Jan. 26 Opinion Essay, Benchmark, U6, W3, D2

Opinion Essay

How can I use my research to create an opinion essay?

Teacher's Writing Prompt

People argue that going to live on mars is a possibility in the future. Do you agree or disagree? Imagine that you have been asked to answer this question in an opinion essay. One of your guiding questions is: What challenges are involved in making a home on the planet Mars? Read and take notes from at least two sources to help you answer this question. List the sources of your information.

Here is my research I found yesterday...

(I will use this to determin my reasons for feeling that people could live on Mars some day!)

"If we successfully land on Mars, could we live there?" from Astronomy.com

• The atmosphere of Mars is mostly carbon dioxide, the surface of the planet is too cold to sustain human life, and the planet’s gravity is a mere 38% of Earth’s.

• Habitats "have to be self-sustaining, sealed against the thin atmosphere, and capable of supporting life for extended periods without support from Earth."

• it’s possible that habitable bases on Mars will require more square footage for inhabitants.

"Could humans live on Mars? 'Absolutely,' a NASA expert says" from USAtoday.com

• Mars is more Earth-like than any other planet in the solar system, making it an attractive second option for the human race.

•  largely carbon dioxide — good for planets, bad for people. 

• "The people that would go there are real pioneers," Green said. The first humans on Mars would need to farm and establish a food source.

Reason 1: Mars can sustain life

• The atmosphere of Mars is mostly carbon dioxide, the surface of the planet is too cold to sustain human life, and the planet’s gravity is a mere 38% of Earth’s.

• it’s possible that habitable bases on Mars will require more square footage for inhabitants.

• "The people that would go there are real pioneers," Green said. The first humans on Mars would need to farm and establish a food source.

Reason 2: Mars is similar to Earth

• Habitats "have to be self-sustaining, sealed against the thin atmosphere, and capable of supporting life for extended periods without support from Earth."

• Mars is more Earth-like than any other planet in the solar system, making it an attractive second option for the human race.

•  largely carbon dioxide — good for planets, bad for people. 

Your Writing Prompt:

Julie feels that making a home in the Arctic is “a feat as incredible as sending rockets to the moon.” Do you agree or disagree? Imagine that you have been asked to answer this question in an opinion essay. One of your guiding questions is: What challenges are involved in making a home in the Arctic? Read and take notes from at least two sources to help you answer this question. List the sources of your information.

Go Formative Assignment

Go to "Jan. 25-29 Opinion Writing" and start researching, then come up with your opinion that you will be writing about this week.