Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Did you dream of becoming an astranaut? Why do you think children dream of becoming one someday?
- What do you think of traveling to space?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- era /EER-uh/
- design /dih-ZAHYN/
- secure /si-KYOOR /
- additional /uh-DISH-uh-nl/
- storage /STAWR-ij/
[noun] – a period of time of which particular events or stages of development are typical
We are in a new era of information.
[verb] – to make or draw plans for something
He designed a machine that was both attractive and practical.
[adjective] – (especially of objects, situations, etc.) able to avoid being harmed by any risk, danger, or threat
I don’t feel secure when I am alone in the house.
[adjective] – extra
There will be no additional charges for this service.
[noun] – the putting and keeping of things in a special place for use in the future
The best place for the storage of money is a bank.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Boeing’s Starliner has been selected as one of two US spacecraft to transport humans to and from the International Space Station (ISS). The vehicle will usher in a new era of privatized “taxi services” operating just above the Earth’s surface. After the space shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA became reliant on Russia to send astronauts to the ISS. Meanwhile, NASA focused on the project’s transfer to American companies. NASA chose Boeing and SpaceX to build new spacecraft and procure seats for the crew once they began flying.
Boeing’s vehicle travels to the International Space Station and docks without the need for astronaut help. It has also been designed to be more secure. Starliner, unlike the space shuttle, has an emergency escape system that may transfer the crew away from the rocket in the case of a launch emergency.
“From launch to shortly before re-entry, the vehicle is made up of two main components that are connected:
•A crew module is a spacecraft that carries humans on board
•A service module provides power and propulsion
Moreover, each NASA mission will carry four to five passengers, with seats switched for additional cargo storage. Boeing has the option of selling the fifth seat to a space tourist or transporting a foreign astronaut if it becomes available.”
Boeing’s vehicle travels to the International Space Station and docks without the need for astronaut help. It has also been designed to be more secure. Starliner, unlike the space shuttle, has an emergency escape system that may transfer the crew away from the rocket in the case of a launch emergency.
“From launch to shortly before re-entry, the vehicle is made up of two main components that are connected:
•A crew module is a spacecraft that carries humans on board
•A service module provides power and propulsion
Moreover, each NASA mission will carry four to five passengers, with seats switched for additional cargo storage. Boeing has the option of selling the fifth seat to a space tourist or transporting a foreign astronaut if it becomes available.”
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Which has been selected as one of two US spacecraft to transport humans to and from the International Space Station (ISS)?
- To where does Boeing’s vehicle travel?
- What does Starliner have that may transfer the crew away from the rocket in the case of a launch emergency?
- What are its two components?
- How many passengers can it carry?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Which spacecraft do you know something about?
- Do you know anyone who knows a lot about spacecraft?
- If you had the money, would you like to be a space tourist? Why or why not?
- Do you agree with the idea to sell the available seat it a space tourist?
- What do you think is the difference between Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft from other spacecraft?