Unit 3:
Unit 3: Exercise 2
Skim read the paragraphs. Match the summaries with the paragraphs. There is
one extra summary that you do not need.
Remember that in the IELTS Reading test, you should spend a few minutes skim reading the
passage in order to get a general idea of what each paragraph is about.
Space tourism
A Space exploration is important. Apart from the fact that it inspires whole new generations
of young scientists, it helps us understand our environment and has given us a perspective
on the world in which we live(BENEFITS). Mostly, space travel has been restricted to
military or scientific exploration, but this is now changing. Now there is a growing space
tourism industry, which enables people to pay money to achieve their dreams of leaving the
Earth.(OPPORTUNITIES)
B Space tourism is not yet a realistic possibility for most people, although there have been
commercial flights into space for a few lucky people over the past few decades. In fact, the
very first space tourist, Dennis Tito, travelled to the International Space Station as long ago
as 2001. Since then, six other fee-paying astronauts have made the trip into space. The
explanation for why it was possible for these visitors to have the privilege to leave the Earth,
of course, is that they paid enormous sums of money. For his seven days and 22 hours in
space, Dennis Tito is reported to have paid $20 million.
C At present, there are several business ventures planning to launch commercial flights to
the edge of space, and specially designed vehicles to enable this are being created.
Although these do not plan to take tourists away from the Earth’s atmosphere, they do offer
the chance to travel on board a suborbital flight reaching altitudes of up to 160 kilometres and
moving at over 1.4 kilometres per second. This would offer customers the experience of
seeing a dark sky filled with stars, as well as a stunning view of the planet Earth below.
Tickets would cost in the region of $200,000 per trip, which would be a bargain compared to
the fee Dennis Tito had to pay. However, the trips would be a lot shorter, offering only a few
minutes of weightlessness before returning back to the ground, instead of seven days in outer
space.
D So, it is possible that space tourism could one day become achievable and affordable for
many people. However, although a journey into space (or the edge of it) would be a
rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime experience for the lucky few, space travel could have
widespread drawbacks for the rest of us. According to a study carried out by NASA, a large
number of suborbital launches would inevitably release a significant amount of carbon
dioxide into the higher levels of the Earth’s atmosphere. This alone could cause large-
scale disruption to the planet’s climate, increasing temperatures globally and disrupting
the ozone layer.
Current developments in the space tourism industry The benefits and opportunities of
space travel The harmful consequences of space tourism The number of people
who have paid to travel to space The poor value that trips into space offer compared
to their cost
1. Paragraph A The benefits and opportunities of space travel
2. Paragraph B The number of people who have paid to travel to space
3. Paragraph C Current developments in the space tourism industry
4. Paragraph D The harmful consequences of space tourism
Unit 3: Exercise 3
Read the information, then read the paragraphs again. Which paragraph contains
the following information? Choose the correct answers.
Read the questions carefully and decide which paragraph probably contains the information. Then read that
paragraph carefully to check if the information is there.
Space tourism
A Space exploration is important. Apart from the fact that it inspires whole new generations
of young scientists, it helps us understand our environment and has given us a perspective on
the world in which we live. Mostly, space travel has been restricted to military or scientific
exploration, but this is now changing. Now there is a growing space tourism industry, which
enables people to pay money to achieve their dreams of leaving the Earth.
B Space tourism is not yet a realistic possibility for most people, although there have been
commercial flights into space for a few lucky people over the past few decades. In fact, the
very first space tourist, Dennis Tito, travelled to the International Space Station as long ago
as 2001. Since then, six other fee-paying astronauts have made the trip into space. The
explanation for why it was possible for these visitors to have the privilege to leave the
Earth, of course, is that they paid enormous sums of money. For his seven days and 22
hours in space, Dennis Tito is reported to have paid $20 million.
C At present, there are several business ventures planning to launch commercial flights to the
edge of space, and specially designed vehicles to enable this are being created. Although
these do not plan to take tourists away from the Earth’s atmosphere, they do offer the chance
to travel on board a suborbital flight reaching altitudes of up to 160 kilometres and moving at
over 1.4 kilometres per second. This would offer customers the experience of seeing a dark
sky filled with stars, as well as a stunning view of the planet Earth below. Tickets would cost
in the region of $200,000 per trip, which would be a bargain compared to the fee Dennis Tito
had to pay. However, the trips would be a lot shorter, offering only a few minutes of
weightlessness before returning back to the ground, instead of seven days in outer space.
D So, it is possible that space tourism could one day become achievable and affordable for
many people. However, although a journey into space (or the edge of it) would be a
rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime experience for the lucky few, space travel could have
widespread drawbacks for the rest of us. According to a study carried out by NASA, a large
number of suborbital launches would inevitably release a significant amount of carbon
dioxide into the higher levels of the Earth’s atmosphere. This alone could cause large-scale
disruption to the planet’s climate, increasing temperatures globally and disrupting the ozone
layer.
1. a comparison between two different amounts of time
A
B
C
D
2. a challenge to the idea that space tourism is worthwhile: đáng giá
A
B
C
D
3. a reason why certain people could achieve something
A
B
C
D
Unit 3: Exercise 4
Read the information. Then look at questions 1–3 and choose the sentence from
each paragraph that contains the answer.
The information you need to find is located in one key sentence in each paragraph. Notice
that the words in the questions are often very similar in meaning to the ones in the
paragraphs.
1. a reason why certain people could achieve something
Paragraph B
o Space tourism is not yet a realistic possibility for most people, although there
have been commercial flights into space for a few lucky people over the past
few decades.
o In fact, the very first space tourist, Dennis Tito, travelled to the International
Space Station as long ago as 2001.
o Since then, six other fee-paying astronauts have made the trip into space.
o The explanation for why it was possible for these visitors to have the
privilege to leave the Earth, of course, is that they paid enormous sums of
money.
o For his seven days and 22 hours in space, Dennis Tito is reported to have paid
$20 million.
2. a comparison between two different amounts of time
Paragraph C
o At present, there are several business ventures planning to launch commercial
flights to the edge of space, and specially designed vehicles to enable this are
being created.
o Although these do not plan to take tourists away from the Earth’s atmosphere,
they do offer the chance to travel on board a suborbital flight reaching
altitudes of up to 160 kilometres and moving at over 1.4 kilometres per
second.
o This would offer customers the experience of seeing a dark sky filled with
stars, as well as a stunning view of the planet Earth below.
o Tickets would cost in the region of $200,000 per trip, which would be a
bargain compared to the fee Dennis Tito had to pay.
o However, the trips would be a lot shorter, offering only a few minutes of
weightlessness before returning back to the ground, instead of seven days in
outer space.
3. a challenge to the idea that space tourism is worthwhile
Paragraph D
o So, it is possible that space tourism could one day become achievable and
affordable for many people.
o However, although a journey into space (or the edge of it) would be a
rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime experience for the lucky few, space travel
could have widespread drawbacks for the rest of us.
o According to a study carried out by NASA, a large number of suborbital
launches would inevitably release a significant amount of carbon dioxide into
the higher levels of the Earth’s atmosphere.
o This alone could cause large-scale disruption to the planet’s climate,
increasing temperatures globally and disrupting the ozone layer.
Unit 3: Exercise 5
Read the information. Then read the questions and the sentences from the
paragraphs that contain the answers again.
Select the words or phrases in each paragraph that match the words and phrases
in bold in the questions.
1. a reason why certain people could achieve something
Paragraph B
The explanation for why it was possible for these visitors to have the privilege to
leave the Earth, of course, was that they paid enormous sums of money.
2. a comparison between two different amounts of time
Paragraph C
However, the trips would be a lot shorter, offering only a few minutes of
weightlessness before returning back to the ground, instead of seven days in outer
space.
3. a challenge to the idea that space tourism is worthwhile
Paragraph D
However, although a journey into space (or the edge of it) would be a rewarding,
once-in-a-lifetime experience for the lucky few, space travel could have widespread
drawbacks for the rest of us.
Unit 3: Exercise 7
In this type of IELTS Reading matching information task, it is possible that you
will find the answer to more than one question in the same paragraph.
Read the passage again. Then decide which paragraph contains the information
in questions 1–4. Choose the correct answers.
Space tourism
A Space exploration is important. Apart from the fact that it inspires whole new generations
of young scientists, it helps us understand our environment and has given us a perspective
on the world in which we live. Mostly, space travel has been restricted to military or
scientific exploration, but this is now changing. Now there is a growing space tourism
industry, which enables people to pay money to achieve their dreams of leaving the Earth.
B Space tourism is not yet a realistic possibility for most people, although there have been
commercial flights into space for a few lucky people over the past few decades. In fact, the
very first space tourist, Dennis Tito, travelled to the International Space Station as long
ago as 2001. Since then, six other fee-paying astronauts have made the trip into space. The
explanation for why it was possible for these visitors to have the privilege to leave the Earth,
of course, is that they paid enormous sums of money. For his seven days and 22 hours in
space, Dennis Tito is reported to have paid $20 million.
C At present, there are several business ventures planning to launch commercial flights to
the edge of space, and specially designed vehicles to enable this are being created.
Although these do not plan to take tourists away from the Earth’s atmosphere, they do
offer the chance to travel on board a suborbital flight, reaching altitudes of up to 160
kilometres and moving at over 1.4 kilometres per second. This would offer customers the
experience of seeing a dark sky filled with stars, as well as a stunning view of the planet
Earth below. Tickets would cost in the region of $200,000 per trip, which would be a bargain
compared to the fee Dennis Tito had to pay. However, the trips would be a lot shorter,
offering only a few minutes of weightlessness before returning back to the ground, instead of
seven days in outer space.
D So, it is possible that space tourism could one day become affordable and achievable for
many people. However, although a journey into space (or the edge of it) would be a
rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime experience for the lucky few, space travel could have
widespread drawbacks for the rest of us. According to a study carried out by NASA, a large
number of suborbital launches would inevitably release a significant amount of carbon
dioxide into the higher levels of the Earth’s atmosphere. This alone could cause large-scale
disruption to the planet’s climate, increasing temperatures globally and disrupting the ozone
layer.
1. gives a justification of why space travel is useful
A
B
C
D
2. mentions the main types of space travel that have existed until now
A
B
C
D
3. gives examples of people who have paid to travel into space
A
B
C
D
4. gives details of flights which reach the edge of space: rìa của không gian
A
B
C
D
Unit 3: Exercise 8
Read the information. Then do the IELTS Reading task.
The text has seven paragraphs (A–G). Which paragraph contains the following
information? Choose the correct paragraph.
Try this exam task, but note that in the real IELTS Reading test there would not be as many questions in a
matching information task such as this.
• Read the passage and think about the purpose or function of each paragraph (explaining, comparing, giving
details, etc.).
• Look at the questions and identify the type of information you need to look for (a reason, a comparison,
etc.).
• Try to match the type of information with the functions of the paragraphs.
• When you think you have identified the right paragraph, read it carefully to check that it contains all the
correct information.
• Remember that the words in the question may be expressed differently in the Reading passage.
• Remember that just because you see a word from the question, it does not necessarily mean that you have
found the correct paragraph.
What does it take to become an astronaut?
A What could be more thrilling than travelling through space and seeing the Earth from miles
above? Becoming an astronaut used to be a typical ambition for children, but one they
were unlikely ever to fulfil – it was even harder to achieve than becoming a rock star or
Hollywood actor. However, since it was launched, the International Space Station (ISS) has
been home to well over 200 people from 18 different countries. Although some critics
complain that investing in the ISS is a poor use of billions of dollars(=the funding of the
ISS is wasteful), they should not forget that research in the unique conditions of the ISS has
resulted in some incredible discoveries in medical treatments, weather science and satellite
technology, which we now use on Earth. More teams are scheduled to be sent up in the future
and are certain to make even more valuable contributions to humanity.
B So what are the requirements for someone wanting to work on the ISS? First, the applicant
must be a citizen of the nation whose space programme they are applying for, or be willing to
become one. Age is also important, mid-20s to mid-40s being the preferred range. Natural
intelligence is vital, and so is achievement in such fields as engineering, biological and
physical sciences, and mathematics. Candidates are nearly always from a military
background, often because they already have piloting skills, but in some countries, civilians
can also apply. For example, in the USA, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) considers people from a wide range of backgrounds.
(đoạn B này main là nói về điều kiện để được làm astronaut // The requirements and preferred
qualifications for applicants wanting to work on the ISS, including nationality, age,
intelligence, field of expertise, and military background.)
C Obviously, applicants are unlikely to have previous space-travel experience when they
attend an interview, but recruiters also look for qualities such as adaptability and
determination. Even after an applicant has got through the first stage of the interview process,
there are still other tests they have to pass. For example, if it is discovered that the quality of
an applicant’s eyesight is poor then, unfortunately, it’s time to go home. There is a tough
physical examination as well. Astronauts need to prove they are in good shape because if
they are eventually chosen to go on a mission, they will have to survive long months in
microgravity, something which can cause uncomfortable swelling in the arms and legs,
and can affect the cardiovascular system.
D Eventually, out of all the applicants that apply, a small group is chosen to attend a two-year
period of study. During this time, they will learn a whole range of new things, such as a
new language (they will have to communicate with other nationalities on the ISS). They
will also have media awareness lessons and special preparation in a simulated zero-gravity
environment. Once they have completed these sessions, the potential astronauts may have to
wait years before being chosen to go up to the ISS. In other words, they need to be willing
and able to depart at any time.
E If an astronaut is lucky enough to be sent to the ISS, he or she will have plenty to keep
them busy. Mostly they will be involved in scientific research, experimentation and
maintaining equipment. But just as in any home, the ISS must be kept clean. In fact,
wiping and vacuuming up dirt and debris is even more important in space, as the tiny
particles could cause huge problems if they got inside some of the computers or other
equipment. Astronauts on board the ISS certainly report that they miss their children, their
families and their friends on Earth, but few ever complain about boredom. Of course,
technology makes it a lot easier to stay in touch nowadays.
F While the daily routine for an astronaut on the ISS may be little different from any other
kind of job, there are many new challenges each astronaut faces when they take their first trip
into space. One of these is getting used to the fact that there is no more ‘night’ and ‘day’ – at
least, not in the way the astronauts have previously experienced them. In fact, astronauts on
the ISS will see a sunrise, or sunset, every 45 minutes. Travelling at 17,500 miles an hour
means they orbit the Earth 16 times in a normal ‘day’. As a result, it means they won’t
know when they are supposed to sleep any more. This is one of the reasons why they need
to follow the schedule that is organised for them. The schedule also tells them when they
need to visit the gymnasium – which is at least once a day. If they do not exercise regularly,
they will soon lose all the muscle in their legs.
G Another challenge concerns when, what and how the astronauts eat. The schedule, of
course, tells them when it’s time to heat up a packaged meal, some of which are now
prepared especially to suit the tastes of the different nationalities amongst the crew. However,
for a long time astronauts have reported that normal food loses its flavour in the ISS, and
they find it harder to taste anything. Scientists think this has something to do with the fact
that fluid moves to the upper body in microgravity, especially the head. This causes the
tissues of the face to swell slightly and makes the nose feel blocked. This is why ISS crews
often prefer really spicy food and strong flavours. If the food still isn’t spicy enough, they can
add salt and pepper, but these have to be squeezed out of tubes in liquid form!
1. details of the way that the ISS moves around the planet
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
2. a reason why applicants are rejected early on in the recruitment: tuyển dụng
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
3. an account of how a particular human sense can be affected during time spent on the
ISS
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
4. a challenge to the idea that the funding of the ISS is wasteful
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
5. a justification for the fitness tests that potential astronauts have to pass
Nhà phi hành gia tiềm năng
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
6. a mention of both specialised and routine work that is carried out on the ISS
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
7. examples of the necessary academic requirements for applicants
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
8. an explanation of why astronauts need to stick to a strict timetable in space:Dính với
thời gian biểu khắc nghiệt trong không gian
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
9. a comparison between different kinds of occupation=job
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
10. a reference to the kind of skills acquired during an astronaut training programme
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
