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Quiz - Space: JFK's New Frontier

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 10mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Why does Kennedy refer to the staff at the Medical Center as "pioneers"?

a)

They work in the city where so many famous pilots trained.

b)

They are exploring new areas of medical research.

c)

They are preparing to travel into space.

d)

They are making headlines with their discoveries.

2.

Kennedy mentions Charles Lindbergh and Claire Chennault because they

a)

flew missions across the Atlantic Ocean.

b)

were air pioneers who trained in San Antonio.

c)

worked at a training field in San Antonio.

d)

were in San Antonio listening to the speech.

3.

What is one mistake that Kennedy says many Americans make?

a)

thinking that we need larger spaceships.

b)

assuming that space research will be too difficult and dangerous.

c)

wanting to go to space too quickly.

d)

assuming that space research has little value on earth.

4.

Kennedy uses the words first, second, and third in his speech to

a)

organize his ideas.

b)

be more convincing.

c)

connect to ordinary Americans.

d)

respond to his opponents.

5.

What objection does Kennedy try to refute with his three examples?

a)

Space research competes for resources that are needed here on earth.

b)

The important discoveries in space have already been made.

c)

The benefits of space research will take too long to realize.

d)

Space research is a partisan issue.

6.

Kennedy says that America should

a)

focus solely on medical space research.

b)

divide the work among other nations.

c)

take the lead in space exploration.

d)

partner with other superpowers.

7.

What does metabolism mean?

a)

discoveries that have been made in space

b)

procedures that are followed in hospitals

c)

advancements made in medical research

d)

processes that allow living things to grow and survive

8.

An impetus is a

a)

special talent.

b)

driving force.

c)

roadblock.

d)

casual meeting.

9.

Work that is tedious is

a)

easy.

b)

challenging.

c)

secret.

d)

boring.

10.

What does impairment mean?

a)

resistance to disease

b)

the desire to overcome a flaw

c)

an injury or weakness

d)

a special talent or ability

11.

According to Kennedy’s speech, what can space exploration teach people about safeguarding earth’s environment?

a)

It demonstrates how fragile conditions can be.

b)

It explains that technology replaces conservation.

c)

It proves pollution cannot be reduced.

d)

It shows why earth’s resources are limitless.

12.

Why does Kennedy refer to Irish author Frank O’Connor’s book in his speech?

a)

He criticizes O’Connor’s view of progress.

b)

He quotes a story to discourage risk.

c)

He uses a metaphor to inspire courage.

d)

He cites the book to oppose exploration.

13.

Which rhetorical purpose best describes Kennedy’s overall goal in the speech?

a)

to criticize past aviation efforts

b)

to entertain with space anecdotes

c)

to inform about hospital procedures

d)

to persuade support for exploration

14.

Which historical reference helps Kennedy connect space exploration to earlier achievements?

a)

the Cold War arms race

b)

Lindbergh and Chennault as pioneers

c)

the Wright brothers’ first flight

d)

the Apollo moon landing

15.

Which phrase signals Kennedy’s organizational structure during part of the speech?

a)

"on the other hand"

b)

"first, second, and third"

c)

"in conclusion"

d)

"at any rate"

16.

What misconception does Kennedy challenge when discussing the value of space research?

a)

that it is cheaper than medicine

b)

that it only helps hospitals

c)

that it is too exciting for students

d)

that it has little value on earth

17.

Which vocabulary word would best replace "push" in the sentence: "New discoveries give a strong push to medical progress"?

a)

tedious

b)

impetus

c)

impairment

d)

metabolism

18.

Which term describes a condition that makes someone less able to see or hear clearly?

a)

metabolism

b)

impairment

c)

impetus

d)

tedious

19.

What is an argument?

a)

A fight between siblings

b)

A claim supported by reasons and evidence.

c)

A speaker's position on a problem or issue.

d)

Reasons and evidence used to support a claim.

20.

Why does Kennedy include the story about O’Connor and his friends throwing their hats over a wall?

a)

To show that books can replace scientific evidence

b)

To criticize risky childhood behavior

c)

To compare a playful stunt with space travel fun

d)

To illustrate meeting challenges by committing to climb