Quiz: Neil deGrasse Tyson Interview

According to the passage, why is private enterprise not suited for leading the space frontier?

• Private companies lack the necessary funding.

• Private companies have too much money to focus on space exploration.

• The space frontier is too expensive and risky for private companies to handle on their own.

• Private companies are only interested in low-Earth orbit.

What role does NASA play in space exploration, according to the author?

• NASA should only handle space travel for astronauts.

• NASA draws the maps, creates the tools, and explores new frontiers.

• NASA focuses on private space ventures.

• NASA only contributes by launching satellites.

What does the author suggest about the importance of space exploration to innovation?

• Space exploration is only important for scientific discovery.

• Space exploration encourages innovation, which impacts not just space science but the culture and economy.

• Space exploration is not linked to any other fields of work.

• Innovation happens only through private companies, not NASA.

Read the following passage: "Anything NASA does in space that has never been done before drums up interest in science. Images from the Hubble Telescope, the Spirit and Opportunity rovers, broadcasts from the International Space Station — anything NASA does accomplishes this." Which of the following best describes the function of this statement in the passage?

• It explains why space exploration is only for scientists.

• It shows how NASA’s achievements spark public interest in science and technology.

• It suggests that NASA has already accomplished everything it needs to.

• It argues that private companies, not NASA, are responsible for inspiring people.

What does the word "cede" mean as used in the passage?

• To take control of something.

• To give up or surrender something.

• To improve or advance something.

• To criticize or question something.

Which of the following best describes the meaning of the word "enterprise" in the passage?

• A place where space research is conducted.

• A company or business, especially one that takes on a large or complex project.

• A mission to explore new frontiers.

• An organization solely focused on profits.

In the passage, the author refers to "capitalistic" society. What does this term imply?

• A society based on equal distribution of resources.

• A society where the government controls all economic activities.

• A society where businesses operate for profit in a competitive marketplace.

• A society that rejects free-market business models.

Which of the following best summarizes the author’s main point in the passage?

• NASA’s space missions are no longer necessary because private companies are taking over space exploration.

• NASA is vital for pioneering space exploration, inspiring innovation, and continuing to push boundaries in ways that private companies cannot.

• Private companies can handle all aspects of space exploration, including sending humans to Mars.

• The government should stop funding NASA and leave space exploration to private corporations.

What is the DEPENDENT CLAUSE in this sentence: "If we land on Mars, you’ll know where you were the day that happened."

• If we land on Mars

• you’ll know where you were the day that happened.

What is the subordinating conjunction that starts the dependent clause in the following sentence: "If we land on Mars, you’ll know where you were the day that happened."

• If

• and

• or

• that