The Reading / Listening - Water on the Moon - Level 6

Scientists have announced the breathtaking news that there is water on the Moon. They said the Moon may hold water in more places and in larger amounts than they previously thought. The scientists are from NASA in the USA. Based on a detailed analysis of two separate studies, they confirmed the presence of water molecules on the side of the Moon we can see. Ice was thought to exist on the dark side of the Moon, which is permanently blocked from sunlight*. However, NASA said it found water on the sunlit parts of the lunar surface. The space agency says it identified a third of a litre of water in one area. This was not enough to form ice as the molecules were trapped in a cubic metre of rock.

NASA's discovery could pave the way for more space exploration. It could be a game-changer in the quest to explore the heavens. It could accelerate the building of permanent bases on the Moon as it opens up the possibility of there being a sustainable source of drinking water. This could be turned into rocket fuel one day. A NASA spokesperson explained the significance of the discovery. He said: "Water is extremely critical for deep space exploration. It's a resource of direct value for our astronauts. Any time we don't need to pack water for our trip, we have an opportunity to take other useful items with us." That means astronauts could transport materials to be used to carry out bigger scientific experiments.

* Error: There is no dark side of the Moon. The side we cannot see actually does get sunlight.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    Water on the Moon - Level 4  or  Water on the Moon - Level 5

Sources
  • https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/scientists-moon-holds-more-water-than-ever-thought/5637832.html
  • https://www.npr.org/2020/10/26/927869069/water-on-the-moon-nasa-confirms-water-molecules-on-our-neighbors-sunny-surface
  • https://www.sciencenews.org/article/water-moon-sun-sofia-telescope


Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice activities, drag and drop activities, sentence jumbles, which word activities, text reconstructions, spelling, gap fills and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. THE MOON: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about the Moon. Change partners often and share your findings.
2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?
       scientists / breathtaking / water / the Moon / molecules / sunlight / surface / rock /
       discovery / quest / the heavens / permanent / exploration / astronauts / experiments
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. MOON BASES: Students A strongly believe moon bases are a good idea; Students B strongly believe they aren't. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. BREATHTAKING NEWS: Complete this table with your partner(s). What is the news story? What do you think of it? Change partners often and share what you wrote.

 

The News Story

What You Think Of It

Aliens invade

 

 

COVID-19 cure found

 

 

Man is pregnant

 

 

Pill means we can
live to be 200 years old

 

 

All frogs now extinct

 

 

Baby speaks 28 languages

 

 
MY e-BOOK
ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers
See a sample

5. WATER: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "water". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. EXPLORATION: Rank these with your partner. Put the best places to explore at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • Space
  • The human mind
  • The ocean's bottom
  • Crimes
  • Business opportunities
  • Life's unsolved mysteries
  • Amazon jungles
  • The meaning of life

 

Vocabulary

    Paragraph 1

      1. breathtaking a. Of, determined by, or resembling the Moon.
      2. analysis b. A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction.
      3. molecule c. The detailed examination of something, typically as a basis for discussion or interpretation.
      4. permanently d. A unit of measurement equal to the volume of a cube.
      5. lunar e. Astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one's breath away.
      6. surface f. In a way that lasts or remains unchanged indefinitely; for all time.
      7. cubic g. The outside part or uppermost layer of something.

    Paragraph 2

      8. pave the way h. The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it.
      9. exploration i. Increase in the speed, amount or extent of.
      10. quest j. The quality of being worthy of attention; importance.
      11. the heavens k. A long or difficult search for something.
      12. accelerate l. Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
      13. sustainable m. The sky and space.
      14. significance n. Create the circumstances to enable something to happen or be done.

 

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).

  1. Scientists say moon water means people must take lots of breaths.    T / F
  2. There is more water on the Moon than scientists thought.     T / F
  3. NASA scientists analysed 12 studies in their research.     T / F
  4. Scientists say the water on the Moon formed into lots of rock ice.     T / F
  5. The moon water could lead to more exploration in space.     T / F
  6. NASA announced it will build permanent moon bases.     T / F
  7. Moon water could be used to make rocket fuel in the future.     T / F
  8. Moon water could enable astronauts to conduct bigger experiments.     T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

  1. announced
  2. amounts
  3. presence
  4. blocked
  5. form
  6. pave the way for
  7. accelerate
  8. discovery
  9. value
  10. transport
  1. create
  2. finding
  3. precede
  4. volumes
  5. transfer
  6. obstructed
  7. usefulness
  8. reported
  9. speed up
  10. existence

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

  1. breathtaking
  2. in larger amounts than they
  3. permanently blocked
  4. it found water on the sunlit
  5. molecules were trapped in a cubic
  6. NASA's discovery could pave the
  7. a game-changer in the quest to
  8. a sustainable source
  9. A NASA spokesperson explained the
  10. carry out bigger
  1. way for more
  2. scientific experiments
  3. metre of rock
  4. significance of the discovery
  5. from sunlight
  6. of drinking water
  7. news
  8. explore the heavens
  9. parts of the lunar surface
  10. previously thought

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
previously
blocked
breathtaking
cubic
molecules
third
analysis
lunar

Scientists have announced the (1) _____________________ news that there is water on the Moon. They said the Moon may hold water in more places and in larger amounts than they (2) _____________________ thought. The scientists are from NASA in the USA. Based on a detailed (3) _____________________ of two separate studies, they confirmed the presence of water (4) _____________________ on the side of the Moon we can see. Ice was thought to exist on the dark side of the Moon, which is permanently (5) _____________________ from sunlight. However, NASA said it found water on the sunlit parts of the (6) _____________________ surface. The space agency says it identified a (7) _____________________ of a litre of water in one area. This was not enough to form ice as the molecules were trapped in a (8) _____________________ metre of rock.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
quest
scientific
sustainable
accelerate
opportunity
pave
direct
significance

NASA's discovery could (9) _____________________ the way for more space exploration. It could be a game-changer in the (10) _____________________ to explore the heavens. It could (11) _____________________ the building of permanent bases on the Moon as it opens up the possibility of there being a (12) _____________________ source of drinking water. This could be turned into rocket fuel one day. A NASA spokesperson explained the (13) _____________________ of the discovery. He said: "Water is extremely critical for deep space exploration. It's a resource of (14) _____________________ value for our astronauts. Any time we don't need to pack water for our trip, we have an (15) _____________________ to take other useful items with us." That means astronauts could transport materials to be used to carry out bigger (16) _____________________ experiments.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)  Scientists have announced the ______
     a.  taking breath news
     b.  breath taken news
     c.  breathtaking news
     d.  breathless news
2)  hold water in more places and in larger amounts than ______
     a.  they previous thought
     b.  they previously thought
     c.  they previously thoughts
     d.  they previously fought
3)  Based on a detailed analysis of ______
     a.  two separately studies
     b.  two separated studies
     c.  two separates studies
     d.  two separate studies
4)  Ice was thought to exist on the dark side of the Moon, which is ______
     a.  permanently blacked
     b.  permanently block
     c.  permanently booked
     d.  permanently blocked
5)  This was not enough to form ice as the molecules were trapped in a ______ rock
     a.  cube metre of
     b.  cupid metre of
     c.  cue pick metre of
     d.  cubic metre of

6)  It could be a game-changer in the quest to ______
     a.  explore a heaven
     b.  explore the heathens
     c.  explore the heaving
     d.  explore the heavens
7)  It could accelerate the building of permanent ______ Moon
     a.  basis on the
     b.  bases on the
     c.  base is on the
     d.  bays is on the
8)  being a sustainable source of drinking water. This could be turned ______
     a.  into rocket fuel
     b.  into rocketed fool
     c.  into rocket feel
     d.  into rockets duel
9) pack water for our trip, we have an opportunity to take other ______ us
     a.  useful item with
     b.  useful items within
     c.  useful item wither
     d.  useful items with
10)  astronauts could transport materials to be used to carry out ______
     a.  bigger scientific experiment
     b.  bigger scientific experience
     c.  bigger scientific experiments
     d.  bigger scientific experimental

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

Scientists have announced the (1) ____________________ there is water on the Moon. They said the Moon may hold water (2) ____________________ and in larger amounts than they previously thought. The scientists are from NASA in the USA. Based on (3) ____________________ of two separate studies, they confirmed the presence of water molecules on the side of the Moon we can see. Ice was (4) ____________________ on the dark side of the Moon, which is permanently blocked from sunlight. However, NASA said it found water on (5) ____________________ of the lunar surface. The space agency says it identified a third of a litre of water in one area. This was not enough to (6) ____________________ the molecules were trapped in a cubic metre of rock.

NASA's discovery could (7) ____________________ for more space exploration. It could be a game-changer in the (8) ____________________ the heavens. It could accelerate the building of permanent bases on the Moon as it opens up the possibility of there being (9) ____________________ of drinking water. This could be turned into (10) ____________________ day. A NASA spokesperson explained the significance of the discovery. He said: "Water is (11) ____________________ deep space exploration. It's a resource of direct value for our astronauts. Any time we don't need to pack water for our trip, we have an (12) ____________________ other useful items with us." That means astronauts could transport materials to be used to carry out bigger scientific experiments.

Comprehension questions

  1. What adjective did the article use to describe this news?
  2. How many studies did NASA scientists use in their research?
  3. What is the dark side of the Moon permanently blocked from?
  4. How much water did scientists find in one area?
  5. In how much rock are water molecules trapped in one area?
  6. What could the discovery of water on the Moon pave the way for?
  7. What could the discovery accelerate the construction of?
  8. What could water on the Moon be used to make in the future?
  9. What did NASA say water is extremely critical for?
  10. What could scientists do now do on a larger scale?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What adjective did the article use to describe this news?
a) earthshattering
b) wonderful
c) breathtaking
d) ground-breaking
2) How many studies did NASA scientists use in their research?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
3) What is the dark side of the Moon permanently blocked from?
a) Earth light
b) moonlight
c) solar blasts
d) sunlight
4) How much water did scientists find in one area?
a) half a litre
b) a third of a litre
c) a quarter of a litre
d) a fifth of a litre
5) In how much rock are water molecules trapped in one area?
a) a millilitre
b) litres and litres
c) a cubic metre
d) a whole swimming pool worth

6) What could the discovery of water on the Moon pave the way for?
a) better roads and pavements
b) more space exploration
c) better technology
d) space tourism
7) What could the discovery accelerate the construction of?
a) microchips
b) better rockets
c) a Moon museum
d) moon bases
8) What could water on the Moon be used to make in the future?
a) concrete
b) rocket fuel
c) flowers
d) noodles
9) What did NASA say water is extremely critical for?
a) deep space exploration
b) life on Mars
c) air conditioning
d) raising frogs
10) What could scientists do now do on a larger scale?
a) build moon bases
b) space tourism
c) build rockets
d) scientific experiments

Role play

Role  A – Space
You think space is the most important thing to explore. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things aren't as important to explore. Also, tell the others which is the least important of these of these (and why): the human mind, the meaning of life or the bottom of the ocean.

Role  B – The Human Mind
You think the human mind is the most important thing to explore. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things aren't as important to explore. Also, tell the others which is the least important of these of these (and why): space, the meaning of life or the bottom of the ocean.

Role  C – The Meaning of Life
You think the meaning of life is the most important thing to explore. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things aren't as important to explore. Also, tell the others which is the least important of these of these (and why): the human mind, space or the bottom of the ocean.

Role  D – The Bottom of the Ocean
You think the bottom of the ocean is the most important thing to explore. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things aren't as important to explore. Also, tell the others which is the least important of these of these (and why): the human mind, the meaning of life or space.

After reading / listening

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words...

'moon'

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • and 'water'.

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • • Share your findings with your partners.

    • Make questions using the words you found.

    • Ask your partner / group your questions.

    2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

    •Share your questions with other classmates / groups. •Ask your partner / group your questions.

    3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

    4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

    5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

    • news
    • larger
    • two
    • see
    • sunlit
    • form
    • pave
    • opens
    • drinking
    • deep
    • value
    • carry

    Student survey

    Write five GOOD questions about this topic in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper. When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

    (Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

    Discussion - Water on the Moon

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    1. What did you think when you read the headline?
    2. What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'water'?
    3. What do you know about the Moon?
    4. What was the last piece of breathtaking news you heard?
    5. What do you think about there being water on the Moon?
    6. What do you know about water?
    7. What do you know about the dark side of the Moon?
    8. What would you like to know about the Moon?
    9. How important is the Moon in your culture?
    10. Would you like to go to the Moon?

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    1. Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
    2. What do you think of when you hear the word 'moon'?
    3. What do you think about what you read?
    4. What was the last thing to take your breath away?
    5. How important is space exploration?
    6. Why might permanent moon bases be important?
    7. What do you think being an astronaut is like?
    8. What do you think of people living on the Moon one day?
    9. What experiments might take place on the Moon?
    10. What questions would you like to ask the scientists?

    Discussion — Write your own questions

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    (a) ________________

    (b) ________________

    (c) ________________

    (d) ________________

    (e) ________________

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    (f) ________________

    (g) ________________

    (h) ________________

    (i) ________________

    (j) ________________

    Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

    Scientists have announced the (1) ____ news that there is water on the Moon. They said the Moon may hold water in more places and (2) ____ larger amounts than they previously thought. The scientists are from NASA in the USA. Based on a detailed analysis (3) ____ two separate studies, they confirmed the presence of water molecules on the side of the Moon we can see. Ice was thought to exist on the dark side of the Moon, which is (4) ____ blocked from sunlight. However, NASA said it found water on the sunlit parts of the (5) ____ surface. The space agency says it identified a third of a litre of water in one area. This was not enough to form ice as the molecules were trapped in a (6) ____ metre of rock.

    NASA's discovery could (7) ____ the way for more space exploration. It could be a game-changer in the quest to explore the heavens. It could accelerate the building of permanent bases on the Moon as it opens up the possibility of (8) ____ being a sustainable source of drinking water. This could be turned into rocket (9) ____ one day. A NASA spokesperson explained the significance of the discovery. He said: "Water is extremely critical for (10) ____ space exploration. It's a resource of direct value for our astronauts. Any time we don't need to (11) ____ water for our trip, we have an opportunity to take other useful items with us." That means astronauts could transport materials to be used to carry (12) ____ bigger scientific experiments.

    Which of these words go in the above text?

    1. (a)     breathless     (b)     breathtaking     (c)     breather     (d)     breathe    
    2. (a)     as     (b)     in     (c)     by     (d)     to    
    3. (a)     off     (b)     as     (c)     by     (d)     of    
    4. (a)     permanence     (b)     permanently     (c)     permanent     (d)     perm    
    5. (a)     molar     (b)     solar     (c)     polar     (d)     lunar    
    6. (a)     cubist     (b)     cubism     (c)     cubic     (d)     cubes    
    7. (a)     pave     (b)     sidewalk     (c)     asphalt     (d)     tar    
    8. (a)     what     (b)     then     (c)     there     (d)     those    
    9. (a)     stimulus     (b)     sustenance     (c)     kindling     (d)     fuel    
    10. (a)     deep     (b)     depth     (c)     deeply     (d)     deepen    
    11. (a)     pack     (b)     mule     (c)     box     (d)     bundle    
    12. (a)     out     (b)     in     (c)     down     (d)     over

    Spelling

    Paragraph 1

    1. ekbhanittgar news
    2. in larger amounts than they elvoriuspy thought
    3. Based on a detailed anssaliy
    4. the presence of water esmuellco
    5. parts of the rnual surface
    6. trapped in a ibcuc metre of rock

    Paragraph 2

    1. pave the way for more space ptlerioxona
    2. It could ecraecltea the building
    3. nnrtmeaep bases on the Moon
    4. a letuiaabsns source of drinking water
    5. Water is eteeyxlmr critical
    6. sstrnaauot could transport materials

    Put the text back together

    (  1  ) Scientists have announced the breathtaking news that there is water on the Moon. They said the Moon may hold
    (...)  our trip, we have an opportunity to take other useful items with us." That means
    (...)  fuel one day. A NASA spokesperson explained the significance of the discovery. He said: "Water is extremely
    (...)  NASA's discovery could pave the way for more space exploration. It could be a game-changer in the quest
    (...)  critical for deep space exploration. It's a resource of direct value for our astronauts. Any time we don't need to pack water for
    (...)  of water molecules on the side of the Moon we can see. Ice was thought to exist on the dark
    (...)  enough to form ice as the molecules were trapped in a cubic metre of rock.
    (...)  side of the Moon, which is permanently blocked from sunlight. However, NASA said it found water on the sunlit parts of the lunar
    (...)  to explore the heavens. It could accelerate the building of permanent bases on the Moon as it opens
    (...)  surface. The space agency says it identified a third of a litre of water in one area. This was not
    (...)  NASA in the USA. Based on a detailed analysis of two separate studies, they confirmed the presence
    (...)  water in more places and in larger amounts than they previously thought. The scientists are from
    (...)  up the possibility of there being a sustainable source of drinking water. This could be turned into rocket
    (...)  astronauts could transport materials to be used to carry out bigger scientific experiments.

    Put the words in the right order

    1. Breathtaking   water   on   there   is   news   the   Moon   .
    2. two   studies   .   separate   analysis   of   detailed   A
    3. Moon   .   the   of   on   dark   the   Exist   side
    4. water   .   third   litre   of   of   a   Identified   a
    5. of   rock   .   a   metre   in   Molecules   cubic   trapped
    6. for   way   exploration   .   more   Pave   the   space
    7. permanent   bases   .   of   the   could   accelerate   building   It
    8. rocket   be   fuel   .   into   could   This   turned
    9. value   resource   direct   astronauts   .   of   A   our   for
    10. bigger   to   used   scientific   Be   out   experiments   .   carry

    Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

    Scientists have announced the breathtaking / breathless news that there is water on the Moon. They said the Moon may hold / grasp water in more places and in larger volume / amounts than they previous / previously thought. The scientists are from NASA in the USA. Based on a detailed analysis of two separate studies, they confirmed / confirmation the presence of water molecules on the border / side of the Moon we can see. Ice was thought to exist on the darkly / dark side of the Moon, which is permanently blocked from sunlight. However, NASA said it found water on the sunlit parts of the solar / lunar surface. The space agency says it identified a third / thrice of a litre of water in one area. This was not enough to form ice as the molecules were trapped / trebled in a cubic metre of rock.

    NASA's discovery could asphalt / pave the way for more space exploration. It could be a game-changer in the quest to implore / explore the heavens. It could accelerate the building of permanent basis / bases on the Moon as it opens down / up the possibility of there being a sustainable source of drinking water. This could be turned into / onto rocket fuel one day. A NASA spokesperson explained the significance of the discovery. He said: "Water is extremely critic / critical for deep space exploration. It's a resource off / of direct value for our astronauts. Any / All time we don't need to pack water for our trip, we have an opportunity to take other / another useful items with us." That means astronauts could transport materials to be used to carry in / out bigger scientific experiments.

    Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

    Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

    Sc__nt_sts h_v_ _nn__nc_d th_ br__tht_k_ng n_ws th_t th_r_ _s w_t_r _n th_ M__n. Th_y s__d th_ M__n m_y h_ld w_t_r _n m_r_ pl_c_s _nd _n l_rg_r _m__nts th_n th_y pr_v___sly th__ght. Th_ sc__nt_sts _r_ fr_m N_S_ _n th_ _S_. B_s_d _n _ d_t__l_d _n_lys_s _f tw_ s_p_r_t_ st_d__s, th_y c_nf_rm_d th_ pr_s_nc_ _f w_t_r m_l_c_l_s _n th_ s_d_ _f th_ M__n w_ c_n s__. _c_ w_s th__ght t_ _x_st _n th_ d_rk s_d_ _f th_ M__n, wh_ch _s p_rm_n_ntly bl_ck_d fr_m s_nl_ght. H_w_v_r, N_S_ s__d _t f__nd w_t_r _n th_ s_nl_t p_rts _f th_ l_n_r s_rf_c_. Th_ sp_c_ _g_ncy s_ys _t _d_nt_f__d _ th_rd _f _ l_tr_ _f w_t_r _n _n_ _r__. Th_s w_s n_t _n__gh t_ f_rm _c_ _s th_ m_l_c_l_s w_r_ tr_pp_d _n _ c_b_c m_tr_ _f r_ck.

    N_S_'s d_sc_v_ry c__ld p_v_ th_ w_y f_r m_r_ sp_c_ _xpl_r_t__n. _t c__ld b_ _ g_m_-ch_ng_r _n th_ q__st t_ _xpl_r_ th_ h__v_ns. _t c__ld _cc_l_r_t_ th_ b__ld_ng _f p_rm_n_nt b_s_s _n th_ M__n _s _t _p_ns _p th_ p_ss_b_l_ty _f th_r_ b__ng _ s_st__n_bl_ s__rc_ _f dr_nk_ng w_t_r. Th_s c__ld b_ t_rn_d _nt_ r_ck_t f__l _n_ d_y. _ N_S_ sp_k_sp_rs_n _xpl__n_d th_ s_gn_f_c_nc_ _f th_ d_sc_v_ry. H_ s__d: "W_t_r _s _xtr_m_ly cr_t_c_l f_r d__p sp_c_ _xpl_r_t__n. _t's _ r_s__rc_ _f d_r_ct v_l__ f_r __r _str_n__ts. _ny t_m_ w_ d_n't n__d t_ p_ck w_t_r f_r __r tr_p, w_ h_v_ _n _pp_rt_n_ty t_ t_k_ _th_r _s_f_l _t_ms w_th _s." Th_t m__ns _str_n__ts c__ld tr_nsp_rt m_t_r__ls t_ b_ _s_d t_ c_rry __t b_gg_r sc__nt_f_c _xp_r_m_nts.

    Punctuate the text and add capitals

    scientists have announced the breathtaking news that there is water on the moon they said the moon may hold water in more places and in larger amounts than they previously thought the scientists are from nasa in the usa based on a detailed analysis of two separate studies they confirmed the presence of water molecules on the side of the moon we can see ice was thought to exist on the dark side of the moon which is permanently blocked from sunlight however nasa said it found water on the sunlit parts of the lunar surface the space agency says it identified a third of a litre of water in one area this was not enough to form ice as the molecules were trapped in a cubic metre of rock

    nasas discovery could pave the way for more space exploration it could be a gamechanger in the quest to explore the heavens it could accelerate the building of permanent bases on the moon as it opens up the possibility of there being a sustainable source of drinking water this could be turned into rocket fuel one day a nasa spokesperson explained the significance of the discovery he said water is extremely critical for deep space exploration its a resource of direct value for our astronauts any time we dont need to pack water for our trip we have an opportunity to take other useful items with us that means astronauts could transport materials to be used to carry out bigger scientific experiments

    Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

    Scientistshaveannouncedthebreathtakingnewsthatthereiswateront
    heMoon.TheysaidtheMoonmayholdwaterinmoreplacesandinlargera
    mountsthantheypreviouslythought.ThescientistsarefromNASAinth
    eUSA.Basedonadetailedanalysisoftwoseparatestudies,theyconfirm
    edthepresenceofwatermoleculesonthesideoftheMoonwecansee.Ice
    wasthoughttoexistonthedarksideoftheMoon,whichispermanentlybl
    ockedfromsunlight.However,NASAsaiditfoundwateronthesunlitpart
    softhelunarsurface.Thespaceagencysaysitidentifiedathirdofalitreof
    waterinonearea.Thiswasnotenoughtoformiceasthemoleculesweretr
    appedinacubicmetreofrock.NASA'sdiscoverycouldpavethewayform
    orespaceexploration.Itcouldbeagame-changerinthequesttoexplor
    etheheavens.Itcouldacceleratethebuildingofpermanentbasesonthe
    Moonasitopensupthepossibilityoftherebeingasustainablesourceofdr
    inkingwater.Thiscouldbeturnedintorocketfueloneday.ANASAspokes
    personexplainedthesignificanceofthediscovery.Hesaid:"Waterisext
    remelycriticalfordeepspaceexploration.It'saresourceofdirectvaluefo
    rourastronauts.Anytimewedon'tneedtopackwaterforourtrip,wehav
    eanopportunitytotakeotherusefulitemswithus."Thatmeansastronau
    tscouldtransportmaterialstobeusedtocarryoutbiggerscientificexperi
    ments.

    Free writing

    Write about water on the Moon for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

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    Academic writing

    It would be great to live on the Moon one day. Discuss.

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    Homework

    1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google's search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.
    2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about this news story. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.
    3. THE MOON: Make a poster about the Moon. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
    4. MOON LIFE: Write a magazine article about setting up habitable areas the Moon. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against this.
    Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).
    5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.
    6. LETTER: Write a letter to an expert on the Moon. Ask him/her three questions about it. Give him/her three of your ideas on what we could do every day if we lived on the Moon. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

    A Few Additional Activities for Students

    Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

    Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

    Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

    Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

    Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

    Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

    Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

    Also...

    Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

    • News
    • Warm ups
    • Pre-reading / Post-reading
    • Using headlines
    • Working with words
    • While-reading / While-listening
    • Moving from text to speech
    • Post-reading / Post-listening
    • Discussions
    • Using opinions
    • Plans
    • Language
    • Using lists
    • Using quotes
    • Task-based activities
    • Role plays
    • Using the central characters in the article
    • Using themes from the news
    • Homework

    Buy my book

    $US 9.99

    Answers

    (Please look at page 26 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

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