Record 95% complete. Audio supplement available. Listen to complete this file.
Before You Listen — Key Words
Word
Meaning
initiative
The ability to decide and act without being told to
structural
Relating to the way something is built or held together
resilience
The ability to recover quickly after something difficult
assess
To look at a situation carefully to understand it
protocol
An official set of rules for how to do something
terrain
The physical features of an area of land
Match the Words
Match each word to its example from the mission. Tap a word on the left, then tap the matching example on the right.
initiative
structural
resilience
assess
protocol
terrain
“He fell hard, got up faster.”
“Step one: seal the section. Step two: report.”
“He had already started before anyone asked.”
“He moved through the lower deck like he knew every surface.”
“The frame was holding, but only just.”
“He stood at the junction and read the whole corridor before moving.”
Complete the File
Listen to the computer audio record. Choose the correct word from the word bank to complete each gap in the file transcript.
initiative
structural
resilience
Section 6
terrain
protocol
Crew File Supplement — Whitfield, Cole — Audio Record 003
Cole Whitfield is fifteen years old. He was selected for the PROXIMA-7 mission on the basis of exceptional physical capability and spatial awareness. Assessment records indicate that Cole consistently takes [1] before receiving instruction — acting on observation rather than direction.
His role aboard PROXIMA-7 is physical systems trainee. His assigned area covers [2] maintenance and emergency response. He is noted for his ability to read and move through unfamiliar [3] rapidly and without error.
Language Note — Used To
The virtual world Cole grew up in was designed to feel real. We can describe past habits or states that are no longer true using used to:
He used to think the forest was real.
They used to fall asleep under open skies.
Used to always refers to the past — it tells us something happened regularly, or was true for a period, but is no longer the case now. It cannot be used for the present.
He used to run every morning. (past habit — no longer happening)
Think about it: what is something you used to do that you don’t do now? Write one sentence.
Physical assessment data show high scores for strength, endurance, and [4] under sustained physical stress. Cole has been observed departing from standard [5] when he judges independent action to be faster. This tendency is noted without negative assessment.
His parents, Dr Sarah Whitfield and Dr James Whitfield, are mission specialists assigned to [6]. Their area of expertise is life support systems and environmental management.
End of supplement.
Comprehension
01What is Cole’s assigned area on PROXIMA-7?
ANavigation and communications
BPower systems and lower deck access
CStructural maintenance and emergency response
DLife support and environmental management
02How does Cole typically behave before receiving instructions?
AHe waits and observes carefully
BHe asks the computer for a protocol
CHe takes initiative and acts on observation
DHe consults the other crew members first
03What does the file say about Cole departing from standard protocol?
AIt is listed as a significant problem
BIt is noted without negative assessment
CIt has caused errors in the past
DIt is not mentioned in the file
04What is the specialism of Cole’s parents?
AHibernation system engineering
BStructural and physical systems
CNavigation and mission planning
DLife support and environmental management
05Which three qualities does the physical assessment data highlight?
APrecision, patience, and communication
BStrength, endurance, and resilience
CSpeed, accuracy, and instinct
DResilience, navigation, and spatial awareness
Think About It
These questions are for you to think about or discuss. There are no right or wrong answers.
The file says Cole sometimes departs from standard protocol when he judges independent action to be faster. Do you think this is a strength or a weakness? Can it be both?
Cole’s parents manage the life support systems — the systems that keep everyone on the ship alive. How do you think Cole feels about that, knowing his parents are in hibernation?
The virtual world Cole grew up in was modelled on real environments — forests, open spaces, physical terrain. How do you think leaving that world behind affected who he became?
Learn more about the Proxima-7 mission series: Between Two Suns
