The Martian

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

Chapters 1-5

Reading Check

1. How long did the journey from Earth’s orbit to Mars take?

2. How long will Watney’s food supply last without rationing?

3. What kind of music does Watney find on the commander’s personal USB?

Short Answer

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

1. Why is Watney so disappointed that the MAV is gone?

2. What are the four ways Watney expects to die?

3. Why are there 12 potatoes suitable for planting on the Hab?

4. What might make Watney vulnerable to Martian vampires?

Paired Resource

“Fit This into the Hole for This Using Nothing but That...”

• This 4-minute video clip from the film Apollo 13 shows the ground crew tasked with solving the problem of too much CO₂ on the spacecraft.
• Think about the theme of The True Nature of Explorers and Exploration. How important is it for explorers to have a can-do attitude when solving seemingly unsolvable problems? How do examples of extreme creativity under stressful circumstances influence your thinking about attaining goals that may seem impossible?

Chapters 6-10

Reading Check

1. What is the significance of the pop tents showing up on the satellite images?

2.