Explicit Information Retrieval Practice Test

What does the passage say about why Pompeii was preserved?

Passage:

Pompeii was an ancient Roman city located near Mount Vesuvius in Italy. In 79 CE, Mount Vesuvius erupted with great force. Ash, rocks, and hot gases poured into the sky and fell over nearby towns. Many people in Pompeii tried to escape, but the eruption moved quickly. Buildings collapsed, streets filled, and the city was buried under layers of ash.

Over time, the thick ash helped preserve parts of Pompeii. The ash covered houses, shops, and even wall paintings. Centuries later, archaeologists began uncovering the city. They found everyday items such as cooking pots, tools, and coins. They also discovered stone roads and public buildings, including a theater. Today, Pompeii is an important archaeological site. Visitors can walk along some of the original streets and see how people lived in a Roman city long ago.

Read the passage, then answer: In the passage, who stayed in Columbia?

In 1969, the Apollo 11 mission achieved a major goal in space exploration. NASA launched the spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 16, 1969. The crew included Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. After traveling for several days, Apollo 11 entered orbit around the Moon. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin moved into the Lunar Module, which was named Eagle. Collins remained in the Command Module, named Columbia, and continued to orbit the Moon.

Eagle separated from Columbia and began its descent. The landing site was in an area called the Sea of Tranquility. During the landing, the astronauts had to watch their fuel level carefully. Eagle touched down safely, and the mission control team in Houston confirmed the landing. A short time later, Armstrong climbed down the ladder and stepped onto the Moon’s surface. He became the first person to walk on the Moon. Aldrin followed him soon after.

The astronauts collected rock and soil samples and set up scientific tools. One tool measured moonquakes, and another reflected laser beams sent from Earth. They also planted an American flag and took photographs. After spending more than 21 hours on the Moon, Armstrong and Aldrin returned to Eagle and lifted off to rejoin Columbia.

The crew began the trip back to Earth and landed in the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969. Recovery teams brought the astronauts onto a ship. The mission was important because it showed that humans could travel to the Moon and return safely.