Unlocking IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Global Space Exploration Collaboration

Space exploration has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, with questions about global cooperation in this field appearing periodically. Based on past exam trends and the current global focus on space missions, it’s likely that this topic will continue to be relevant in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a specific question that has appeared in recent exams:

Some people think that space exploration should be a collaborative global effort, while others believe individual countries should pursue their own space programs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question asks candidates to discuss two contrasting views on space exploration:

1. Space exploration as a collaborative global effort
2. Individual countries pursuing their own space programs

Candidates are expected to:

• Explain both perspectives
• Provide arguments for each view
• Present their own opinion on the matter

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, analyzing why they receive their respective scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Space exploration has captivated humanity for decades, sparking debates about whether it should be a unified global endeavor or remain the domain of individual nations. While both approaches have merits, I believe that collaborative international efforts are ultimately more beneficial for advancing our understanding of the cosmos and addressing global challenges.

Proponents of national space programs argue that competition between countries drives innovation and technological progress. The Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, for instance, led to rapid advancements in rocket technology and culminated in the historic Moon landing. Additionally, national space agencies can tailor their research to address specific country needs, such as developing satellite systems for improved weather forecasting or telecommunications.

However, the benefits of global collaboration in space exploration are compelling. Firstly, pooling resources and expertise from multiple countries can lead to more ambitious and cost-effective missions. The International Space Station (ISS) is a prime example of successful international cooperation, bringing together astronauts and scientists from various nations to conduct groundbreaking research in microgravity. Secondly, collaborative efforts promote peaceful relations between countries and foster a sense of shared human achievement. The sight of astronauts from different nations working together in space serves as a powerful symbol of unity for people on Earth.

Moreover, global cooperation in space exploration can help address pressing planetary concerns. Climate change monitoring, asteroid detection, and the search for extraterrestrial life are endeavors that benefit all of humanity and require a coordinated global approach. By working together, nations can avoid duplication of efforts, share data more effectively, and accelerate scientific progress.

In conclusion, while national space programs have their place, I firmly believe that space exploration should primarily be a collaborative global effort. The challenges and opportunities presented by space are too vast for any single nation to tackle alone. By uniting our resources, knowledge, and aspirations, we can push the boundaries of human achievement and work towards a more interconnected and cooperative world.

Global space exploration collaboration

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively (e.g., “However,” “Moreover,” “In conclusion”).

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control (e.g., “captivated humanity,” “pooling resources,” “groundbreaking research,” “pressing planetary concerns”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It demonstrates a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively without errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations (e.g., the ISS as an example of successful collaboration).

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Space exploration is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it should be done by all countries together, while others believe each country should have its own space program. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

There are good reasons why space exploration should be a global effort. Firstly, it is very expensive to send things into space, so if countries work together, they can share the costs. For example, the International Space Station is run by many countries, which makes it possible to do more research. Secondly, space problems like asteroids or finding new planets affect everyone on Earth, so it makes sense to work together on these issues.

On the other hand, some people think each country should have its own space program. They say this creates competition, which can lead to new inventions and discoveries. For instance, during the Cold War, the USA and USSR competed to reach the Moon first, which made space technology improve quickly. Also, countries might want to use space for their own purposes, like making better weather satellites or military equipment.

In my opinion, I think space exploration should be mostly a global effort, but countries can still have some of their own projects. Working together is better because space is so big and complicated that one country alone can’t do everything. Also, when countries cooperate in space, it can help them get along better on Earth too.

To conclude, while there are benefits to both approaches, I believe that international cooperation in space exploration is more important. It allows us to achieve more and can bring countries closer together for the benefit of all people on Earth.

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good control in several areas but falls short of the highest band scores:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and stating an opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical (e.g., frequent use of “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “Also”).

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary, but lacks the sophistication of higher band scores. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “inventions,” “discoveries”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used with generally good control. There are no major errors, but the range is not as wide as in the Band 8-9 essay.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present and supported, but the level of detail and explanation is not as thorough as in higher band essays.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Space exploration (noun) – /speɪs ˌekspləˈreɪʃən/ – The investigation of physical conditions in space and on stars, planets, and other celestial bodies through the use of artificial satellites, space probes, and spacecraft with human crews.

2. Collaborative (adjective) – /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – Involving two or more parties working together.

3. Global effort (noun phrase) – /ˈɡləʊbəl ˈefət/ – An initiative or project that involves participation from countries around the world.

4. Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The introduction of new ideas, methods, or things.

5. Technological progress (noun phrase) – /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈprəʊɡres/ – Advancement in the practical application of scientific knowledge.

6. International Space Station (ISS) (noun) – /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənəl speɪs ˈsteɪʃən/ – A habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit, operated by multiple countries.

7. Microgravity (noun) – /ˌmaɪkrəʊˈɡrævɪti/ – A condition in which people or objects appear to be weightless, typically in space.

8. Extraterrestrial life (noun phrase) – /ˌekstrətəˈrestriəl laɪf/ – Life that may exist and originate outside the planet Earth.

9. Asteroid detection (noun phrase) – /ˈæstərɔɪd dɪˈtekʃən/ – The process of identifying and tracking asteroids, especially those that might pose a threat to Earth.

10. Climate change monitoring (noun phrase) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ ˈmɒnɪtərɪŋ/ – The continuous observation and analysis of climate patterns and changes over time.

Key vocabulary for space exploration essay

In conclusion, the topic of global collaboration in space exploration is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on similar themes, such as:

• The role of private companies in space exploration
• The ethical implications of space colonization
• The balance between space exploration and addressing Earth’s problems

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully develop your ideas with relevant examples. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.