The Oceans, Not Space 1
Faraway galaxies and the seemingly eternal light of dead stars fire our imaginations and inspire our need to know. Yet they also ignite a passion that transfers our focus from pressing needs on our own planet to costly, impractical dreams. Why do we spend so much money on space when the last wild place on Earth, the oceans, on which life is dependent, remains unexplored? With just 10 percent of the oceans charted, less than 2 percent explored, and only 1 percent protected, we need to shift our focus from space to the oceans now.

2
Every now and then, a space mission turns up traces of water. This is always exciting news, because water is necessary for all life. Yet our own greatest source of water, the oceans, is often ignored. Furthermore, space missions won’t solve water problems on Earth. The answer to water scarcity on Earth lies in the process of removing salt from ocean water.

3
Another basic reason why the oceans should be the focus of all exploration efforts is that, unlike space, these bodies of water help control our climate. We need to be sure our oceans stay healthy enough to keep temperatures on Earth safe.

4
The case for space exploration is often supported by the fact that our off-planet missions have resulted in new technologies here on Earth. New materials and medical breakthroughs have resulted from space explorations. Yet, we ignore what we gain from the ocean. Ocean creatures have been the source of cures for diseases.

5
Finally, space is not dying before our very eyes. However, right now, 50 percent of our coral reefs are gone or are in serious decline. The ocean is becoming too acidic to support life. Many species are fished out or are well on their way to being fished out. For all these reasons, let’s focus on learning as much as we can about Earth’s oceans before we send more rockets into space.

Let's Honor Sylvia Earle
1
If you ask people who Neil Armstrong is, almost everyone will respond instantly that you are talking about the first man to walk on the moon. But if you say the name Sylvia Earle, you may be met with uncomfortable silence. Yet, Sylvia Earle is to the ocean what Neil Armstrong is to space. Why, then, haven’t most people heard of Sylvia Earle? Perhaps we prefer stars to seas, planets to watery depths, or men and rockets to women and submersibles.

2
People should know Earle for many reasons. The first notable accomplishment of her long career as a marine explorer occurred in 1970. She was chosen to lead a team that spent two weeks in a habitat 50 feet below the ocean’s surface. Today, that depth does not sound very impressive, but in Earle’s time, it was a monumental accomplishment. In 1979, Earle broke the record for ocean exploration by walking untethered at a depth of 1,250 feet. Earle set foot on the deep ocean floor wearing a special ocean suit, much like Armstrong in 1969, who set foot on the surface of the moon wearing a special space suit. Both were brave pioneers on a new frontier.

3
Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon, however, was the height of his career, while Sylvia Earle has achieved so much since her seafloor walk. Although only 5 percent of the ocean has been explored to date, she has been in the lead in so much of that exploration. Her career includes leading a total of 70 underwater expeditions as well as becoming the chief scientist for NOAA, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. She has been a leader in a project to map the oceans. She also started two private companies of her own. Finally, and perhaps most important, she has become a spokesperson for the oceans, the last wild place left on Earth. Today, she continues her research work. She also works tirelessly to mobilize large-scale efforts by others to learn more about the ocean and to protect it.

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If you like space, perhaps Neil Armstrong will hold your attention. However, those interested in exploration should also learn about Sylvia Earle, the greatest ocean explorer alive.

Question 7
In "Let's Honor Sylvia Earle," which of the following BEST describes the approach the author takes to develop the central idea of the text?

A
by emphasizing Earle’s honest and energetic character

B
by comparing Earle’s accomplishments with those of Neil Armstrong

C
by describing the results of Earle’s research on the ocean

D
by explaining Earle’s role with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration