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
Rephrase your thesis, body paragraphs, and conclusion in 5th grade sentences
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
Rephrase your thesis, body paragraphs, and conclusion in 5th grade sentences
Answers
GPT-4o mini
**Thesis:** Antarctica is unique because it is governed by an international treaty that promotes peace and scientific research, and it is home to a growing number of tourists, which raises new concerns about the environment.
**Body 1:** One reason Antarctica is unusual is because of the Antarctic Treaty. This treaty was created in 1959 by 12 countries to ensure that Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes and scientific research. The treaty also prohibits military activity on the continent. Scientists from many nations work together to study the unique ecosystems and climate in Antarctica, which shows how countries can cooperate for the greater good.
**Body 2:** Another reason Antarctica is different is the rise of tourism in the region. More and more people are visiting Antarctica for activities like skiing and mountain climbing. In fact, during the 2018–2019 season, over 56,000 tourists came to see the continent. While tourism can help educate people about the importance of protecting Antarctica, it also brings challenges, such as the risk of harming wildlife and introducing invasive species, which is why the Antarctic Treaty System is now working on how to better manage tourism activities.
**Conclusion:** In summary, Antarctica is a special place because of its unique governance and the increasing presence of tourists. The Antarctic Treaty helps maintain peace and support scientific research, while the rise in tourism presents new challenges that need to be addressed. Both of these factors make Antarctica stand out in the world.
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**5th Grade Version:**
**Thesis:** Antarctica is special because it is run by an international agreement that helps keep peace and encourages research, and it is also seeing more tourists, which brings new problems for the environment.
**Body 1:** One reason Antarctica is different is because of the Antarctic Treaty. This treaty was made in 1959 by 12 countries to make sure that Antarctica is only used for peaceful activities and scientific studies. It also says there cannot be any military actions there. Scientists from all over the world come together to learn about the animals and weather in Antarctica, showing how countries can work together to do good things.
**Body 2:** Another reason Antarctica is unique is because more tourists are visiting the area. Many people now come to Antarctica to ski and climb mountains. During the 2018–2019 season, more than 56,000 tourists visited! Although tourism can help people learn why we should protect Antarctica, it can also cause problems like harming animals and bringing in new species that don't belong there. That is why the Antarctic Treaty System is trying to figure out how to manage these tourist activities better.
**Conclusion:** In conclusion, Antarctica is a one-of-a-kind place because it is governed in a special way and has many tourists visiting. The Antarctic Treaty helps keep peace and encourages research, while the growing number of tourists is creating new challenges. Both of these reasons make Antarctica stand out from other places on Earth.
**Body 1:** One reason Antarctica is unusual is because of the Antarctic Treaty. This treaty was created in 1959 by 12 countries to ensure that Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes and scientific research. The treaty also prohibits military activity on the continent. Scientists from many nations work together to study the unique ecosystems and climate in Antarctica, which shows how countries can cooperate for the greater good.
**Body 2:** Another reason Antarctica is different is the rise of tourism in the region. More and more people are visiting Antarctica for activities like skiing and mountain climbing. In fact, during the 2018–2019 season, over 56,000 tourists came to see the continent. While tourism can help educate people about the importance of protecting Antarctica, it also brings challenges, such as the risk of harming wildlife and introducing invasive species, which is why the Antarctic Treaty System is now working on how to better manage tourism activities.
**Conclusion:** In summary, Antarctica is a special place because of its unique governance and the increasing presence of tourists. The Antarctic Treaty helps maintain peace and support scientific research, while the rise in tourism presents new challenges that need to be addressed. Both of these factors make Antarctica stand out in the world.
---
**5th Grade Version:**
**Thesis:** Antarctica is special because it is run by an international agreement that helps keep peace and encourages research, and it is also seeing more tourists, which brings new problems for the environment.
**Body 1:** One reason Antarctica is different is because of the Antarctic Treaty. This treaty was made in 1959 by 12 countries to make sure that Antarctica is only used for peaceful activities and scientific studies. It also says there cannot be any military actions there. Scientists from all over the world come together to learn about the animals and weather in Antarctica, showing how countries can work together to do good things.
**Body 2:** Another reason Antarctica is unique is because more tourists are visiting the area. Many people now come to Antarctica to ski and climb mountains. During the 2018–2019 season, more than 56,000 tourists visited! Although tourism can help people learn why we should protect Antarctica, it can also cause problems like harming animals and bringing in new species that don't belong there. That is why the Antarctic Treaty System is trying to figure out how to manage these tourist activities better.
**Conclusion:** In conclusion, Antarctica is a one-of-a-kind place because it is governed in a special way and has many tourists visiting. The Antarctic Treaty helps keep peace and encourages research, while the growing number of tourists is creating new challenges. Both of these reasons make Antarctica stand out from other places on Earth.