Helpppppp pleaseee

following these instructions, you will find two
passages in which the authors put forth differing
perspectives on an issue of importance. Read both
passages carefully, noting the strengths and
weaknesses of each discussion. Then, you will
type an essay in which you explain your own
opinion on the issue.
The following articles about funding the space
program were written by students for a
college newspaper.



The Real Value of Space Exploration
1 Since humans first walked Earth, we have gazed at the stars, wondering what lies
beyond. Exploring the mysterious depths of the universe was not even possible until the
twentieth century. But thanks modern technology, NASA
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has put Americans on the moon.
12 Today, NASA is working toward the goal of sending people to Mars. While federal funding
for NASA has been reduced, some government leaders would like to remove funding altogether.
Although space exploration is expensive, the monetary cost is a small amount compared to the
present and future scientific knowledge that would be lost if NASA ceased to function.
13 Opponents of NASA argue that we should use NASA's budget money to improve life on
Earth instead. Interestingly, NASA's discoveries have actually had a powerful impact on this
goal. For example, NASA research has improved artificial limbs and medical devices. NASA
scientists have also improved video technology, firefighting gear, and solar energy. It is because
of space satellites that humans can communicate instantly with people anywhere in the world. We
can better clean up pollution and purify water because of a filtration system that was created for
space travel. All of these developments occurred as a direct result of NASA's research and
exploration of outer space.
14 Consider NASA's innovations that currently benefit our lives. In the end, space exploration
may be the very endeavor that ensures the future of the human race. In 1962, John F. Kennedy,
in a speech that instructed scientists to put a man on the moon before the end of the decade, said,
"Well, space is there, and we're going to climb it, and the moon and the planets are there, and
new hopes for knowledge and peace are there." Perhaps the question should not be, "Should we
stop funding NASA?" but instead, "How much more can we provide?"


Down To Earth Priorities
1 Everyone loves the idea of outer space. It's exciting to think about exploring what a
famous television series called "the final frontier." However, there is a vast difference
between a television show and reality. The well-being of American citizens is being
neglected as money that should be helping them is going to NASA. It's time that the
United States got "down to earth" in its thinking and stopped funding space exploration.
12 If the economy were growing rapidly, then perhaps we could afford to fund the space
program. NASA's early successes in space did make citizens proud to be Americans, but these
events happened long ago. In the present day, it is more important to provide for education,
health care, and other programs that benefit people in a practical way.