WEEK 3 QUIZ – READING & LISTENING
Week 3 Quiz Instruction
– Read the information. Then do the IELTS Reading & Listening below.
– Write your answers on paper BY HAND. Then take a picture of your paper and upload it
onto LMS for submission.
– Don’t forget to write your FULL NAME and STUDENT ID on the paper.
PART A – READING
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, 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.
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.
