2017全国英语四级考试精选阅读(3)

　　Directions:

　　It has been more than 30 years since man first landed on the moon. Some people think that space research is a waste of money. Write an essay of no less than 250 words.

　　When it comes to the issue of space research, people vary in their views. Some journalists or free lancers maintain that it is a waste of money. However, through decades of practice and observation, it proves that this comment has many limitations.

　　Admittedly, the idea that space research is a waste of money does contain an element of truth. But the people who criticize the rising cost of space exploration tend to ignore two other essential aspects. To begin with, a nation can make the best use of its technology in space plans to serve the need of other countries. Therefore, the country in its space research can profit greatly from data exchange or rocket launching. In this sense, the financial return from the space plans will possibly far exceed the amount of the investment. What is more, through its space exploration, a nation can have more information about new material or the movement of heavenly bodies. All these results cannot be measured by money, but they are very important for the human beings.

　　Given the reasons above, it is safe to conclude that a nation has to enhance its awareness that space research is important for the human beings. On the other hand, central authorities is obliged to take broad actions to encourage space study. Still, Federal Government is expected to set aside sufficient fund each year rather than reducing it. Only in this way can space research develop quickly and benefit human beings in the future.