Space Exploration 2009

Question 1

Consider the Prompt

Answer 1

read the following sources carefully. then, in an essay that synthesizes at least three of the sources, develop a position about what issues should be considered most important in making decisions about space exploration

Question 2

understand the prompt

Answer 2

the words “what issues should be considered” tell you to identify the factors of the issue. make sure you consider the introduction and then give yourself a few minutes to brainstorm before reading the sources

Question 3

before reading the sources

Answer 3

if we can generate ideas like it’s a fresh argument without the sources, we typically have better control of the sources when we bring them into our essays. start with defaults such as: economics, jobs, safety, etc.

Question 4

make the sources “stretch”

Answer 4

a simple image doesn’t really say anything, so you can choose what you want it to say. be creative

Question 5

a negative position

Answer 5

what a waste of resources! we spent all that money and all we got out of it was a space rock. that money could be much better spent here on earth

Question 6

a positive position

Answer 6

i see jobs! a steelworker got a job refining all that metal in the scaffolding. those little buildings are places where lots of people work. someone had to refine all the fuel that they use in the rocket. hundreds of people have work because of this project

Question 7

how could the meaning of the information in this source be “stretched” to emphasize the disadvantages of space exploration?

Answer 7

• NASA’s mission of “advanced robotic spacecraft missions” seems aimless and wasteful
• The image of the failed Martian satellite humorously explains the expensive problem that is space
• Space exploration is an expensive endeavor, marked by failing Martian rovers, instead of progress

Question 8

how could the meaning of the picture in this source be “stretched” to support the benefits of space exploration?

Answer 8

• Americans need strong leadership, like Kennedy, to envision a beneficial space exploration system
• Russian space exploration is an indication that all of humanity has a vested stake in space
• The amount of people and jobs involved in this process stimulate the economy
• Visionaries, such as Kennedy, must take strong leadership stances in order to make space meaningful
• This picture indicates human presence in space is long lasting, and it has wide implications

Question 9

how could the meaning of the pie graph in this source be “stretched” to support the benefits of space exploration?

Answer 9

• If we were to use defense spending to encompass space exploration, we could monitor from space
• If the space program would be even better if the $2.13 trillion could be allocated for it