Instructions
Do the preparation task first. Then listen to the audio and do the exercises.
Transcript
Teacher: So you've got a few minutes to discuss with your partner.
Student 1: So, as far as I know, the main similarity between Mars and Earth is that they can both support human life.
Student 2: Yeah, but do we know that's actually true? I mean, Mars is much colder than Earth, isn't it? It says here it's about minus 55 degrees most of the time, whereas on Earth only places like Antarctica get that cold.
Student 1: True. Well then, I suppose you could say both planets are a similar distance from the Sun?
Student 2: No way! Mars is much further away! It says here it's about 228 million kilometres, while Earth is about 150 million.
Student 1: Yes, but in space that's not that far. Jupiter is, like, almost 780 million kilometres. That's why we use astronomical units when we talk about distances in space. Earth is 1 astronomical unit from the Sun and Mars is 1.3. The difference doesn't sound so big when you look at it that way.
Student 2: I see what you mean. Jupiter is 5.2 astronomical units so I guess you're right. What other similarities are there between the two planets?
Student 1: Let's see … not the colour, obviously!
Student 2: Yeah! Earth is called the blue planet and Mars is called the red planet for pretty obvious reasons!
Student 1: Their sizes are pretty different. Mars is about half the size of Earth.
Student 2: What about this? It looks like the days on both planets are almost the same length. Earth's day is 24 hours but Mars's is about half an hour longer.
Student 1: You're right. OK, any other things they both share?
Student 2: I suppose you could say they have water in common.
Student 1: Could you? How?
Student 2: Well, Earth is 70 per cent water and Mars probably had huge oceans in the past. It's just that most of the water there now is probably frozen.
Student 1: Ah, I see. I don't think we can say the air is the same, though. Most of Earth's air is nitrogen and oxygen, but Mars …?
Student 2: Mars doesn't really have air, not compared with Earth. It's got about one per cent as much air as Earth.
Student 1: Right, and it's mostly carbon dioxide.
Student 2: Gravity is another difference. I didn't know this, but Mars has higher gravity than the Moon. But it's much less than on Earth, of course.
Student 1: Oh, yes. It says Mars has about 38 per cent of Earth's gravity.
Teacher: OK, let's see what you've found …
I think what is reason people choose live on Mars ? There is not dioxide ,though there is water frozen.what is Mars can support hunman life?
I think human never can live on Mars, the climate is very cold furthermore there is no Oxogen that need to survive.
I think in future we will can go to Mars just to spend a trip not to be there whole our life.
No, I don't think that :'D
I think people will not live on Mars even if It's one day only because there is no oyxgen which people needs in order survive. Though it has a water but it is colder than the earth so the water is freezing and people can't use it.
Although Mars there is oxygen and other facilities can be possible to according the new technology in the future
I think it would be wonderful one day, but if it were I, I would look for a planet with water and others similarities that permits the existence of life than a planet with no life.
the livining things needs water, sun, air, to live
and those things aren't available on Mars. so, No I don't think so .
I'm torn on this question and have mixed feelings. While the reasons given in the audio make it seem impossible to live on Mars, I can't deny the incredible advancements in technology and science. Personally, I don't believe it's possible, but anything is possible with the rapid progress being made.
I think that in the future human can make Mars into a good place to live.