The following passage is titled "Where Do Old Satellites Go When They Die?" by NASA. Like every other machine, satellites do not last forever. Whether their job is to observe weather, measure greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, or point away from Earth to study the stars, eventually all satellites grow old, wear out, and die, just like old washing machines and vacuum cleaners. So what happens when a trusty satellite's time has come? These days there are two choices, depending on how high the satellite is. For the closer satellites, engineers will use its last bit of fuel to slow it down. That way, it will fall out of orbit and burn up in the atmosphere. The second choice is to send the satellite even farther away from Earth. It can take a lot of fuel for a satellite to slow down enough to fall back into the atmosphere. That is especially true if a satellite is in a very high orbit. For many of these high satellites, it takes less fuel to blast it farther into space than to send it back to Earth.
The author supports the claim that satellites do not last forever through the use of which of the following?
- A. An anecdote about why satellites stop working when they do
- B. Examples of the ways satellites stop working over time
- C. A comparison of satellites to other common machines that stop working
- D. Suggestions for ways to keep satellites working over time
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The author effectively demonstrates that satellites do not last forever by comparing them to other common machines that also have limited lifespans. This comparison highlights the inevitability of wear and tear in technology, providing a relatable context for readers. Option A, an anecdote, may illustrate a specific instance but lacks the broader applicability needed to support the claim. Option B provides examples of satellite failures but does not frame them within a comparative context that strengthens the argument. Option D suggests preventive measures but does not address the inherent limitations of satellites, which is central to the claim.
The author effectively demonstrates that satellites do not last forever by comparing them to other common machines that also have limited lifespans. This comparison highlights the inevitability of wear and tear in technology, providing a relatable context for readers. Option A, an anecdote, may illustrate a specific instance but lacks the broader applicability needed to support the claim. Option B provides examples of satellite failures but does not frame them within a comparative context that strengthens the argument. Option D suggests preventive measures but does not address the inherent limitations of satellites, which is central to the claim.
Other Related Questions
Which TWO of the following are the primary reasons for engaging students in shared reading activities?
- A. Providing additional support for struggling students
- B. Encouraging students to make new friendships
- C. Minimizing the need for a variety of classroom texts
- D. Reducing the amount of text students need to memorize
- E. Supporting students in building their sight-word knowledge
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A, E
Engaging students in shared reading activities primarily supports struggling students by offering guided instruction and modeling of reading strategies (A). This collaborative environment fosters comprehension and confidence, making it easier for them to grasp complex texts. Additionally, shared reading enhances sight-word knowledge (E), which is crucial for developing fluent reading skills, as students encounter and practice these words in context. In contrast, while encouraging friendships (B) is valuable, it is not a primary focus of shared reading. Minimizing the need for varied texts (C) overlooks the importance of exposing students to diverse materials. Lastly, reducing memorization (D) does not align with the goal of shared reading, which aims to enhance understanding and retention through active engagement with the text.
Engaging students in shared reading activities primarily supports struggling students by offering guided instruction and modeling of reading strategies (A). This collaborative environment fosters comprehension and confidence, making it easier for them to grasp complex texts. Additionally, shared reading enhances sight-word knowledge (E), which is crucial for developing fluent reading skills, as students encounter and practice these words in context. In contrast, while encouraging friendships (B) is valuable, it is not a primary focus of shared reading. Minimizing the need for varied texts (C) overlooks the importance of exposing students to diverse materials. Lastly, reducing memorization (D) does not align with the goal of shared reading, which aims to enhance understanding and retention through active engagement with the text.
Which of the following words is most decodable?
- A. Always
- B. Stack
- C. Goes
- D. Write
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Decodable words are those that can be sounded out using phonetic rules. Option B, "Stack," is highly decodable as it follows straightforward phonetic patterns: each letter corresponds to a single sound, making it easy to pronounce. Option A, "Always," contains the vowel team "aw" and the silent "w," complicating its pronunciation. Option C, "Goes," includes an irregular vowel sound and a silent "e," which makes it less straightforward to decode. Option D, "Write," features a silent "w" and an irregular vowel sound, further reducing its decodability. Thus, "Stack" stands out as the most easily decodable option.
Decodable words are those that can be sounded out using phonetic rules. Option B, "Stack," is highly decodable as it follows straightforward phonetic patterns: each letter corresponds to a single sound, making it easy to pronounce. Option A, "Always," contains the vowel team "aw" and the silent "w," complicating its pronunciation. Option C, "Goes," includes an irregular vowel sound and a silent "e," which makes it less straightforward to decode. Option D, "Write," features a silent "w" and an irregular vowel sound, further reducing its decodability. Thus, "Stack" stands out as the most easily decodable option.
Which of the following best describes the controlling organizational feature of the passage?
- A. General to specific
- B. Specific to general
- C. Spatial order
- D. Sequential order
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The passage primarily follows a sequential order, presenting information in a step-by-step manner that reflects a chronological or logical progression. This structure allows readers to easily follow the development of ideas or events. Option A, general to specific, suggests a movement from broad concepts to detailed examples, which does not align with the passage's focus. Option B, specific to general, implies a reverse approach that is also not evident in the text. Option C, spatial order, refers to organizing content based on physical space or layout, which is unrelated to the passage's structure. Thus, sequential order best captures the passage's organization.
The passage primarily follows a sequential order, presenting information in a step-by-step manner that reflects a chronological or logical progression. This structure allows readers to easily follow the development of ideas or events. Option A, general to specific, suggests a movement from broad concepts to detailed examples, which does not align with the passage's focus. Option B, specific to general, implies a reverse approach that is also not evident in the text. Option C, spatial order, refers to organizing content based on physical space or layout, which is unrelated to the passage's structure. Thus, sequential order best captures the passage's organization.
The students can best be described as establishing guidelines for which of the following?
- A. Individual accountability
- B. Dynamic oral presentations
- C. Metacognitive reflection
- D. Effective collaboration
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Establishing guidelines primarily relates to fostering a collaborative environment, making effective collaboration the best choice. This involves setting expectations for teamwork, communication, and shared responsibilities among students. Option A, individual accountability, focuses on personal responsibility rather than group dynamics. Option B, dynamic oral presentations, emphasizes presentation skills rather than collaborative processes. Option C, metacognitive reflection, pertains to individual thinking about one’s learning, which does not directly involve establishing guidelines for group interactions. Thus, D aligns most closely with the concept of creating a framework for teamwork.
Establishing guidelines primarily relates to fostering a collaborative environment, making effective collaboration the best choice. This involves setting expectations for teamwork, communication, and shared responsibilities among students. Option A, individual accountability, focuses on personal responsibility rather than group dynamics. Option B, dynamic oral presentations, emphasizes presentation skills rather than collaborative processes. Option C, metacognitive reflection, pertains to individual thinking about one’s learning, which does not directly involve establishing guidelines for group interactions. Thus, D aligns most closely with the concept of creating a framework for teamwork.