Selection Test: Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can't.

What main argument is presented in “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t”?

• NASA should be investigated for misusing funds and

  overstating the value of its projects.

• NASA should plan and fund missions to explore the ocean

  floor as well as outer space.

• Space flights should be cheaper, and priority should be given

  to other kinds of science projects.

• Funding should be used to make manned space and ocean

  expeditions safer.

In “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t,” what details does the author use to support his claim that NASA should use robots rather than manned missions for space exploration? Choose two options.

• Robots are inexpensive to design and build.

• Robots do not have to be returned to Earth.

• Robots are more easily shielded from radiation.

• Robots interest the public more than manned missions do.

• Robots can travel more quickly than manned spacecraft can.

According to “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t,” how can ocean organisms benefit humans?

• Ocean organisms may be able to cure many diseases.

• Ocean organisms may be able to fuel cars and trucks.

• Ocean organisms may be used to invent new products.

• Ocean organisms may be used to cool down the climate.

According to “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t,” why does NASA often make exaggerated claims about how its research benefits people on Earth?

• It wants to avoid conducting research in the ocean.

• It is under pressure to defend the value of its projects.

• It gets pressure from the media to provide exciting

  stories.

• It releases research data before the data have been

  thoroughly tested.

What is the most likely meaning of extraterrestrial as it is used in this sentence from “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t”? Base your answer on the context.

“60 Minutes” recently ran a story about the dire effects on Florida’s space industry of scaling back our extraterrestrial endeavors.

• technical

• dangerous

• interesting

• otherworldly

Which phrase from the sentence is a context clue that supports the answer to Question 5?

• "recently ran"

• "effects on"

• "space industry"

• "scaling back"

What is the most likely meaning of excretes as it is used in this sentence from “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t”? Choose the meaning based on context clues in the sentence.

If the oceans do not make your heart go pitter-patter, how about engineering a bacteria that eats carbon dioxide—and thus helps protect the world from overheating—AND excretes fuel which will allow us to drive our cars and machines, without oil?

• lets out

• wipes out

• holds on to

• cuts down on

What is the most likely meaning of radically as it is used in this paragraph from “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t”? Choose the meaning based on context clues in the paragraph.

"Of course, the space environment is radically different from the one on Earth. Materials and technologies that are suited for a vacuum, zero gravity, and extreme cold and heat are not the ones we typically can use on Earth."

• somewhat

• completely

• equally

• barely

What does the author of “Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can’t” most likely think is the most important purpose for scientific study and exploration?

• protecting national security

• inspiring pride in our country

• helping people and the planet

• making money through inventions

Which detail from the selection most clearly supports the answer to Question 9?

• Not enough attention has been paid to ocean exploration in

  the past.

• Experts say that there is no reason or purpose for sending people into space.

• Ocean research could cool the climate, heal illnesses, and

  provide drinking water.

• Finding life on other planets would mean finding organic

  material, not a civilization.