IELTS® General Reading Practice 9

The answer is iv. Section A introduces the topics of speed, aliens, and the future, setting the context by discussing the speed of light, the possibility of alien life, and introducing Michael Graham's interest in these topics. Specifically, it mentions, “understanding this speed is crucial when exploring potential life outside of planet Earth” and introduces the theme of how the speed of light might relate to alien civilization and Earth's future. Thus, the most suitable heading is “Understanding Speed, Aliens, and the Future.”

Associated Text:
Have you ever watched an animal documentary showcasing a cheetah catching its prey at 75 miles per hour? If so, you may have thought that it seemed impossible for a living creature to run that fast! Now, imagine that cheetah running at 186,000 miles per second—the speed of light. Of course, that would be an impossible feat, but understanding this speed is crucial when exploring potential life outside of planet Earth. Of course, the speed of light has been a highly-discussed topic around the world. However, for most of his career, physicist Michael Graham has been interested in how this speed correlates with alien life. As such, Graham is currently delving into possible explanations and theories regarding the subject. Could the speed of light one day be used against the civilization on Earth? Graham seeks these answers and more in his most recent study.

The answer is ii. Section B focuses on Michael Graham's background, early interest in science, and the influence from his father, along with his early physics project at age 15. This section traces his educational and career beginnings and how these experiences laid the foundation for his later scientific pursuits. Therefore, “Influences and Early Career” best summarizes the content of this section.

Associated Text:
Due to his curiosity in studying potential alien life in outer space, Graham began studying physics from a young age. Since his father, Bernard Stolton, was a professor of chemistry and life sciences at the University of Oxford, Michael had known that he wanted to study science from a young age. At the age of 15, Graham created a hypothetical spaceship model that provided a basic, introductory example as to what space travel could look like. Although the model was quite rudimentary, colleagues of Bernard Stolton were impressed by the high caliber of detail made by such a young student. Now, almost 40 years into his teaching career, Graham is using the ideas included in this project to speculate how extraterrestrial civilisations could potentially use space travel to make contact with Earth.

The answer is vi. Section C addresses how Graham supports the idea of extraterrestrial life, discusses debates about this within the scientific community, and covers Graham’s stance that we must prepare for potential contact. This maps onto “Preparing for Contact with the Unknown,” as Graham posits the need for readiness to establish contact with extraterrestrial beings, which is the section’s main point.

Associated Text:
Of course, Graham’s studies support the somewhat controversial idea that extraterrestrial beings exist. Despite the ongoing debate in the scientific community surrounding this topic, Graham is determined that scientists must, at the very least, be open to the mere idea of potential future interactions. In fact, his research on the issue has led him to believe that extraterrestrial beings will most likely want to make contact with Earthly civilisations within the next century. Based on his lifelong studies, he posits that not only does life beyond Earth exist, but insists that we must be prepared to establish contact first. Thus, he created a hypothetical spaceship that contains an almost perfect engine, which would be able to efficiently convert its fuel into energy in hardly any time at all. Most scientists, however, are more concerned with the price tag (and other potential economic costs) that would come along with such a venture.

The answer is ix. Section D primarily focuses on the financial aspects and monetary costs Graham analyzed for rapid interstellar space travel, highlighting the extraordinary expense and the unlikelihood of obtaining funding, even though Graham hopes for support. Therefore, “Funding and Monetary Concerns” is the most appropriate heading for this section.

Associated Text:
Of course, with any large venture involving space travel, financial information is necessary when seeking out support. In order to create something literally “out of this world”, Graham had drawn up a cost analysis regarding the financial aspects related to rapid interstellar space travel prior to announcing his idea. His findings suggest that a journey to the nearest star and back to planet Earth would be the equivalent to the monetary costs associated with several hundred thousand years’ worth of electrical energy consumption in the United States. Although financing this cost is currently impossible, Graham hopes to receive support from other astronomers, scientists, and colleagues. Given the recent backlash regarding the plan, however, the prospects of this seem quite rare.

The answer is i. Section E describes how initial enthusiasm for Graham’s plan disappeared after the high costs were revealed, leading to criticism, disbelief, and hesitation from his peers. It mentions astronomers’ arguments and their reluctance to invest in the project. Thus, “Criticisms and Disbelief From Peers” is the correct heading for this section.

Associated Text:
Graham’s plan initially received a great deal of interest from scientists and astronomers alike. However, once the cost analysis was presented at the “Annual Meeting of Scientists”, held in Geneva, Switzerland in 2018, many strayed from the idea and actively dismissed any future prospects of the plan. One reason for this is that the majority cannot justify the cost along with the uncertainty of the existence of UFOs, let alone extraterrestrial civilizations. Those who are against this idea argue that available funding should first be given to projects that are deemed as “absolutely necessary” for space travel, such as revamping existing spacecrafts with energy-efficient remodels and updates. Rightly so, the long-distance travel, working energy, and hefty expenses involved would mean that most astronomers cannot agree with the need to currently invest in such a project. Arguing against the undertaking, most astronomers state that “UFO sightings” are purely natural phenomena, ranging from bright meteors to man-made devices, such as private planes.

The answer is x. Section F discusses Graham’s resolve to continue his search for a perfectly efficient spaceship despite lacking support from colleagues, covering his unwavering pursuit of his project. This neatly matches “Future Plans Despite Criticisms.”

Associated Text:
Despite these negative opinions from the majority in the scientific community, Graham has always argued otherwise, stating that various UFO reports have never been discredited. Rather, experts in the field have never been able to explain the exact reasoning behind the various reports that have been established. Although some sightings may indeed be hoaxes, others are completely unexplainable and even falsely understood as IFOs (identified flying objects) or NFOs (not-at-all flying objects). Even though Graham does not look forward to receiving support from his colleagues any time soon, he will continue on with the search for creating a perfectly efficient spaceship. In the end, who can truly say whether or not extraterrestrial civilisations exist? Perhaps answering this question will involve traveling into the unknown--traveling out of this world.