<p>Paper Title: Spelunking Grade: High School 1130L</p><p>Spelunking: Spelunking, or cave-exploring, is one of the most enjoyable sports a person can pursue. It is a physically involving activity which can lead to fabulous discoveries and a deep love for natural wonders. However, like all sports, spelunking demands several abilities and attitudes. In addition to a healthy measure of curiosity, a caver must have a respect for nature’s delicate balances and a firm understanding of safety procedures to pursue his sport without endangering either the cave or himself. </p><p>One of the most important prerequisites to becoming a spelunker is the possession of a curious nature. An explorer must have a yearning to discover the unknown to drive him steadily through the earth’s interior. He must have a desire to conquer or reveal a mystery “because it’s there.” Without this curiosity, most people would not have the determination to crawl through muddy passages and brave subterranean bodies of water. To lose one’s resolution halfway through the exploration of a cave can be fatal to a spelunker. This curious nature is an essential possession. </p><p>Perhaps the most important possession for the welfare of a spelunker is a working knowledge of cave safety procedures. A caver must never let his regard for personal safety be overcome by his curiosity. The prudent cave explorer should have at least three different sources of lighting and also have a small supply of quick-energy food with him. If the use of rope equipment is necessary to conduct the exploration of a cavern, a spelunker should be expertly aware of how to properly utilize it. Countless cavers have perished through improper rope management. The most important role for a cave explorer, however, is to never explore alone. Spelunkers should always use the “buddy system,” for partners often can rescue people who might die if unaided in a cave. A strict adherence to common safety procedure can mean the difference between life and death for a caver. </p><p>Finally, a knowledgeable cave explorer must have a healthy respect for nature. Caves have a very delicate balance which allows them to produce the beautiful formations spelunkers adore. Merely touching an active formation stops forever its continual building process, for oils from human skin dramatically upset its delicate balance. Even more so, smoking and littering in caves damages caverns for future generations. A respect for nature is essential to the preservation of caves and therefore to the continuation of the sport of spelunking. </p><p>The knowledgeable caver can pursue a sport which is physically invigorating and exciting. Lack of prudence in a cavern can be fatal to a spelunker, but with the proper skills and attitudes, he can discover a subterranean world, the wonders of which many others shall never see.</p><p> http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/scoringpractice.php?odelay=3&d=1&search=1&t=0&s=5&g=6&p=7 </p>