Reading Passage: Watching Earth from Space

According to the passage, what are two main purposes of the International Space Station (ISS)?

• To learn about living in space and to conduct experiments

• To transport tourists to the moon and Mars

• To replace all satellites orbiting Earth

• To serve only as a museum in space

Read the sentence from the article. Since 2000, people have lived and been active on the space station. The suffix -ive, as in active, means "tending to or being likely to." What would someone who is communicative probably enjoy?

• eating

• playing

• reading

• talking

This question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B. Part A: How does the author organize "Watching Earth from Space"?

• by showing causes and effects in space

• by comparing and contrasting Earth and space

• by explaining sequence of events in exploring space

• by discussing problems and solutions in using a camera in space

Part B: Which sentence from the article best shows how the text is organized?

• "The space station is about 250 miles above Earth and orbits, or circles, Earth sixteen times a day."

• "The camera gives scientists a better tool to research natural events on Earth, such as lightning."

• "Columbia, launched in 1981, was the first shuttle that carried astronauts."

• "Shuttles continue to serve as transportation for crews and supplies."

Read the sentence from the article. Having such a vehicle would greatly simplify space exploration. What does the word simplify mean?

• to make something simpler

• to make something not simple

• to make something less simple

Put the events from the article in the correct sequence by numbering them from 1 to 4. Write the correct number in front of each event.

• 4

• People started living on the space station.

• 1

• A camera was placed on the ISS.

• 2

• The ISS was launched into space.

What are some effects of experiments done on the International Space Station? Select two choices.

• We have learned new ways to treat some diseases.

• We have discovered how to grow and use plants in space.

According to the article, what wind speed qualifies a tropical storm as a hurricane?

• 54 miles an hour

• 64 miles an hour

• 74 miles an hour

• 94 miles an hour

Read the sentence from the passage. What creates the possibility for a hurricane to develop over ocean water? The suffix -ity, as in possibility, means "state or quality of." What are you told to do if you are told to show civility?

• be brave

• be polite

• be funny

• be careful

This question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B. Part A: Why does the author of "The Life of a Hurricane" consider the blowing of easterly winds to be an important occurrence?

• It contributes to flooding.

• It causes hurricanes to end.

• It creates the eye of the hurricane.

• It contributes to hurricane formation.