Explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger: Address to the Nation

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

• the first accident ever involving space exploration.
• 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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