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Reading passage

Exploring the Vastness of Space: The Search for Exoplanets

For centuries, the human imagination has been captivated by the idea of Earth-sized planets orbiting stars similar to our Sun, particularly those that might harbor life. This concept, once a mere figment of science fiction and fantasy, has gradually transformed into a core pursuit in the field of astronomy. The journey from skepticism to scientific acceptance and pursuit of these extraterrestrial worlds, known as exoplanets, offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of space exploration.

Alien worlds and extraterrestrial life have been a recurring theme, enchanting audiences through books, movies, and television shows. These creative endeavors often portrayed planets in distant solar systems as exotic and habitable locations, teeming with diverse life forms. However, for a long time, these portrayals remained purely speculative. It wasn’t until the latter part of the 20th century that the existence of planets outside our solar system transitioned from the realm of fiction to that of verified scientific fact.

The first significant breakthrough in the search for exoplanets came in 1995 with the discovery of 51 Pegasi b, an exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star. This discovery marked a pivotal moment in the field of astronomy, proving that planets like those depicted in science fiction could indeed exist. However, 51 Pegasi b was no Earth twin. It was a gas giant, similar in mass to Jupiter, but with an incredibly short orbital period, completing a year in just four days. This finding challenged pre-existing notions about planetary systems and opened up new avenues for exploration and discovery.

Leading the charge in this new era of discovery is a cadre of astronomers and astrophysicists, among them Professor Sara Seager from MIT. These modern explorers are equipped with advanced telescopes and sophisticated computational tools, enabling them to map the night sky and identify exoplanets with increasing precision. The data accumulated thus far paints a diverse picture of the cosmos, with numerous stars accompanied by planets of various sizes and compositions.

One of the most intriguing discoveries in recent years is the exoplanet orbiting Proxima Centauri, the closest known star to the Sun. This planet, similar in mass to Earth, lies within the habitable zone of its star, where conditions might be suitable for liquid water and, by extension, life. Additionally, the TRAPPIST-1 system has captivated astronomers and the public alike. This system comprises seven Earth-mass planets, some of which might also reside in the habitable zone.

The quest to understand these distant worlds has been significantly bolstered by the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope in 2021. This telescope, with its advanced capabilities, is poised to revolutionize our understanding of exoplanets. Its ability to observe in the infrared spectrum allows for detailed study of exoplanet atmospheres, offering clues about their composition and potential habitability.

The search for exoplanets is more than a scientific endeavor; it is a reflection of humanity’s inherent desire to explore and understand the universe. As we map the distant reaches of space and uncover the mysteries of these foreign worlds, we not only enhance our understanding of the cosmos but also gain insight into the origins and uniqueness of our own planet. The discovery of exoplanets and the ongoing search for Earth-like worlds among them continues to inspire awe and wonder, reminding us of the vastness and richness of the universe we inhabit.

Question 1-5 

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?

In boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE      if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE   if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this

1. The concept of extraterrestrial life was initially explored in literature and cinema.
2. The first exoplanet discovered was identical to Earth in terms of its environment and composition.
3. Sara Seager is known for her contributions to the field of literature.
4. The James Webb Space Telescope was launched specifically to study the solar system.
5. Proxima Centauri is the closest star to the Sun and has an Earth-mass planet in its habitable zone.

Question 6-10

Answer the questions below. 

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer. 

6. In which year was the first exoplanet, 51 Pegasi b, discovered?

7. What is unique about the orbital period of 51 Pegasi b?

8. What is the professional field of Professor Sara Seager?

9. Name one system that has captivated astronomers due to its multiple Earth-mass planets.

10. What special feature does the James Webb Space Telescope possess that aids in studying exoplanets?

Question 11-15

Complete the summary below.

Complete the summary using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

The search for exoplanets has evolved from (11)_________ to scientific validation. The first known exoplanet, 51 Pegasi b, discovered in (12)_________, was unlike Earth and resembled a (13)_________. The (14)_________ system has been a focus due to its Earth-mass planets in the habitable zone. The (15)_________, launched in 2021, has greatly enhanced the study of exoplanets, particularly their atmospheres.

Answers

Sure, here are the answers to the IELTS-style questions based on the expanded passage:

True/False/Not Given

1. True. The concept of extraterrestrial life and alien worlds has been a theme in literature and cinema.
2. False. The first exoplanet discovered, 51 Pegasi b, was not similar to Earth in its environment; it was a gas giant with a very short orbital period.
3. False. Sara Seager is a professor of astrophysics, not a contributor to literature.
4. False. The James Webb Space Telescope was launched for broader astronomical purposes, including studying exoplanets, not just the solar system.
5. True. Proxima Centauri is the closest known star to the Sun and has an Earth-mass planet in its habitable zone.

Short Answer Questions

1. 1995. This was the year the first exoplanet, 51 Pegasi b, was discovered.
2. Four-day orbital period. 51 Pegasi b completes its orbit around its star in just four days.
3. Astrophysics. Professor Sara Seager is in the field of astrophysics.
4. TRAPPIST-1. This system is known for its multiple Earth-mass planets.
5. Infrared observation capability. The James Webb Space Telescope can observe in the infrared spectrum, which is crucial for studying exoplanet atmospheres.

Summary Completion

1. Science fiction. The search for exoplanets initially began in the realm of science fiction before becoming a scientific pursuit.
2. 1995. The year 51 Pegasi b was discovered.
3. Gas giant. 51 Pegasi b was a gas giant, not a rocky planet like Earth.
4. TRAPPIST-1. The system with multiple Earth-mass planets.
5. James Webb Space Telescope. This telescope, launched in 2021, has enhanced the study of exoplanets.

Giải nghĩa từ vựng

• Captivated (Verb – past participle)
  • Định nghĩa: Bị mê hoặc; bị thu hút mạnh mẽ hoặc lôi cuốn.
  • Example: The audience was captivated by the stunning performance.
• Orbiting (Verb – present participle)
  • Định nghĩa: Quay quanh; di chuyển trên quỹ đạo xung quanh một thiên thể.
  • Example: The satellite is orbiting the Earth.
• Figment (Noun)
  • Định nghĩa: Sản phẩm tưởng tượng; điều không có thực, chỉ tồn tại trong tưởng tượng.
  • Example: The fears she had were just a figment of her imagination.
• Skepticism (Noun)
  • Định nghĩa: Sự hoài nghi; thái độ nghi ngờ hoặc không tin tưởng dễ dàng.
  • Example: His claims were met with skepticism by the experts.
• Extraterrestrial (Adjective)
  • Định nghĩa: Ngoài trái đất; liên quan đến hoặc đến từ bên ngoài hành tinh Trái đất.
  • Example: Scientists are searching for extraterrestrial life.
• Glimpse (Noun)
  • Định nghĩa: Cái nhìn thoáng qua; nhìn nhanh một cách không rõ ràng hoặc không đầy đủ.
  • Example: She caught a glimpse of the rare bird before it flew away.
• Recurring Theme (Noun phrase)
  • Định nghĩa: Chủ đề lặp đi lặp lại; một ý tưởng hoặc chủ đề xuất hiện nhiều lần trong một tác phẩm, bài nói, v.v.
  • Example: A recurring theme in his novels is the conflict between technology and nature.
• Enchanting (Adjective)
  • Định nghĩa: Quyến rũ, hấp dẫn; rất đẹp hoặc hấp dẫn đến nỗi giống như bị mê hoặc.
  • Example: The enchanting landscape of the valley took our breath away.
• Endeavors (Noun – plural)
  • Định nghĩa: Nỗ lực; các hoạt động hoặc nỗ lực nghiêm túc để đạt được một mục tiêu.
  • Example: All his endeavors were focused on completing the project on time.
• Speculative (Adjective)
  • Định nghĩa: Dự đoán; dựa trên suy đoán hoặc ước lượng thay vì sự thật chắc chắn.
  • Example: The investment was speculative and carried a high level of risk.
• Transitioned (Verb – past tense)
  • Định nghĩa: Chuyển đổi; thay đổi từ một trạng thái hoặc tình huống sang trạng thái hoặc tình huống khác.
  • Example: The company smoothly transitioned to remote working.
• Breakthrough (Noun)
  • Định nghĩa: Đột phá; một tiến bộ đáng kể hoặc phát hiện quan trọng.
  • Example: The new research led to a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.
• Pivotal (Adjective)
  • Định nghĩa: Trung tâm, quan trọng; cực kỳ quan trọng hoặc cần thiết.
  • Example: The invention of the wheel was a pivotal moment in human history.
• Notions (Noun – plural)
  • Định nghĩa: Ý tưởng; các quan điểm, ý kiến, hoặc tin tưởng.
  • Example: He challenged traditional notions about education.
• Planetary Systems (Noun phrase)
  • Định nghĩa: Hệ thống hành tinh; một nhóm các thiên thể, bao gồm một hoặc nhiều hành tinh quay quanh một ngôi sao.
  • Example: Astronomers are constantly discovering new planetary systems.
• Cadre of (Phrase)
  • Định nghĩa: Nhóm cốt cán; một nhóm người có kỹ năng hoặc chuyên môn trong một lĩnh vực cụ thể.
  • Example: A cadre of experienced engineers led the project.
• Sophisticated Computational Tools (Noun phrase)
  • Định nghĩa: Công cụ tính toán phức tạp; các chương trình máy tính hoặc hệ thống công nghệ cao được sử dụng trong việc phân tích hoặc xử lý dữ liệu.
  • Example: Researchers used sophisticated computational tools to analyze the data.
• Diverse (Adjective)
  • Định nghĩa: Đa dạng; bao gồm nhiều loại khác nhau hoặc đa dạng về ý tưởng, văn hóa, hoặc đặc điểm.
  • Example: The conference featured a diverse range of topics.
• Numerous (Adjective)
  • Định nghĩa: Nhiều; có một lượng lớn hoặc nhiều phần tử.
  • Example: Numerous studies have been conducted on the subject.
• Intriguing (Adjective)
  • Định nghĩa: Hấp dẫn; gây hứng thú hoặc tò mò.
  • Example: The mystery novel was incredibly intriguing.
• Habitable (Adjective)
  • Định nghĩa: Có thể sống được; phù hợp hoặc an toàn để sống hoặc cư trú.
  • Example: Scientists are searching for habitable planets beyond our solar system.
• Distant (Adjective)
  • Định nghĩa: Xa; ở một khoảng cách lớn về không gian hoặc thời gian.
  • Example: The star was in a distant part of the galaxy.
• Bolstered (Verb – past participle)
  • Định nghĩa: Củng cố; làm mạnh mẽ, hỗ trợ, hoặc cải thiện.
  • Example: The new evidence bolstered their argument.
• Capabilities (Noun – plural)
  • Định nghĩa: Khả năng; các điều mà một người hoặc máy móc có thể thực hiện.
  • Example: The software’s capabilities include advanced data analysis.
• Inherent (Adjective)
  • Định nghĩa: Bản chất; là một phần tự nhiên và không thể tách rời.
  • Example: There are inherent risks in any form of investment.
• Origins (Noun – plural)
  • Định nghĩa: Nguồn gốc; điểm bắt đầu hoặc xuất xứ của điều gì đó.
  • Example: The study focused on the origins of the universe.
• Uniqueness (Noun)
  • Định nghĩa: Tính độc đáo; tính chất duy nhất hoặc không giống ai.
  • Example: The uniqueness of each cultural tradition is worth celebrating.