Another Story (cont.)

Let's continue with our Space Odyssey and Star War crossover essay. The topic I was writing about is:

The money spent on space research has brought enormous benefits to mankind, but it could be more usefully applied. How far do you agree?

In the previous post, I have already written my introduction and two supporting paragraphs. According to our 5-paragraph structure, I still need a third body paragraph to talk about the opposite point of view and one conclusion.

For the third body paragraph, we need the following two elements:

1) Opposing argument - one sentence is enough
2) Rebuttal - be brief, normally two sentences

Those who harbour the view that funds for space research should be spent elsewhere might suggest that there are other problems in our society that need money more urgently, for instance, poverty and burdens in education and medical sectors. However, while space research might seem less pressing an issue, it could also offer creative, alternative and possibly more sustainable solutions to our current problems. From this perspective, space research is absolutely relevant to our current and future social development.

Compared to the previous two body paragraphs, this one should be a little shorter. It is important to bear in mind this ratio because our word limit is 250 words. A merit for follow the 5-paragraph approach is that you will definitely meet the word count. A demerit of the structure is that if you write too much in the third body paragraph, your essay will very likely be too long. As long as your marker has the right to lower your grade when your essay is 30 words or more off-limit, it is always wise to restrain yourself from over-expanding your paragraphs, especially the third body paragraph.

Finally, for conclusion, we should include two things as well:
1) Paraphrase your stand in one sentence
2) A projection to the future - one to two sentences

In conclusion, I believe science research deserves financial investment, insofar as it would provide valuable insights into the survival of the human race. Thus, governments should seriously consider budgeting funds for this field. It is indeed time to adopt farsighted approaches in planning for our planet's future.

A trick to construct a high sounding final statement is to give some advice to governments regarding school education, investment or community program. They make sound like empty statements, but they do work. 

So it's not that hard to write a well-organised essay after all. More on coherence and cohesion next time. 

Anyone following Le Tour de France these days? I watch a bit. Since I'm on this "futuristic" essay topic, let me tell you about a new invention for cyclists. It is the INVISIBLE HELMET. What? Well, it is actually an airbag device that you wear like a scarf around your neck when you cycle. When an accident happens, the airbag will pop out to wrap around your head like a helmet. Sounds cool, doesn't it? It has already been approved in many European countries but Australia is yet to have it. I would really be interested in getting one when they do arrive. God knows I'm a clumsy cyclist...