Bruce McCandless II: Stepping into Space Reading Test

1. 1. In Part One of "Bruce McCandless II: Stepping Into Space", the text explains astronauts had been “tethered, or ‘tied,’” to their ship. Based on how the word is used, tethered most nearly means:

• A. Hidden from view

• B. Connected or tied to something

• C. Moving quickly

• D. Protected from harm

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According to the narrator, on which date did he “wake up 160 miles above the Earth” and plan to step out untethered?

• A. February 3, 1984

• B. February 7, 1984

• C. July 20, 1969

• D. March 1, 1984

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3. 3. The passage explains tethers can get tangled and limit movement. Why can you infer NASA wanted astronauts to use a jetpack (MMU) instead of always relying on tethers?

• A. To show off new technology for publicity

• B. To replace spacesuits entirely

• C. To make spacewalks shorter and easier

• D. To allow astronauts to move freely so they could repair satellites and rescue others

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4. 4. Which sentence best states the central idea of these pages?

• A. Bruce McCandless describes how comic books are better than real life.

• B. Bruce McCandless achieved a childhood dream and made history by performing the first untethered flight in space using the MMU.

• C. Space travel is too dangerous for older astronauts.

• D. Astronaut training is mostly boring paperwork.

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5. 5. Which brief summary best captures the main events in Bruce McCandless II: Stepping into Space?

• 5. A. The narrator remembers childhood comics, becomes an astronaut, travels on STS-41B, and uses the MMU to float free from the shuttle.

• 5. B. The narrator describes farming in Texas and learning to plant rice.

• 5. C. The narrator lists many technical failures that ended the mission.

• 5. D. The narrator tells a fictional story about aliens.

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6. 6. Part One discusses McCandless’s childhood dreams of jetpacks; Part Three describes the famous photo Hoot Gibson took. What do both parts together suggest about how people reacted to McCandless’s flight?

• A. People ignored it because it was unimportant.

• B. The flight was confusing and made people worried about space travel.

• C. The flight captured the public imagination and became an inspiring, iconic image.

• D. Only scientists cared about the flight.

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7. 7. The story refers to the MMU. Which choice best explains what the MMU is?

• 7. A. A new kind of spacesuit that replaces oxygen tanks

• 7. B. A nitrogen-jet propelled backpack (a jetpack) that lets an astronaut move untethered in space

• 7. C. A communications radio used inside the shuttle

• 7. D. A type of tether for safety lines.

8. 8. While McCandless was using the MMU, what problem did Challenger’s crew notice about tracking him?

• A. The shuttle’s radar was not picking him up well.

• B. He stopped responding to radio calls.

• C. He lost oxygen in his suit.

• D. He could not control the MMU and drifted away uncontrollably.

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9. 9. A journalist described McCandless as “almost grandfatherly.” Based on the passage, why is that description appropriate?

• 9. A. He worked as a grandparent before joining NASA.

• 9. A. He was actually the oldest astronaut to fly that day at 80 years old.

• 9. C. He appeared older in looks (white/wispy hair) but still had the excitement and curiosity of a child.

• 9. D. He refused to fly but was forced to by his family.

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10. 10. Which theme is best supported by the events in this selection?

• A. Childhood dreams and dedication can lead to groundbreaking achievements.

• B. People should avoid taking risks at all costs.

• C. Technology never helps people.

• D. Fame is always harmful.

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