Listen&Learn: Neil Armstrong

Learn about the first man to walk on the moon

Pre-listening vocabulary

• astronaut: a person who explores space
• engineer: a person who designs machines
• navy: the part of the military that fights at sea
• command: a position of authority or control over a mission
• private: away from the public

Listening activity

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:20 — 1.2MB)

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Gapfill exercise

Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut and engineer. He was born in 1930 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Armstrong began his as a pilot for the US Navy. He joined NASA’s astronaut training program in 1962, and became one of only nine in his class to succeed. His first command was on the Gemini 8 mission in 1966. In July 1969, he began the Apollo 11 mission with astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. He gained worldwide on July 20th for being the first person to walk on the moon. After the mission, Armstrong continued to work with NASA for two years. He left in 1971 to become an engineering . Despite his fame, Armstrong lived a very private life until his death in 2012.

Comprehension questions

See answers below

1. Neil Armstrong began his career as
   a. an astronaut
   b. a pilot
   c. a university professor
   
2. Gemini 8 was Armstrong’s
   a. first mission
   b. most famous mission
   c. last mission
   
3. Armstrong worked with NASA until
   a. 1966
   b. 1969
   c. 1971

Discussion/essay questions

1. While taking the first steps on the moon, Neil Armstrong said the famous quote “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” Do you know of any other famous quotes from history? What is a quote that has changed your perspective?

Transcript

Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut and engineer. He was born in 1930 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Armstrong began his career as a pilot for the US Navy. He joined NASA’s astronaut training program in 1962, and became one of only nine students in his class to succeed. His first command was on the Gemini 8 mission in 1966. In July 1969, he began the Apollo 11 mission with astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. He gained worldwide fame on July 20th for being the first person to walk on the moon. After the successful mission, Armstrong continued to work with NASA for two years. He left in 1971 to become an engineering professor. Despite his fame, Armstrong lived a very private life until his death in 2012.

Answers to comprehension questions

1b 2a 3c