Settlements on the Moon

1. Integrated writing. 

Step1. Read the text below.

The idea of living on other planets has captivated humanity for centuries, with the moon being an especially attractive destination. While the idea of a permanent human settlement on the moon is tantalizing, it is likely to remain unattainable for now. Despite the remarkable progress made in space exploration, numerous difficulties persist.

The moon’s environment presents a multitude of challenges for sustaining human life. Unlike Earth, the moon lacks a substantial atmosphere, which means people living there would be vulnerable to meteoroid impacts and solar radiation. Overcoming these hazards would require extensive advancements in radiation shielding and meteoroid defense systems far beyond our current level of technology.  It might take decades to reach a level that would make a permanent human settlement on the moon sufficiently safe.

Another crucial obstacle is the scarcity of essential resources on the moon. The moon lacks resources that sustain life on Earth such as breathable air and fertile soil. Without these things, maintaining a permanent human settlement would be difficult. For instance, transporting large quantities of vital supplies like water and soil from Earth to the moon would be an incredibly expensive process.  It is unlikely that nations on earth will want to take on this cost in the near future.

Beyond these challenges, the psychological and social implications of a permanent lunar settlement cannot be overlooked. Humans are inherently social beings, and isolation on the moon for extended periods could have detrimental effects on our mental health and interpersonal relationships. The absence of natural ecosystems, changing landscapes, and the artistic experiences common on Earth would likely lead to feelings of monotony, disconnection, and psychological distress among the lunar inhabitants.  These feelings could endanger the entire settlement.

Step 2. Listen to part of a lecture below and take notes.

Important!: Write out the three main ideas and their elaborations/illustrations/ details that the lecturer provides. When you hear the question, click to show the passage and question and begin your response.

Click here to show/hide the question

Step 3. Write your answer.

Writing time - 16 min.

✍️ Planning/Outlining - 2–3 minutes: Organize notes: match each reading point with the lecture's contradiction.

Writing the Essay  -  12–13 minutes: Write your 4-paragraph response clearly and concisely.

Tip: Write at least 300 words

Click here to show/hide the template

Step1. Read the text

A university professor has recently given a lecture on modern space exploration, particularly focusing on moon programs led by various countries. After the lecture, the professor invites students to share their views on the relevance of such programs to humanity. In an online discussion forum, the professor posts the following question:

"Many countries are investing significant resources into moon exploration programs. In your opinion, do the benefits of these moon programs outweigh their potential drawbacks for humanity? Why or why not?"

Clare

In my view, the benefits of moon programs definitely outweigh the drawbacks. First of all, such missions expand our scientific knowledge. By studying the moon’s surface and geology, scientists can better understand the Earth’s past and future, particularly in terms of climate change and natural resources.

Secondly, these programs inspire technological innovation. For example, NASA’s moon projects have led to advancements in robotics, AI, and even medical devices that benefit society on Earth. Although these missions are expensive, the long-term return on investment can be significant.

In conclusion, moon programs help humanity move forward in science and technology, which justifies the cost.

Tymothy

While moon exploration may seem exciting, I believe its drawbacks are more significant. Governments spend billions of dollars on these programs, which could be better used to solve urgent problems like poverty, education, or climate change on Earth. For instance, some developing nations are funding space programs while many of their citizens lack basic healthcare.

Moreover, there is no guarantee that moon missions will result in practical benefits. They often serve as a symbol of national pride rather than a real contribution to humanity.

Therefore, I think focusing on Earth’s issues should take priority over distant space ambitions.

Write your opinion on the raised topic. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. 

Step 2. Write a response 

Tip: Write at least 120 words

Important: Address both students' views!

 

 

3. Independent speaking_1

Using words from the text and lecture in exercise 1, prepare answers to the following questions:

Use one of the following speaking-1 templates:

Basic Template:

Main Point (choose one): 

- "I support the view that…" 

- "I believe it is preferable to…" 

- "I find it a great/poor idea to…" 

Transition (optional): 

- "I hold this opinion for several reasons." 

First Reason: 

- "To begin with…" + "For instance…" (followed by a personal example). 

Second Reason: 

- "Additionally…" + "To elaborate…" (and include more details). 

Advanced Template:

Personally, I firmly believe [MAIN POINT]. 

This is mainly due to [REASON 1]. 

By this, I mean [expand on the reason]. 

Furthermore, [REASON 2]. 

For example, [expand on the reason or provide an illustrative example]. 

3. Integrated Speaking_2

Active vocab

Credit (noun) — in education

A credit is a unit that schools, colleges, or universities use to measure a student’s academic progress. Each course is typically worth a certain number of credits, and students need to accumulate a required number to graduate or fulfill program requirements.

Example: "The astronomy course was worth 3 credits toward my science requirement."

To take (a course) for credit

To take a course for credit means to enroll in it as part of one’s official academic program so that it counts toward graduation or degree requirements. The student receives a grade and academic credit that appears on their transcript.

Example: "I wanted to take astronomy for credit, but now it's only available as a non-credit seminar."

Common Phrases with "Credit" in Academic Contexts

1. Earn (academic) credit
   ➤ “Students can earn credit by completing approved coursework.”
2. Receive credit for (a course / previous studies)
   ➤ “Transfer students may receive credit for courses taken at other institutions.”
3. Fulfill a requirement with a credit course
   ➤ “This class fulfills the science requirement for general education credits.”
4. Credit-bearing course / Non-credit course
   ➤ “The astronomy seminar is now a non-credit course, open for personal interest only.”
5. Take a course for credit / audit a course (without credit)
   ➤ “You can either take the course for credit or audit it if you just want to sit in.”
6. Credit hours / Credit points
   ➤ “Most full-time students take about 15 credit hours per semester.”
7. Transfer credits
   ➤ “She was able to transfer 12 credits from her community college.”
8. Graduate with a certain number of credits
   ➤ “To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 120 credits.”
9. Credit requirement / Credit limit
   ➤ “There’s a credit limit of 18 per semester to prevent student overload.”
10. Be short of credits
    ➤ “I’m three credits short of fulfilling my humanities requirement.”

Step1. Read the following announcement:

Campus Announcement

Starting next semester, astronomy courses will no longer count toward general education science requirements and will not be available for credit. The university has made this decision after reviewing employment trends and consulting with industry professionals.

According to recent data, employers show limited interest in graduates with astronomy-related coursework, and the credits are rarely seen as valuable for job placement.

To better support students’ career prospects, the university is redirecting resources to programs with stronger employment outcomes.

Students who previously earned credit in astronomy will keep those credits, and optional, non-credit lectures may still be offered.

For questions or advice on course planning, please contact your academic advisor.

—Office of Academic Affairs

Step 2. Listen to the audio file below. During the real exam you will hear the audio only once. But now you can listen to it as many times s you want.

If you have difficulty understanding the the audio, Click here to read the script

Step 3. Prepare and record (in a messenger) an answer to the following question.

Preparation time - 30 seconds, speaking time - 60 seconds.