Writing Task 2

Space travel to the Moon is often cited as one giant leap for mankind. Yet some people argue that this achievement made little difference to our daily lives. What is your opinion? 

The idea of travelling through space, even living and working on other planets, has fascinated people for centuries. Despite numerous setbacks and daunting expenditures, travelling in the outer space has never failed to attract people's attention and provoke controversy. Sixty years after the first Moon landing, people question whether the feat previously thought of as a giant leap for mankind has substantially benefited people's lives. In my opinion, landing on the Moon has enormous relevance for the quality of life, albeit not always explicit.

The first implication of Moon landing is reflected in the likelihood of travelling on other planets. Moon, as the object in the outer space closest to the Earth, can serve as a launch site for the journeys to other planets. Having no atmosphere, the Moon is a permanent base for people to observe the universe easily and provide them with sufficient evidence they require for decision making on a great many significant issues, which are likely to have direct impact on them. For example, one can team more about the threat of potentially hazardous objects that are likely to hit the Earth and destroy our civilization.

Another remarkable breakthrough made by the Moon landing is that it reignites people's enthusiasm in the natural sciences. When today's youths become increasingly interested in such subjects as commerce, finance and business, space exploration successfully attracts and retains talents in space-related technologies. These young minds are convinced that unraveling the unknown of the universe is feasible, despite many challenges. They are inspired to think for the future, instead of being preoccupied with contemporary issues only.

It should also be noted that the Moon has water, the basic resource for people's survival, and it abounds in solar energy, a clean and readily obtainable resource. It is also believed that minerals are plentiful there to be exploited. Some day, if people are forced to move off the Earth, the Moon might be the best shelter. Although people have not yet fully explored this possibility at this stage,preliminary investigation is imperative.

Based on the above-mentioned facts, one can conclude that the Moon landing greatly impacts on distant future, although its effect is not apparent for the time being. The Moon is the eventualgateway to other planets and potentially the place of residence for the future generations. The scientific knowledge and economic benefits to be gained by building a sustainable Moon base are huge.

1.     feat = achievement = accomplishment
2.     relevance = significance = importance = weight
3.     explicit = overt
4.     observe = watch = monitor
5.     unravel = find an answer to = work out
6.     unknown mysterious = unfamiliar
7.     feasible = practicable = viable = practical = realistic
8.     obtainable = available = accessible
9.     preliminary = initial = preceding
10.   imperative = necessary = essential = crucial = vital
11.   for the time being = for now = for the moment
12.  gateway = entry = doorway = access