Open Up - Grade 6 - ELA - Module 4 - Mid Unit 1 Assessment

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Grade 6 - ELA - Module 4 - Mid Unit 1 Assessment

Directions: Read “An Account of the Moon Landing,” and answer the following questions.

An Account of the Moon Landing
July 20, 1969. After years of preparing for it, and centuries of dreaming about it, human beings made it to the moon today.

At just before 11 p.m. EST this evening, Commander of the Apollo 11 mission, Neil Armstrong, became the first human to step onto the lunar surface. “That’s one small step for man,” he stated, his crackling voice broadcast in radios across Earth, “one giant leap for mankind.” 

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin soon joined him, adding his own voice to the excited chorus: “Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, a magnificent desolation.” 

Armstrong and Aldrin spent a little over two hours together on the surface of the moon, leaving long-lasting footprints both on the lunar surface and in the hearts of the humans on Earth who stared breathlessly at their television screens, awaiting NASA’s updates. 

Meanwhile, the third Apollo 11 astronaut, Michael Collins, orbited the moon in the Command Module, awaiting good news from Armstrong and Aldrin. Had they made it? Would they return? 

Two hours on the moon was plenty of time for Armstrong and Aldrin to collect more lunar data than Earth’s scientists have ever had. They took photos that may resolve many mysteries of the moon’s geology. They collected an astounding fifty pounds of moon rocks and soil, which scientists can use to track the history of the solar scientists. They began experiments whose results will one day reveal whether the moon’s core is more like Earth’s or more like a meteorite’s. 

When the astronauts planted the stem of the American flag into the moon’s soil, it was in celebration of the nation’s innovation and commitment to knowledge. 

Upon their return to the lunar module, Armstrong and Aldrin received a call from 240,000 miles away: President Nixon wished to congratulate them on their successes.

But the journey is not yet over. After spending the night in the lunar module on the moon’s surface, the astronauts must reconnect tomorrow with Collins and the Command Module and begin their descent. Assuming all goes according to plan, the Apollo 11 team will reach the Earth’s surface next Thursday afternoon. Despite their preparation, the astronauts know that a successful return is no guarantee. In outer space, there are no guarantees. 

July 20, 1969. A profound day in the history of humanity. Ancient astronomers, mathematicians, artists, poets have long turned their heads to the sky, searching for answers that seemed lightyears beyond reach. Today, with the work and courage of the Apollo 11 astronauts, those answers are, for the first time, underfoot.

What is the author’s point of view toward the Apollo 11 astronauts and mission in this article? (RI.6.6, W.6.10)

What are four words or phrases from the excerpt that best help to convey that point of view? (RI.6.1, RI.6.4)

What four words or phrases from the excerpt best help to convey that point of view? (RI.6.1, RI.6.4)

Read the following two ideas about the Apollo 11 mission, paying attention to the differences between the bolded words in each. Then answer the following questions

Sentence A: In the most unimaginable accomplishment in human history, these men easily established Earth’s first extension in the universe, sending back a stunning panorama of views to millions of fascinated TV viewers.

Sentence B: In the most absurd incident in human history, these men recklessly established Earth’s first fortress in the universe, sending back a shocking panorama of views to millions of alarmed TV viewers.

Explain how the connotations of the bolded words in each sentence impact the meaning being conveyed. (RI.6.1, RI.6.4, RI.6.6, W.6.10, L.6.5c)

…

Which sentence most closely matches the point of view conveyed by “An Account of the Moon Landing”? (RI.6.6)

Source: Open Up Resouces (Download for free at openupresources.org.)