Space exploration has been a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, with questions often focusing on its benefits, costs, and priorities. Based on past exam trends, it’s likely that this theme will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that space exploration is a waste of money and that there are more urgent needs to be addressed on Earth. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question requires candidates to discuss the value of space exploration in comparison to other pressing issues on our planet. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
The question presents two contrasting viewpoints:
- Space exploration is a waste of money.
- There are more urgent needs on Earth that require attention.
To address this question effectively, you need to:
- Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
- Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
- Discuss both space exploration benefits and Earth’s pressing needs
- Consider the long-term impact of space exploration on humanity
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Space exploration has long been a subject of debate, with some arguing that it’s an unnecessary expense given the numerous challenges we face on Earth. However, I strongly disagree with the notion that space exploration is a waste of money, as I believe its benefits far outweigh its costs and can actually help address many of our planet’s urgent needs.
Firstly, space exploration drives technological innovation that has wide-ranging applications on Earth. Many technologies developed for space missions have found practical uses in our daily lives, improving various sectors such as healthcare, communications, and environmental monitoring. For instance, satellite technology, initially developed for space research, now plays a crucial role in weather forecasting, disaster management, and global communications. These advancements directly contribute to addressing urgent needs on our planet.
Secondly, space exploration provides us with a unique perspective on Earth’s environmental challenges. Satellites and space-based observations offer invaluable data on climate change, deforestation, and pollution, helping scientists and policymakers develop more effective strategies to combat these issues. This global view of our planet is essential for understanding and addressing some of the most pressing environmental concerns we face today.
Furthermore, the potential long-term benefits of space exploration cannot be overlooked. As we deplete Earth’s resources and face growing environmental pressures, the possibility of utilizing space resources or even establishing colonies on other planets could be crucial for humanity’s survival and progress. While these may seem like distant goals, investing in space exploration now lays the groundwork for future solutions to Earth’s most urgent problems.
It’s true that there are immediate needs on Earth that require attention and resources. However, it’s not a matter of choosing between space exploration and addressing these issues – we can and should do both. The relatively small percentage of national budgets allocated to space programs pales in comparison to other expenditures, and the return on investment in terms of technological advancements and scientific knowledge is substantial.
In conclusion, while we must certainly address urgent needs on Earth, space exploration is far from a waste of money. Its contributions to technological progress, environmental understanding, and potential future solutions make it a valuable investment for humanity. By continuing to explore space, we not only expand our knowledge of the universe but also develop tools and insights that can help us tackle the most pressing challenges we face on our home planet.
Space exploration benefits for humanity
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether space exploration is a waste of money when there are urgent needs on Earth is a complex one. While I understand the concerns about spending money on space programs, I partially disagree with the statement because I believe space exploration has important benefits for humanity.
One reason why space exploration is valuable is that it leads to new technologies that can help solve problems on Earth. For example, satellite technology developed for space missions is now used for weather forecasting and communications. These technologies are important for addressing urgent needs like disaster management and improving global connectivity.
Another benefit of space exploration is that it helps us understand our planet better. By studying other planets and the universe, scientists learn more about Earth’s climate and environment. This knowledge is crucial for addressing urgent issues like climate change and pollution. Space-based observations provide data that we can’t get from the ground, helping us make better decisions about protecting our planet.
However, I agree that there are urgent needs on Earth that require attention. Problems like poverty, hunger, and lack of access to healthcare are serious issues that need immediate action. It’s important to balance spending on space exploration with addressing these pressing concerns.
I believe that instead of completely stopping space exploration, we should find ways to do both. Governments and organizations can allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring that both space research and Earth’s urgent needs are addressed. The technological advancements from space exploration can also contribute to solving some of Earth’s problems in the long run.
In conclusion, while there are certainly urgent needs on Earth, space exploration is not a waste of money. Its benefits in terms of technological progress and scientific understanding are valuable for humanity. However, it’s crucial to find a balance between investing in space exploration and addressing immediate concerns on our planet. By doing so, we can work towards a better future both on Earth and beyond.
Space technology applications on Earth
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think spending money on space exploration is not good because we have many problems on Earth. I partly agree with this idea because there are many urgent needs on our planet, but I also think space exploration has some benefits.
First, I agree that we have many problems on Earth that need money and attention. For example, many people are poor and don’t have enough food or good healthcare. These are very important issues that governments should focus on. It’s hard to justify spending lots of money on space when people are suffering on Earth.
However, space exploration can also help us in some ways. It gives us new technologies that we can use on Earth. For instance, satellites help us with weather forecasts and communication. These things are useful for everyone. Also, by studying space, we learn more about our own planet, which can help us solve environmental problems.
Another good thing about space exploration is that it inspires people, especially young students, to study science and technology. This can lead to new discoveries and inventions that might help solve Earth’s problems in the future.
I think we should try to balance spending on space exploration and urgent needs on Earth. Maybe we can spend less on space but not stop it completely. Governments should be careful about how they use money and make sure they address important issues on Earth while still supporting some space research.
In conclusion, while there are urgent needs on Earth that require attention, space exploration is not entirely a waste of money. It has some benefits that can help us on Earth. The challenge is to find the right balance between investing in space and solving our planet’s immediate problems.
Balancing space exploration and Earth's needs
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Clear position with a nuanced argument
- Well-developed ideas with specific examples
- Coherent structure with clear progression
- Wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Minimal errors in grammar and punctuation
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Clear overall position with some development of ideas
- Relevant examples provided, though less specific than Band 8-9
- Generally coherent structure with some progression
- Adequate range of vocabulary with some less precise word choices
- Some errors in grammar, but meaning remains clear
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Position is stated but ideas are less developed
- Basic examples provided without much elaboration
- Simple structure with some lack of coherence
- Limited range of vocabulary with some repetition
- Frequent errors in grammar that may occasionally obscure meaning
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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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 human spaceflight.
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Technological innovation (noun phrase) – /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The process of developing and introducing new methods, ideas, or products that are based on technology.
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Environmental monitoring (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈmɒnɪtərɪŋ/ – The process of observing and checking the progress or quality of the environment over a period of time.
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Satellite technology (noun phrase) – /ˈsætəlaɪt tekˈnɒlədʒi/ – The application of artificial satellites for various purposes, including communication, navigation, and Earth observation.
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Climate change (noun phrase) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, often attributed to human activities.
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Resource depletion (noun phrase) – /rɪˈsɔːs dɪˈpliːʃən/ – The consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished.
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Long-term benefits (noun phrase) – /ˌlɒŋ ˈtɜːm ˈbenɪfɪts/ – Advantages or positive outcomes that are realized over an extended period.
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Urgent needs (noun phrase) – /ˈɜːdʒənt niːdz/ – Pressing or immediate requirements that demand attention.
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Allocate resources (verb phrase) – /ˈæləkeɪt rɪˈsɔːsɪz/ – To distribute or set aside resources for a specific purpose.
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Global perspective (noun phrase) – /ˈɡləʊbl pəˈspektɪv/ – A way of viewing situations or topics as they relate to the entire world rather than just a local or national context.
In conclusion, the topic of space exploration and its benefits to humanity is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as the role of public vs. private funding in space exploration, the ethics of space colonization, or the impact of space research on solving Earth’s environmental problems. Remember to analyze the question carefully, take a clear position, and support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This is an excellent way to apply what you’ve learned and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
