Space tourism has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This subject has appeared in several past tests and is likely to continue featuring in future exams due to its relevance to technological advancements and ethical considerations. Let’s explore this topic through a carefully selected question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams.

Some people think that space tourism should be encouraged while others think it should be restricted. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss arguments for encouraging space tourism
2. Discuss arguments for restricting space tourism
3. Provide their own opinion on the matter

It’s crucial to address all three aspects in your essay to achieve a high band score. Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a Band 8 example.

Band 8 Sample Essay

Space exploration has always captivated human imagination, and with recent technological advancements, space tourism has become a reality for a select few. While some argue that this industry should be promoted, others believe it should be limited. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of space tourism argue that it can drive technological innovation and economic growth. The development of spacecraft and related technologies for commercial space travel can lead to breakthroughs applicable to other industries. Moreover, a thriving space tourism sector could create jobs and generate revenue, potentially funding further scientific research. Additionally, allowing more people to experience space firsthand might foster a greater appreciation for our planet and inspire future generations of scientists and engineers.

On the other hand, critics contend that space tourism should be restricted due to environmental and ethical concerns. The carbon emissions from rocket launches contribute to climate change, and increased space traffic could exacerbate the problem of space debris. Furthermore, the enormous costs associated with space travel mean that it is only accessible to the ultra-wealthy, potentially widening the gap between social classes. There are also concerns about the safety risks involved and whether resources would be better spent addressing pressing issues on Earth.

In my opinion, while space tourism holds promise for technological advancement and inspiring scientific curiosity, its current form raises significant ethical and environmental questions. I believe that a balanced approach is necessary. Rather than outright encouragement or restriction, space tourism should be carefully regulated to minimize its environmental impact and ensure that its benefits extend beyond a privileged few. This could involve investing in cleaner propulsion technologies, implementing strict safety standards, and allocating a portion of profits towards addressing global challenges.

In conclusion, space tourism is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While it offers potential benefits in terms of innovation and inspiration, it also poses risks to the environment and social equity. A nuanced approach that promotes responsible development of the industry while addressing its drawbacks is crucial for harnessing the positive aspects of space tourism without exacerbating existing problems.

(Word count: 345)

Environmental impact of space tourism

Explanation of Band 8 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 8 response:

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

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. For example, “captivated human imagination,” “thriving space tourism sector,” and “foster a greater appreciation.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately. Complex sentences are employed effectively, such as “While it offers potential benefits in terms of innovation and inspiration, it also poses risks to the environment and social equity.”

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant supporting ideas and examples.

Now, let’s examine a Band 7 sample essay on the same topic.

Band 7 Sample Essay

The concept of space tourism has gained traction in recent years, sparking debate about whether it should be promoted or limited. This essay will examine both perspectives on this issue and provide my personal view.

Those in favor of encouraging space tourism argue that it can drive technological innovation and economic growth. The development of spacecraft for commercial space travel may lead to advancements in various fields of science and engineering. Additionally, a growing space tourism industry could create jobs and generate revenue, potentially supporting further space exploration and research. Proponents also believe that allowing more people to experience space firsthand could increase public interest in science and foster a greater appreciation for our planet.

On the contrary, opponents of space tourism contend that it should be restricted due to environmental and social concerns. The carbon footprint of rocket launches is significant, contributing to climate change at a time when reducing emissions is crucial. There are also worries about the accumulation of space debris, which could pose risks to satellites and future space missions. Furthermore, the high cost of space travel means it is only accessible to the very wealthy, potentially exacerbating social inequalities.

In my opinion, while space tourism has the potential to drive innovation and inspire scientific interest, its current form raises important ethical and environmental questions. I believe that a balanced approach is necessary, where space tourism is neither fully encouraged nor completely restricted. Instead, it should be carefully regulated to minimize its environmental impact and ensure that its benefits are more widely shared. This could involve investing in more sustainable space technologies and requiring space tourism companies to contribute to scientific research or environmental conservation efforts.

To conclude, space tourism is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While it offers potential benefits in terms of technological advancement and inspiration, it also presents environmental and social challenges. A measured approach that promotes responsible development of the industry while addressing its drawbacks is essential for maximizing the positive aspects of space tourism without worsening existing problems.

(Word count: 329)

Explanation of Band 7 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 7 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting the writer’s opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized, and paragraphs are generally well-linked. Some cohesive devices are used, though not as skillfully as in the Band 8 essay.

3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used with generally good control. Examples include “gained traction,” “foster a greater appreciation,” and “exacerbating social inequalities.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used, mostly accurately. There are fewer complex structures compared to the Band 8 essay.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are relevant and supported, though not as fully developed as in the Band 8 essay.

Now, let’s examine a Band 6 sample essay on the same topic.

Band 6 Sample Essay

Space tourism is a new and exciting field that has both supporters and critics. Some people think it should be encouraged, while others believe it should be restricted. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

People who support space tourism say it can bring many benefits. It can help develop new technologies that might be useful on Earth. Also, it can create jobs and make money for the economy. Another good thing is that it can make people more interested in science and space. When people see Earth from space, they might care more about protecting our planet.

However, there are also reasons why some people think space tourism should be limited. One big problem is that rocket launches produce a lot of pollution. This is bad for the environment, especially when we are trying to fight climate change. Another issue is that space tourism is very expensive, so only rich people can do it. This might make the gap between rich and poor people even bigger.

In my opinion, I think space tourism has both good and bad points. We shouldn’t completely stop it, but we also shouldn’t let it grow without any control. I believe we need to find a balance. We should make rules to make sure space tourism doesn’t harm the environment too much. Also, we should try to find ways to make it more affordable for more people. Maybe some of the money from space tourism could be used to help solve problems on Earth.

To sum up, space tourism is a complicated topic with good arguments on both sides. While it could bring benefits like new technology and more interest in science, it also has problems like pollution and being only for the rich. I think we need to be careful about how we develop space tourism in the future.

(Word count: 309)

Space tourism accessibility comparison

Explanation of Band 6 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 6 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, discussing both views and presenting an opinion, but with less depth and precision than higher band scores.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall structure, but paragraphing and linking could be improved. Some cohesive devices are used, but not always effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A limited but adequate range of vocabulary is used. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary (e.g., “gap between rich and poor”), but the language is generally simpler than in higher band essays.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mainly simple sentences are used with some attempts at complex structures. There are some grammatical errors, but they do not impede communication.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present and relevant, but they lack the depth and specific examples found in higher band essays.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Space tourism (n.) – /speɪs ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Travel into space for recreational purposes
2. Technological advancement (n.) – /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkl ədˈvɑːnsmənt/ – Progress in technology
3. Carbon footprint (n.) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities
4. Space debris (n.) – /speɪs ˈdebrɪ/ – Defunct human-made objects in space
5. Ethical concerns (n.) – /ˈeθɪkl kənˈsɜːns/ – Moral considerations or dilemmas
6. Sustainable (adj.) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
7. Exacerbate (v.) – /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
8. Mitigation (n.) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
9. Propulsion (n.) – /prəˈpʌlʃn/ – The action of driving or pushing forward
10. Nuanced (adj.) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression

In conclusion, the topic of space tourism is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

• The ethical implications of space exploration
• The balance between space research and addressing Earth’s problems
• The potential benefits and drawbacks of colonizing other planets

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