Directions: In this part of the test, you will hear a passage and read the same passage with banks in it. Fill in each of the blanks with the word or words you have heard on the tape. Write your answer inthecorresponding space in your ANSWER BOOKLET. Remember you will hear the passage ONLY ONCE.

The development of the Space Shuttle has dramatically reduced the cost of sending loads into space. The Shuttle takes off from Earth (1), and lands again like a huge aircraft. It can transport not only its own (2), but also passengers, and has a huge (3) which is capable of carrying large satellites or a space (4).

Before the Space Shuttle was created, it was necessary to (5) trips into space several years (6). However, for the rest of the century it should be possible to make space flights (7) or so. Any scientist or engineer needing to travel into orbit will simply take the (8) Shuttle flight, stay as long as necessary, and then return at his or her (9)

It is difficult to imagine the (10) created by the Shuttle. One of the great advantages of having a (11) space vehicle is that it can take one load after another into orbit. Very large (12) could not be launched in their complete form directly from Earth, but they could be built (13) in space. The Space Shuttle is likely to be used as a general“workhorse” (14) of this century, and the building of such stations in orbit should become (15).

Once these huge orbiting space stations are completed, they are likely to become the (16) from which hundreds of robot space ships could be launched cheaply and easily to explore the (17) and to start mining operations on the Moon. The technology needed for this is already (18). And because of commercial and military pressures to develop space (19), it is likely that governments will be increasingly willing to start (20) of space engineering, exploration and research.

Part A: Spot Dictation

1. like a rocket 2. crew

3. cargo-hold 4. laboratory

5. plan 6. in advance

7. every week 8. next

9. convenience 10. immense opportunities

11. reusable 12. space station

13. piece by piece 14. for the rest

15. commonplace 16. platforms

17. solar system 18. developed and available

19. technology 20. extensive programmes