Reaching for the Moon Comprehension Quiz

1. The reader knows that this selection is a biography because it ―

• explains why so many people join the astronaut program

• tells about the events in Buzz Aldrin's life that led to his success

• tells why Buzz Aldrin decided to become an astronaut

• explains Aldrin's trip to the moon

2. Which sentence for the selection shows that landing on the moon was a great accomplishment for Buzz?

• I became a rock collector again, gathering samples for study back on Earth.

• I snapped off a crisp salute, just as I was taught at West Point.

• That’s one small step for …man, one giant step for mankind.

• I remember the pride I felt and how I imagined the pride of every American on Earth.

3. Which words from paragraph 45 help the reader understand the meaning of desolation?

• rocks and craters

• black as the blackest velvet

• stretched in all directions

• shadows and the sky above

4. The author includes paragraph 4 in the selection most likely to ―

• describe what the airplane looked like

• share ideas on how to become an astronaut

• explain how his father ignited his desire to fly

• persuade people to become astronauts

• show that Buzz is a very determined person

• illustrate the importance of the astronaut program

• demonstrate the requirements to get into the program

• show how difficult it is to get into the astronaut program

6. Which theme is best supported by details in this selection?

• Working with others is the best way to solve a problem.

• Determination and hard work can lead to success.

• It takes a lot of courage to overcome your fears.

• Having compassion makes the world a better place.

7. An important idea presented in this selection is that spending a long period of time in space―

• has negative effects on the human body

• is fun and informative

• has positive advantages

• is similar to life on Earth

8. In paragraph 26, the word tethered means ―

• a line (as a rope or chain) by which an animal is fastened so as to restrict its range of movement

• the limit of one’s strength or resources

• to fasten or restrain by or as if by tether

• a line to which someone or something is attached

9. The author wrote this selection mainly to ―

• provide information about the astronaut program

• explain to the reader how to become an astronaut

• persuade the reader to become an astronaut

• inform the reader about the challenges Aldrin faces to become astronaut

10. What is the most likely reason the author included the illustration on page 33? Write 2 to 3 sentences to justify your answer.