Thinking in English 29. China Lands on the Moon: Are we on the Verge of a New Space Race? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
On today’s episode we are going to discuss the news that China has landed another probe on the surface of the moon. The Chinese mission intends to collect rock samples to bring back to Earth; the first time this will happen for over 40 years. Why is China interested in space exploration? Are we on the verge of a new space race? What is the scientific importance of moon rocks? We’ll look at all these questions and more on today’s episode!
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Vocabulary
Ensuing (adj) - happening after something and because of it
An argument broke out and in the ensuing fight someone got hurt
Proxy war (n) - a war fought between groups or smaller countries that each represent the interests of other larger powers, and may have help and support from these
The USA and USSR fought a proxy war in Korea
Capability (n) - the ability to do something
These tasks are beyond my capabilities
Probe (n) - a small spacecraft, with no one travelling in it, sent into space to make measurements and send back information to scientists on earth
There is currently a space probe heading towards the sun!
To analyse (v) - to study or examine something in detail, in order to discover more about it
Researchers analysed the purchases of 6300 households
Volcanic (adj) - of, or relating to, or made by a volcano
They were not expecting the volcanic eruption
Overdrive (n) - a state of great activity, effort, or hard work
The cast of the play was in overdrive rehearsing for the first performance
Lunar (adj) - of or relating to the moon
The lunar eclipse was beautiful
Comprehension Questions
Q. How much material does the Chinese probe hope to bring back to Earth?
A. about 2kg
Q. Where on the moon is China planning to land?
A. Close to an area known as Mons Rümker
Q. What private companies are involved in space exploration?
A. Space-X, Virgin Galactic, and Boeing
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