Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-4

Reading Check

1. What is the Petrova line?

2. What is Ryland Grace’s profession, indicated in a flashback?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Explain the controversial theory that led to Grace being widely discredited.

2. Why does Grace insist on returning to the lab to work on the Astrophage problem? Why does Stratt think he returns? What does this tell us about Grace’s character?

Chapters 5-8

Reading Check

1. Who are Larry, Curly, and Moe?

2. What does Grace accidentally accomplish while he’s trying to figure out how the Astrophage find Venus?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is the significance of the way Grace is transported to the Chinese aircraft carrier?

2. What are some of the things Grace has named so far in the story? What is the historical significance of naming in terms of discovery and scientific progress?

Paired Resource

“Sending Life to the Stars”

• This article from the UCSB Current explores the feasibility of sending life into space.