Unit 2 Quiz Practice

What is the author's main argument in "Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can't."?

• Funding should be used to make manned space and ocean expeditions safer.

• NASA should plan & fund missions to explore the ocean floor and space.

• NASA should be investigated for fraud & overstating the value of projects.

• Spend resources exploring the ocean & less resources on space explorations.

In "Mars Can Wait" what details support the claim that NASA should use robots rather than people for space exploration?

• Robots can travel more quickly than manned spacecraft can.

• Robots do not have to return and can easily be shielded from radiation.

• Robots interest the public more than manned missions do.

• Robots like R2D2 are just so cute!

If a problem is described as "severe," what is most likely true?

• It is likely to be resolved quickly.

• It is serious and requires careful attention.

• It is something that occurs frequently.

• It is something that was created by people.

Which of these is the best example of a dire warning?

• Turn off your cell phone during the performance.

• Do not enter! Employees only beyond this point.

• Please proceed with caution. Floor slippery when wet.

• Alert! Tornado warning in this area. Take shelter now.

What does the writer of "Mars can Wait" most likely think is the most important purpose for scientific study & exploration?

• protecting national security - keeping our citizens safe

• helping people and the planet

• inspiring pride in our country

• making money through inventions

"Helping people & the planet is the most important reason to study & explore the ocean."

What evidence is given for this?

• Not enough attention has been paid to ocean exploration in the past.

• Ocean research could cool the climate, prevent diseases and create clean drinking water.

• Experts say there is no reason or purpose for sending people into space.

• "Life" on other planets would mean organic material, not a civilization.

According to Packing for Mars, how might money be raised to fund a manned mission to Mars?

• By having large companies from around the world provide funding

• By selling technology related to space exploration

• By inviting average citizens to donate to a GoFundMe

• Having companies create advertisements for NASA

What do other guests do when the author of Packing for Mars goes to an upstairs computer to watch a robotic spacecraft land on Mars?

• They are annoyed with the author for leaving the party.

• They watched the landing individually on their cellphones.

• They grow interested in the landing and gather round the computer to watch.

• They complain that space exploration is too expensive.

The author feels that Mars is "worth it."

What evidence does she provide to back this up?

• Traveling to Mars will help solve problems on Earth and would be fun.

• Traveling to Mars would be inspirational and money would be wasted anyway.

• Mars is the "red planet" and red is her favorite color.

• The work required for the Mars project would add more jobs.

A synonym is a word that is similar to another word.

Which of these words is the best synonym of "squandered?"

• wasted

• respected

• disliked

• understood