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Why We Shouldn't Go To Mars

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 55mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What program does the author think might be cut to pay for Mars exploration?

a)

deficit increases

b)

rock analysis

c)

federal taxes

d)

health care

2.

The author believes that the government should:

a)

visit the moon again

b)

develop better space technology

c)

analyze rocks found on earth

d)

build more Hoover Dams

3.

Which of the following counterarguments does the author use against his opponents' views?

a)

A Mars mission is too expensive at this time

b)

exploring Mars will bring many discoveries

c)

everyone will one day travel to Mars

d)

astronauts refuse to travel to Mars anyway

4.

What support does the author provide for his idea that unmanned space probes are more beneficial than manned missions?

a)

they can visit other planets as well as Mars

b)

they need people on Earth to travel in space

c)

they take pictures of planets from the Moon

d)

they are less expensive than manned missions

5.

What is the author’s main point about space exploration?

a)

most exploration should end quickly

b)

people should not explore because of the danger

c)

exploration is good but must be realistic

d)

scientists might learn very little from space

6.

Easterbrook admits that a manned exploration of Mars might bring:

a)

information about the moon

b)

insights into the human imagination

c)

items of immediate value to the nation

d)

discoveries about the history of the solar system

7.

What evidence does Easterbrook use to support his idea that technology is unprepared for a manned Mars mission?

a)

Present systems for launching the required equipment into space are too expensive.

b)

Manned space telescopes and probes have found water on other planets.

c)

Lighter space stations would be easier for astronauts to take to Mars.

d)

Private expeditions have successfully explored other planets before.

8.

What does Easterbrook say is the problem with spending taxpayer money for a manned Mars mission?

a)

Taxes generate too little money, and the government would have to borrow money.

b)

It is irresponsible to spend money for scientists to risk their lives to go to Mars.

c)

Earth’s priorities, such as poverty reduction and education, will lose money.

d)

People will stop paying taxes if their money funds a manned Mars mission.

9.

Easterbrook responds to the criticism that people who oppose Mars exploration lack vision with the counterargument that:

a)

people on Earth are interested in the geological information available on Mars

b)

Mars will still be there when technology is ready to fund the mission inexpensively

c)

many scientists are too busy with automated probes to worry about manned missions

d)

every accomplishment in the space program has involved automated probes positioned on the moon

10.

When Easterbrook says, “dreams must be tempered by realism,” he means that

a)

all scientists should explore space and their own priorities

b)

people should explore space, but they should also be realistic about priorities

c)

only those people who explore space can be realistic about priorities

d)

people who explore outer space are realistic about Earth’s priorities

11.

An exhilarating event is:

a)

exciting

b)

expensive

c)

tedious

d)

impossible

12.

Jake was trying to lose weight, but then he saw the tacos at La Ventana. Which of the following words would Jake use to describe the temptation of the tacos?

a)

amenable

b)

tantalizing

c)

exhilarating

d)

tedious

13.

Mr. Hlavacek wanted to spend the weekend on the golf course, but he agreed instead to help his wife pick out new furniture. Which of the following words would best describe his behavior?

a)

rationality

b)

tantalizing

c)

amenable

d)

automated

14.

A proponent is:

a)

a person who supports something

b)

someone who raises taxes

c)

someone who flies through space

d)

a person who wants to explore

15.

With the press of a button, my car seat goes right to my desired settings. What word best describes my car's technology

a)

rational

b)

automated

c)

tantalizing

d)

amenable