▶ Your Answer :
The lecturer argues that the problems of a
manned mission to Mars can be definitely overcome. According to the reading
passage, there are several issues of a manned Mars expedition such as dust,
psychological trouble, and economic burden. The listening challenges each point
made by the reading passage one by one.
First of all, the lecture claims that the
Martian dust problem can be controlled by sound technology. To be specific,
using a sound wave that has a high pitch elevates the dust covering Mars. Then the
dust particles are blown away to the air, which
makes no harmful effects to the machinery and
humans. This contradicts the reading passage's assertion that the dust on Mars is a serious threat to the spaceship
and the crews.
In addition, the lecture suggests that
psychological impact of astronauts is manageable. For instance, before taking a
trip of an extended period, they undergo hard training by learning techniques
to cope with the long journey. Moreover, there is a recording video therapy
which enables them to communicate with the
Earth. This counters the reading passage's argument that the astronauts are
exposed to psychiatric problems causing mental health crisis.
Last but not least, the lecture maintains that
the financial issue of a manned Mars trip can be prevented from happening. To
illustrate an example, in 1998, fifteen
countries collaborated for the Mars
mission and they made an international
partnership. Hence, the burden was considerably
relieved for each nation. Also, Mars mission is
worthwhile in that technological advances can be
accomplished by this. In conclusion, in the long term, it is an advantageous
investment. This opposes the reading passage's idea that the economic pressure
of a manned Mars expedition is severe.
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