Speaking practice: answer out loud for one minute
Is space exploration worth the cost?
1:00
12 conversation questions about science and space
- 1Is space exploration worth the cost?
- 2Should we try to live on other planets?
- 3Which scientific breakthrough would you most like to see?
- 4Should private companies lead space exploration?
- 5Do you think there is life on other planets?
- 6Should scientific research be guided by public opinion?
- 7Why do some people distrust science?
- 8Would you go to space if you had the chance?
- 9Should we spend more on solving problems on Earth first?
- 10How can science be made more accessible to the public?
- 11Which scientist do you most admire?
- 12What scientific discovery has changed your life the most?
Useful phrases
- Critics would say...
- In principle... but in practice...
- I'd love to see a breakthrough in...
- The potential benefits far outweigh...
- It's a question of priorities.
- Statistically speaking, ...
- That's still very much speculative.
- Not to mention...
Key vocabulary
- breakthrough
- an important discovery or development
- colonise
- send people to live in a new place
- funding
- money given for a specific purpose
- speculative
- based on guesses rather than facts
- outweigh
- be greater or more important than
- peer review
- experts checking research before it is published
Sample answer
Is space exploration worth the cost?
I think space exploration is worth the cost, though I understand why critics would say we should fix problems on Earth first. A lot of everyday technology, from weather satellites to medical imaging, came out of space research. In principle, I'd like to see more international cooperation rather than a race between private companies, but in practice competition does seem to speed things up.
Practise "Science and space" with a real partner
Questions are easier to remember once you've answered them out loud. Start a live 1-on-1 video call and use this topic to get the conversation going.
Practise this topic liveHow to practise this topic
- Answer each question in at least two or three sentences.
- Try to use two of the useful phrases and one new word in every answer.
- With a partner, ask a follow-up question like "Why?" or "Can you give an example?"
- Alone, record your one-minute answer and listen back for one thing to improve.