1. According to "Danger! This Mission to Mars Could Bore You to Death!" why are astronauts living on the slopes of a volcano as part of the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) project?
A.
They are testing a variety of rockets and engines to determine which have the best performance.
B.
They are researching the health risks of living at altitudes similar to those of a space station.
C.
They are building equipment in a hostile environment that is supposed to be like Mars.
D.
They are studying how people react to spending large amounts of time in space.
2.
2. What makes the trip to Mars especially challenging for astronauts according to the text?
A.
Powering the spacecraft requires advanced technology.
B.
The trip takes more than eight months each way.
C.
Getting supplies to the astronauts is not easy.
D.
Deep space is too cold to be comfortable.
3.
3. What happens to the human brain when a person is bored for long periods of time according to the text? (Choose TWO options)
A.
It sleeps
B.
It daydreams.
C.
It gains intelligence.
D.
It becomes depressed.
4.
4. Why might chronic boredom be dangerous on a space mission according to the text?
A.
Astronauts might decide to shorten the length of the mission.
B.
Astronauts might get frustrated and stop working with one another.
C.
Astronauts might take risks that jeopardize the safety of the entire crew.
D.
Astronauts might stop taking care of themselves and become unable to work.
5.
5. According to the text, what is one way that astronauts can combat extreme boredom when living in an isolated environment?
A.
by eating and drinking more frequently
B.
by counting the days until they go home
C.
by occupying themselves with a lot of work
D.
by communicating continuously with people
6.
6. Which of the following is the best definition of chronic?
A.
continuing for a long time
B.
originating in the brain
C.
causing physical pain
D.
existing since birth
7.
7. If Karen's leg injury can correctly be described as excruciatingly painful, then which of the following must be true?
A.
Her pain comes and goes.
B.
She can play sports despite her pain
C.
She should soon be able to walk without pain.
D.
Her medical problem involves pain that is intense.
8.
8. What is the most likely meaning of monotony in the following sentence? Use context clues to help you: Kevin became bored by the monotony of his job, delivering newspapers day in and day out.
A.
difficult challenges
B.
unexpected tasks
C.
lack of variety
D.
low pay
E.
difficult challenges
F.
unexpected tasks
9.
9. Which statement best describes why boredom becomes a problem during long periods of inactivity in space, according to the text?
A.
The brain wants something to do.
B.
The body loses physical functions.
C.
Astronauts lose interest in the mission.
D.
Astronauts become argumentative and competitive.
10.
10. Which of the following does the author use to support her ideas in the text? Choose THREE options.
