Question
Antarctica. The name alone conjures a vision of a pristine, icy wilderness
surrounded by silence. For much of human history, this was a fairly accurate portrait of
Antarctica. Now, however, in addition to native inhabitants such as penguins and seals,
scientists from all over the world make their home in the Antarctic. These scientists
conduct research on a range of subjects, including ecosystems, weather patterns, and
the effects of pollution. And surprisingly, increasing numbers of tourists are visiting
Antarctica to mountain climb, camp, or ski. Who governs these activities when so many
nations have a presence on the continent?
Governed by Treaty
2 By the 1940s, seven countries had laid claim to territory in Antarctica. Some of
those territories overlapped, and some countries would not recognize the claims made
by other nations. There was no agreement about who held authority. By the mid-1950s,
however, scientists were eager to use Antarctica as a base for international research.
The research teams who participated in the massive 67-nation scientific project known
as the International Geophysical Year demonstrated how the icy continent could be
shared. Beginning in 1957, they worked together to establish coastal bases and inland
stations in Antarctica. From these bases, they made valuable discoveries about the
atmosphere, oceanography, and many other topics. Their success inspired 12 countries,
including Argentina, Chile, Great Britain, France, and the United States, to create the
Antarctic Treaty in 1959. This was the first document outlining how each nation would
use the continent. The treaty went into effect in 1961.
3 Even though the Antarctic Treaty was negotiated by a dozen countries with differing
interests, the resulting document was simple. It stated that the continent could not be
used for military purposes. The main purpose for being on Antarctica would be to
conduct scientific research. The treaty also stipulated that countries had to provide
advance notice of any Antarctic expeditions. In addition, the signers agreed to meet
periodically to discuss the goals of the treaty. At the time, no one could foresee some of
the changes that would occur over the next 60 years.
Addressing New Issues
4 Since 1959, more countries have joined the agreement, and its objectives have
been expanded. While the initial document focused on research and keeping the peace,
later documents covered the protection of marine life in and around Antarctica.
5 In 1991 another agreement reinforced the original intent of the treaty while adding
that activities such as mining, drilling, and exploration of minerals would be banned
indefinitely. Combined, these additional documents now make up the Antarctic Treaty,
and 54 nations have signed the agreement. But new concerns need to be addressed,
including the increased presence of humans in this once untouched wilderness.
6 In the years since the Antarctic Treaty was signed, activities on the continent have
changed. Science and exploration are still the main pursuits, but advances in
technology have made traveling to the southern continent easier than it once was.
Because of this, tourism in Antarctica has gained in popularity. In the 2018–2019
season, more than 56,000 tourists visited Antarctica.
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division
2024 4
English II
Constructed-Response Scoring Guide
7 At first, most tourism involved sailing along the coast or flying over the land. Cruise
ships sail to Antarctica frequently from November through March. However, tour
operators now offer outings on or near the land, including kayaking, mountain climbing,
and skiing. Some nations hope to profit from expanding such land-based tourism.
Scientists and regulators are evaluating the impact such permanent facilities as visitor
centers, museums, and hotels would have on the environment.
8 In 1991 tour operators formed the International Association of Antarctica Tour
Operators to support responsible travel, but according to Claire Christian of the
Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, “There aren’t a lot of hard rules governing
tourism. It’s mostly voluntary.” The Antarctic Treaty System is now faced with many
questions about how best to regulate tourism.
The Future of Antarctica
9 Tourism is currently managed by the tour operators from various countries who
shepherd the tourists to and from the continent. However, the Antarctic Treaty system
will be monitoring the effects of tourism. Some areas of concern include the potential
introduction of invasive species and damage to the environment caused by ships
dumping waste in the ocean. Scientists also worry that visitors may disturb penguins,
elephant seals, and other native species. Lastly, tourists who become ill or injured have
little access to medical facilities on this remote continent. The parties to the Antarctic
Treaty have begun discussing how to manage tourism, but reaching an agreement will
take time.
10 Whatever Antarctica’s future holds, there will never be another place on Earth quite
like this continent. Nowhere else on the planet have nations agreed to work together to
maintain peace, support scientific research, and protect the environment. While the
presence of humans on the continent is cause for concern, the Antarctic Treaty affirms
that humans are also working together to protect the continent. That sense of purpose
and collaboration is something to celebrate.
Read the article "Antarctica: Governing the Icy Continent." Based on the information in the article, write a response to the following:
Explain what makes the situation in Antarctica unusual.
Write a well-organized informational composition that uses specific evidence from the article to support your answer.
Create a thesis statement(4square) find evidence to support your thesis and explain your evidence(4square)
Thesis:
Body1:
Body2:
Conclusion:
surrounded by silence. For much of human history, this was a fairly accurate portrait of
Antarctica. Now, however, in addition to native inhabitants such as penguins and seals,
scientists from all over the world make their home in the Antarctic. These scientists
conduct research on a range of subjects, including ecosystems, weather patterns, and
the effects of pollution. And surprisingly, increasing numbers of tourists are visiting
Antarctica to mountain climb, camp, or ski. Who governs these activities when so many
nations have a presence on the continent?
Governed by Treaty
2 By the 1940s, seven countries had laid claim to territory in Antarctica. Some of
those territories overlapped, and some countries would not recognize the claims made
by other nations. There was no agreement about who held authority. By the mid-1950s,
however, scientists were eager to use Antarctica as a base for international research.
The research teams who participated in the massive 67-nation scientific project known
as the International Geophysical Year demonstrated how the icy continent could be
shared. Beginning in 1957, they worked together to establish coastal bases and inland
stations in Antarctica. From these bases, they made valuable discoveries about the
atmosphere, oceanography, and many other topics. Their success inspired 12 countries,
including Argentina, Chile, Great Britain, France, and the United States, to create the
Antarctic Treaty in 1959. This was the first document outlining how each nation would
use the continent. The treaty went into effect in 1961.
3 Even though the Antarctic Treaty was negotiated by a dozen countries with differing
interests, the resulting document was simple. It stated that the continent could not be
used for military purposes. The main purpose for being on Antarctica would be to
conduct scientific research. The treaty also stipulated that countries had to provide
advance notice of any Antarctic expeditions. In addition, the signers agreed to meet
periodically to discuss the goals of the treaty. At the time, no one could foresee some of
the changes that would occur over the next 60 years.
Addressing New Issues
4 Since 1959, more countries have joined the agreement, and its objectives have
been expanded. While the initial document focused on research and keeping the peace,
later documents covered the protection of marine life in and around Antarctica.
5 In 1991 another agreement reinforced the original intent of the treaty while adding
that activities such as mining, drilling, and exploration of minerals would be banned
indefinitely. Combined, these additional documents now make up the Antarctic Treaty,
and 54 nations have signed the agreement. But new concerns need to be addressed,
including the increased presence of humans in this once untouched wilderness.
6 In the years since the Antarctic Treaty was signed, activities on the continent have
changed. Science and exploration are still the main pursuits, but advances in
technology have made traveling to the southern continent easier than it once was.
Because of this, tourism in Antarctica has gained in popularity. In the 2018–2019
season, more than 56,000 tourists visited Antarctica.
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division
2024 4
English II
Constructed-Response Scoring Guide
7 At first, most tourism involved sailing along the coast or flying over the land. Cruise
ships sail to Antarctica frequently from November through March. However, tour
operators now offer outings on or near the land, including kayaking, mountain climbing,
and skiing. Some nations hope to profit from expanding such land-based tourism.
Scientists and regulators are evaluating the impact such permanent facilities as visitor
centers, museums, and hotels would have on the environment.
8 In 1991 tour operators formed the International Association of Antarctica Tour
Operators to support responsible travel, but according to Claire Christian of the
Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, “There aren’t a lot of hard rules governing
tourism. It’s mostly voluntary.” The Antarctic Treaty System is now faced with many
questions about how best to regulate tourism.
The Future of Antarctica
9 Tourism is currently managed by the tour operators from various countries who
shepherd the tourists to and from the continent. However, the Antarctic Treaty system
will be monitoring the effects of tourism. Some areas of concern include the potential
introduction of invasive species and damage to the environment caused by ships
dumping waste in the ocean. Scientists also worry that visitors may disturb penguins,
elephant seals, and other native species. Lastly, tourists who become ill or injured have
little access to medical facilities on this remote continent. The parties to the Antarctic
Treaty have begun discussing how to manage tourism, but reaching an agreement will
take time.
10 Whatever Antarctica’s future holds, there will never be another place on Earth quite
like this continent. Nowhere else on the planet have nations agreed to work together to
maintain peace, support scientific research, and protect the environment. While the
presence of humans on the continent is cause for concern, the Antarctic Treaty affirms
that humans are also working together to protect the continent. That sense of purpose
and collaboration is something to celebrate.
Read the article "Antarctica: Governing the Icy Continent." Based on the information in the article, write a response to the following:
Explain what makes the situation in Antarctica unusual.
Write a well-organized informational composition that uses specific evidence from the article to support your answer.
Create a thesis statement(4square) find evidence to support your thesis and explain your evidence(4square)
Thesis:
Body1:
Body2:
Conclusion:
Answers
GPT-4o mini
**Thesis:** The situation in Antarctica is unusual due to the cooperative governance established by the Antarctic Treaty, the continent's unique environmental protections, and the increasing pressures from tourism and scientific exploration that require ongoing international collaboration.
**Body 1:**
One of the most striking aspects of Antarctica's situation is the framework of international governance established by the Antarctic Treaty. Unlike other regions of the world, where territorial disputes often lead to conflicts, the Antarctic Treaty was created in 1959 by 12 countries, including the United States, Argentina, and Great Britain. The treaty explicitly prohibits military activity and emphasizes scientific research as the primary purpose for nations' presence on the continent. This unique arrangement allows for peaceful collaboration among nations, which has continued to expand as more countries joined the treaty, leading to 54 signatories as of now. The cooperative spirit is evident in the way various nations work together to conduct scientific research, sharing valuable discoveries about ecosystems and climate patterns.
**Body 2:**
In addition to cooperative governance, the Antarctic Treaty system incorporates significant environmental protections that are rare on a global scale. The treaty initially focused on research and maintaining peace, but it has evolved to include comprehensive measures against activities like mining and drilling, banned indefinitely since 1991. These protections highlight a commitment to preserving the pristine environment of Antarctica, which is unlike the exploitation often seen in other regions rich in natural resources. Increasing concerns about tourism, which has surged to over 56,000 visitors in the 2018–2019 season, underscore the need for regulations to safeguard the unique ecosystem. The emphasis on protecting Antarctic marine life and preventing human-induced damage further illustrates the unusual nature of governance in this region, as outlined by the treaty and its subsequent agreements.
**Conclusion:**
In summary, Antarctica's situation is unusual because of its unique governance structure that promotes international cooperation, its stringent environmental protections that prioritize preservation over exploitation, and the contemporary challenges posed by growing tourism and scientific activities. These factors reinforce the notion that Antarctica is not merely a remote wilderness but a shared global responsibility, exemplifying how nations can work together to address both collaborative research and environmental stewardship. The Antarctic Treaty stands as a significant achievement in international relations, illustrating the possibility of collective action in maintaining peace and protecting our planet's last great wilderness.
**Body 1:**
One of the most striking aspects of Antarctica's situation is the framework of international governance established by the Antarctic Treaty. Unlike other regions of the world, where territorial disputes often lead to conflicts, the Antarctic Treaty was created in 1959 by 12 countries, including the United States, Argentina, and Great Britain. The treaty explicitly prohibits military activity and emphasizes scientific research as the primary purpose for nations' presence on the continent. This unique arrangement allows for peaceful collaboration among nations, which has continued to expand as more countries joined the treaty, leading to 54 signatories as of now. The cooperative spirit is evident in the way various nations work together to conduct scientific research, sharing valuable discoveries about ecosystems and climate patterns.
**Body 2:**
In addition to cooperative governance, the Antarctic Treaty system incorporates significant environmental protections that are rare on a global scale. The treaty initially focused on research and maintaining peace, but it has evolved to include comprehensive measures against activities like mining and drilling, banned indefinitely since 1991. These protections highlight a commitment to preserving the pristine environment of Antarctica, which is unlike the exploitation often seen in other regions rich in natural resources. Increasing concerns about tourism, which has surged to over 56,000 visitors in the 2018–2019 season, underscore the need for regulations to safeguard the unique ecosystem. The emphasis on protecting Antarctic marine life and preventing human-induced damage further illustrates the unusual nature of governance in this region, as outlined by the treaty and its subsequent agreements.
**Conclusion:**
In summary, Antarctica's situation is unusual because of its unique governance structure that promotes international cooperation, its stringent environmental protections that prioritize preservation over exploitation, and the contemporary challenges posed by growing tourism and scientific activities. These factors reinforce the notion that Antarctica is not merely a remote wilderness but a shared global responsibility, exemplifying how nations can work together to address both collaborative research and environmental stewardship. The Antarctic Treaty stands as a significant achievement in international relations, illustrating the possibility of collective action in maintaining peace and protecting our planet's last great wilderness.