An astronaut, recently visited your school to explain the history of space travel. While she spent quite a bit of time talking about the race to put a man on the moon and how spacewalks occur. You and your classmates really enjoy the presentation and get excited about the space program. Your teacher gives you two passages to read, “Spacewalk” which explain how spacewalks work, and a passage that describes the race to the moon called “To the Moon”

After you have reviewed these sources, you will answer some questions. Briefly scan the sources and the three questions that follow. Then, go back and read the sources carefully so you will have the information you will need to answer the questions and complete your research. You may use scratch paper to take notes.

In Part 2, you will write an informative paper using the information you have read.

PART 2

Space Informational Task

You will now review your notes and sources, and plan, draft, revise, and edit your writing. You may use your notes and go back to the sources. Now read your assignment and the information about how your writing will be scored; then begin your work.

Your Assignment:

Your class is creating a new magazine about different careers. Your teacher asks you to think about everything you learned, from the speaker and the passages you read, regarding the history of space exploration and having a job as an astronaut. She wants you to write an article for the new magazine that describes what a day in the life of an astronaut during the space race, being sure to use the terms and ideas as mentioned in the passages.

REMEMBER: A well-written informational article:

• Has a clear main idea
• Is well-organized and stays on the topic
• Has an introduction and conclusion
• Uses transitions
• Uses details or facts from the sources to support your main idea
• Develops ideas clearly
• Uses clear language
• Follows rules of writing (spelling, punctuation, and grammar usage)

Now, begin your work on your informational article. Manage your time carefully so that you can

1. Plan your article
2. Write your article.
3. Revise and edit the final draft of your article.

Word-processing tools and spell check are available to you.

For Part 2, you are being asked to write an article that is several paragraphs long. Type your response in the box below. The box will get bigger as you type.

Remember to check your notes and your prewriting/planning as you write and then revise and edit your informational article.