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LanguageCert Practice Reading: Part 3: Multi-Text Attribution ID: #60206 Medium Space Travel and Museum Exhibitions
Instructions ›
Read the four texts below about Space travel.
A We live in a world where, on the same day, international news outlets can carry stories about poverty, climate change and issues with healthcare next to a feature about the latest rocket on its way to deep space. For years, it frustrated me that resources were directed towards going to the Moon or orbiting distant planets instead of fixing issues of our own. Yet gradually, it has dawned on me that, despite this apparent contradiction, space travel can offer long-term solutions to Earth’s challenges. Technologies developed for such missions, like advanced materials and water-purification systems, have already brought benefits to life on Earth. Satellites monitor climate patterns and help us respond to natural disasters. Moreover, the exploration of space inspires innovation and global collaboration, pushing humanity towards progress in all areas. It now seems to me that space exploration isn’t an expensive distraction, but an investment in the future. It broadens our understanding of the universe and may even provide alternatives if Earth’s resources are depleted.
B City Science Museum is excited to announce its new exhibition, The Dawn of Space Travel, showcasing the incredible journey of humanity’s first steps beyond Earth. Running from 5th October to 15th December, this exhibition will feature rare artefacts, including replicas of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, and the Apollo 11 lunar module which landed on the Moon. Visitors can also explore interactive displays on the space race between the USA and the USSR, a detailed timeline of historic launches, and personal items used by astronauts. Don’t miss the life-sized model of the Vostok spacecraft, which carried Yuri Gagarin on his historic flight. Guided tours are available every Saturday, and there will be guest speakers, including former NASA engineers, to provide insights into this thrilling era of exploration. Book your tickets now online to experience the pioneering moments that shaped modern space travel – and save 20% on prices at the door!
C Ancient civilisations held diverse views about space, often blending astronomy, which had some basis in scientific fact, with the mythology of each particular civilisation. The ancient Greeks, for example, believed the universe was geocentric, with the Earth at its centre. Given the difficulty of making accurate observations at the time, this mistaken view is completely understandable. Less so is the idea, coming from Pythagoras, that planets and stars created the ‘music of the spheres’ which, while inaudible to the human ear, reflected the mathematical order of the universe. Aristotle also made significant, if inaccurate, contributions, asserting that heavenly bodies moved in perfect circles. In contrast, early Indian astronomers such as Aryabhata, while much less regarded in many places than the ancient Greeks, proposed the true heliocentric model that the Sun is at the centre of our system, with the Earth orbiting it.
D From ancient land migrations to crossing oceans, it would appear that humans have always felt not only the need to survive but also the desire to go beyond the horizon. Early humans ventured into unknown lands seeking food, safety or better climates, but those who have studied these movements believe that exploration also fulfilled a need to understand and then master the natural world. It seems that a basic curiosity pushes the species to ask questions and find answers which help to move societies forward. For many, exploring the unknown provides a sense of purpose and achievement, whilst also uniting communities around shared goals. In modern times, this instinct has shifted towards space. With much of Earth already mapped, space is the new frontier. It represents limitless possibilities and challenges humanity to think beyond current boundaries. Exploring space fulfils a need for discovery and offers hope for the future. In venturing beyond our planet, we continue a timeless journey to expand the understanding of existence.
Which text evaluates various theories related to space?
Which text gives the purpose of particular space vehicles?
Which text explains the reasons for a change of attitude towards space travel?
Which text suggests that one person’s contributions are relatively unappreciated?
Which text encourages the reader to attend an event?
Which text justifies space travel in terms of human psychology?
Which text details innovations resulting from space travel?
AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.

Question Focus: Asks which text weighs up different ideas or theories about space.

Why this is correct: Text C looks at several old theories about space and says which were wrong and which were right. Judging different ideas like this is what the question means by 'evaluates theories'.

Question Focus: Asks which text says what certain named spacecraft were used for.

Why this is correct: Text B names real spacecraft and says what each did - Sputnik the first satellite, the Apollo module that landed on the Moon, and Vostok that carried Gagarin. That is the purpose of particular vehicles.

Question Focus: Asks which text explains why someone changed their mind about space travel.

Why this is correct: Text A shows a clear change of mind. The writer used to be annoyed by space spending, then gives reasons for now supporting it. That is a change of attitude with reasons.

Question Focus: Asks which text says a person's work is not given enough credit.

Why this is correct: Text C says Aryabhata got the right answer - the Sun at the centre - yet is much less regarded than the Greeks. That is one person's work being under-appreciated.

Question Focus: Asks which text invites you to come to an event.

Why this is correct: Text B clearly invites you to visit. It gives the dates, offers guided tours, and even a ticket discount. That is encouraging you to attend an event.

Question Focus: Asks which text defends space travel by pointing to the way the human mind works.

Why this is correct: Text D says humans have a built-in curiosity and need to explore. It uses this feature of the human mind to justify space travel. That matches 'human psychology'.

Question Focus: Asks which text lists new inventions that came out of space missions.

Why this is correct: Text A names real innovations from space work - advanced materials, water-cleaning systems and climate satellites. These are inventions that came from space travel, just as the question asks.

General Tips:

  • Skim each text first to label its job: opinion, advert, history or argument.
  • An advert usually mentions dates, tickets or discounts - easy to spot.
  • The same name or word can appear in two texts; check which one answers the exact question.
  • For 'why' questions, look for a text that gives reasons, not just facts.

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