Space exploration and its influence on scientific knowledge is a fascinating topic that has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams multiple times. Based on past exam trends and the current global focus on space research, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to be featured in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been observed in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that space exploration is a waste of resources while others believe that it is essential for the survival of humankind in the future. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss two contrasting viewpoints on space exploration:
- It’s a waste of resources
- It’s essential for human survival
Candidates must also provide their personal opinion on the matter. Let’s break down the key elements:
- Topic: Space exploration
- Task: Discuss both views + give your opinion
- Views to discuss:
a) Waste of resources
b) Essential for human survival - Your opinion: Must be clearly stated
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Space exploration has been a topic of heated debate, with some arguing it’s a frivolous use of resources while others claim it’s crucial for humanity’s future. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Those who consider space exploration a waste of resources often point to the immense costs involved and the pressing issues on Earth that require immediate attention. They argue that the billions spent on space missions could be better utilized to address problems such as poverty, disease, and climate change. For instance, the budget for NASA in 2022 was approximately $24 billion, a sum that could potentially fund significant advancements in renewable energy or medical research. Moreover, critics contend that the benefits of space exploration are often intangible or too far removed from the average person’s daily life to justify such enormous expenditures.
On the other hand, proponents of space exploration argue that it is essential for the long-term survival and prosperity of humankind. They emphasize that space research has led to numerous technological advancements that have improved life on Earth, including satellite communications, weather forecasting, and GPS navigation. Furthermore, advocates stress the importance of understanding our universe and potentially finding alternative habitats for humanity in the face of existential threats such as asteroid impacts or global climate catastrophes. The importance of space research for understanding planetary ecosystems cannot be overstated, as it provides valuable insights into Earth’s own environmental challenges.
In my opinion, while the concerns about resource allocation are valid, the potential benefits of space exploration far outweigh its costs. The scientific knowledge gained from space missions has already revolutionized numerous fields, from medicine to materials science. Moreover, the inspiration and unity that space exploration fosters among nations and individuals is invaluable. The collaborative nature of international space programs demonstrates humanity’s capacity for cooperation in pursuit of common goals, which is essential in addressing global challenges.
In conclusion, although space exploration requires significant resources, its potential to advance scientific knowledge, drive technological innovation, and ensure humanity’s long-term survival makes it a worthy investment. Balancing these pursuits with addressing immediate earthly concerns is crucial, but we must not lose sight of the broader horizons that space exploration offers for our collective future.
(Word count: 379)
Space exploration driving scientific advancement
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellence across all four marking criteria:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion. It provides a well-developed response with relevant examples and explanations.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is logically organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as “For instance,” “Moreover,” and “Furthermore.” Each paragraph has a clear central topic.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Key terms like “frivolous,” “intangible,” “existential threats,” and “revolutionized” demonstrate precise word choice.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. It demonstrates consistent control of complex language. Sentences like “The collaborative nature of international space programs demonstrates humanity’s capacity for cooperation in pursuit of common goals” showcase sophisticated syntax.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Space exploration is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s a waste of money, while others believe it’s very important for our future. I will discuss both sides and give my own thoughts.
People who say space exploration is a waste of resources have some good points. They think that the money spent on space missions could be used to solve problems on Earth. For example, there are still many poor people who need help, and we have environmental issues that need fixing. The money for space projects is very high, and some people think it’s not fair to spend so much on space when we have problems here.
On the other hand, those who support space exploration say it’s necessary for our survival. They believe that studying space helps us learn more about our planet and might find new places for humans to live in the future. Space research has also given us useful things like better communication systems and ways to predict the weather. These inventions have made our lives better in many ways.
In my opinion, I think space exploration is important and we should continue it. While it’s true that it costs a lot of money, the benefits we get from it are very valuable. The things we learn from space can help us solve problems on Earth, like understanding climate change better. Also, space exploration makes people excited about science, which can inspire new inventions.
To conclude, even though space exploration is expensive, I believe it’s worth it because of the knowledge and technology we gain. We should try to balance spending on space with solving Earth’s problems, but we shouldn’t stop exploring space because it can help us in the long run.
(Word count: 295)
Benefits of space research for Earth
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good control across the marking criteria, but with some limitations:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed with more specific examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. It uses some cohesive devices, but they are sometimes overused or underused. Each paragraph has a clear central topic.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary (e.g., “environmental issues,” “predict the weather”), but with some inaccuracies. The essay mainly relies on simpler lexical items.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication. The range of structures is somewhat limited, with repetition of certain patterns.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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 manned spacecraft.
Resource allocation (noun) – /rɪˈsɔːrs ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/ – The assignment of available resources to various uses.
Intangible (adjective) – /ɪnˈtændʒəbl/ – Unable to be touched or grasped; not having physical presence.
Existential threat (noun phrase) – /ˌegzɪˈstenʃəl θret/ – A threat to something’s very existence; a threat that could cause something to cease to exist.
Technological advancement (noun phrase) – /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ədˈvɑːnsmənt/ – The process of developing and applying new technologies to solve problems or create opportunities.
Collaborative (adjective) – /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – Involving two or more parties working together.
Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
Revolutionize (verb) – /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ – To change (something) radically or fundamentally.
Prosperity (noun) – /prɒˈsperəti/ – The state of being prosperous; financial well-being and success.
Expenditure (noun) – /ɪkˈspendɪtʃər/ – The action of spending funds; an amount of money spent.
In conclusion, the topic of space exploration and its impact on scientific knowledge is a complex and engaging subject for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the different perspectives and using appropriate vocabulary and structures, you can craft a well-reasoned response to this type of question. Remember to practice writing essays on similar topics, such as the environmental implications of space exploration or the ethical considerations of colonizing other planets. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement!
