Directions: In this section, you will hear three passages. At the end of
each passage, you will hear three or four questions. Both the passage and the
questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a question, you must choose
the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C), D). Then mark the
corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the
centre.
Passage 1
Some people wonder why countries spend millions of dollars on space
projects. They want to know how space research helps people on Earth. Actually
space technology helps people on Earth every day. This is called "spin-off
technology."
Spin-off technology is space technology that is now used on Earth.
In early space programs, such as the Apollo missions of the 1960s and
1970s, and in the Space Shuttle missions today, scientists developed objects for
the astronauts to use on the moon and in space. We now use some of these objects
every day.
For example, we have Quartz crystal clocks and watches accurate to within
one minute a year. We purify the water we drink with a water filter designed for
the astronauts’ use in space.
The cordless, hand-held tools we use in our homes, such as vacuum cleaners,
flashlights, drills and saws came from the technology of these early space
programs.
On cold winter days we can stay warm with battery-operated gloves and
socks, and specially made coats and jackets. All of these clothes are similar to
the spacesuit designs that kept astronauts comfortable in the temperatures of
the moon, and are spin-offs from space technology.
These products are only a few examples of the many ways space technology
helps us in our everyday lives. No one knows how new spin-off technology from
the International Space Station will help us in the future.
Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.
Q16: What do some people want to know about space exploration?
A) When America’s earliest space program started.
B) When the International Space Station was built.
C) How many space shuttle missions there will be.
D) How space research benefits people on Earth.
Answer: d) how space research benefits people on earth.
Q17: What did scientists do for the space shuttle missions?
A) They accurately calculated the speed of the orbiting shuttles.
B) They developed objects for astronauts to use in outer space.
C) They tried to meet astronauts’ specific requirements.
D) They tried to make best use of the latest technology.
Answer: b) They developed objects for astronautics to use in outer space.
Q18: What does the speaker say about Quartz crystal clocks and watches?
A) They are extremely accurate. C) They were first made in space.
B) They are expensive to make. D) They were invented in the 1970s.
Answer: A) They are extremely accurate.
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