The Space Race Collection

Circle the sentence from paragraph 4 that BEST shows that Buzz Aldrin was humble.

• I can't see the moon from my bedroom window.

• But I do like to go onto my patio to watch it rise majestically over Los Angeles.

• When I see the moon up there, I don't say to myself, "Hey, I walked on your face," or "Thanks for disrupting my life."

• I just feel grateful it let us land safely in 1969 and let us take off.

Passage: "Buzz Aldrin on His Lunar Home, the Eagle" from the Wall Street Journal. Imagine the author wanted to add something to help the reader visualize the scene Aldrin describes in paragraphs 13–14. Which of the following details would offer the BEST support for this description?

• He could explain how pictures are taken on the moon.

• He could include the picture that Aldrin describes.

• He could have an expert support Aldrin's description.

• He could show a picture of a spacesuit.

Which detail from the passage explains the unique connection that Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Mike Collins had?

• Landing on the moon—with all of the risks—sounds scary.

• The strangest feeling was standing on the surface and looking back home at Earth—where every other human being was except the three of us.

• One of the most famous pictures from the mission was taken by Neil of my gold helmet visor—with Neil and the Eagle reflected in it.

• The Eagle was like home on the moon—only we didn't have two wives telling us to clean up.

Which of the following is a central idea of the passage?

• Aldrin experienced emotional highs and lows throughout his journey to reach the moon.

• The astronauts used their critical thinking skills, which led to the mission's success.

• The power struggle between Houston’s command center and Aldrin endangered the mission.

• Aldrin's relationship with his parents was reflected in his experiences traveling to the moon.

Which passage provides a more powerful retelling of a 'first' in space accomplishment: Aldrin’s 'first man on the moon' accomplishment or Gagarin’s 'first man in space' accomplishment? Use details from both passages to support your argument.