News by Levels · Level 3 · For teachers

Teacher guide & answers

In this lesson: Distinguish a confirmed milestone from a mission target.

ESCAPADE Completes a Step on Its Mars Journey

How to use these two pages

Give learners the student worksheet. It contains the story and questions, without the answers. Keep this guide for yourself. Use it to lead the activity and explain the answers afterwards.

Student worksheet

A simple 15–20-minute lesson

Before reading · 2 minutes
Show the title. Ask: “What do you think this story is about?”
Read and answer · 8–10 minutes
Give out the student worksheet. Learners read for the main idea, then reread to answer the 2 questions. They can compare answers with a partner.
Discuss and write · 5–8 minutes
Check the answers below together. Ask learners to point to the clue in the story, then finish with the open question.

Adjust the support: Let learners use word help or Level 1 if needed. For a challenge, compare the wording in another level. This activity is not a proficiency test.

Answers to the 2 questions

The question numbers match the student worksheet. Each answer includes a reason and the clue learners can find in the story.

What is confirmed in the update?
Correct answer: C — Both powered Earth flybys were completed
Why: The opening paragraph confirms the completed manoeuvres.
Clue in the story: NASA’s November 9 update confirms that both ESCAPADE spacecraft completed powered Earth flybys, combining gravitational assistance with sustained engine burns.
What is the status of September 2027?
Correct answer: B — A target for arrival
Why: The final paragraph explicitly calls it a target.
Clue in the story: The manoeuvres place the twin spacecraft on a trajectory toward Mars, with arrival targeted for September 2027. That date remains a mission target rather than a completed event.

The open question: accept different answers

Ask learners: Write a careful update that distinguishes progress and planned arrival.

One possible answer: Both ESCAPADE spacecraft completed powered Earth flybys, using gravity and engine burns. They are heading toward Mars, with arrival targeted for September 2027 rather than already achieved.

This is an example, not the only correct answer. Look for a relevant idea, a reason and the learner’s own words. Learners can answer aloud or write one or two sentences.

Grammar to discuss

A qualified plan

with arrival targeted for

Targeted for specifies the planned time without guaranteeing the future event.