Question

Which of the following would be the best closing statement for a paper in favor of U.S. space exploration?
A.
"Exploration of the past reminds us of the great determination of our ancestors, whether they were Native Americans surviving on the plains, colonists fighting for freedom from Great Britain, or pioneers crossing over rugged mountains to settle in the West" (Smith 2006, 5).
B.
President George W. Bush comments, "Mankind is drawn to the heavens for the same reason we were once drawn into unknown lands and across the open sea. We choose to explore space because doing so improves our lives, and lifts our national spirit" (Bush, 2004).
C.
"Space advocates can come from both parties and might be bitterly divided over over the war in Iraq, . . . tax policy, and uncountable other things. However, on the subject of space exploration, there is no reason why Democrats and Republicans cannot be allies" (Brooks 2005).
D.
At the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics Space 2006 meeting, Ditmar Associates reported that Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 years, are "largely disinterested" in President Bush's Vision for Space Exploration announced in January of 2004 (2006).

Answer 1

B

Bush’s line is inspirational, directly supports the pro‑exploration thesis, and provides a strong, forward‑looking note to end on. Options C and A are less stirring (A risks awkward historical comparisons; C is more analytical), and D is negative.