Calling All Martians OST Practice G8

Read paragraph 1.

1 For more than a century, people have wondered if there is life next door on Mars.

How does the phrase “life next door on Mars” affect the tone of the passage?

• It creates a surprised tone to get the reader to disregard the argument.

• It sets an assertive tone to persuade the reader to accept the argument.

• It creates a harsh tone to persuade the reader to question the argument.

• It sets a casual tone to get the reader to take an interest in the argument.

Part A: Which sentence is the central idea of the passage?

• Signs on Mars suggest it could have once supported life forms.

• Future space missions are likely to find definite proof of life on Mars.

• Scientists have discovered extremophiles on Mars like those found in Antarctica.

• Scientists are hopeful that Mars will get warm enough to support advanced life forms.

Part B: Which sentence from the passage helps develop this central idea (from Part A)?

• “Images show ancient river valleys and areas carved by glaciers.” (paragraph 5)

• “Modern-day Mars averages ‒81 degrees Fahrenheit (F), compared to Earth’s average temperature of 57 degrees F.” (paragraph 8)

• “Some extremophiles live below the surface in water-filled holes inside rocks, where temperatures are warmer.” (paragraph 9)

• “In 2018, the ExoMars rover (developed by ESA, the European Space Agency) will look for organic molecules, the building blocks of life on Earth.” (paragraph 12)

In paragraph 8, what does the word debatable mean?

• certain

• heightened

• shady

• undecided

How does paragraph 10 help develop the argument about life on Mars?

• It describes a process that could support life on Mars.

• It evaluates the effects of sulfur on weak life forms likely found on Mars.

• It lists possible reasons why life on Mars struggles to make food for itself.

• It explains how scientists are working to solve problems limiting life on Mars.

How does paragraph 12 advance the author’s argument?

• It introduces new scientific data as support.

• It states the conclusion and points toward further research.

• It revises our understanding of the nature of life on other planets.

• It shows how other countries are becoming involved in the exploration of Mars.

What is the author’s position on the possibility of life on Mars?

• She believes life on Mars is a likely reality.

• She thinks life forms on Mars existed before life on Earth.

• She is convinced life on Mars was unlikely to have been supported in the past.

• She is certain life on Mars exists that is similar to complex life forms on Earth.

Part A: According to the passage, if there is life on Mars, what is it likely to resemble?

• algea

• bacteria

• carbon

• sulfur

Part B: Which statement from the passage supports the answer in Part A?

• “But even these creatures follow the same recipe as all other life on Earth: water, warmth, a source of energy, and certain elements like carbon.” (paragraph 4)

• “Scientists have discovered bacteria, algae, and viruses in Antarctica’s salty Organic Lake, which is a chilly 9 degrees F.” (paragraph 9)

• “Oehler and her colleagues think early Martian life could have used chemical reactions called chemosynthesis to make food, much like the bacteria living in deep-sea vents on Earth.” (paragraph 10)

• “Curiosity found two different states of sulfur compounds, suggesting life could have changed one into the other to harness energy.” (paragraph 10)

Which sentence from the passage helps explain why Mars might be unable to support life as Earth can?

• “It found soil made of 20 percent clay minerals in Mars’s Yellowknife Bay area.” (paragraph 6)

• “Rover scientists think Yellowknife Bay was at the end of an ancient streambed where water flowed between ankle and hip high.” (paragraph 7)

• “Today, Mars lacks a thick atmosphere to trap the Sun’s heat.” (paragraph 8)

• “Some extremophiles live below the surface in water-filled holes inside rocks, where temperatures are warmer.” (paragraph 9)