Challenges for Space Exploration

What central comparison does the author make in the first three paragraphs to illustrate humanity's exploration spirit?

• Boats and airplanes

• Sea voyages and space exploration

• Earth and Mars

• Dinosaurs and humans

In paragraph 4, what is the primary purpose of the author mentioning 'spinoff technologies'?

• To criticize current technology

• To highlight potential benefits of space exploration

• To explain space station design

• To discuss medical research

Which phrase best describes the author's attitude toward human space exploration?

• Cautious and pessimistic

• Skeptical and dismissive

• Enthusiastic and hopeful

• Neutral and indifferent

What is the author's primary argument for exploring space?

• Economic advantages

• Scientific curiosity

• Human survival and potential

• Technological advancement

The phrase 'one good meteor strike' in paragraph 5 suggests what concern?

• The immediate danger of meteors

• The fragility of human existence

• The need for space defense systems

• The likelihood of planetary destruction

What does the author imply about humanity's exploratory nature in the final paragraphs?

• Exploration is too dangerous

• Humans will always seek to explore beyond known boundaries

• Space exploration is unnecessary

• Only scientists should explore space

In paragraph 6, the author suggests space exploration might help humanity by:

• Creating new job opportunities

• Uniting people behind a common goal

• Developing advanced technologies

• Discovering new resources

The tone of the last paragraph can best be described as:

• Pessimistic

  : of, relating to, or characterized by pessimism : gloomy

• Uncertain

• Provocative

  : serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate

• Apologetic

What rhetorical strategy does the author use most effectively in this passage?

• Statistical evidence

• Personal anecdotes

• Repetitive rhetorical questioning

• Technical descriptions

The phrase "Could we go there? Maybe we could go there" represents:

• Human technological limitations

• Scientific uncertainty

• The human impulse to explore

• Geographical constraints