Directions: Save this worksheet. Read both articles and complete both parts. Part One: Fill out the Compare and Contrast Chart.
Part Two: Write a paragraph how these articles compare and contrast using details from your chart.

Article 1

The Case for Mars

By Alexander Fisher

A mission to Mars should be the next step for NASA. There are many reasons why going to Mars is important. First, Mars is the most likely planet for us to colonize. No matter how expensive, we need to work on getting there as soon as possible. Furthermore, the technology that we would need to develop to send humans to Mars would directly benefit our economy here on Earth. Just look at the money-making products that have already resulted from NASA’s space efforts: invisible braces, water filters, cordless vacuums, to name just a few.

Although we have already sent robots to Mars, robots can’t take the place of humans when it comes to studying the planet. A robot may break down. Also, it takes robots much longer to cover the same amount of ground than it would a human. Think how much faster we could learn about the planet if we sent humans to work alongside the robots!

Finally, claims that there will be significant health problems for people who travel to Mars are wrong. Studies have shown that radiation levels on Mars are not lethal to humans. Sure, we would have to live in a dome at first, but over time, we could use science to change the atmosphere and make it possible to go outside, just like on Earth! The choice is clear. We need to go to Mars now!

Article 2

Mars—A Waste of Time and Money

By Juniper Springs

While it might be fun to imagine traveling to Mars one day, now is not the time to go. For one thing, it is too dangerous. The atmosphere of the planet is more carbon dioxide than oxygen, and it’s very cold. While there are claims that the radiation levels on the planet are not lethal to humans, that does not mean they aren’t dangerous. We don’t yet know what the long-term health effects will be. As of now, we do not have a solution for this problem. It is foolish to think a dome would be able to protect us from all of the radiation.

It would also be impossible to build one large enough to house as many people as would want to go. Also, going to Mars will be expensive. Why spend money traveling to a planet that is so dangerous and far away? That money could be better spent addressing problems here on Earth.

Furthermore, it is unwise to think any inventions that come about as a result of our race to Mars would make up for the cost of getting there. We are already able to send robots to Mars. It won’t be long until our technology is so advanced that a robot will be able to do the same tasks as a human. It is not necessary to go to Mars right now.

Part 1 Graphic Organizer

Fill out the Compare and Contrast Chart based on the two articles in this worksheet.

Part 2 Reflection

Write a paragraph that answers the following questions. Be sure to use complete sentences.

Did the authors have similar or opposing views?
Did the authors use the same points of comparison? Explain with examples.
Did the authors support their views in the same or different ways?
Did both focus most on appeals to logic or to emotion?