Academic English

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

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.

“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.”

Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

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.