Machines, Not People, Should be Exploring the Stars for Now Quiz

The passage below from Source 1 (paragraph 6) adds to the development of the author’s argument mainly by _____________________ .

Now, I am not asking whether we should explore the universe. I also dream of the day that we become galactic citizens. The question is whether the initial exploration of space should be done by humans or by robots. I would argue that, for the moment, robotic exploration should have the upper hand.

• Suggesting that robotic exploration is worth considering

• Introducing the idea of global citizenship

• Claiming that robots are better than humans

• Explaining that he wants humans to explore the universe

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CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7

The following passage from Source 1 (paragraphs 7-8) mainly suggests that _______________________ .

Proponents of the astronaut-preferred camp point, quite rightfully, at the versatility and independence of humans. Fans of human spaceflight are certainly correct when they remind us that humans are highly versatile. People observe the conditions around them and can react to circumstances as needed.

However, people are also fragile. They need food, water, and air. They can exist in only a narrow range of temperatures and find inhospitable both vacuums and a radioactive environment. While some adventurers might prefer to remain in space forever, many of them expect to land gently back on Earth. All of these considerations are extremely challenging and not important for robotic missions.

• The author is aware of and considers opposition to his position

• The author thinks humans are too weak to travel in space

• The author thinks robots are not as versatile as humans

• The author is not a fan of human spaceflight

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CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.7.6

Which of these statements best explains the author’s problem with manned space travel?

• It is not important for humans to pursue space exploration

• Humans are too fragile to travel through space

• We should learn more about Earth before we explore space

• Manned space travel is too expensive for now

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CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.8

With which of the following statements would the author from Source 1 most likely agree?

• Until we find some other habitable planet, robots are best for space exploration

• Humans do not belong in space

• The Hubble telescope is more important than the Apollo missions

• Robotic space travel can replace manned space travel

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CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.7.7

With which of the following statements would the author of Source 1 most likely disagree?

• Because Mars is not habitable, it is not worth sending humans to explore it

• Manned space travel is too expensive until we find a place to go

• There is no price too high for exploration and scientific discovery

• Robots need less than humans for long space missions

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CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

What is most likely the reason Isabel Flores included the following details about the Apollo program (Source 2, paragraph 1)?

The Apollo program alone has led to many innovations. They include new athletic shoes, solar panels, heart monitors, pacemakers, and cordless tools. Both the U.S. government and businesses have been able to patent and generate revenue from these inventions.

• To show that manned space programs are only good for businesses

• To show that nothing good comes out of manned space programs

• To show that there are benefits to costly manned space programs

• To show that these innovations are more important than space exploration

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CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

Which of these inferences about Joon Kim is best supported by the passage below (Source 2, Paragraph 2)?

This plan for future space exploration seems very practical. Space exploration is costly. It makes sense to use a cheaper method for now. Robot missions can determine whether a planet is even worth exploring before committing more resources. Manned programs can cost tens or hundreds of times more than robotic ones. Using robots helps scientists use their resources more wisely. They can carry out initial explorations of more places, increasing the chances of making an important discovery.

• The author thinks that robotic programs cost too much money

• The author would rather save resources for a more certain outcome

• The author does not think we should ever send humans into space

• The author thinks that robots are better explorers than humans

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CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.6

The following questions in “Space Exploration in Perspective” (Source 2, Paragraph 4) mainly suggest that _________________________.

Why should the government invest billions of dollars in a program with no real urgency? Why should we spend so much to take a risk we do not yet need to take?

• The author thinks that space exploration is more important than anything

• The author thinks that space programs are worth every penny

• The author wants to ask why we spend money on space programs

• The author thinks spending billions on space programs is unnecessary

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CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.8

Which of the following statements about Michael Williams is most likely true (Source 1, Paragraph 5)?

• Michael Williams does not care about space exploration

• Michael Williams thinks that robotic space programs are more valuable than manned space programs

• Michael Williams puts more value on humanity’s strengths and abilities than he does on money

• Michael Williams is worried about the costs of space exploration

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CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

With which of the following statements would author Mark Scarborough most likely agree (Source 2, Paragraph 6)?

• Robots are smarter than humans

• Human lives should never be risked if there is another option

• Space exploration is more important than humanity

• It is not that dangerous to send humans out in space

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CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7