Do the preparation task first. Then listen to the audio and do the exercises.
Preparation
Transcript
Teacher: So you've got a few minutes to discuss with your partner.
Student 1: So, as far as I know, the main similarity between Mars and Earth is that they can both support human life.
Student 2: Yeah, but do we know that's actually true? I mean, Mars is much colder than Earth, isn't it? It says here it's about minus 55 degrees most of the time, whereas on Earth only places like Antarctica get that cold.
Student 1: True. Well then, I suppose you could say both planets are a similar distance from the Sun?
Student 2: No way! Mars is much further away! It says here it's about 228 million kilometres, while Earth is about 150 million.
Student 1: Yes, but in space that's not that far. Jupiter is, like, almost 780 million kilometres. That's why we use astronomical units when we talk about distances in space. Earth is 1 astronomical unit from the Sun and Mars is 1.3. The difference doesn't sound so big when you look at it that way.
Student 2: I see what you mean. Jupiter is 5.2 astronomical units so I guess you're right. What other similarities are there between the two planets?
Student 1: Let's see … not the colour, obviously!
Student 2: Yeah! Earth is called the blue planet and Mars is called the red planet for pretty obvious reasons!
Student 1: Their sizes are pretty different. Mars is about half the size of Earth.
Student 2: What about this? It looks like the days on both planets are almost the same length. Earth's day is 24 hours but Mars's is about half an hour longer.
Student 1: You're right. OK, any other things they both share?
Student 2: I suppose you could say they have water in common.
Student 1: Could you? How?
Student 2: Well, Earth is 70 per cent water and Mars probably had huge oceans in the past. It's just that most of the water there now is probably frozen.
Student 1: Ah, I see. I don't think we can say the air is the same, though. Most of Earth's air is nitrogen and oxygen, but Mars …?
Student 2: Mars doesn't really have air, not compared with Earth. It's got about one per cent as much air as Earth.
Student 1: Right, and it's mostly carbon dioxide.
Student 2: Gravity is another difference. I didn't know this, but Mars has higher gravity than the Moon. But it's much less than on Earth, of course.
Student 1: Oh, yes. It says Mars has about 38 per cent of Earth's gravity.
Teacher: OK, let's see what you've found …
I think so, there's alot of commons between mars and earth , but the only big issue is the air.I guess there will be a solution . I hope it will be soon , everyone wants to try to go a vacation to a new world.
I don't think Mars can be a habitable planet at any time, I think it doesn't have the conditions for us to live on it, life would not be the same as the one we have here on earth.
No, it is unlikely that people will live on Mars one day. The extremely cold temperatures and lack of oxygen make the environment hostile to human life. Even with advanced technology, creating Earth-like conditions would be a constant challenge and very costly.
Hello, my name is Aditya Prapanca a student at Tanjupura University.
"Do you think people will live on Mars?"
From my perspective, we might live on Mars one day, but there are big challenges to overcome. While Mars and Earth have some similarities, like similar day lengths and past water presence, Mars is much colder, has a thin atmosphere mostly made of carbon dioxide, and only about 38% of Earth’s gravity. These conditions make it hard for humans to survive without advanced technology and special habitats. Although frozen water could help, creating a livable environment would require much work.
Hello, my name is Muhammad Bintang Raafi Mulyawan, I am 18 years old and a student at Tanjungpura University.
In my view, it is impossible for humans to have life other than on planet Earth, especially on Mars, because of the various factors that affect life on Earth and Mars are very different. For example, on Earth we have a lot of oxygen and suitable weather or climate while on Mars, it is very cold and has minimal oxygen, next in terms of food Earth has natural wealth and abundant water for humans to survive, but in contrast to Mars which does not have it all.
That's all my thoughts on this topic, thank you.
Hello, my name is Afis Afridho. I come from Indonesia and study at Tanjungpura University.
Do you think humans will live on Mars?
In my opinion, Mars is not suitable for humans to live on right now because there are significant differences between Mars and Earth. However, it's not impossible; humans could develop sophisticated technology. This process would take quite a long time. The idea of living on Mars might not just be a fantasy. Perhaps there are already researchers working on the technology needed for human habitation on Mars.
Hello my name is Muhammad Najib, im from Indonesia and also im a student at Tanjungpura University.
about the conversation, we can compares Earth and Mars well, noting similarities like day length and past water on Mars, but highlights key differences such as temperature, atmosphere, and gravity. The claim that Mars can support human life is inaccurate due to its harsh conditions. Overall, it's a solid discussion with minor misconceptions.
Hello, Let me introduce myself, my name is Philip's Wijaya,I am 18 years old, And I am from Indonesia. I would like to join the discussion
Do you think people will live on Mars one day?
I think there's no one will live on Mars one day because The planet's atmosphere is unbreathable, radiation exposure is a big risk, gravity is much weaker than on Earth, and basic resources like water and food would need to be produced using Martian materials, unlike the earth. These challenges will require advanced technology, and overcoming them will take time, but the idea is no longer just science fiction. It's becoming a long-term goal for humanity.
That's all from me, Thank you ^^
I think not, because Mars doesn’t have air and humans need air for breathing. Mars is colder than Earth, it has -55 degrees. That’s why Earth is the best place for human life.