The exploration of space represents one of humanity’s greatest achievements and enduring

challenges. From the rst human footsteps on the Moon in 1969 to the sophisticated rovers now
traversing Mars, space exploration has transformed our understanding of the universe and our place
within it. Yet, these endeavors are far more than a quest for knowledge; they have practical
implications for life on Earth, including advancements in technology, communication, and even
medicine.

One of the most ambitious modern projects is the establishment of a permanent human presence on
Mars. Scientists and engineers are grappling with monumental obstacles, including the planet’s thin
atmosphere, which provides little protection from harmful radiation, and its frigid temperatures,
which average -63°C. Developing technologies that allow humans to survive and thrive in such an
environment is not only a scienti c challenge but also a nancial one. The cost of a single mission
to Mars can reach tens of billions of dollars, raising questions about whether these resources could
be better spent addressing problems closer to home, such as poverty and climate change.

Critics of space exploration argue that the funds allocated to these projects should instead be used to
tackle urgent global crises. Supporters, however, point out that many technologies initially
developed for space missions—such as satellite-based weather forecasting, GPS, and advanced
water ltration systems—have had a profound impact on everyday life. Furthermore, the pursuit of
space exploration inspires generations of scientists and engineers, driving innovation in elds
beyond space itself.

Despite these debates, humanity’s fascination with the cosmos remains undiminished. The search
for extraterrestrial life continues to fuel scienti c inquiry, while international collaborations, such as
the International Space Station, demonstrate the potential for nations to work together toward
common goals. Whether we focus on Mars, the Moon, or distant galaxies, space exploration serves
as a reminder of our capacity for curiosity, creativity, and cooperation._

Questions:

1. What is one practical bene t of space exploration mentioned in the passage?

A. It reduces global poverty.
B. It inspires cooperation among nations.
C. It provides resources to address climate change.
D. It eliminates harmful radiation on Earth.

2. What is the main challenge of establishing a human presence on Mars?

A. The planet’s lack of gravity.
B. The high cost of transportation.
C. The thin atmosphere and extreme cold.
D. The absence of water on Mars.

3. What is the primary argument of critics of space exploration?

A. Space exploration distracts scientists from solving Earth’s problems.
B. Space exploration is unnecessary because Earth has abundant resources.
C. The funds used for space exploration could address global issues like poverty.
D. Space exploration harms the environment.

4. What does the author mean by the phrase “enduring challenges” in the rst sentence?
A. Space exploration has always been easy but expensive.
B. The obstacles of space exploration are long-lasting and dif cult to overcome.
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 C. Space exploration faces temporary setbacks that are quickly resolved.
D. The challenges of space exploration are more signi cant than its achievements.

5. Which of the following best summarizes the passage?

A. Space exploration is a waste of resources and offers no bene ts to Earth.
B. Space exploration is an exciting but dangerous pursuit.
C. Space exploration is valuable for its scienti c, technological, and inspirational bene ts,
despite its challenges.
D. Space exploration focuses solely on nding extraterrestrial life.

6. What does the author imply about international collaborations like the International
Space Station?

7. Why do some supporters of space exploration emphasize its technological

advancements?

8. Write a synonym for the word “profound” as used in the sentence:

“...technologies...have had a profound impact on everyday life.”

9. What tone does the author use in the passage?

A. Skeptical and dismissive
B. Balanced and informative
C. Enthusiastic and persuasive
D. Critical and argumentative

10. What does the passage suggest about humanity’s fascination with space?

Section 2: Vocabulary (10 marks)

Questions:

1. Choose the word that is closest in meaning to “enduring”:

A. Temporary
B. Resilient
C. Persistent
D. Fading

2. Identify the antonym of “critics” as used in the passage:

A. Opponents
B. Supporters
C. Observers
D. Innovators

3. Which of the following words is spelled correctly?

A. Innovashun
B. Advancment
C. Innovation
D. Advansement

4. Replace the underlined phrase with one word:

Space exploration is often regarded as an effort that pushes the boundaries of human
understanding.
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 A. Essential
B. Futile
C. Groundbreaking
D. Routine

5. Fill in the blank:

Space missions often require __________ planning and preparation.
A. Spontaneous
B. Meticulous
C. Casual
D. Arbitrary

Section 3: Literary Devices (5 marks)

Questions:

1. Identify the literary device in the phrase: “The exploration of space represents one of
humanity’s greatest achievements.”
A. Hyperbole
B. Metaphor
C. Personi cation
D. Simile

2. What is the purpose of using the phrase “lungs of the Earth” in the passage?
A. To criticize the importance of forests
B. To emphasize the Amazon’s critical role in supporting life
C. To suggest that forests can breathe like humans
D. To make the text humorous

3. Which of the following contains alliteration?

A. “The cost of a single mission to Mars can reach tens of billions of dollars.”
B. “Space exploration inspires scientists and engineers.”
C. “Humanity’s fascination with the cosmos remains undiminished.”
D. “Developing technologies to thrive in space is a scienti c challenge.”

4. What is the effect of the phrase “driving innovation in elds beyond space itself”?
A. It highlights the broader impacts of space exploration on technology and science.
B. It downplays the signi cance of space-related discoveries.
C. It suggests that innovation is unnecessary.
D. It argues against funding space exploration.

5. Which sentence from the passage uses imagery?

A. “Developing technologies that allow humans to survive and thrive in such an
environment is not only a scienti c challenge but also a nancial one.”
B. “From the rst human footsteps on the Moon in 1969 to the sophisticated rovers now
traversing Mars...”
C. “Critics of space exploration argue that the funds allocated to these projects should
instead be used to tackle urgent global crises.”
D. “The search for extraterrestrial life continues to fuel scienti c inquiry.”
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Section 4: Spelling (5 marks)

identify the spelling errors in the following sentences:

1. Scientists face tremendous challanges in preparing for Mars missions.

2. The exploration of space inspires ingenous solutions to complex problems.
3. Critics argue that resources for space projects are unnecesary.
4. Advanced technologies are a result of collaberation between nations.
5. Astronauts undergo intense physicall and mental training.

Section 5: True or False (5 marks)

Based on the passage, state whether the following statements are True or False:

1. Space exploration has only scienti c bene ts and no practical uses on Earth.
2. The Mars atmosphere protects against harmful radiation.
3. Critics believe space exploration funds should be redirected to global crises.
4. Satellite technology used for space exploration has no impact on everyday life.
5. The International Space Station is an example of international collaboration.
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