Modal verbs like must, might, and can’t are frequently used in IELTS Speaking and Writing when giving opinions, making assumptions, or discussing future possibilities. In this activity, you’ll practise these modals in the context of space exploration — a popular IELTS topic.
6. The Future of Space Travel
In recent years, space exploration has changed dramatically. Private companies like SpaceX have started launching missions, and some experts believe that people __________ (1) live on Mars within the next few decades. While that sounds exciting, many scientists argue it __________ (2) too dangerous or costly.
Tourism in space is already developing. You __________ (3) have seen videos of celebrities floating inside a spacecraft — these were real commercial trips. However, they are very expensive, so space tourism __________ (4) become common any time soon.
Although space travel is advancing quickly, it’s important to stay realistic. Not everyone will be able to go. It __________ (5) years before these technologies are affordable for the average person.
Check answers at the bottom of the page.
1.
(A) might
(B) must
(C) can’t
(D) has to
2.
(A) must be
(B) may be
(C) could be
(D) can’t be
3.
(A) might
(B) must
(C) could have
(D) should
4.
(A) must not
(B) won’t
(C) might not
(D) can’t
5.
(A) must take
(B) might take
(C) can’t take
(D) should take
Grammar Explanations
1. “might live”
– A future possibility; not certain, just possible.
2. “could be”
– “Could” shows a potential negative outcome without full certainty.
3. “could have seen”
– Modal perfect used to describe a past possibility or experience.
4. “might not become”
– Expresses a future possibility with uncertainty.
5. “might take”
– Predicts an uncertain but possible future length of time.
Correct Answers:
- (A) might
- (C) could be
- (C) could have
- (C) might not
- (B) might take
