Packing for Mars Quiz

According to the author of the selection from *Packing for Mars*, how might money be raised to fund a manned mission to Mars?

• by turning the Mars mission into a reality TV show

• by inviting average citizens to donate to the mission

• by selling the technologies resulting from space exploration

• by asking huge entertainment companies to make ads for NASA

In the selection from *Packing for Mars*, how do the other party guests react when the author goes to an upstairs computer to watch a robotic spacecraft land on Mars?

• They prefer to watch the landing individually on their cellphones.

• They grow interested in the landing and join her to watch it.

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

• They complain that space exploration is too expensive.

In the selection from *Packing for Mars*, what main opinions does the author express to answer her own question, “Is Mars worth it?” Choose two options.

• Yes, because traveling to Mars will help solve problems on Earth.

• Yes, because traveling to Mars would be an inspiring human achievement.

• Yes, because the work required for the Mars project would be a source of jobs.

• Yes, because such adventures were the dream of the nation’s founders.

• Yes, because the money spent on the project would only be wasted elsewhere.

Why might a solution to a problem be called impractical?

• It is fun.

• It is easy.

• It is unrealistic.

• It is inexpensive.

Which of these words is the best synonym of squandered?

• wasted

• disliked

• respected

• understood

Which of these events is most likely to be characterized by frivolity? Base your answer on the meaning of frivolity.

• a picnic

• a study session

• a doctor’s appointment

• a trip to the supermarket

The author of from Packing for Mars quotes Benjamin Franklin—“What use is a newborn baby?”—to answer a question about the practical uses of hot-air balloons. What point is the author most likely trying to make with this quotation?

• Benjamin Franklin approved of mechanical inventions.

• People do not always agree about the value of children.

• Something that seems impractical may have great potential.

• Hot-air balloons led directly to humanity’s exploration of space.

Part A: As explained in the selection from Packing for Mars, how do computer simulations of space travel compare to the reality of actually traveling in space?

• Simulations are harder to design.

• Simulations are more expensive.

• Simulations are less convenient.

• Simulations are less rewarding.

Part B: Which quotation from Packing for Mars best supports the answer to Part A?

• The more you read about Mars missions, the more you realize it’s the ultimate reality TV.

• We live in a culture in which, more and more, people live through simulations.

• You can tour the Sea of Tranquility on Google Moon and visit the Taj Mahal via Street View.

• What’s different? Sweat, risk, uncertainty, inconvenience. But also, awe. Pride. Something ineffably splendid and stirring.