Explicit Information Retrieval Practice Test

Read the passage, then answer the question.

In 1969, NASA’s Apollo 11 mission achieved the first crewed landing on the Moon. The passage states that the astronauts were Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Michael Collins. Armstrong and Aldrin traveled to the lunar surface in the Lunar Module, while Collins remained in lunar orbit in the Command Module. The passage explicitly notes that Armstrong became the first person to walk on the Moon.

The mission launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 16, 1969, and the Moon landing occurred on July 20, 1969. The passage states that the astronauts collected rock and soil samples and conducted experiments. It also notes that the mission returned safely to Earth on July 24, 1969. According to the passage, Apollo 11 was a major milestone in space exploration and demonstrated the effectiveness of complex engineering and careful planning.

The passage describes Michael Collins’s role; what is said about it?

Read the passage, then answer the question.

Volcanoes form when molten rock, called magma, rises from Earth’s interior and reaches the surface as lava. The passage states that magma contains dissolved gases, and as pressure decreases near the surface, these gases can expand rapidly. This expansion can drive explosive eruptions, especially when magma is thick and traps gas. By contrast, thinner, more fluid lava can flow more easily and may produce less explosive eruptions.

The passage explicitly notes that volcanoes are common near tectonic plate boundaries. At convergent boundaries, one plate can sink beneath another, producing magma that feeds volcanic arcs. At divergent boundaries, plates pull apart, and magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity along mid-ocean ridges. Hot spots, such as the one associated with Hawaii, can also create volcanoes away from plate boundaries.

Scientists monitor volcanoes using tools that measure earthquakes, ground deformation, and gas emissions. The passage states that increased seismic activity can indicate magma movement underground. Monitoring cannot prevent eruptions, yet it can improve warnings and reduce risk for nearby communities. Understanding eruption styles helps planners prepare for hazards such as ash fall and lava flows.

Question: What does the passage state about dissolved gases in magma?