Janene van Loon, Arnoud Thüss, Nicole Schmidt and Kevin Haines - Academic Writing in English

1 Introduction to academic writing

TASK 6 Match the following concluding statements to the corresponding thesis state ments below. Concluding statements 1 In conclusion, there has been a steady decrease of funding for NASA’s re search efforts in the past few years. As a consequence, equipment, main tenance, and facilities are no longer sufficient for conducting research planned a few years ago. Due to the fact that the continuity of these projects is in serious jeopardy, NASA has been forced to reconsider its plans for the future. 2 In conclusion, NASA’s research can give humanity a better understand ing of its relationship to the universe. This new understanding, in con sequence, places life on earth in a wider context and raises awareness of the logic behind planetary and solar activity. Moreover, due to the often parallel nature of macro- and micro-systems, the work of astronomers can teach us much about life on earth. 3 In conclusion, it is important that NASA directs its attention to matters concerning planet Earth rather than to deep space exploration. Money invested into these ventures is not likely to yield any return in the next few decades. Investigating the complexities of our own planet, however, may result in both useful and economically beneficial insights. In other words, studying Earth from space is much more likely to produce profit able results than studying space from Earth. 4 In conclusion, it is important that NASA begins investing more mon ey into space colonisation research. This may contribute to a solution regarding the limited supply of natural resources on Earth, therefore ensuring the survival of the human race when these finite resources are no longer available. Clearly, NASA should invest in space colonisation in order to ensure a more sustainable future. Thesis statements a Budget reductions have severely impacted NASA’s research abilities and its ability to achieve future goals. b In order to ensure the survival of the human species, to save the Earth’s en vironment, and to gain access to the abundance of raw materials in space, NASA should start investing more funds in space colonisation research. c NASA’s exploration of the boundaries of the universe is of great existen tial importance. d Therefore, from an economic point of view, NASA’s research can be made much more effective if the focus is shifted from planetary science to earth science.

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