#8 Analyze Astronaut Quote - AMANDA BREWER | Biblioteka

Directions:

- Read the quote

- Answer the questions

Read the quote by astronaut Michael Collins, who, along with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, was part of the Apollo 11 mission to send human beings to the moon for the first time. After you read the quote, answer the questions. Refer to the provided glossary as necessary.

"I really believe that if the political leaders of the world could see their planet from a distance of 100,000 miles their outlook could be fundamentally changed. That all-important border would be invisible, that noisy argument silenced. The tiny globe would continue to turn, serenely ignoring its subdivisions, presenting a unified façade that would cry out for unified understanding, for homogeneous treatment. The earth must become as it appears: blue and white, not capitalist or Communist; blue and white, not rich or poor; blue and white, not envious or envied. Small, shiny, serene, blue and white, FRAGILE."

Glossary of difficult words: fundamentally (adverb): in central or important ways

all-important (adjective): absolutely necessary

serenely (adverb): calmly; free from trouble

subdivisions (noun): smaller parts of a larger whole

façade (noun): outward appearance; exterior

homogenous (adjective): the same envious (adjective): jealous

1

Which best describes Michael Collins’s point of view toward the political leaders of the world?

Political leaders focus too much on differences and fight too much.

Political leaders spend too much time thinking about the big picture.

Political leaders have perspective that helps them understand the world.

Political leaders care about space exploration and are supportive of astronauts.

2

Pick TWO phrases that BEST show the texts point of view.

1

Which sentence best represents a claim that Collins is making in this excerpt?

Though big enough to hold everyone, Earth is actually much smaller than we can imagine.

Investing in space exploration is an important way to build relationships with countries across borders.

Seeing Earth from far away would help political leaders recognize that some problems don’t matter.

Astronauts and political leaders are similar because they both feel isolated and lonely sometimes.