BEYOND THE STARS

1 There is more than one way to lead a successful life. Ronald McNair succeeded despite racism. He became an accidental
2 revolutionary as a kid, when he broke the color barrier in Lake City, South Carolina. His act of rebelliousness would set the course
3 for his relatively short but full life, which culminated in his career as an astronaut.
4 Ronald McNair was born in 1.950. Although the family was poor, Ron grew up surrounded by books, music, and the strong
5 support of his mother, who nurtured his love of reading. From a young age, he was obsessed with space.
6 When Ron first went into the public library in 1.959, he found out that the library was segregated and that, unlike white boys,
7 he wasn't allowed to check a book out. Nine-year-old Ron didn't give up: He simply refused to leave the library without his science
8 books. The librarian called the cops, who immediately called his mother. Pearl McNair proudly stood by her son in the matter,
9 persuading the librarian to let him borrow the books. From that day on, Ron was allowed to check out books whenever he wanted.
10 Despite his high grades, Ron couldn't just apply to any college he liked. After earning his degree from the nearest college
11 offering physics to Afro-American students, Ron got a brochure in the mail from NASA one day. They were looking for mission
12 specialist candidates. He enthusiastically applied and was accepted from a pool of 10,000 applicants.
13 Ron spent six years in astronaut training before his first mission on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1.984. The mission's goal
14 was to put a satellite into orbit, but Ron had another, secret objective: playing the saxophone in space. By blowing a solo
15 performance of "What the World Needs Now Is Love," Ron McNair became the first person to play a saxophone in space.
16 Two years later, Ron was scheduled to return to space on the unfortunate 1.986 Challenger mission. He lost his life along with
17 six other crew members when the shuttle broke apart during launch on January 28th.
18 Since the tragedy, many institutional buildings have been named in honor of the seven men and women whose lives were cut
19 short that day. In 2.011, Lake City Library was turned into Ronald E. McNair Life History Center. Anywhere a kid can be found trying
20 to rise above their circumstances, Ron's spirit lives on.

A1. According to the text, after the incident at the local library, Ron…

(a) was reprimanded by his mother.
(b) had to get science books elsewhere.
(c) could become a regular borrower.
(d) had to resign himself to attending black libraries.

A2. According to the text, Ron…

(a) picked his university after receiving a brochure.
(b) got an excellent academic record.
(c) was encouraged to become an astronaut by his mother.
(d) was the first black astronaut.

A3. While in college, Ron was selected by NASA to participate in one of their programs.

(True or False — justify with the precise words or phrases from the text.)

A4. Besides being part of a NASA mission, Ron wished to achieve a personal challenge.

(True or False — justify with the precise words or phrases from the text.)

A5. Ron died tragically in the course of a mission.

(True or False — justify with the precise words or phrases from the text.)

A6. Ron's hometown still hasn't paid tribute to him.

(True or False — justify with the precise words or phrases from the text.)

A7. FIND IN THE TEXT:

• A7.1. ONE SYNONYM FOR: "obstacle" (noun).
• A7.2. ONE SYNONYM FOR: "convince" (verb).

A8. FIND IN THE TEXT:

• A8.1. ONE WORD MEANING: "a group of people who work on and operate a ship, aircraft, etc."
• A8.2. ONE WORD MEANING: "a small advertising booklet"

OPCIÓN 1 — REWRITE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES WITHOUT CHANGING THE ORIGINAL MEANING. The new sentence must clearly present a different linguistic structure. Use the word in brackets without changing it in any way.

B1. I've never driven such an uncomfortable car before.
(LEAST)

B2. He will go with you provided that you don't drive fast.
Unless…

B3. Although she is a good lawyer, she doesn't always win her cases.
Despite…

B4. Claudia may know the right answer.
(LIKELY)

B5. Please don't touch my laptop.
I'd rather…

B6. Someone will take you to the train station in a fancy car.
You…

OPCIÓN 2 — REWRITE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES WITHOUT CHANGING THE ORIGINAL MEANING. The new sentence must clearly present a different linguistic structure. Use the word in brackets without changing it in any way.

B7. It was a cold evening, so we decided to stay indoors.
(SUCH)

B8. What time is the next bus to York?
I would like to know…

B9. I gave her a watch, but it stopped working two days later.
(WHICH)

B10. 'Don't leave the door unlocked,' his mother told Peter.
(WARNED)

B11. We'll get to the theatre after the beginning of the play.
By the time…

B12. My sister ate a lot of sweets when she was a child.
(USED)

WRITING (3 points). Write a composition of at least 120 words about ONE of the topics proposed and focus on it. CHOOSE ONE TOPIC ONLY.

C1. Share a memorable story from your childhood.

WRITING (3 points). Write a composition of at least 120 words about ONE of the topics proposed and focus on it. CHOOSE ONE TOPIC ONLY.

C2. Do you think everyone has the same opportunities for education and self-improvement? Discuss.