Challenges for Space Exploration

According to the author, why did ancient people first venture out onto the sea?

• To conquer new lands
• To discover what lay beyond the horizon
• To escape from other tribes
• To gather resources

What does the author compare space exploration to in paragraph 1?

• Building a city
• Sailing across unknown seas
• Farming new lands
• Climbing a mountain

Why does the author mention “spinoff technologies” in paragraph 4?

• To emphasize the scientific benefits of space exploration
• To show the dangers of space exploration
• To compare them to ancient technologies
• To suggest they are unnecessary

What does the phrase “all our eggs in this increasingly fragile basket” in paragraph 5 suggest?

• Earth is becoming unstable and needs protection
• Space exploration should be avoided
• Technology can protect Earth
• Eggs are a symbol of survival

What is the author’s main claim in the passage?

• Space exploration is too expensive
• Space exploration is an unnecessary risk
• Exploring space is an important endeavor for humanity
• Ancient exploration methods are better than modern ones

What tone, or attitude, does the author convey in the passage?

• Excitement
• Doubt
• Caution
• Frustration

What is the purpose of repeating “I could tell you” in paragraphs 4-8?

• To highlight different reasons for exploring space
• To show the challenges of space exploration
• To argue against space exploration
• To describe different space technologies

What does the author suggest may happen in “5.5 billion years”?

• Earth will be destroyed by a meteor
• Humanity will inhabit another galaxy
• The sun will expand and potentially destroy Earth
• Space exploration will no longer be needed

What question does the author leave for the reader to think about in the last paragraph?

• Will we discover new planets?
• Will we find alien life?
• Will humanity stay on Earth forever?
• Can Earth survive for billions of years?

What word best describes the author’s attitude toward humanity’s future in space?

• Hopeful
• Pessimistic
• Neutral
• Anxious