Divide the text into logical parts. Think of the subtitle to each part. Highlight the key words of each part.

Define the main idea of paragraph D. Find the supporting details that help to develop the main idea.

In the text find the main function of the life support system.

Expand the following statements.

1. The orbit of the ISS provides excellent Earth observation.

2. The international partners will contribute some key elements of the ISS.

3. The ISS will be made of a set of communicating pressurized modules.

4. Engineers got knowledge and experience through Shuttle-Mir.

Work in pairs. Take turns answering the questions.

1. How many countries take part in designing and constructing of the ISS?

2. What are the key elements of the ISS?

3. What provides electrical power for the ISS?

4. What are the functions of the life support system?

5. What was the predecessor of the ISS? What experience did it result in?

Make up a summary of the text.

Vocabulary focus

Find the English equivalents to the words in brackets.

1. Electrical power to six (современный) laboratories is provided by an acre of (панели солнечных батарей).

2. A 55-foot-long (манипулятор) will be used for (сборка) and (техобслуживание) tasks on the ISS.

3. The ISS will be made of a set of (герметический) modules connected to a (ферма), on which four large pairs of (фотоэлектрический) modules are attached.

4. Engineers got valuable (опыт) in international space operation, ground control and (продолжительный космический полёт).

Give the definitions of the following words and expressions, compare them with your partners and choose the best ones.

State-of-the-art; truss; solar array; robotic arm; logistics transport vehicle; research module.

A) Find in the text the synonyms for the following words.

Means, difficult (A), booster, supply (C), cooperate (D), recycle (F).

B) Make up your own sentences with these words.

Fill in the gaps with the words from the box.

1. The pressurized modules and the _____ will be perpendicular.

2. The ISS life support system controls _________, oxygen level, water and _____.

3. The station will be in an orbit at an altitude of 250 statute miles with an ______ of 51.6 degrees.

4. A science power platform of ______ can supply about 20 kilowatt of electrical power.

5. Currently the ISS consists of four main ________.

Speaking

Imagine that you have to prepare a report for the student scientific conference. You should outline some aspects and their advantages:

- ISS performances;

- international cooperation;

- modular design of the ISS.

You may need some more information. Conduct an investigation to find it.

UNIT 9