Homework For April 25
Homework For April 25
Read an extract from an article about space tourism. Choose from the list (A-H) the sentence which best
summarizes each part (1-6) of the extract. There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.
The idea of what’s called Space Tourism, where ordinary members of the public line up to buy tickets for travel into
outer space and back, really stretches the imagination. According to Alan Grant, this distant dream could soon be a
reality…
1.___________
On the Earth, governments provide a number of services, such as defense, police and a legal system. But most
activities are done by individuals and companies and it is going to be the same in space. Over the past few years a
growing volume of work has been done on the subject and it is now clear that setting up commercial space tourism
services is a realistic target for businesses today.
2.__________
Many people still think that to get the chance to go to space you have got to try to become an astronaut.
Unfortunately, the chances of succeeding are tiny, simply because there are so few astronauts- and there is no
prospect of a lot more being employed. However, you need not despair because you will be able to go as a visitor.
So for anyone, the first thing you should do if you want to go to space is save up because the demand is expected
to be strong and, in early stages, prices will be high.
3.__________
In order to stay longer in space, you could work in one of the businesses that will be set up in orbit. There will be
opportunities in manufacturing- aerospace vehicle makers, orbital construction, electric power, extra-terrestrial
mining, chemical engineering and other fields. So you can start university studies and try to get the sort of work
experience that will ensure you are well-placed to apply for a job in any of these areas.
4.___________
The general public is very interested in travelling to space. Apart from the interest factor, such tourism is the only
way in which space activities can become profitable and the quickest way to start to use the limitless resources of
space to solve our problems on Earth. And living in space involves every line of business, from construction to
marketing, fashion, interior design and law.
5.___________
It is possible to envisage a future when demand for space tourism travel will grow from thousands of passengers
per year to hundreds of thousands per year. Tickets to orbit will cost less and flights will depart from many
different airports. Orbital facilities will grow from just being prefabricated modules to large structures constructed
for hundreds of guests.
6.__________
But like any other business, space tourism will develop progressively. Starting as a relatively small-scale and
relatively high-priced activity, customers will find that the service will be nearer to “adventure travel” than to a
luxury-style hotel. Orbital accommodation will be safe but rather simple. This will be a time for the pioneers who
will not mind the lack of comfort.
7.__________
Few projects are successfully completed without the help of people who believe in them. It is possible to take an
active role in bringing space tourism about by asking airlines, hotels and travel companies if and when they intend
to offer space travel. Others may prefer to lend a hand by doing research into one or more of the areas needing it,
or by joining one of the many companies that are already working towards a future in space.
Read the extract again and match the word in bold to its meaning or synonym.
14.- Do you believe that space tourism will be a reality one day? Why?
15.- If you had the opportunity, would you pay for one of these trips? Explain why.