Sequence 4 

: Reading and writing Read the text and do the tasks that follow

Space exploration is the investigation of the universe beyond the Earth’s Sequence 4 : Reading and writing Read the text and do the tasks that follow
atmosphere by means of named or unnamed spacecraft. Despite the technological
Space exploration is the investigation of the universe beyond the Earth’s
advancements achieved in the past, space exploration was only possible until the 20th
atmosphere by means of named or unnamed spacecraft. Despite the technological
century. The first successful orbit launch was made by the Soviet Union in 1957 which
advancements achieved in the past, space exploration was only possible until the 20th
was called “Sputnik”. When the topic “SPACE EXPLORATION” is put on the table, a
century. The first successful orbit launch was made by the Soviet Union in 1957 which
question is often been asked; “why should we spend money on NASA where there are
was called “Sputnik”. When the topic “SPACE EXPLORATION” is put on the table, a
so many problems here on Earth?” However, this might be partially wrong since
question is often been asked; “why should we spend money on NASA where there are
exploring the unknown may help us progress. (§1) The advantages of space
so many problems here on Earth?” However, this might be partially wrong since
exploration include the materials that can be obtained from outer space. For instance,
exploring the unknown may help us progress. (§1) The advantages of space
asteroids have iron and nickel which could be utilized to satisfy demand for metal.
exploration include the materials that can be obtained from outer space. For instance,
Therefore, numerous commercial companies have invested in developing technology
asteroids have iron and nickel which could be utilized to satisfy demand for metal.
for asteroid mining. Several comets and asteroids carry solid water in them. This water
Therefore, numerous commercial companies have invested in developing technology
can be used for astronauts and scientists in space stations. The water can also be
for asteroid mining. Several comets and asteroids carry solid water in them. This water
broken down to hydrogen which can be used as fuel for the rockets. (§2) Scientists
can be used for astronauts and scientists in space stations. The water can also be
also believe that dinosaurs disappeared because they couldn’t go to another planet.
broken down to hydrogen which can be used as fuel for the rockets. (§2) Scientists
Sooner or later a killer comet will again cross Earth’s path, threatening all life.
also believe that dinosaurs disappeared because they couldn’t go to another planet.
Fortunately, because we have knowledge about comets and space science, we will be
Sooner or later a killer comet will again cross Earth’s path, threatening all life.
able to survive. (§3)
Fortunately, because we have knowledge about comets and space science, we will be
Task 1: Copy the correct answer. The text is: able to survive. (§3)

a. Expository b. Argumentative c. Narrative Task 1: Copy the correct answer. The text is:

Task 2: Are the following statements true or false? b. Expository b. Argumentative c. Narrative

a. Space exploration is meant to investigate outer space. ………………………… Task 2: Are the following statements true or false?

b. The first pioneers of space exploration were the Russian. ………………………… a. Space exploration is meant to investigate outer space. …………………………

c. Asteroids are only composed of iron. ………………………… b. The first pioneers of space exploration were the Russian. …………………………

d. Scientists assume that no other comets would crush our planet. ………………………… c. Asteroids are only composed of iron. …………………………
Task 3: Answer the following questions according to the text:
d. Scientists assume that no other comets would crush our planet. …………………………
A. Is the writer for or against space exploration? Justify your answer Task 3: Answer the following questions according to the text:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
A. Is the writer for or against space exploration? Justify your answer
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

B. How did he defend his point of view?

C. Why is space science vital for humanity according to the author? Explain by analogy
C. Why is space science vital for humanity according to the author? Explain by analogy with the fate of dinosaurs.
with the fate of dinosaurs. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Task 1: Have a look at the coping and discuss the following features of the text:
Task 1: Have a look at the coping and discuss the following features of the text:
Coping  : Argumentative texts defend implicitly or explicitly ideas, or points of view.
Coping  : Argumentative texts defend implicitly or explicitly ideas, or points of view. They have two functions: a polemical function (dismissing someone else’s point of
They have two functions: a polemical function (dismissing someone else’s point of view) and a persuasive function (changing someone else’s point of view).
view) and a persuasive function (changing someone else’s point of view). Argumentative texts resort to three categories of reasoning : 1. Deductive reasoning
Argumentative texts resort to three categories of reasoning : 1. Deductive reasoning ( drawing conclusions each time you say something) 2. Concessive reasoning (making
( drawing conclusions each time you say something) 2. Concessive reasoning (making concessions to other people’s arguments, the better to criticize them) 3. Reasoning by
concessions to other people’s arguments, the better to criticize them) 3. Reasoning by analogy (making your arguments more concrete by comparing situations).
analogy (making your arguments more concrete by comparing situations).
A. Function: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
A. Function: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
B. Category of reasoning ………………………………………………………………………………………..
B. Category of reasoning ……………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Task 2: Read the sentences below and put their number under the appropriate
Task 2: Read the sentences below and put their number under the appropriate heading Argument for space exploration Arguments against space exploration
heading Argument for space exploration Arguments against space exploration
1. We may encounter unknown risks that may harm our planet.
1. We may encounter unknown risks that may harm our planet.
2. We may find new sources of energy
2. We may find new sources of energy
3. It answers scientific questions
3. It answers scientific questions
4. It seeks to satisfy philosophical questions: why are we here? Where are we going?
4. It seeks to satisfy philosophical questions: why are we here? Where are we going?
5. It is senseless to spend billions exploring space when we know so little about this
5. It is senseless to spend billions exploring space when we know so little about this world.
world.
6. The space program creates jobs.
6. The space program creates jobs.
7. Humanity makes progress by exploring the unknown
7. Humanity makes progress by exploring the unknown
8. The money should be spent on more urgent things, like providing clean water and
8. The money should be spent on more urgent things, like providing clean water and medicine for the poorer
medicine for the poorer
9. We may destroy our planet with all these experiments.
10. We can discover water and life in outer space in order to help us to survive.