4, ELA.7.R.3.3, ELA.K12.EE.1.1)

• With so much human investment made, we must go forward, fully embracing space exploration as an important priority. (paragraph 1)

• There are dozens of private companies in the industry known informally as "New Space" (paragraph 3)

• Technological innovations are developing to allow us to venture even farther into space. (paragraph 4)

• This exploration phase aims to discover the possibilities for past or present life on the Red Planet. (paragraph 8)

• The final frontier is a vast and dangerous place, difficult and expensive to eplore. (paragraph 12)

What type of writing is this story?

• narrative

• expository

• persuasive

• personal

What are some counter-arguments the author gives about NOT exploring space?

• economic issues

• human cost/fatalities

• technology just isn't there

• all of the above

In Paragraph 5, what is an opposing viewpoint offered by the author?

• Many space boosters are suggesting that being able to leave our planet once it's exhausted of resources is a priority.

• They seem to be proposing that we have some sort of Plan B.

• Somehow they think that a colony on Mars or the moon could take pressure off our world.

• Many of these people planning to profit from two things at once are also fans of the dubious technology of geoenginerring.

According to the author, what is one environmental risk of space travel?

• carbon emissions

• black carbon from rocket exhaust deposited in the outer atmosphere

• suborbital tourist craft from New York to London

• black smoke from diesel trucks