Synthesizing Information about the Apollo 11 Moon Landing
Question 8 • 2026 Summer 305 ELA/ESOL CR_Grade 8
Read the excerpts from Team Moon and the NASA article.Kennedy’s decision was triggered by an intense “space race” with the old Soviet Union. The Soviets were first in space (with Sputnik); first too with a man in space.July 1969. It's a little over eight years since the flights of Gagarin and Shepard, followed quickly by President Kennedy's challenge to put a man on the moon before the decade is out.
Answer
A
understand that President Kennedy’s desire to put a man on the moon was inspired by a “space race” with the Soviet Union.
B
understand that President Kennedy was unwilling to spend the vast amounts of time and resources needed for space travel.
C
understand that President Kennedy was concerned about the Soviet Union’s greater achievements in space travel.
D
understand that President Kennedy wanted the United States to put a man on the moon before the year 1970.
Explanation
The Team Moon excerpt says Kennedy’s decision was triggered by an intense “space race” with the Soviet Union, which had achieved important firsts in space. The NASA excerpt adds that Kennedy challenged the United States to put a man on the moon before the decade ended. Together, the excerpts show that the Soviet competition inspired Kennedy’s goal, so A is correct. D is too specific: “before the decade is out” does not mean before 1970.
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