Sally Ride: First American Woman in Space
A Biography
Space Pioneer Sally Ride
Dr. Sally Ride was the first US female astronaut to fly into space. She was also a physicist who worked to pass on her love of science to university students and schoolchildren.
Ride was born in California in 1951. As a young girl, she was fascinated by science, an interest that was always encouraged by her parents. She answered an ad by NASA and the following year enrolled in its astronaut training program. Five years later, she became the first American woman in space.
In 1987, Ride left NASA and became a physics professor at the University of California. Ride felt that girls were often discouraged from studying science and technology, and was determined to change this. In 2001, she founded her own company, Sally Ride Science, which creates innovative educational programs designed to encourage children, especially girls, to study these fields.
Sally Ride died in 2012. Her great courage and amazing achievements broke existing stereotypes and inspired an entire generation of young people. She was a powerful role model who showed that there is no limit to what people can do.
Useful Expressions
- Was born in
- Grew up in
- As a young boy
- At the age of
- Five years later
- The next year
- Died in
- Amazing achievements
- Role model
* When writing a biography, we use past tenses to describe the person’s achievements. If the person is still alive, we use present and future tenses to describe their current activities and plans.
Formal Letter
35 Clacton Road
Manchester
10th April 2005
Customer service
FutureWorld Electronics
12 High Street
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing in order to complain about a product which I purchased in your shop on 15th April this year.
On the recommendation of your sales assistant, I bought a Yuja XB video game console for 360 pounds. I was told that the console was a popular item with your customers. I had actually planned to buy a cheaper model, but I was led to believe that the Yuja had the latest cutting-edge features.
Unfortunately, this game console is faulty. It constantly crashes, it’s quite slow, and it doesn’t save my game progress. In addition, even if I charge it overnight, it has to be charged again after only one hour of use.
I would appreciate a full refund. In addition, I suggest that you inspect the other consoles in your shop so that customers won’t have the same experience that I had.
I look forward to your prompt reply,
Yours faithfully,
Kim Russell
* In a formal letter, we often use the passive because it is more impersonal than the active. Find examples in the model above.
Useful Expressions:
- Dear Sir or Madam,
- To whom it may concern,
- I am writing in order to complain about
- I would like to make a complaint about
- The problem began when ..
- I was told that
- I was led to believe that …
- You should / should have …
- I would like my money back.
- I would appreciate..
- I demand that you
- Please reply as soon as possible.
- I look forward to your reply.
- Yours faithfully.
- Yours sincerely,
- Best regards,
A Description of a Place
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is a small national park in Utah, in the southwestern United States. The park was declared a protected area in 1928. The great beauty of its unique geological features makes it an extremely popular tourist attraction.
In the canyon, thousands of delicate rock towers and castles rise up in incredible formations. Their mysterious shapes and brilliant colors provide breathtaking scenery. These spectacular geological structures, known as hoodoos, were formed by erosion of the rock.
There’s plenty to do at Bryce Canyon. Hiking trails, which descend into the canyon, are highly recommended because once inside, you are surrounded by the colorful hoodoos. It’s an amazing experience! There are also trails for overnight hiking. Other fabulous activities include horseback riding and, in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Despite its small size, Bryce Canyon is one of the United States’ most impressive national parks. A visit there is an unforgettable experience.
Useful Expressions
- It is located…
- It is known for…
- One of the most…
- Visitors can enjoy…
- There’s plenty to do at…
- Visitors should plan on seeing…
- You shouldn’t miss…
- You’ll never forget…
- … is a popular tourist attraction.
- A visit to …. is an unforgettable experience
- A visit there is highly recommended.
* When describing a place, we generally use the Present Simple because we are stating general facts. When describing the history of a place, we use the Past Simple.