©REUTERS/Go Nakamura
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。
- Are you familiar with any companies or organizations currently working on making spacecraft for space exploration missions?
- Do you believe it’s important to persistently try to improve things when inventing new technology?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。
- mile /mahyl/
- explode /ik-SPLOHD/
- confirm /kuhn-FURM/
- prevent /pri-VENT/
- essential /uh-SEN-shuhl/
[noun] – a unit of distance equal to 1,760 yards or 1.6 kilometres
The town was located just a few miles away from the city center.
[verb] – to break up into pieces violently, or to cause something to do this
The fireworks are set to explode in the night sky, creating a spectacular display.
[verb] – to affirm or verify the accuracy or truth of something, often through official statement or evidence
The company will confirm your reservation once they receive your payment.
[verb] – to stop something from happening or someone from doing something
Installing a security system can prevent burglaries in homes.
[adjective] – necessary or needed
Curiosity is an essential trait for making discoveries.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。
SpaceX’s Starship, a spacecraft made for trips to the moon and further destinations, had trouble during its recent test in November. The rocket took off from Texas’s Starbase and went about 90 miles high. But, after the Super Heavy first-stage part separated, it exploded over the Gulf of Mexico. Engineers think a command might have caused this damage because they lost contact with the rocket.The aim was to launch Starship into space, but an explosion halted the mission shortly after liftoff. This incident followed a similar one in April. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the rocket’s loss without any injuries or property damage. SpaceX and the FAA are checking everything closely to prevent these problems in the future. Even with these issues, SpaceX keeps testing fast and making better models. Carissa Christensen saw good parts in the test, showing how rocket building always gets better. Starship’s abilities match NASA’s plans for moon and Mars missions. Elon Musk thinks Starship will be essential for NASA’s goals in human space travel. Despite rules and limited time, SpaceX stays committed to making space exploration better through tests and new technology.
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。
- SpaceX’s Starship experienced no difficulties or issues during its recent test in November, completing its mission to the moon and returning safely.
- The rocket, launched from Texas’s Starbase, reached an altitude of approximately 90 miles before encountering issues following the separation of the Super Heavy first-stage component.
- Engineers attributed the rocket’s explosion to a successful command that facilitated its safe separation, preventing any further damage.
- The primary objective was to launch Starship into space, but the mission was thwarted by an explosion shortly after liftoff, similar to a previous incident in April.
- Elon Musk expressed doubts about the importance of Starship in NASA’s human space travel plans, suggesting that it may not be crucial for their goals.
Fill in the blanks:
Choose the correct word from the table then fill in the blanks.
適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。
| mile | explode | confirm | prevent | essential |
- The doctor will __________ the diagnosis after conducting further tests.
- The road sign indicated that the next town was 20 __________ ahead.
- Invention and innovation are ___________ for groundbreaking discoveries.
- The engineers studied the reasons why the engine would suddenly __________ during the test.
- Adequate vaccination __________ the spread of certain diseases.