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。
- Do astronauts or mission control teams have a specific protocol for responding when a spacecraft experiences a serious technical problem?
- Are technical issues in spacecraft more challenging to resolve than problems on Earth?
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。
- risky /RIS-kee/
- technical /TEK-ni-kuhl/
- difficulty /DIF-i-kuhl-tee/
- safety /SEYF-tee/
- commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt/
[adjective] – involving the possibility of something bad happening
The climb was risky due to the slippery rocks.
[adjective] – relating to the practical use of machines or science in industry
He gave a technical explanation of how the machine works.
[noun] – the state or condition of being hard to do or understand
She had difficulty solving the math problem on her own.
[noun] – the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury
The firefighters wore helmets for their safety.
[noun] – the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity
Her commitment to the team was evident in her hard work.
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。
NASA has recently determined that it is too risky to return two astronauts to Earth using a new spacecraft that has faced serious technical problems. The astronauts have been living on the International Space Station (ISS) since early June and will now come back next year with a different spacecraft. The mission, initially planned as a short test, has turned into a much longer stay due to unexpected difficulties. After careful consideration, NASA chose to delay the return to ensure the astronauts’ safety. The revised plan will have the astronauts return in February with an alternate spacecraft, while the faulty one will try an unmanned return in September. This decision highlights NASA’s firm commitment to crew safety, despite the setback for the company that made the spacecraft. The agency continues to support the program, aiming to fix the problems and prepare for future missions, showing its dedication to advancing space exploration and upholding safety standards.
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。
- NASA decided to return the astronauts to Earth using the same spacecraft.
- The astronauts have been living on the ISS since early June.
- The new spacecraft has had no technical problems.
- The astronauts will return to Earth in February with a different spacecraft.
- The faulty spacecraft will make a manned return in September.
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。
| risky | technical | difficulty | safety | commitment |
- The project required a strong ______ from every team member.
- Buying a used car can be ______ without a proper inspection.
- The ______ manual was too complicated for me to understand.
- The game increased in ______ as you progressed through levels.
- ______ is important when using kitchen appliances.