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Academic English

“A Visitor from Space”

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Level: Topic: Speakers: Length:
difficult astronomy one man 01:37

Pre-Listening Exercise

What threats exist in outer space that could affect life on earth?

Speak Up, Take a Stand! Instructions for Getting the Conversation Started

These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.

  • In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.

  • In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?

  • For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.

  1. There is life somewhere else in the universe.
  2. Aliens may already have visited Earth without us knowing.
  3. Scientists should spend more money searching for alien life.
  4. If we find aliens, we should try to communicate with them.
  5. Aliens, if they exist, are probably very different from humans.
  6. The government should share all information it has about aliens.
  7. Science fiction has shaped how people think about alien life.
  8. The discovery of alien life would change how we see ourselves.
  9. It’s safer not to contact other life forms in space.
  10. Most reports of UFOs are probably misunderstandings or hoaxes.

Idioms

“do without” = lacking something essential
“If space travelers had to do without fresh water for very long, they wouldn’t be able to survive.”

“at the drop of a hat” = immediately, willingness to do something without delay
“I’d travel to the moon at the drop of a hat if I had the chance.”

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

Post-Listening Exercise

What are three specific things that world governments can do, individually or collectively, to prevent or minimize the impact of future catastrophes such as huge meteors and asteroids of this kind on a global scale? Use the Internet to research the topic of asteroid avoidance strategies or plans for planetary defense of such events.

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