10 sentences : Space exploration sounds like a good idea. It sounds romantic, exciting, and daring. What could be more inspiring than people moving through space at high speeds? What could be more wonderful than setting up a space colony? Well, several things. Alleviating hunger in America and fighting climate change. Space exploration costs billions of dollars. Salaries and equipment costs are high. It will cost more if we try to colonize a new planet. We could use this money for other important endeavors. Let’s skip the exploration of space and deal with our problems here on Earth.

Activity

Apply your understanding of transitions and word choice. Rewrite the paragraph to include three or more transitional words or phrases. Explain how each transition improves the clarity of the paragraph. Then identify a word that is used several times in the paragraph and explain its purpose and the effect its use will have on the reader.

1 answer

Sure! Here’s a revised version of the paragraph with transitional words added:


Space exploration sounds like a good idea; however, it also sounds romantic, exciting, and daring. What could be more inspiring than people moving through space at high speeds? On the other hand, what could be more wonderful than setting up a space colony? Nevertheless, several things could take precedence. For instance, alleviating hunger in America and fighting climate change are pressing issues. Moreover, space exploration costs billions of dollars, and salaries and equipment costs are high. In fact, it will cost even more if we try to colonize a new planet. Therefore, we could use this money for other important endeavors. Ultimately, let’s skip the exploration of space and tackle our problems here on Earth.


Explanation of Transitional Words:

  1. However: This transition indicates a contrast to the initial positive tone about space exploration. It prepares the reader for a shift in perspective, suggesting that there are significant alternatives to consider.

  2. On the other hand: This phrase further emphasizes the contrasting ideas of the wonder of space exploration and the importance of addressing issues on Earth.

  3. Nevertheless: It acknowledges that, despite the allure of space exploration, there are immediate concerns that require attention, reinforcing the argument against prioritizing space.

  4. For instance: This transition introduces specific examples (hunger and climate change) to support the argument, making it clearer and more concrete.

  5. Moreover: This word adds information about the costs associated with space exploration, underscoring why these endeavors may not be the best use of resources.

  6. Therefore: This transition logically connects the previous statements about costs to the conclusion that funds would be better spent on Earth’s issues.

  7. Ultimately: This word summarizes the main idea by suggesting a final conclusion to the discussion, reinforcing the call to action.

Word Usage:

The word "cost" is used several times throughout the paragraph. Its purpose is to emphasize the financial burden associated with space exploration. By repeating this word, the reader is constantly reminded of the economic implications of pursuing space endeavors rather than allocating those funds to pressing problems on Earth. This repetition serves to strengthen the argument against space exploration by providing a clear focus on the financial misallocation involved, ultimately making the argument more compelling and urgent for the reader.