S: Yang Liwei.

T: Good. He was launched into space in a spaceship called Shenzhou V. It was the most exciting event of that year. The success of Shenzhou V was important as it was the first step in China's manned space programme. In fact, not only China but also other countries are exploring space. Would you like to know about space exploration?

S: Yes.

T: Most of us are curious about space, which is the final frontier. Today let's read the passage "Space: The Final Frontier".

Step II Reading (page 26)

Ask the students to read the passage on page 26 and learn about space exploration.

Fast-reading

T: Now turn to page 24 and read the passage quickly to get the general idea of it. After you read it, match the following headings 1 - 5 on the screen with the paragraphs A - F.

Show the headings on the screen.

1 Recent Interest

2 Early Space Exploration

3 Introduction

4 Conclusion

5 Into Deep Space

6 China's Contribution

After the students read the passage, get one of them to read his or her answers and then check the answers together.

Suggested answers to Exercise 1 on page 26:

1 - C; 2 - B; 3 - A; 4 - F; 5 - D; 6 - E

Careful-reading

T: OK. You've got the general idea of the passages. Now I'll give you a few minutes to read the passage again carefully and get more information about it. After you read, please answer the following questions on the screen.