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Martian Metropolis (& Other Readings) Selection Quiz

Total questions: 12

Worksheet time: 6mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Read this sentence from paragraph 5 of "Martian Metropolis".

Even if Mars’ atmosphere were thicker, we wouldn’t be able to breathe it.

The word atmosphere is created from two Greek roots, atmos- and -sphere. Choose the answer with the best definition for atmos- and -sphere.

a)

Vaporous ball

b)

Atomic planet

c)

Invisible rock

d)

Vaporous gases

2.

In paragraph 6 of "Martian Metropolis", the term DNA is capitalized because it is —

a)

the name of a specific location

b)

an initialism, a type of acronym

c)

a specific, notable historical period

d)

the title of a natural landmark

3.

The “Living Off the Land” portion of "Mars Metropolis", paragraphs 7–9, discusses what Mars’s residents must do to establish a successful colony. The organizational pattern in these three paragraphs is best described as —

a)

problem/solution

b)

cause/effect

c)

compare/contrast

d)

question/answer

4.

Read the origin of the word geothermal.

From the Greek geo- (“Earth”) and -therme (“heat”)

Using these clues, choose the best meaning of geothermal as used in paragraph 9 of the selection.

a)

Energy generated from human waste

b)

Warmth received from the heat of the sun

c)

Heat transported from one planet to another

d)

Power obtained from the internal heat of a planet

5.

Make an inference for "Martian Metropolis": Which of these individuals from this list would be most likely to volunteer to be Mars colonists?

a)

A scientist who specializes in studying rocks and minerals

b)

A chef who specializes in preparing seafood dishes

c)

A spaceship pilot who enjoys frequent trips

d)

A medical doctor who dislikes exploring the outdoors

6.

Which is not an arguable claim made by the author of "Challenges for Space Exploration"?

a)

It’s a huge, dangerous, maybe impossible project.

b)

I could tell you that we shouldn’t keep all our eggs in this increasingly fragile basket—one good meteor strike and we all join the non-avian dinosaurs.

c)

And have you noticed the weather lately?

d)

Humanity was born on Earth. Are we going to stay here? I suspect—I hope—the answer is no.

7.

Which sentence best describes the author’s viewpoint on space exploration in "Challenges for Space Exploration"?

a)

The author feels that space exploration would be entertaining.

b)

The author argues against space exploration because it is dangerous.

c)

The author tries to convince the reader of the importance of space exploration.

d)

The author thinks that people need to be persuaded to shove off from the shore.

8.

Read the following excerpt from paragraph 5 of "Challenges for Space Exploration":

"[...] one good meteor strike and we all join the non-avian dinosaurs."

This excerpt is an example of which of the following logical fallacies?

a)

Appeal to Fear

b)

Bandwagon

c)

Testimony

d)

Positive Loaded Language

9.

Which detail from "Let's Aim for Mars" best captures Aldrin’s feelings about being on the moon?

a)

Orbiting alone

b)

Very different

c)

Magnificent desolation

d)

Smaller landscape

10.

In "Let's Go to Mars", Aldrin says that teamwork made the first lunar landing successful. Which of the following is an example given in the passage of astronauts working together on this mission?

a)

One astronaut stayed on the ship while two explored the moon.

b)

One astronaut took pictures of the moon while one stayed on the ship.

c)

The astronauts all talked to Central Command.

d)

The astronauts repaired damage to their ship.

11.

In "Let's Go to Mars", Aldrin says that after his trip to the moon, he felt lost and without purpose. Which of the following words from the selection best defines this feeling?

a)

Lost

b)

Recover

c)

Dedicate

d)

Adrift

12.

In "Let's Go to Mars", Aldrin wants to inspire people to support space exploration. Which two reasons explain why it might be important to do this, according to him?

a)

To provide another place for people to live

b)

To support missions that will give us information about climate change

c)

To see if there are signs of life in the universe

d)

To learn more about how to keep astronauts and all other people healthy