Question

Research Question

Is it better for humans to focus on improving life on Earth rather than investing in building homes in space?

Explanation: Yes, Because that would be a better priority and also a long-term risk for humanity.

 




Questions

How do the reproductive challenges in Source #2 complicate the survival argument in Source #1?
A. They show humans can reproduce anywhere.
B. They prove colonization is unnecessary.
C. They reveal humans may not survive long-term on other planets yet.
D. They show that survival is guaranteed once colonies are built.

Explanation:

Based on Source #1 (“Colonization in Space”), what is one major challenge of establishing a space colony?
A. A lack of space travel interest
B. Political arguments between astronauts
C. Limited ability to reproduce safely in space
D. Aliens threatening settlements

Explanation:

Read the student introductory text below.

Our planet can twist and turn, burn, and drown, but in the end it’s still our planet. Traveling to unknown places where we don’t know how to make new generations can cause international and environmental conflict. Is our planet ready to launch a rocket when we barely understand our social, ethical, and environmental conflicts in space? Humanity should not build permanent homes in space.

Which TWO revisions improve verb tense consistency in the introduction?

A. Change “can twist and turn” to “twisted and turned”
B. Change “can cause” to “caused”
C. Change “can cause” to “can create”
D. Change “is our planet ready” to “will our planet be ready”
E. Change “it’s” to “it was” in “it’s still our planet”

Explanation:

Read the group’s introductory paragraph below.

We all know space is a vast place filled with billions of stars, planets, and galaxies, and our knowledge of it has grown as scientists continue to study it. As this understanding has increased, so has the question: “Should humans build a home in space?” For global policymakers deciding our future, this is an important issue. Based on the ethical need to protect humanity, the economic opportunities space could offer, and the environmental challenges growing on Earth, humans should begin investing in building homes in space. Our expanding knowledge of space makes this goal realistic and necessary for our long-term survival.

A strong introduction should:

Present a clearly worded claim
Be written in a style appropriate for the target audience

Explanation: 

Select the TWO sentences that best meet these requirements.

A. We all know space is a vast place filled with billions of stars, planets, and galaxies, and our knowledge of it has grown as scientists continue to study it.

B. As this understanding has increased, so has the question: “Should humans build a home in space?”9

C. For global policymakers deciding our future, this is an important issue.

D. Based on the ethical need to protect humanity, the economic opportunities space could offer, and the environmental challenges growing on Earth, humans should begin investing in building homes in space.

E. Our expanding knowledge of space makes this goal realistic and necessary for our long-term survival.

Explanation:

Read the sentence from the student’s text below.

“Astronomers have even figured out how to get minerals and human necessities from soil on planets.”

Explanation:

Which revision BEST strengthens the sentence by integrating evidence from a credible source?

A. Astronomers have even figured out how to get minerals and human necessities from soil on planets.
B. Astronomers have even figured out how to get minerals and human necessities from soil on planets (Source 1).
C. Astronomers have even figured out how to get minerals and human necessities from soil on planets, according to Source 2, which explains how lunar soil can be used to extract oxygen, metals, and other materials needed for survival.
D. Astronomers have even figured out how to get minerals and human necessities from soil on planets, which is why scientists believe space living is possible.
The student writes: 

“We could have better air, better minerals, and a better probability of preventing deaths from starvation and natural disasters.”

Explanation:

Which TWO pieces of evidence from the sources would BEST support this idea?

A. Source 3 describes how much water astronauts drink daily on Earth and in space.
B. Source 2 explains that lunar soil contains oxygen, metals, and materials needed for survival.
C. Source 1 states that natural catastrophes—like supernova explosions—can make an entire planet uninhabitable.
D. Source 2 explains that no mammals have successfully given birth in space.
E. Source 1 says colonizing uninhabited planets could prevent extinction.

Explanation:

Answer 1

1) How do the reproductive challenges in Source #2 complicate the survival argument in Source #1?
Answer: C. They reveal humans may not survive long-term on other planets yet.
Explanation: Source #2’s reproductive problems (e.g., no mammals successfully giving birth in space) undermine Source #1’s claim that colonization guarantees species survival, because successful, sustainable reproduction is essential for long-term survival of a human population off Earth.

2) Based on Source #1 (“Colonization in Space”), what is one major challenge of establishing a space colony?
Answer: C. Limited ability to reproduce safely in space
Explanation: Source #1 highlights biological and physiological hurdles to long-term habitation; reproduction in low gravity/space environments is a major unresolved difficulty.

3) Which TWO revisions improve verb tense consistency in the introduction?
Answers: C and D.
C. Change “can cause” to “can create.” — keeps the modal present (“can”) consistent and improves wording.
D. Change “is our planet ready” to “will our planet be ready.” — clarifies the time frame (future readiness to launch rockets) and aligns tense with the future-oriented concern.

4) Select the TWO sentences that best meet the requirements (clear claim; style appropriate for target audience).
Answers: D and E.
D. “Based on the ethical need to protect humanity, the economic opportunities space could offer, and the environmental challenges growing on Earth, humans should begin investing in building homes in space.” — clearly worded claim.
E. “Our expanding knowledge of space makes this goal realistic and necessary for our long-term survival.” — formal, audience-appropriate support that reinforces the claim.

5) Which revision BEST strengthens the sentence by integrating evidence from a credible source?
Answer: C.
C. “Astronomers have even figured out how to get minerals and human necessities from soil on planets, according to Source 2, which explains how lunar soil can be used to extract oxygen, metals, and other materials needed for survival.”
Explanation: This version names the source and summarizes specific, relevant evidence, which strengthens the sentence’s credibility and clarity.

6) Which TWO pieces of evidence from the sources would BEST support the student’s idea about better air, better minerals, and preventing deaths?
Answers: B and E.
B. Source 2 explains that lunar soil contains oxygen, metals, and materials needed for survival. — supports claims about better air and minerals.
E. Source 1 says colonizing uninhabited planets could prevent extinction. — supports the idea of reducing deaths from catastrophic events or extinction risk.