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 …
May be, I am not sure.
If there is oil in Mars, Definitely human can solve all problems, there.
well, i think it's possible. sure, yet not, but maybe in the next 100 years..
Yeah I think that is possible in the future, probably in the next 100 years there will be people living on mars
I think may be , because of found the water on mars therefore the first source for life is available
No. It is not possible that people will live on Mars someday. One of the factor we need to live is air, and the air we breathe in is compose of nitrogen and oxygen. Mars has no air. Another thing is the temperature. Mars has a temperature like Antartica and our body is not suitable to live with it.
If travels to the space are possible nowdays, why can't be possible to live in Mars someday? Science and technology are powerfull tools at the service of humanity, so if some day Earth become uninhabitable, maybe planets like Mars, with similar characteristics to Earth will be a good option for humankind to live.
No, I don't think so.
We have tecnology to destroy the planet, but we are too far away to colonize another planet
yes obviously
as reaching the moon was an impossible thought in few years before
i think by the growth of technology it will be possible too one day
This is a great platform they have shared with anyone. We all know that English is tough but on the opposite is more fun and exciting! Awesome