LIFE ON MARS?
Read LIFE ON MARS? and check the IELTS Reading answers. When scientists began observing Mars with their first primitive telescopes, they assumed from the start that the planet was peopled. The 18th-century astronomer William Herschel, noting the seasons and atmosphere of Mars, declared that 'its in…
Passage preview
When scientists began observing Mars with their first primitive telescopes, they assumed from the start that the planet was peopled. The 18th-century astronomer William Herschel, noting the seasons and atmosphere of Mars, declared that 'its inhabitants enjoy a situation similar to our own'. A century later, astronomers asserted that they could detect canals running across the Martian landscape. These canals, argued US scientist Percival Lowell, had been built by technologically advanced Martians to transport water from the poles to the equator of their drying world. 'Martian folk are possessed of inventions of which we have not dreamed,' he argued.
Vocabulary from this passage
7 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- arid adjective
Having little or no rain; too dry or barren to support vegetation
The Martian surface is a vast, arid desert with no liquid water.
- estuary noun
The tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream
Probes found evidence of ancient estuaries where rivers once met Martian seas.
- extremophile noun
A microorganism that lives in conditions of extreme temperature, acidity, or pressure
Studying extremophiles helps researchers understand how life might survive on Mars.
- grotesque adjective
Comically or repulsively ugly or distorted in a shocking way
The film depicted the aliens as grotesque creatures with multiple limbs.
- pitiless adjective
Showing no pity; cruel, harsh, or relentless
The novel describes a pitiless invasion that left the city in ruins.
- sodden adjective
Saturated with liquid, especially water; soaked through
Billions of years ago, rain likely swept across the sodden Martian terrain.
- unequivocal adjective
Leaving no doubt; unambiguous and clear in meaning or intent
The scientist provided unequivocal evidence that the temperature was rising.
Answers with explanations
- 27. D
Paragraph D identifies a specific rock, the **meteorite** ALH84001, which was found on Earth (Antarctic) but **originated** on Mars. The text explains that the rock was 'blasted into space' from Mars before landing on our planet, clearly linking the location of discovery with its extraterrestrial source.
- 28. G
Paragraph G describes 'current projects' that involve a specific **plan** to conduct **experiments** on Martian soil and rock. The goal is to **analyze** the material for carbon 13, which would serve as evidence of biological life, matching the requirement for a plan of analysis.
- 29. E
Paragraph E explicitly compares Earth and Mars, explaining the **reason** for their current divergence. It states that the loss of Mars's **magnetic field** caused its water and gases to escape, whereas Earth’s field provided **protection**, leading to the distinct environments we see today.
- 30. F
Paragraph F mentions an **observation** by the Mars Odyssey probe, which identified large quantities of **ice** mixed with soil. The text infers that 'where there is ice, there is likely to be **liquid water**' underneath, suggesting the current presence of water on the planet.
- 31. A
Paragraph A introduces Percival Lowell, who **claimed** that 'canals' on Mars were artificial structures. He believed these were **built** (construction) by an advanced civilization to move water, providing a clear example of a claim regarding Martian infrastructure.
- 32. H
Paragraph H discusses the scientific implications of finding DNA. It posits that the presence of this molecule would suggest that terrestrial and Martian life **spring from the same source**, indicating a **possibility** of **shared origins** for biological entities on both planets.
- 33. B
The correct option is that the **Martian environment** resembled Earth. Herschel noted 'seasons and atmosphere' and concluded the situation was **similar to our own**. Options regarding physical appearance or primitive nature are not supported by his quote. The dry climate mention is attributed to later views, not Herschel specifically.
- 34. C
The text states the public perception of Martians changed due to H.G. Wells's **masterpiece**, which is a **work of literature**. While media and science are mentioned elsewhere, the specific shift toward seeing Martians as 'grotesque, threatening aliens' is linked directly to this fictional book.
- 35. D
In the 1960s, the Mariner probes provided data that **disproven** the **earlier beliefs** that Mars was covered in vegetation. Instead, the images showed 'arid deserts,' which shattered the previous scientific expectations of a lush, peopled world. This directly confirms the refutation of prior theories.
- 36. A
The study of **extremophiles** (Earth bacteria in extreme conditions) supports the idea that **organisms** can **survive** in the 'harshness' of Mars. While it mentions Earth's volcanoes, it does so to illustrate Earthly survival, primarily to suggest that similar life could exist in the hostile Martian environment.
- 37. YES
The answer is YES. Lowell specifically describes Martians as **technologically advanced** and possessed of **inventions** beyond human imagination. His claim that they built massive canal systems confirms he believed their technology surpassed that of humans at the time.
- 38. NO
The answer is NO. The statement suggests the findings remain **unchallenged**, but the text explicitly states that **others argue** against Friedmann's biological interpretation, suggesting the crystals could be the result of 'simple chemical processes.' This represents a clear challenge to the initial conclusion.
- 39. YES
The answer is YES. The text provides **evidence** of **significant climate change** by contrasting the current 'hostile and arid' state with a past that was 'once lush and welcoming,' evidenced by 'dried-up riverbeds' and 'old estuaries' where water once flowed.
- 40. NOT GIVEN
The answer is NOT GIVEN. While a **Spanish scientist** (Mercader) is mentioned and he discusses the impact of finding DNA, the text does not state that Spanish scientists specifically **plan to launch** probes as a result. It only mentions a general 'renewed purpose' for manned flights.