Reading: Space Exploration Is It Worth It
Space exploration is it worth it is a B2 reading text on a contemporary policy debate. The text weighs the benefits of space exploration (scientific discovery, technological spin-offs, inspiration, future-resource access) against the costs (budgets, environmental footprint, opportunity cost vs Earth-based problems) and considers specific cases (Mars missions, the International Space Station, private space companies, James Webb Telescope). Learners read for benefit-cost analysis, case-recognition, and balanced judgment.
This worksheet builds B2 reading comprehension through a science-policy debate text.
Worksheet preview
What’s inside:
- A B2 reading text (~600 words) on space exploration’s value
- Pre-reading vocabulary box with space and science-policy terms
- Comprehension items: benefit-cost identification, case-recognition, judgment-recognition
- Vocabulary-in-context: space-and-science vocabulary
- Writing follow-up: write your own balanced opinion on space exploration spending
- Full Answer Key plus Teacher Notes
Common challenges: Science-policy reading at B2 combines technical vocabulary (orbit, payload, probe, rover, observatory) with policy vocabulary (budget, allocation, opportunity cost, return on investment). Distinguishing scientific value from economic value. Hedged language for projections: could lead to, may eventually enable, has the potential to.
For: Adult and teenage learners (14+) at CEFR B2, in upper-intermediate classes, 1:1 lessons, or self-study. Maps onto Cambridge B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) Reading. Part of the Stories, History & Biographies collection — the natural next step is Malala Yousafzai, which returns to the more accessible biographical-reading entry.
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