Unit 8: Part A Space Politics 21st Century College English: Book 3

Unit 8: Part AUnit 8: Part AUnit 8: Part AUnit 8: Part A

Space PoliticsSpace PoliticsSpace PoliticsSpace Politics

21st Century College English: Book 321st Century College English: Book 3

• Pre-Reading Activities

• Language Points

• Exercises

• Assignment

Unit 8: Part AUnit 8: Part A

Space PoliticsSpace Politics

Pre-Reading ActivitiesPre-Reading Activities

You’re going to hear a conversation between two You’re going to hear a conversation between two extraterrestrial beings that are monitoring the Earth’s radio extraterrestrial beings that are monitoring the Earth’s radio broadcasts. As you listen, note down the answers to the broadcasts. As you listen, note down the answers to the following questions by keying in the key words of your answers: following questions by keying in the key words of your answers:

• What is the destination of the mission that’s just been What is the destination of the mission that’s just been approved? approved?

• What is the mission expected to cost? What is the mission expected to cost?

• Who lives in that neighborhood? Who lives in that neighborhood?

• What does the speaker think would be a better use for What does the speaker think would be a better use for the money? the money?

Check-upCheck-upCheck-upCheck-up

• What is the destination of the mission that’s just been What is the destination of the mission that’s just been approved? approved?

________________________________________________________________________________________

• What is the mission expected to cost? What is the mission expected to cost?

________________________________________________________________________________________

• Who lives in that neighborhood? Who lives in that neighborhood?

________________________________________________________________________________________

• What does the speaker think would be a better use for What does the speaker think would be a better use for the money? the money?

________________________________________________________________________________________


MarsMars..

At least 35 billion dollars.At least 35 billion dollars.

No oneNo one..

Buying foodBuying food

ScriptScriptScriptScript

ET1: ET1: Mars — did they say Mars?!Mars — did they say Mars?!

ET2: ET2: That’s what they said.That’s what they said.

ET1: ET1: What do they want to go there for? No one’s lived in What do they want to go there for? No one’s lived in that neighborhood in millennia!that neighborhood in millennia!

ET2: ET2: Who knows.Who knows.

ET1:ET1: Is 35 billion a lot of money?Is 35 billion a lot of money?

ET2: ET2: It’s pretty much, I think.It’s pretty much, I think.

ET1: ET1: Wow. Why don’t they spend it on something that makes Wow. Why don’t they spend it on something that makes sense, like … like food?sense, like … like food?

ET2: ET2: Who knows. These people are strange.Who knows. These people are strange.

ET1: ET1: They sure are. Who makes these decisions, anyway?They sure are. Who makes these decisions, anyway?

ET2: ET2: Who knows.Who knows.

Radio:Radio: The controversial Mars exploration mission has been The controversial Mars exploration mission has been approved. The mission, which is expected to cost at approved. The mission, which is expected to cost at least 35 billion dollars, promises to lead to important least 35 billion dollars, promises to lead to important breakthroughs in our knowledge of the universe.breakthroughs in our knowledge of the universe.


Intensive StudyIntensive Study

Intensive Study

• Text A:Text A: Space PoliticsSpace Politics

Space PoliticsSpace Politics

It is expected that the discovery of possible life-forms from It is expected that the discovery of possible life-forms from

the planet the planet Mars will revive public interest in space exploration.

But is public support for the international space effort necessary,

given that politicians seem determined to press ahead with it

anyway?


11 The race to the moon, which was won by the Americans in 1969, ,

was driven almost entirely by politics. The rivalry between the U.S. was driven almost entirely by politics. The rivalry between the U.S.

and the former Soviet Union meant that the two countries were and the former Soviet Union meant that the two countries were

determined to be the first to put a man on the moon. determined to be the first to put a man on the moon. President John

F. Kennedy promised that America would win this race and, as one promised that America would win this race and, as one

of the most popular presidents in American history, he inspired a of the most popular presidents in American history, he inspired a

nation to think of space exploration as the ultimate test of nation to think of space exploration as the ultimate test of

America’s superiority over her Soviet enemy. America’s superiority over her Soviet enemy.


22 America’s success as the first nation to reach the moon, America’s success as the first nation to reach the moon,

coupled with continuing Cold War rivalry, created much public suppo continuing Cold War rivalry, created much public suppo

rt for the space programme and rt for the space programme and Washington was able to fund many was able to fund many

more missions. During the 1970s, the moon was visited again, unmamore missions. During the 1970s, the moon was visited again, unma

nned missions were sent to Mars and, for the first time, man-made cnned missions were sent to Mars and, for the first time, man-made c

raft were put on paths that would take them out of the solar system. raft were put on paths that would take them out of the solar system.


33 But, by the 1980s, public support for space exploration was decBut, by the 1980s, public support for space exploration was dec

lining. It faded almost entirely afterlining. It faded almost entirely after

the Challenger space shuttle disaster of 1986, and the U.S. government of 1986, and the U.S. government

was under pressure to was under pressure to scale back its space programme. Politicians r its space programme. Politicians r

eacted by demanding cuts in spending, which eacted by demanding cuts in spending, which put the future of man the future of man

y space missions y space missions in doubt..

44 In Russia, funding was also a problem. The end of the Soviet UnIn Russia, funding was also a problem. The end of the Soviet Un

ion meant the country could no longer afford to sustain its space prion meant the country could no longer afford to sustain its space pr

ogramme. In fact, spending became so tight that there was often not ogramme. In fact, spending became so tight that there was often not

enough money to bring home astronauts working on the country’s enough money to bring home astronauts working on the country’s

Mir space station. .


55

But, in the last few years, politicians seem to have changed their attitude

to space exploration, even though there is little evidence that the public h

ave.

New missions to Mars are planned, and plenty of money is being New missions to Mars are planned, and plenty of money is being

spent on other extraterrestrial activities. Last year, for instance, the spent on other extraterrestrial activities. Last year, for instance, the

U.S. spent more on space research and development than on any U.S. spent more on space research and development than on any

other area of research, except health and the military. other area of research, except health and the military.


66 And spending is likely to increase in the coming years: And spending is likely to increase in the coming years:

currently, currently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is is

planning a number of missions to Mars, and it is pressing ahead planning a number of missions to Mars, and it is pressing ahead

with the most expensive space-exploration project ever undertaken with the most expensive space-exploration project ever undertaken

— the International Space Station. (— the International Space Station. (

Three years ago, this project — a collaboration between the U.S., Canad

a, Russia, Europe and Japan — came within one vote of being canceled

by the American House of Representatives.

) )


77 And the Americans are not the only ones spending huge sums And the Americans are not the only ones spending huge sums

on space exploration. The Europeans, Canadians and Japanese are on space exploration. The Europeans, Canadians and Japanese are

expected to spend $9 billion on their share of the space station, and expected to spend $9 billion on their share of the space station, and

Europe has already spent huge sums developing its Europe has already spent huge sums developing its Ariane rockets, t, t

he most recent of which — Ariane 5 — he most recent of which — Ariane 5 — blew up shortly after it was la shortly after it was la

unched. The Russians, too, claim they are committed to supporting unched. The Russians, too, claim they are committed to supporting

the International Space Station — an expense that country seems ill the International Space Station — an expense that country seems ill

able to afford. able to afford.


88 So, if there is little public support for space exploration, where So, if there is little public support for space exploration, where

does the impetus to fund these activities come from? Promoting the does the impetus to fund these activities come from? Promoting the

cause of science is one possible answer. But recently there has cause of science is one possible answer. But recently there has

been considerable controversy over whether projects like the been considerable controversy over whether projects like the

International Space Station have enough scientific value to International Space Station have enough scientific value to merit the the

billions that have been and will be spent on it. billions that have been and will be spent on it.


99 NASA’s reasons for building the space station are “to develop NASA’s reasons for building the space station are “to develop

new materials [and] technologies that will have immediate, practical new materials [and] technologies that will have immediate, practical

applications”. However, for such research to be worthwhile, NASA napplications”. However, for such research to be worthwhile, NASA n

eeds private companies to develop (and help pay for) extraterrestriaeeds private companies to develop (and help pay for) extraterrestria

l research. l research.

Unfortunately, the cost of sending anything into orbit is so high that most

private companies

favour improving techniques on Earth. Significantly

, NASA has so far not managed to get any substantial private investment

to manufacture products in space.


1010 The result is that the station seems, at present, to have only onThe result is that the station seems, at present, to have only on

e concrete objective: research into how people can live and work sae concrete objective: research into how people can live and work sa

fely and efficiently in space. But how important is this research? fely and efficiently in space. But how important is this research?

And can it possibly justify the cost of this huge orbiting laboratory?

1111 The only purpose of studying how humans live and work in spaThe only purpose of studying how humans live and work in spa

ce would be to prepare for long-term space missions. At present, noce would be to prepare for long-term space missions. At present, no

ne are planned, and this seems unlikely to change in the near future.ne are planned, and this seems unlikely to change in the near future.

The main reasons for this are the costs. A manned mission to our n The main reasons for this are the costs. A manned mission to our n

earest planetary neighbour Mars, for example, would cost around $4earest planetary neighbour Mars, for example, would cost around $4

00 billion. This is $50 billion more than Russia’s present 00 billion. This is $50 billion more than Russia’s present

Gross Domestic Product (GDP). .


1212 And even if one accepts that this research is important, can it jAnd even if one accepts that this research is important, can it justify building a space station the size of 14 tennis courts, at a cost ustify building a space station the size of 14 tennis courts, at a cost which is eventually expected to exceed $100 billion? which is eventually expected to exceed $100 billion? Given the shortage of funds in many other areas of scientific research, it would seem not.

1313 So why build it? There are good political reasons for doing so. ISo why build it? There are good political reasons for doing so. It will provide work for the thousands of unemployed defence workert will provide work for the thousands of unemployed defence workers who depended on the Cold War for their jobs, and who make up a s who depended on the Cold War for their jobs, and who make up a substantial proportion of voters in both Russia and the U.S. It will alsubstantial proportion of voters in both Russia and the U.S. It will also help keep American/Russian ties strong — another reason NASA so help keep American/Russian ties strong — another reason NASA believes the space station is a good investment. (Critics argue that tbelieves the space station is a good investment. (Critics argue that there are far cheaper ways to keep the U.S. and Russia here are far cheaper ways to keep the U.S. and Russia on good terms.) .)


1414 And then there is the legacy of the Cold War. And then there is the legacy of the Cold War. The Berlin Wall

may have fallen, but NASA and the U.S. government still seem to

believe in the ideal of one nation’s superiority in space. Indeed, the ideal of one nation’s superiority in space. Indeed,

NASA describes the space station as “a powerful symbol of U.S. NASA describes the space station as “a powerful symbol of U.S.

leadership”.leadership”.

1515 It seems that the world’s politicians are caught in a time-warp. They They

still believe, as they did in the 1960s, that man must conquer space still believe, as they did in the 1960s, that man must conquer space

in order to prove he is master of his surroundings. If only it weren’t in order to prove he is master of his surroundings. If only it weren’t

so expensive. so expensive.

(1002 words)(1002 words)


Text-related informationText-related information

MarsMars

Mars is the fourth planet from Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the solar system, the the Sun in the solar system, the next one beyond Earth’s orbit. next one beyond Earth’s orbit. Its red color inspired the Its red color inspired the Greeks and Romans to name it Greeks and Romans to name it after their god of war, Ares, or after their god of war, Ares, or Mars. The distance of Mars Mars. The distance of Mars from Earth, and hence its from Earth, and hence its brightness, vary considerably. At times it is the third-brightness, vary considerably. At times it is the third-brightest object in the night sky, surpassed only by the brightest object in the night sky, surpassed only by the Moon and Venus.Moon and Venus.

given thatgiven that

— — supposing that; considering thatsupposing that; considering that

Examples:Examples:

•• Many people are holding their money tight, Many people are holding their money tight, ggiven thativen that the prices of cars would come down. the prices of cars would come down.

•• Given thatGiven that the cost for college education is so high, he the cost for college education is so high, he decided to apply for a training program. decided to apply for a training program.

press ahead/on (with sth.)press ahead/on (with sth.)

—— continue (doing sth.) in a determined way, knowing thcontinue (doing sth.) in a determined way, knowing that it may take a long time or may be very difficult at it may take a long time or may be very difficult

Examples:Examples:

•• Despite public complaints, the company Despite public complaints, the company pressed on pressed on withwith its plan. its plan.

•• The country The country pressed ahead withpressed ahead with its expansion into its its expansion into its neighboring country despite international protest. neighboring country despite international protest.

First Lunar LandingFirst Lunar Landing

Launched July 16, 1969, Launched July 16, 1969, Apollo 11Apollo 11 made the first made the first

manned lunar landing on July 20. Neil Armstrong was manned lunar landing on July 20. Neil Armstrong was

the first out: he stepped on the moon surface at 10:56 the first out: he stepped on the moon surface at 10:56

pm that day. Dropping the last meter from the ladder, pm that day. Dropping the last meter from the ladder,

he said: “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant he said: “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant

leap for mankind.”leap for mankind.”


Neil A. ArmstrongNeil A. ArmstrongNeil A. ArmstrongNeil A. Armstrong

John Fitzgerald KennedyJohn Fitzgerald Kennedy

The 35th president of the The 35th president of the United States (1961~63), United States (1961~63), was, at the age of 43, the was, at the age of 43, the youngest man ever elected youngest man ever elected to the presidency. Rich, to the presidency. Rich, handsome, elegant, and handsome, elegant, and articulate, he aroused great articulate, he aroused great admiration at home and admiration at home and abroad. His assassination in abroad. His assassination in Dallas, Tex., in November Dallas, Tex., in November 1963 provoked outrage and 1963 provoked outrage and widespread mourning.widespread mourning.


couple withcouple with

—— to join or combine with to join or combine with

Examples:Examples:

•• Hard work Hard work coupled withcoupled with high pressure caused serious high pressure caused serious health problems among the employees.health problems among the employees.

•• A reputation for quality, A reputation for quality, coupled withcoupled with very very competitive prices, has make these cars very popular.competitive prices, has make these cars very popular.

Make a sentence with the phrase:Make a sentence with the phrase:

•• ??

WashingtonWashington

—— the U.S. government the U.S. government

Example:Example:

•• BeijingBeijing announced today that the US President would announced today that the US President would pay a 3-day visit to China next week.pay a 3-day visit to China next week.

Beijing = the Chinese governmentBeijing = the Chinese government

The Challenger DisasterThe Challenger Disaster

The 25th flight on the space The 25th flight on the space shuttle shuttle ChallengerChallenger, ended less , ended less than two minutes after liftoff than two minutes after liftoff on Jan. 28, 1986, when a on Jan. 28, 1986, when a fireball interrupted the fireball interrupted the craft’s ascent track. This craft’s ascent track. This disaster killed the entire crew disaster killed the entire crew of seven, including Christa of seven, including Christa McAuliffe, a high school McAuliffe, a high school teacher chosen for the flight.teacher chosen for the flight.


scale back/downscale back/down

—— reduce esp. by a fixed rate reduce esp. by a fixed rate

Examples:Examples:

•• The company is The company is scaling downscaling down its operation in the its operation in the Middle East. Middle East.

•• Imports will have to Imports will have to be scaled downbe scaled down until exports until exports begin to rise again. begin to rise again.

(put sth.) in doubt(put sth.) in doubt

—— (cause sth. to be) in a condition of uncertainty or at (cause sth. to be) in a condition of uncertainty or at ririsk sk

Examples:Examples:

•• The future of the project is The future of the project is in doubtin doubt because of a lack because of a lack of money. of money.

•• The result of the election remained The result of the election remained in doubtin doubt until the until the next morning. next morning.

Mir Space StationMir Space Station

Mir is the Russian space Mir is the Russian space station launched on Feb. 20, station launched on Feb. 20, 1986. The name is a Russian 1986. The name is a Russian word meaning “peace.” Mir word meaning “peace.” Mir has four additional ports for has four additional ports for docking, more windows, two docking, more windows, two private compartments, and a private compartments, and a slightly increased interior slightly increased interior space. The core of the station space. The core of the station is about 17 m (56 ft) long and is about 17 m (56 ft) long and 4 m (13 ft) wide.4 m (13 ft) wide.


Atlantis docked with MirAtlantis docked with MirAtlantis docked with MirAtlantis docked with Mir

But, in the last few years, politicians seem to have But, in the last few years, politicians seem to have changed their attitude to space exploration, even changed their attitude to space exploration, even though there is little evidence that the public have.though there is little evidence that the public have.

Translate the sentence:Translate the sentence:

??

Key:Key:

但是，近年来政治家们似乎改变了他们对于外层空间探索的但是，近年来政治家们似乎改变了他们对于外层空间探索的态度，尽管公众并没有表现出什么改变的迹象。态度，尽管公众并没有表现出什么改变的迹象。

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration The National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(NASA)(NASA)

NASA is the U.S. government agency responsible for NASA is the U.S. government agency responsible for

the development of advanced aviation and space the development of advanced aviation and space

technology and for space exploration. It is an technology and for space exploration. It is an

independent civilian agency responsible directly to independent civilian agency responsible directly to

the president.the president.


Three years ago, this project — a collaboration between Three years ago, this project — a collaboration between the U.S., Canada, Russia, Europe and Japan — came the U.S., Canada, Russia, Europe and Japan — came within one vote of being canceled by the American within one vote of being canceled by the American House of Representatives.House of Representatives.


??

Key:Key:

三年前，这项计划—美国、加拿大、俄罗斯、欧洲和日本之三年前，这项计划—美国、加拿大、俄罗斯、欧洲和日本之间的一项合作—以一票之差险些被美国众议院取消。间的一项合作—以一票之差险些被美国众议院取消。

ArianeAriane RocketRocket

Ariane rockets are designed by the European Space AgAriane rockets are designed by the European Space Agency (ESA) to give Europe greater independence in the ency (ESA) to give Europe greater independence in the launching of satellites. Its private marketing company, launching of satellites. Its private marketing company, Arianespace, has headquarters in Every, France, and a Arianespace, has headquarters in Every, France, and a launch facility at the French Space Center, Kourou, Frlaunch facility at the French Space Center, Kourou, French Guiana. The French space agency is the company’ench Guiana. The French space agency is the company’s principal shareholder, along with 36 European aeross principal shareholder, along with 36 European aerospace firms and 11 European banks.pace firms and 11 European banks.


blowblow upup—— to explodeto explode

Examples:Examples:

•• It’s more than shock to see the space shuttle blow up It’s more than shock to see the space shuttle blow up in the sky.in the sky.

• The fireworks factory blew up when something went The fireworks factory blew up when something went wrong in an electric switch. wrong in an electric switch.

meritmerit v.v.

— — deserve, be worthy ofdeserve, be worthy of

Examples:Examples:

•• The suggestion merits serious consideration The suggestion merits serious consideration

•• The movie The movie English PatientEnglish Patient merits all the prizes it has merits all the prizes it has been awarded.been awarded.

Unfortunately, the cost of sending anything into orbit is sUnfortunately, the cost of sending anything into orbit is so high that most private companies favour improving teco high that most private companies favour improving techniques on Earth.hniques on Earth.


??

Key:Key:

遗憾的是，将任何东西送上轨道的费用极高，大多数私营公遗憾的是，将任何东西送上轨道的费用极高，大多数私营公司都宁可在地球上改进技术。司都宁可在地球上改进技术。

SignificantlySignificantly, NASA has so far not managed to get any , NASA has so far not managed to get any substantial private investment to manufacture products substantial private investment to manufacture products in space. in space.

Example:Example:

•• Tourism contributes significantly to the economy of HTourism contributes significantly to the economy of Hainan province.ainan province.

significantlysignificantly— — adad. to an important or considerable degree . to an important or considerable degree

More to learnMore to learnMore to learnMore to learn

Significantly, NASA has so far not managed to get any Significantly, NASA has so far not managed to get any substantialsubstantial private investment to manufacture products private investment to manufacture products in space. in space.

Examples:Examples:

• By hard study he made a substantial improvement in By hard study he made a substantial improvement in arithmetic. arithmetic.

• The first draft of his novel needed a substantial The first draft of his novel needed a substantial amount of rewriting. amount of rewriting.

substantialsubstantial— — aa. large in size, value or importance . large in size, value or importance

And can it possibly justify the cost of this huge orbiting And can it possibly justify the cost of this huge orbiting laboratory?laboratory?


??

Key:Key:

这项研究能够证明这个大型轨道实验室值得花钱去造吗？这项研究能够证明这个大型轨道实验室值得花钱去造吗？

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total output of goods and services for final use The total output of goods and services for final use produced by an economy, by both residents and produced by an economy, by both residents and nonresidents. It does not include payments to the nonresidents. It does not include payments to the nation's residents on their foreign investments, and it nation's residents on their foreign investments, and it counts only output produced within the country. This counts only output produced within the country. This measure is now being used more frequently as a means measure is now being used more frequently as a means for evaluating the size of the economy.for evaluating the size of the economy.


Given the shortage of funds in many other areas of Given the shortage of funds in many other areas of scientific research, it would seem not.scientific research, it would seem not.

Paraphrase the sentence:Paraphrase the sentence:

??

Key:Key:

—— Considering that many other areas of scientific Considering that many other areas of scientific research don’t have enough funds, it seems this research don’t have enough funds, it seems this research would not justify building that space research would not justify building that space station. station.

on good/bad/speaking termson good/bad/speaking terms

— — have a good/bad/speaking relationship have a good/bad/speaking relationship

Examples:Examples:

•• I’ve always been on good terms with my neighbors. I’ve always been on good terms with my neighbors.

•• I am not on speaking terms with him at the present I am not on speaking terms with him at the present time. time.

The Berlin WallThe Berlin Wall

A concrete wall, 4 m (12 ft) high, surrounding West A concrete wall, 4 m (12 ft) high, surrounding West

Berlin from 1961 to 1989.Berlin from 1961 to 1989.

In November, 1989 enthusiastic citizens began to In November, 1989 enthusiastic citizens began to

demolish whole sections of the wall. East Germany demolish whole sections of the wall. East Germany

eventually removed the Berlin Wall and reunited with eventually removed the Berlin Wall and reunited with

West Germany in 1990, forming the Federal Republic West Germany in 1990, forming the Federal Republic

of Germany.of Germany.


believe inbelieve in

1)1) [~ sth.] to be certain that it exists[~ sth.] to be certain that it exists2)2) [~ sb. /sth.] [~ sb. /sth.] to have the confidence in sb./sth.to have the confidence in sb./sth.

Examples:Examples:

• Do you believe in ghosts? Do you believe in ghosts?

• Not many people believe in the President’s plans to Not many people believe in the President’s plans to improve economy.improve economy.

It seems that the world’s politicians are caught in a time-It seems that the world’s politicians are caught in a time-warp.warp.


??

Key:Key:

全世界的政治家们似乎犯了一种时间错位。全世界的政治家们似乎犯了一种时间错位。

Unit 8 Unit 8 • • ExercisesExercises

• ComprehensionComprehension

• Vocabulary

• Listening

Exercises Exercises • • ComprehensionComprehension

《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. II, p. 201Ex. II, p. 201《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. II, p. 201Ex. II, p. 201

1.1. What motivated the U.S. to put so much effort into being the What motivated the U.S. to put so much effort into being the first nation to reach the moon?first nation to reach the moon?

2.2. How did the American public react to the space programme iHow did the American public react to the space programme in the 1980s as opposed to the 1970s? How did politicians reacn the 1980s as opposed to the 1970s? How did politicians react to the change in public opinion?t to the change in public opinion?

Answer the following questions:

The rivalry between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union. The rivalry between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union.

In the 1970s there was a lot of public support for the space In the 1970s there was a lot of public support for the space programme, but it declined in the 1980s. Politicians reacteprogramme, but it declined in the 1980s. Politicians reacted by demanding cuts in spending. d by demanding cuts in spending.


3.3. What evidence does the author give for his statement that “in What evidence does the author give for his statement that “in the last few years, politicians seem to have changed their the last few years, politicians seem to have changed their attitude to space exploration” (Para. 6)?attitude to space exploration” (Para. 6)?

4.4. What nations are involved in the International Space What nations are involved in the International Space Station? Why is this project controversial?Station? Why is this project controversial?

New missions to Mars are planned, and a lot of money is New missions to Mars are planned, and a lot of money is being spent on space projects like the International Space being spent on space projects like the International Space Station. Station.

The U.S., Canada, Russia, Europe and Japan; it’s The U.S., Canada, Russia, Europe and Japan; it’s controversial because it isn’t clear that the project will controversial because it isn’t clear that the project will have enough scientific value to make it worthwhile. have enough scientific value to make it worthwhile.


5.5. Why hasn’t NASA managed to get any substantial private Why hasn’t NASA managed to get any substantial private investments in the space-station project? investments in the space-station project?

6.6. On what grounds does the author question the value of the On what grounds does the author question the value of the space station’s “only concrete objective”? space station’s “only concrete objective”?

Because the cost of sending things into orbit is so high that Because the cost of sending things into orbit is so high that most companies are more interested in improving most companies are more interested in improving techniques that they can use on Earth. techniques that they can use on Earth.

The writer notes that research into how people can live The writer notes that research into how people can live and work safely and efficiently in space is only relevant if and work safely and efficiently in space is only relevant if long-term space missions are being planned (and none long-term space missions are being planned (and none are). are).


7.7. What other reasons for pressing on with the project does the What other reasons for pressing on with the project does the author mention? author mention?

8.8. What does the author mean by saying “the world’s politicians What does the author mean by saying “the world’s politicians are caught in a time-warp” (Para. 16)? are caught in a time-warp” (Para. 16)?

It will provide work for thousands of unemployed defence It will provide work for thousands of unemployed defence workers who make up a substantial proportion of voters in workers who make up a substantial proportion of voters in both Russia and the U.S. It will also help keep American/Rboth Russia and the U.S. It will also help keep American/Russian ties strong. ussian ties strong.

He means that the way they think about space and space pHe means that the way they think about space and space programmes appears to be obsolete — more appropriate to rogrammes appears to be obsolete — more appropriate to the Cold War era than to the modem world. the Cold War era than to the modem world.


《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. III, p. 202Ex. III, p. 202《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. III, p. 202Ex. III, p. 202

Exercises Exercises • • VocabularyVocabulary

1.1. For health reasons the president has decided to ________ his For health reasons the president has decided to ________ his

planned visit to Italy.planned visit to Italy.

military military collaboration collaboration cancel cancel impetus impetus immediate immediate orbit orbit concrete concrete rocket rocket military military collaboration collaboration cancel cancel impetus impetus immediate immediate orbit orbit concrete concrete rocket rocket


2.2. John Glenn, the first U.S. astronaut to ________ the Earth John Glenn, the first U.S. astronaut to ________ the Earth

in 1962, was 77 years old when he returned to space in 1998.in 1962, was 77 years old when he returned to space in 1998.

III.III. Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the form where necessary. form where necessary.

cancelcancel

orbitorbit

3.3. This book is the product of several years of ____________ This book is the product of several years of ____________

between two leading universities.between two leading universities.


4.4. Anger can be a positive force if it provides ________ for Anger can be a positive force if it provides ________ for

change.change.


collaborationcollaboration

impetusimpetus


5.5. She’s the only person in her ___________ family who has a She’s the only person in her ___________ family who has a

college education, although two of her cousins also have college education, although two of her cousins also have

degrees.degrees.


6.6. There are many theories about where natural satellites came There are many theories about where natural satellites came

from, but manmade satellites are launched into space by from, but manmade satellites are launched into space by

________.________.


immediateimmediate

rocketsrockets


7.7. I don’t have any ________ plans for the weekend — I was I don’t have any ________ plans for the weekend — I was

thinking of spending some time with my family or perhaps thinking of spending some time with my family or perhaps

getting together with some friends.getting together with some friends.


8.8. According to the U.S. Constitution, the president and According to the U.S. Constitution, the president and

Congress share power over ________ affairs: the president Congress share power over ________ affairs: the president

commands the armed forces, but only Congress can declare commands the armed forces, but only Congress can declare

war.war.


concreteconcrete

militarymilitary


《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. IV, p. 202Ex. IV, p. 202《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. IV, p. 202Ex. IV, p. 202


IV.IV. Rewrite the sentences below so that they use the words Rewrite the sentences below so that they use the words given in the parentheses but keep the original meaning. Be given in the parentheses but keep the original meaning. Be sure to make any other necessary changes as well. sure to make any other necessary changes as well.


1.1. The Challenger exploded 73 seconds after it was launched. The Challenger exploded 73 seconds after it was launched.

(blow) (blow)

1.1. The Challenger The Challenger explodedexploded 73 seconds after it was launched. 73 seconds after it was launched.

(blow) (blow)

The Challenger The Challenger blew upblew up 73 seconds after it was launched. 73 seconds after it was launched.

IV.IV. Rewrite the sentences below so that they use the words Rewrite the sentences below so that they use the words given in the parentheses but keep the original meaning. Be given in the parentheses but keep the original meaning. Be sure to make any other necessary changes well. sure to make any other necessary changes well.


2.2. His untidy appearance, plus the fact that he arrived late for His untidy appearance, plus the fact that he arrived late for

the interview, made a very bad impression. (couple) the interview, made a very bad impression. (couple)

2.2. His untidy appearance, His untidy appearance, plusplus the fact that he arrived late for the fact that he arrived late for

the interview, made a very bad impression. (couple) the interview, made a very bad impression. (couple)

His untidy appearance, His untidy appearance, coupled withcoupled with the fact that he arrived the fact that he arrived

late for the interview, made a very bad impression.late for the interview, made a very bad impression.



3.3. The exploration team included scientists, technical assistants The exploration team included scientists, technical assistants

and two journalists. (make)and two journalists. (make)

3.3. The exploration team The exploration team includedincluded scientists, technical assistants scientists, technical assistants

and two journalists. (make) and two journalists. (make)

The exploration team was The exploration team was made up ofmade up of scientists, technical scientists, technical

assistants and two journalists.assistants and two journalists.

OR: Scientists, technical assistants and two journalists OR: Scientists, technical assistants and two journalists made made

upup the exploration team. the exploration team.



4.4. The recession has led many companies to reduce their The recession has led many companies to reduce their

spending on advertising. (scale) spending on advertising. (scale)

4.4. The recession has led many companies to The recession has led many companies to reducereduce their their

spending on advertising. (scale) spending on advertising. (scale)

The recession has led many companies to The recession has led many companies to scale backscale back their their

spending on advertising.spending on advertising.



5.5. Having friendly relations with your teachers makes student Having friendly relations with your teachers makes student

life much more pleasant and rewarding: (terms) life much more pleasant and rewarding: (terms)

5.5. Having friendly relations withHaving friendly relations with your teachers makes student your teachers makes student

life much more pleasant and rewarding: (terms) life much more pleasant and rewarding: (terms)

Being on good terms withBeing on good terms with your teachers makes student life your teachers makes student life

much more pleasant and rewarding.much more pleasant and rewarding.



6.6. Despite strong opposition from environmental-protection Despite strong opposition from environmental-protection

groups, the Brazilian government has persisted in its efforts groups, the Brazilian government has persisted in its efforts

to exploit rain forest resources. (press) to exploit rain forest resources. (press)

6.6. Despite strong opposition from environmental-protection Despite strong opposition from environmental-protection

groups, the Brazilian government has groups, the Brazilian government has persisted inpersisted in its efforts its efforts

to exploit rain forest resources. (press) to exploit rain forest resources. (press)

Despite strong opposition from environmental-protection Despite strong opposition from environmental-protection

groups, the Brazilian government has groups, the Brazilian government has pressed ahead withpressed ahead with its its

efforts to exploit rain forest resources. efforts to exploit rain forest resources.



7.7. If a key member of the team collapses from exhaustion, it If a key member of the team collapses from exhaustion, it

will make the entire project uncertain. (doubt) will make the entire project uncertain. (doubt)

7.7. If a key member of the team collapses from exhaustion, it If a key member of the team collapses from exhaustion, it

will will makemake the entire project the entire project uncertainuncertain. (doubt) . (doubt)

If a key member of the team collapses from exhaustion, it If a key member of the team collapses from exhaustion, it

will will putput the entire project the entire project in doubtin doubt..

ListeningListening

《听说教程 III 》 Part 2.2, p. 114Part 2.2, p. 114《听说教程 III 》 Part 2.2, p. 114Part 2.2, p. 114

ListeningListening

Directions:Directions: Listen to the following conversation twice and then Listen to the following conversation twice and then answer some questions.answer some questions.

1st listening1st listening1st listening1st listening

Exercises Exercises • • ListeningListening

TV Announcer: ... The controversial Mars exploration TV Announcer: ... The controversial Mars exploration mission has been approved. The mission, which is mission has been approved. The mission, which is expected to cost at least 35 billion dollars, promises to expected to cost at least 35 billion dollars, promises to lead to important breakthroughs in our knowledge of lead to important breakthroughs in our knowledge of the universe.the universe.

M:M: Great! High time!Great! High time!

W: W: 1)_______________? Where in the world is all that 1)_______________? Where in the world is all that money going to come from?money going to come from?

M:M: Hey, we pay taxes anyway! I’m glad if they spend the Hey, we pay taxes anyway! I’m glad if they spend the money on something as interesting as space money on something as interesting as space exploration.exploration.

W W Right ... problems like poverty and disease and hunger Right ... problems like poverty and disease and hunger 2)___________________________ flying to Mars for no 2)___________________________ flying to Mars for no reason.reason.

M: M: 3)_________________________ to explore other planets 3)_________________________ to explore other planets and add to our knowledge of the universe? To “seek out and add to our knowledge of the universe? To “seek out new life and new civilizations … to boldly go where no new life and new civilizations … to boldly go where no one has gone before”?one has gone before”?

W: W: 4)____________________________. But every new 4)____________________________. But every new space mission means less money for education, less space mission means less money for education, less money for health care, less money to solve the problems money for health care, less money to solve the problems we have here on Earth.we have here on Earth.

M: But the answers to a lot of our problems may be out M: But the answers to a lot of our problems may be out there in space somewhere! If we can colonize other there in space somewhere! If we can colonize other planets or contact extraterrestrial beings, it will change planets or contact extraterrestrial beings, it will change the world!the world!

W: Right, 5)________________________________________ W: Right, 5)________________________________________ ______________________What makes you so sure these ______________________What makes you so sure these extraterrestrials will be friendly? extraterrestrials will be friendly?

2nd listening2nd listening2nd listening2nd listening

Check-upCheck-upCheck-upCheck-up






W W Right ... problems like poverty and disease and hunger Right ... problems like poverty and disease and hunger 2)___________________________ flying to Mars for no 2)___________________________ flying to Mars for no reason.reason.


W: W: 4)____________________________. But every new 4)____________________________. But every new space mission means less money for education, less space mission means less money for education, less money for health care, less money to solve the problems money for health care, less money to solve the problems we have here on Earth.we have here on Earth.


W: Right, 5)________________________________________ W: Right, 5)________________________________________ ______________________What makes you so sure these ______________________What makes you so sure these extraterrestrials will be friendly? extraterrestrials will be friendly?





W W Right ... problems like poverty and disease and hunger Right ... problems like poverty and disease and hunger 2)____________________________ flying to Mars for 2)____________________________ flying to Mars for no reason.no reason.

Are you jokingAre you joking

aren’t nearly as “interesting” asaren’t nearly as “interesting” as



W: W: 4)______________________________. But every new 4)______________________________. But every new space mission means less money for education, less space mission means less money for education, less money for health care, less money to solve the problems money for health care, less money to solve the problems we have here on Earth.we have here on Earth.


W: Right, 5)________________________________________ W: Right, 5)________________________________________ ____________. What makes you so sure these ____________. What makes you so sure these extraterrestrials will be friendly? extraterrestrials will be friendly?

But don’t you think it’s coolBut don’t you think it’s cool

Sure it’s cool, if we could afford itSure it’s cool, if we could afford it

by creating totally new problems that we can’tby creating totally new problems that we can’teven imagineeven imagine


1.1. Review Text AReview Text A

2.2. Do exercises:Do exercises:

•• StructureStructure (Ex. IX, p. 205)(Ex. IX, p. 205)

•• Translation Translation (Ex. X & XI, p. 205)(Ex. X & XI, p. 205)

•• ClozeCloze (Ex. XII, p. 206)(Ex. XII, p. 206)

AssignmentAssignmentAssignmentAssignment

Documents

Unit 8: Part A Space Politics 21st Century College English: Book 3