Humans and Robots

Which phrase describing the author’s main purpose for writing the selection “Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars” is correctly written?

• To convince the reader that space exploration should neither be curtailed or cut because of the costs and risks

• To convince the reader that space exploration should either be curtailed nor cut because of the costs and risks

• To convince the reader that space exploration should be either curtailed or cut because of the costs and risks

• To convince the reader that space exploration should neither be curtailed nor cut because of the costs and risks

How does the author of “Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars” support the idea that space travel is more suited to robots?

• By explaining the risks to human space travelers

• By sharing the details of a new space program

• By stating the financial costs of human space travel

• By quoting experts in the field of space exploration

The author of “Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars” provides warnings about black carbon in paragraph 4 mainly to —

• use loaded language to support her argument

• use neutral facts and statistics to make a claim

• use counterarguments to give factual support

• use metaphors to explain her theories

In paragraph 7 in the article “Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars,” what rhetorical device does the author use to support her argument that space travel to Mars is dangerous for humans?

• The author uses an anecdote to support her argument.

• The author uses a logical appeal to support her argument.

• The author uses contrast to support her argument.

• The author uses a hyperbole to support her argument.

Read the dictionary entry below.

default \di-'f ˙olt\, \dē-\, \'dē-f ˙olt\ n 1. failure to perform a task or fulfill an obligation 2. failure of a party in a case to make a required court appearance 3. the failure of one or more competitors to participate in a contest 4. a selection made usually automatically or without active consideration due to lack of a viable alternative

Which definition most closely matches the way the word default is used in paragraph 11 of “Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars”?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

What reason does the author of “Space Exploration Should Be More Science Than Fiction” give in paragraph 6 to support her claim that space exploration should continue?

• It is important to support technological advances in robotics.

• It is imperative to sustain an inhabited space station.

• It can serve to enhance geological studies and surveys.

• It can provide a way to help replenish nonrenewable resources.

The author of “Space Exploration Should Be More Science Than Fiction” most likely wrote this selection for —

• an audience interested in curtailing the efforts to further space exploration

• people who might be convinced that space exploration should continue

• readers who wanted to know the history of the space exploration program

• individuals who can demonstrate why past space exploration plans failed

Which of the following words with similar meanings from “Space Exploration Should Be More Science Than Fiction” has the most negative connotation?

• risky

• problematic

• impossible

• difficult

Both selections discuss common ideas. Which two phrases below contain common ideas both selections explore?

• Using science and technology in space exploration

• Limiting space exploration and reducing costs

• Redesigning the space program and accommodating tourists

• Recognizing important benefits and understanding objectives

• Identifying the risks and rewards of space exploration

"Space Exploration Should Be More Science Than Fiction" and "Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars" are fictional texts.

• True.

• False.