Ham the Chimp: The First Primate in Space and the Success of Project Mercury
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Topic-Related Questions
1.What was the main goal of Ham the Chimp’s space mission?
Answer: D) To test if living beings could survive and function in space
Explanation: The article states that Ham’s mission aimed to demonstrate that astronauts could function in space, making it a key step toward human spaceflight.
2.Why was Ham chosen for the Mercury-Redstone 2 mission?
Answer: B) He showed exceptional intelligence and adaptability in training
Explanation: The article describes Ham’s ability to quickly learn and perform tasks under rigorous training, which made him an ideal candidate.
3.What was a major concern scientists had before sending humans into space?
Answer: A) Whether spacecraft systems would function properly and if living organisms could survive spaceflight
Explanation: Scientists needed to ensure both the survival of astronauts and the effectiveness of spacecraft systems before sending humans.
4.What was one of the key findings from Ham’s mission?
Answer: C) That astronauts would be able to function and perform tasks in microgravity
Explanation: Ham’s successful execution of tasks during weightlessness proved that humans could do the same in space.
5.What happened a few months after Ham’s mission?
Answer: C) Alan Shepard became the first American in space
Explanation: The article explicitly states that Shepard's spaceflight on May 5, 1961, was made possible due to Ham’s successful mission.
Vocabulary Questions
6.What does the word "pivotal" mean in the context of Ham’s mission?
Answer: A) Crucial
Explanation: "Pivotal" means something very important or essential. Ham’s mission was a crucial step toward human spaceflight.
7.What is the meaning of "rigorous" in "Ham underwent rigorous training"?
Answer: B) Strict and demanding
Explanation: "Rigorous" refers to something thorough and difficult, matching the training Ham experienced.
8.The phrase "paved the way" in the article means:
Answer: C) Created opportunities for future events
Explanation: The phrase means to prepare the conditions for something else to happen, just as Ham’s mission did for human spaceflight.
9.What does the word "malfunction" mean in "Despite a malfunction that led to a higher-than-expected altitude…"?
Answer: D) A technical failure
Explanation: A malfunction refers to something not working as intended, which in this case caused the spacecraft to go higher than expected.
10.In the sentence, “Ham’s mission was a crucial milestone in space exploration,” what does "milestone" mean?
Answer: B) A significant achievement
Explanation: A milestone is an important event or achievement, and Ham’s mission was a major step in space travel.
Inference Questions
11.Why did scientists train Ham to press levers in response to flashing lights?
Answer: C) To test if astronauts would be able to perform tasks in space
Explanation: The experiment was designed to see if living beings could operate controls in microgravity, which was necessary for human missions.
12.Why did NASA retrieve Ham immediately after splashdown?
Answer: A) They wanted to study his health after space travel
Explanation: Scientists needed to analyze Ham’s condition after exposure to space conditions.
13.Why did Ham’s mission help pave the way for human spaceflight?
Answer: D) It showed that living beings could survive the forces of space travel
Explanation: Ham’s mission reassured scientists that humans could endure the physical demands of space.
14.What can we infer about Ham’s role in history?
Answer: B) His mission was crucial in proving humans could go to space
Explanation: The article states that Ham’s mission directly led to human spaceflights, proving its importance.
15.What does Ham’s survival and longevity suggest about space travel?
Answer: C) The effects of space travel on living beings were minimal
Explanation: Since Ham lived for another 22 years, his mission indicated that short spaceflights did not cause severe health issues.
SAT-Style Questions
16.The primary purpose of the passage is to:
Answer: B) Explain the significance of Ham’s mission in space exploration
Explanation: The article details Ham’s journey, training, and impact on human spaceflight.
17.What does the author suggest about Ham’s mission in relation to human space travel?
Answer: A) It was a major milestone in proving spaceflight was safe
Explanation: The passage highlights how Ham’s success allowed NASA to proceed with human missions.
18.Which of the following best summarizes the legacy of Ham’s mission?
Answer: B) A groundbreaking achievement in space exploration
Explanation: Ham’s mission was a significant step in human space exploration.
19.The author mentions Alan Shepard to:
Answer: A) Show how Ham’s mission led directly to human spaceflight
Explanation: Shepard’s flight occurred soon after Ham’s mission, showing its influence.
20.The phrase "America’s journey to the stars" at the end of the article serves to:
Answer: C) Emphasize the long-term importance of space exploration
Explanation: The phrase highlights how Ham’s mission contributed to America’s space program.
IELTS True, False, Not Given
21.Ham’s mission was the first spaceflight ever conducted. (False)
Explanation: The Soviet Union had already sent Sputnik and animals into space.
22.Ham’s spacecraft malfunctioned, causing him to reach a higher altitude than expected. (True)
Explanation: The article states that a malfunction led to a higher-than-expected altitude.
23.NASA had already sent a human into space before Ham’s mission. (False)
Explanation: Alan Shepard’s flight came after Ham’s mission.
24.Ham was the only chimpanzee trained for space travel. (Not Given)
Explanation: The article mentions six primates were trained but does not confirm if he was the only one sent.
25.Alan Shepard’s flight was directly based on the data gathered from Ham’s mission. (True)
Explanation: Ham’s success reassured scientists and led to Alan Shepard’s flight.
Writing Sample
Essay
The use of animals in scientific research has been a topic of debate for many years. Some argue that it is an essential practice that has led to breakthroughs in medicine and technology, while others believe it is cruel and should be replaced with alternative methods. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting a personal opinion on the matter.
On one hand, many believe that animal testing is necessary for scientific progress. Historically, animals have played a crucial role in medical discoveries, such as vaccines, treatments for diseases, and space exploration. For example, Ham the chimpanzee’s space mission in 1961 was essential in proving that living beings could survive and function in space, ultimately paving the way for human space travel. Additionally, animal research has led to life-saving medical advancements, such as organ transplants and cancer treatments. Proponents argue that without animal testing, many scientific breakthroughs would not have been possible, and human lives could be at risk.
On the other hand, critics argue that using animals in research is unethical and unnecessary. They believe that modern technology, such as computer simulations and human cell cultures, can replace animal testing without causing harm to living creatures. Furthermore, many tests conducted on animals do not always translate to effective treatments for humans, as physiological differences can lead to inaccurate results. Opponents also highlight the suffering animals endure during experiments, raising ethical concerns about their treatment. Some suggest that stricter regulations and increased funding for alternative research methods could eliminate the need for animal testing altogether.
In conclusion, while animal research has played an important role in scientific advancements, the ethical concerns surrounding its use cannot be ignored. Although alternative methods may not yet be fully capable of replacing animal testing in all areas, investment in new technologies should be prioritized to reduce reliance on animals in the future. (words: 293)
Short answer questions
1.What was the purpose of Ham’s mission in space?
Answer: To test if living beings could survive and function in space.
2.Where was Ham launched from?
Answer: Cape Canaveral, Florida.
3.What happened after Ham’s mission that confirmed human spaceflight was possible?
Answer: Alan Shepard became the first American in space.
4.What was one of the major scientific benefits of Ham’s mission?
Answer: It demonstrated that living beings could perform tasks in space.
5.How did Ham’s mission contribute to the success of future spaceflights?
Answer: It provided evidence that astronauts could survive and operate controls in space.
6.What challenge did Ham experience during his flight, and how did he respond?
Answer: A spacecraft malfunction caused him to reach a higher altitude, but he remained calm and completed his tasks.
7.Why did scientists choose chimpanzees for early space missions?
Answer: They closely resemble humans in biological and cognitive functions.
8.How did the success of Ham’s mission influence NASA’s next steps?
Answer: It led to the first American human spaceflight, piloted by Alan Shepard.
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