SAT Essay link: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/node/16601
In the article “Space Technology: A Critical Investment for our nation’s Future,” Bobby Braun argues that the U.S. government should continue to invest in NASA. He alludes to the past, employs factual evidence, and uses a metaphor to strengthen his argument.
In order to stress the need for the U.S. to devote more of its money and resources to NASA, Braun begins his argument by introducing the metaphor of a “leader.” He begins his article with a bold statement proclaiming the importance of aerospace in the U.S. Immediately afterward, he remarks, “[T]his technological leadership is not a given. To remain the leader in aerospace technology, we must continue to perform and invest…” By comparing aerospace in America to a leader, Braun, in a sense, attempts to depict the U.S. as superior, compared to the rest of the world. Saying that America must be a leader in the world bolsters the author’s main argument that NASA is an imperative aspect of America and investing in it is a must. Even more, Braun reminds us later in his argument: “A NASA… is critical not only for our country’s future in space but also for America’s technological leadership position in the world.”
Braun also employs facts, particularly concerning the practical application that come from NASA’s work. One instance is that “Knowledge provided by weather and navigational spacecraft, efficiency improvements in both ground and air transportation…” By describing the various real-world applications that come from NASA, Braun underscores the benefits reaped by the U.S., which in turns strengthens Braun’s call to continue supporting NASA. Even though the reader can agree or disagree with Braun, he/she technically cannot disagree with the facts themselves, since the very nature of facts renders them undeniable. By using concrete evidence to back up his claim, Braun helps sway the reader to his perspective
As for the last rhetorical device Braun utilizes to reinforce his main argument, Braun alludes to the past to emphasize the dire need for a stronger commitment to NASA in the present. He says, "Nearly 50 years ago, a young president gave NASA a grand challenge- one chosen not for its simplicity, but for its audacity, not for its ultimate goal or destination, but to ‘organize and measure the best of our energies and skills.’’’ This goal to advance the progress of aerospace was attained in the past, and Braun believes it can still be accomplished now. The reference to NASA’s success 50 years ago serves as proof to the reader than an endeavor of similar sort can still be achieve in the present, as it had before. Because this shows how a pursuit was attained previously, the reader puts more of their confidence in ventures undertaken by NASA. Thus, they become more inclined to put their faith in Braun’s argument.
Even though space progress may be lacking, Braun still believes advancement is still possible. The use of a metaphor, facts, and allusions to past glory and success help bolster Braun’s main argument that the US government must continue to invest in NASA.