Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- technical difficulty /TEK-ni-kuhl DIF-i-kuhl-tee/
- unforeseen /uhn-for-SEEN/
- propulsion /pruh-PUHL-shuhn/
- malfunction /mal-FUHNGK-shuhn/
- scrutiny /SKROOT-n-ee/
[noun phrase] – a problem or issue that makes something difficult to do or operate
The car had a technical difficulty, so it stopped working on the road.
[adjective] – not expected or anticipated
The rain was an unforeseen event during the outdoor party.
[noun ] – the action of driving or pushing something forward
The boat’s propulsion comes from its powerful engine.
[verb] – to fail to work properly
The machine may malfunction if not used correctly.
[noun] – close and careful examination
The document was under scrutiny to check for mistakes.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Two astronauts, who were scheduled to return to Earth several weeks ago, are still stranded in space due to ongoing technical difficulties with their spacecraft. These astronauts, who launched a new space capsule last month, have encountered a series of issues including helium leaks and thruster failures. These technical problems have significantly delayed their return, pushing the earliest possible return date to the end of July. Originally, their mission was planned to last eight days, but it has now been extended due to these unforeseen setbacks.
Despite the challenges, the astronauts have expressed confidence in the spacecraft’s ability to bring them home safely. Testing is currently underway to address these issues, with a particular focus on the propulsion system that malfunctioned during the spacecraft’s approach to the space station. Engineers are also investigating the helium leaks, which they suspect may be due to faulty seals within the spacecraft. Although recent weather disruptions have caused delays in some testing procedures, the spacecraft remains capable of returning in an emergency if necessary. The primary goal of the ongoing tests is to ensure that all systems on the spacecraft are fully operational before the next mission. The situation is under close scrutiny to resolve the technical issues effectively and prevent similar problems from occurring in the future. This meticulous examination aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the malfunctions and to confirm the spacecraft’s reliability for future flights.
Despite the challenges, the astronauts have expressed confidence in the spacecraft’s ability to bring them home safely. Testing is currently underway to address these issues, with a particular focus on the propulsion system that malfunctioned during the spacecraft’s approach to the space station. Engineers are also investigating the helium leaks, which they suspect may be due to faulty seals within the spacecraft. Although recent weather disruptions have caused delays in some testing procedures, the spacecraft remains capable of returning in an emergency if necessary. The primary goal of the ongoing tests is to ensure that all systems on the spacecraft are fully operational before the next mission. The situation is under close scrutiny to resolve the technical issues effectively and prevent similar problems from occurring in the future. This meticulous examination aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the malfunctions and to confirm the spacecraft’s reliability for future flights.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever faced a problem that you did not expect, like a technical difficulty with a device? If so, how did you solve it? If not, what kind of unforeseen problem do you think you might face in the future?
- Can you think of a time when you had to wait longer for something because of a malfunction or issue? What happened, and how did you deal with the situation?
- Do you agree that careful testing and examination are important before launching a new spacecraft?
- Why is it important to investigate and understand the cause of technical difficulties in space missions? How can this help future missions?
- What could be some long-term consequences if technical problems are not addressed properly before future flights?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- schedule
- stranded
- launch
- meticulous
- reliability